| Summary: | Vast changes of all kinds have taken place in the magnificent country of Alaska, which is one-fifth the size of the United States and twice as large as Texas, since the United States purchased the country from the Russians in 1867 and brought the native Indians and Eskimos under the American flag. Incidentally, this act freed one-third of the population from slavery. During early United States government rule, there were no official marshals, judges, or commissioners. Hence, the Indians clung largely to tribal rules and customs. At that time no one could hold the title to property; therefore, the United States soldiers had normal jurisdiction. Today, however, the people are governed by laws of the territory and the United States government, and are consequently policed by municipal officers, United States marshals, and their deputies. In addition the people now have the privilege of electing the attorney general, treasurer, auditor, and a highway engineer.
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