ALASKA FORUM
(OFFICIAL PAPER)
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James B. Wingate, Editor and Manager
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paid to anonymous communications.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1906.
COMMISSIONER J. L. GREEN
CERTAINLY “IS THE LIMIT”
The Yukon Valley News takes edi
torial exception to the fact that meas
ures are being instituted to secure the
(removal of Commissioner J. Lindley
Green. Anyone who assists in this
righteous undertaking, according to our
cloven-footed contemporary, is a “black
mailer, common liar, shyster—up to the
harmless dolt.” JPHis attempted de
- fense of Commissioner Green by abus
ing the people of Rampart who protest
against a continuance of present in
iquities, will avail nothing. Commis
sioner Green probably wrote the arti
cle in question—he owns a large share
of that paper.
We are informed that serious charges
against the commissioner are now in
processof preparation, and should Judge
Wickersham again weild the white
wash brush, as the commissioner has
stated he will, the facts will go on to
Washington. Commissioner Green’s
petty office does not give him the priv
ilege to harass those who disagree with
his methods, neither does it excuse the
attack of his organ on the “decency”
of those who stand for justice. We
believe that the “decency” of these
people will bear comparison with any
defenders of Commissioner Green. No
doubt he would have the department of
justice believe that his accusers are—
“beyond the pale of respectability.”
The commissioner will have ample
opportunity to answer these charges.
There seems to be no disposition to un
duly frighten this persecuted Dogberry
whose talent is “natural born.” He
can then explain the elasticity of Ram
part justice. Yes, “there is a limit,”
and that limit is now reached.
r
Miners’ Salvation
Depends on Selves
Rampart, Alaska, July 30, 1906.
Editor Alaska Forum:
Viewing the present political contest
over the congressional delegateship,
from an industrial standpoint, there
seems but one logical standpoint to the
question. The future welfare of Alas
ka depends upon the development of
her mining industry. The mercantile
and transportation enterprises must
look to the miner for financial success
in their respective ventures. The min
ers lead the way and prepares new
fields for commercial investments. It
is an established fact that every man
endeavors to advance the interests of
his own particuiar calling. The lawyer
frames and manipulates the enactment
of laws tending to create and foster lit
igation, while the farmer, miner and
others of the developing and producing
classes strive to prevent litigation. A
miner well knows that litigation agita
tors are a curse to the mining industry
—why then should they vote for a man
to repsesent them in legislative matters
who is dependent upon retainer fees to
enhance his financial condition?
Will such a man exert himself on be
half of the miners in the enactment of
a law regulating the freights and fares
if pressure is brought to bear on him
by the transportation companies? Will
such a man willingly interest himself in
behalf of the miners as against the in
terests of the legal profession to which
he belong;? Corporations realizing big
profits from the miner’s toil can well
afford to pay large retainer fees in or
der to keep their producing subjects in
bondage. Smooth tongue and political
promises, coupled with evil designs,
have led many an unsuspecting man to
financial ruin. If the miners cannot
confide in the unanimous choice of one
of their own number to represent them
in congress, then do they well deserve
the past treatment received from their
oppressors, and what in store of them
is legislative measures manipulated by
legal tricksters and transportation fee
retainers.
An experienced mining man, person
ally acquainted with conditions of the
country, can best protect the miners
interests and explain to others the
needs and requirements necessary to
promote the mining industry. The
miners should view this matter in the
light of self-interest and vote for the
man whose interests are the same as
their own. and whom, in protecting
himself, must necessarily protect them.
The present condition of the country
will not justify experimenting in the
choice of our congressional delegate.
A miner strives to better the mining
conditions, while the lawyer strives to
secure large retainer fees.
Voter.
Don’t Be Over Confident
The Fairbanks Times, an ardent ad
vocate of Cale’s candidacy, takes the
miners in that section to task for their
attitude that Cale and Waskey have a
walk-over, and therefore there is not
need for further exertion. The Times’
advice, “Don’t be over confident,’’ is
sound and will apply to the Rampart
miner voter as well as those of Fair
banks.
The campaign of the opponents of the
miners, ticket is going forward stead
ily. The federal ring is working over
time for Murane, and the Republican
Campaign Committeeman, J. Wesley
Young, is said to be hard at work on
behalf of the Nome lawyer. No effort
will be spared to defeat Cale. The
miners in Rampart had better awake.
Russell Sage, the New York skinflint
a note shaver, left a fortune estimated
at $100,000,000. He died within two
weeks of his 90th birthday.