Letter from Beattie to Lopp, September 4, 1917:

You have before this time received word from me relative to Mr. Marsden. The more I think of the matter, the more I believe he has made a wise move by remaining out of the Government service.

Letter from Lopp to Beattie, September 6, 1917:

I have your letters of August 28 and 30, with reference to Mr. Marsden. * * *

I believe Mr. Marsden has arrived at a very correct and wise conclusion. In my opinion, he could have been taken into the "faculty" two years ago better than at this present time. His working independently of both the mission board and the Government for a few months may or may not make him more acceptable to the opposition at Metlakahtla.

*

*

In the face of his record the Bureau of Education did not dare to install Marsden as a teacher in the Government school, but the plotters then entered into devious schemes to bring about his reinstatement as the arbiter of the affairs of church and state at Metlakahtla.

Notwithstanding his whitewashing by Dr. Condit, for a time it appeared on the surface that Marsden had been repudiated by both the board of home missions and the Government, but the sequel is thus given in the Progressive-Miner, of Ketchikan, Alaska, of April 16, 1918:

REV. EDWARD MARSDEN IS REINSTATED

The reinstatement of the Rev. Edward Marsden of Metlakahtla to his former position with increased privileges by the executive board of Presbyterian Missions of New York, was contained in a letter a few days ago, received by Mr. Marsden. In this letter, he is not only given the same position he formerly held, but put in charge of the congregation of that town, making his headquarters there.

LOPP HELPS CONDIT TO SMOTHER HOME BOARD'S REQUEST FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION

Dr. Condit's hope that his "investigation" might be "final" was evidently shared by others, for Dr. Dixon, writing on June 6, 1917, in reply to a letter of protest, tells Dr. John L. Myers that it would be a long, difficult, and expensive task to dig up his correspondence, buried in dust, in their files, and asks if it is really worth while. But a matter is not always finally disposed of by being covered, whether by dust or otherwise, and as this matter kept coming up the board instructed Mr. Gould, of Seattle, a member of the board, to make a further investigation. Lopp, the agent of the Bureau of Education, whose interest in blackening Father Duncan's reputation was as great as that of Dr. Condit, had personally visited the home board in New York in Marsden's behalf, and, on February 10, 1921, was able to write to Condit:

** * I have your letter of January 26. I spent several hours with Dr. Marquis, Dr. Dixon, and Mr. Banks, the latter part of December. While there we went into all the details connected with Metlakatla, Marsden, etc. I do not think that the board will withdraw from Metlakatla. Before I reached New York, they had instructed Mr. Gould, of Seattle, to visit Metlakatla and make a recommendation. Since returning to Seattle, he and I have thrashed the thing out very thoroughly, and I think he has written the board that he thinks a visit from him unnecessary, and he expressed the opinion to me that the board would continue to give its support.

Deceived by its general missionary and agents of the Department of the Interior, and blocked by trusted subordinates in its efforts to ascertain the truth, the home board was led to drop this matter which was of so great importance to the true interests of the cause it represented and to the cause of missions in general.

SECTION 74. THE FRIPP REPORT

Mr. Fripp an unprejudiced investigator. Report of investigation at Metlakahtla by G. M. Fripp. "Metlakahtla Indians and Mr. Duncan's Mission, 1916." Finds in William Duncan a masterful mind with record of marvelous accomplishments. Mr. Duncan's books of account and records of the Mission submitted for investigation. Department failed to furnish charges and no reasons given for drastic action against Mr. Duncan. Historic facts relating to the Mission. Mr. Duncan's work in establishing the Mission village. Mr. Duncan's books of account prove falsity of charge that he exploited the natives. Astonishing governmental interference in the affairs of a Christian Mission. Government grossly misled by minor officials. Mixing affairs of Church and State. Merit no longer a qualification for office. Marsden's baneful influence. Intrusion of rival Government day school. A studied plan to discredit Mr. Duncan. Seizures and vandalism. Malicious arrest of Mr. Duncan on false charges concocted by bureau plotters. Malicious seizure of water-power pipe line. Government interference results in demoralization and lawlessness. Government action a serious blunder. Bureau plotters disturbed over Fripp report. Fripp's comments on Condit's report. Politicosectarians furnish smokescreen for exploiters of Metlakahtlans. Sectarian schemes to capture Mission unauthorized by Presbyterian Church

Early in 1916 it must have seemed to the plotters that their work was almost accomplished. The cannery, school, sawmill, and other property belonging to Father Duncan had been seized. Marsden had been made secretary of Annette Islands Reserve, and under new rules and regulations established by the Secretary of the Interior he claimed the custodianship of Father Duncan's church. With the ears of high officials of the Government closed to Father Duncan's appeals for justice, the plotters had high hopes that he might soon be forced from the island and leave the Metlakahtlans and the resources of the reserve subject to their control and disposal.

MR. FRIPP AN UNPREJUDICED INVESTIGATOR

But other forces were at work. Friends who were beginning to learn of the late phases of this attack on the mission had made inquiries to which Father Duncan, still engrossed with his duties as missionary, in his eighty-fifth year, felt unable to respond. Moreover, it seemed to him that a reply would come with better grace from some independent source. Accordingly, he wrote to Dr. B. L. Myers, March 28, 1916, asking if the could recommend someone capable and reliable "to come here, see for himself, and write a report of things." He writes again, on March 31, 1916:

I should prefer having a person who is completely independent-that is, not under the auspices of any church society.

Dr. Myers, on April 7, replied to this letter as follows:

DEAR FATHER DUNCAN: In reply to your recent letter, I wish to say that I looked about carefully and have not been able to decide upon anyone who is known to either of us for any length of time. However, I recently met a gentleman who seems to be a man of fine character, and who is in sympathy with religious work. He has been in Ketchikan only a few weeks, looking after

some mining interests. He seems to be quite interested; in fact, he thinks he will make a trip to Metlakahtla very soon-perhaps tomorrow-in view of visiting the place and perhaps consulting you regarding the place. He has told me several times that he would like to spend Sunday in Metlakahtla and attend church there.

13

This gentleman's name is "Mr. Fripp."

Mr. Fripp consented somewhat reluctantly to undertake the desired service, but that his selection as an impartial observer commended itself to devout men familiar with the conditions at Metlakahtla, may be judged from the following letter of Rev. H. W. Michener, Methodist minister in Ketchikan, addressed to Rev. D. L. Leonard, one of the editors of the Missionary Review of the World, and dated May 5, 1916:

In June 1905 your father visited Ketchikan. They went to visit Metlakahtla. He spoke many words of commendation of the mission. Lately much evil report has been spread about it. We have stood loyally by Father Duncan through these past few years while the clouds have been gathering, but certain ones who wanted to gain a foothold in Metlakahtla were too strong for us. They have taken practically everything away from him and have spread slanderous reports. They tried to show that Father Duncan was insane, had him arrested to discredit him with Washington, and what for? The only thing I can see is that they wish to turn Metlakahtla into an industrial community and build themselves a name on the foundation of what Mr. Duncan has done. Knowing his will was made out to the natives, they were not content to wait events, but also knowing that possession is nine-tenths of the law, they have almost robbed him of his good name. They have put articles in the newspapers in Alaska and in the East distorting conditions, yet through it all Father Duncan's faith has been serene, and he says that sometime, somehow, it will all come out right. He is a grand man.

Four weeks ago I was asked to go and assist him in preparing a statement for his friends, but I felt it was better someone from outside should go. A Mr. G. M. Fripp, a mining man, a thorough businessman, capable for any task, was asked to go. He thought it would take but a few days, but instead he stayed 3 weeks and went right to the root of the matter. I had not spoken to him of my convictions before he went, but his report is identical with my findings. I asked him last evening if I might not secure a copy of his report, and I enclose a copy to you. I do this because there have been so many false reports about Metlakahtla spread throughout the country.

* *

The Fripp report, completed in April 1916, shows the results of the pernicious activities of the politico-sectarian plotters in the affairs of church and state.

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION AT METLAKAHTLA, BY G. M. FRIPP

METLAKAHTLA INDIANS AND MR. DUNCAN'S MISSION, 1916

Authors, profound thinkers, and many able pens have in the past endeavored to put words together in an attempt to give those interested a pen picture of the miracle wrought and magnificent results attained by the unselfish life of God's servant, Mr. William Duncan in his labor of love among the Indians.

And now, after 60 years of self-denial, of hard-fought battles, against foes of good, without and within, his many friends are grieved and perplexed to find that opponents of his life's plans-plans born of love and devotion for the Indians-have succeeded in securing the active support of Government officials.

13 In a letter to his brother, Dr. John L. Myers, dated May 6, 1916, Dr. B. L. Myers says that Mr. Fripp would not agree to go until he had talked with several people, including some Metlakahtla natives, and that he finally said: "If then I may make this investigation, with the understanding with Mr. Duncan that I shall report things just as I find them, I will go.' He went, conferred with Mr. Duncan, and started his investigation which lasted about 3 weeks."

Not having known Mr. Duncan personally, or any of the interested parties, it was with extreme reluctance that I acceded to suggestions of friends, and decided to make an independent investigation of the facts.

Throughout my inquiry I have endeavored to approach all phases of the subject from an independent standpoint, with no bias, except that born of a sincere conviction that greater weight should be attached, in every instance, to motives prompted by love and having for their objective the highest known attainments, i. e., spiritual development.

FINDS IN WILLIAM DUNCAN A MASTERFUL MIND WITH RECORD OF MARVELOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I had not been long analyzing the situation before being impressed with the fact that, on the one hand I was dealing with the affairs of a "great soul"-a master mind, strong in faith and energetic in works; while, on the other hand, we had the subtle shrewd mind of the Indian, intensified in activity by immersion with the Satanic mind. Realizing this, I regretted that I was unable to bring to the task the ready pen of the writer instead of the dull pen of the businessman.

After a review of the situation, it is with regret that I am forced to the conclusion that the Government has been poorly advised or misled, and that the action taken cannot possibly be conducive to the highest and best interest of the natives.

I also find that many of the acts of interference were prompted by the ap parent object of undermining Mr. Duncan's influence with the Indians; acts of the mutineer conceived in the mind of those "who love to have the preeminence". and who recognize the necessity of wrecking the devotion of natives to Mr. Duncan, in order that their own little star may shine more brightly. Acts of disrespect by minor officials who, instead of zealously guarding and seeking to perpetuate the good influences of Mr. Duncan's work with the natives, are more concerned in the assumed dignity of their positions, and choose to disregard the importance of maintaining the dignity and sacred influence of a consecrated life.

It will be interesting to know that Metlakahtla has been honored in the past by visits of inspection by many prominent American citizens, amongst whom were one United States Vice President, the Speaker of the House, many Senators and Members of Congress, seven Alaska Governors, several judges, noted ministers and heads of universities; all of whom were unstinted in their praise and appreciation of the wonderful work Mr. Duncan was engaged in.

What a contrast; men of prominence and heads of universities highly commending his unselfish work, and yet today I talked with a little mind, prominent in educatioal service, who spoke disparagingly of Mr. Duncan's sincerity. It indeed seems most unfortunate that Mr. Duncan has not been permitted to continue in control, or at least been permitted to formulate the plan, and inaugurate the methods by which his great work could be successfully carried on.

The Interior Department makes a very serious blunder when it attempts to serve the best interests of an Indian mission by substituting salaried officials for consecrated lives. He who conceived the idea and whose love and devotion brought it into practical reality, and who has spent nearly 60 long years of his life-living with the Indians, and witnessing the transforming power of the gospel of love in their lives-surely he, of all men, should be the one to speak with wisdom and best advise the course to pursue.

The Government, however, through certain officials, has been prompted to heed the whims of certain Indians; disgruntled ambitious natives, who, having made a dismal failure of their own undertakings, have had to look with eyes of envy upon Mr. Duncan's success; Indians desiring to have the preeminence but reprobate in heart and unbalanced in experience, while Mr. Duncan, although respected and beloved by the majority of his people, has been thrust aside, subjected to many indignities and forced to witness the ruin that follows so quickly upon the heels of discord and suspicion; the seeds of which were sown by design, watered by falsehood, and matured by the success attained in gaining the ear and active support of officials.

After securing what information [I could] at Ketchikan, I proceeded to the island to visit Metlakahtla with a view of getting first-hand information from the natives, and, if possible, gain access to the records in Mr. Duncan's possession.

I arrived late in the evening and was shown to Mr. Duncan's residence, which building, by the way, is one of the most modest in the village. I was received most cordially and tendered the hospitality of his home.

Before my arrival I had been told that Mr. Duncan was in his eighty-fifth year, and I was prepared to anticipate the infirmities consequent upon old age, but to my surprise and delight I found him bubbling over with vitality, a masterful mind, energetic, keen, and forceful; disappointed because of the predicament of his people, but strong in faith, and apparently equal to any emergency. A man that would have forged his way to the pinnacle of fame in the world's affairs, but who has devoted his long life to the welfare of the Indians.

MR. DUNCAN'S BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND RECORDS OF THE MISSION SUBMITTED FOR

INVESTIGATION

On learning my mission, he gladly placed at my service the entire record of his 60 years' work, including account books, private and Government corre spondence, containing a wonderful store of information.

He gave me a full description of his life work to date, and even permitted me to inspect his will, executed several years ago, and in force at time of present cleavage. In this will all his personal property, moneys in bank, and industries were turned over to native, God-fearing trustees for the continuance of the mission work.

I was indeed glad to receive this great privilege, especially as it has such an important bearing on his plans and life work. Its contents emphasize the great wrong and heart thrust that has been inflicted upon a noble soul. This is an important point to bear in mind because I have ascertained from both officials and natives that the Government was led to credit the insinuation, made by ambitious individuals, that the Indians were being exploited, which ignoble assumption is absolutely disproven by his will.

DEPARTMENT FAILED TO FURNISH CHARGES AND NO REASONS GIVEN FOR DRASTIC ACTION AGAINST MR. DUNCAN

It seems remarkable and most unfortunate that the Department failed to furnish him with any adverse report or copy of any charge against him, although it was demanded. His friends have been left in the dark as to reasons for drastic action taken. Secondary reasons were always given in explanation but never have they convinced the people of the justice of the interference and drastic action.

How unfortunate that in the first instance the real charge or suspicion had not been ventilated, or at least made known so that it could have been met and disproven, and thus have saved so much trouble and lasting hurt to the mission. Instead, misunderstandings multiplied until when the true facts became known the evil had been accomplished.

Apparently officials are very, very human and must necessarily justify their course by magnifying things that would never have been given a second thought if the original grave, yet exploded charge, had not appeared.

HISTORIC FACTS RELATING TO THE MISSION

In order to fully understand the situation a brief review of Mr. Duncan's work is essential:

It was in the year 1857 that Mr. Duncan, then a young man of 25, landed in British Columbia from England, and there first started his mission work among the Indians, at a place called Fort Simpson. The Indians of that day were savages in their blankets and skins; warfare and strife between tribes and bands were common, and some of the bands on special celebrations performed the ceremony of offering human sacrifices. The task before him was gigantic, but with a strong faith and resourceful mind he started in to take the first step, that of learning the native language.

After 8 months of study, with no assistance except that of an Indian who could not speak English, he was able to preach his first sermon in the native language. He has since written hymns and translated portions of the Scripture into their language.

His work in British Columbia is a matter of record, and makes very interesting reading, but, however, I cannot here give the space to it. Suffice to say 26465-39-pt. 35-61