Congress was almost totally ignorant of Alaska, many suspected that the purchase was a bad bargain, and the only interest revolved around fur sealing. Therefore, many Congressmen were reluctant to pass Alaska legislation. Aside from the purchase,...
Slavery was an accepted custom in many Native tribes. On May 8, 1886, District Judge Layfayette Dawson in Sitka decided that the Thirteenth Amendment and the 1866 Civil Rights Act abolishing slavery applied to the "uncivilized tribes" of Alaska. ...
Remainder of title: , and conferring jurisdiction upon said court to hear, examine, adjudicate, and enter judgement upon any and all claims which said Indians may have, or claim to have, against the United States, and for other purposes.