The Alasko-Canadian Frontier

THOMAS WILLING BALCH

Publication: Press of Allen, Lane and Scott, 1902, Philadelphia

Second edition [First edition is cloth bound].8vo. Tan printed wrappers, [2], 45 pp., frontispiece [map], illustrated, 7 maps. An important early study of the boundary dispute between the United States and Canada over Alaska's southeastern frontier, published at a time when the Klondike Gold Rush had heightened interest in the region and the strategic importance of its coastal inlets and ports. Balch traces the dispute to the 1825 treaty between Russia and Great Britain, which established the boundary between their North American possessions. Drawing on historical documents, diplomatic correspondence, treaties, and maps, he presents the American case against British and Canadian interpretations of the boundary, particularly the question of whether the line should follow the coastal mountains or extend inland in a manner that would give Canada access to important tidewater ports. The dispute had major implications for trade, transportation, and access to the gold fields of the Yukon, and would soon be submitted to an international tribunal. Two tiny nicks to the front cover fore-edge and small closed tear to the bottom edge of the rear cover has been repaired by using cellophane tape, else a very good copy. From the library of former California State Librarian, Gary Kurutz.