THE NENANA NEWS
Application made October 30, 1916, at the Postoffice at Xenana, Alaska, for
entry as second-class mail matter under the act of March 2, 1879, by The Xe
nana Printing; Company.
Published Weekly by The Nenana Printing Company
Day of Publication- Saturday Edited by R. C>. Southworth
SUBSCRIPTION’ RATES:
Per month; by cavi. r .$1.00Single copies
Six months, in advance 5.00 One year, in advanc"
NENANA, ALASKA, SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1918
...T'VIJ pits
.$10.00
BACKING THCM UP
Notwithstanding., the ..fact that
many large industries throughout
the East have been hard hit by the
action of the fuel administration in
discontinuing the general use of coal
east of the Mississippi for a period
of five days: and the further fact
that the action is disapproved by
many members of congress, the rank
and file of the American people
doubtless will give their support to
the action, viewing it as a necessary
step to avert a national crisis. It is
worthy of note that the protests thus
far heard, came from the men who
are profiting most from the war—the
big manufacturers of the country—
rather than their employees, the ma
jority of whom can ill afford a lay
off of five days, without pay. at
this or any othe: season of the year.
It is also worthy of note that the
Fuel Administration is receiving the
staunch support of Pres dent Wilson,
v.ho appears to have sufficient con
fidence in his appointee to consider
his action justified. That is the Find
of support that makes for efficiency;
without it. little can be accomplished.
The special machinery of the gov
ernment brought into use since the
war started, would soon break down
without the fullest co-operation and
support.
It is to be presumed that Dr. Gar
field realized the effect of his order
before any action was taken. He
doubtless has given more thought to
the fuel situation than those who
have protested against his action and
he must be fully aware of the con
sequences. President Wilson evi
dently believes that Dr. Garfield
knows what he is about, and has
confidence in his judgment, other
wise the coal order would not have
been issued.
Other questions of equal moment
undoubtedly will arise, from time to
time, before the war is ended, and
the American people must learn to
depend more and :.,ore, upon the
judgment of the men in charge of
our national affairs. Mistakes will
be made, of course, but so long as
our president stands squarely behind
his appointees, as he has done in the
, present case, we can feel reasonably
confident of the ultimate out .-tone.
A GOOD START
The thorough manner in which the
loyal citizens of Xenana, men and
women, have taken hold of the work
of conserving- food supplies, insures
most satisfactory results. The ladies
who circulated food saving pledges
among Xenana homes during the
week, report that very little oppo
sition was encountered, and this only
by foreigners who appeared not to
comprehend the importance of sav
ing or whose sympathies were pro
German. The restaurant men of the
town have expressed willingness to
give their support to any saving plan
that may be requested of them and
there is assurance that there will
be co-operation in all matters per
taining to food between town and
commission.
That is as it should be. We can
not hope to succeed in any plan to
assist our government unless there
is co-operation. It must be clear
to all of us now that the sacrifices
we have been asked to make are
necessary, and our duty, therefore,
is plainly outlined. We must save,
and we must begin immediately to
do so. We have made a good start.
I.et there be no shirking.
ONE OR THE OTHER
The war has given prominence to
the fact that there are, in every
community in the United States, men
who are not giving patriotic support
to the government which is shelter
ing them—the one government of
the many engaged in the great strug
gle which can save the world from
Prussian militarism. We have some
of these men in Xenana—men who,
by word and example, are making
it the more difficult for loyal Ameri
cans to bear the burdens and sacri
fices which the battle for universal
liberty has made necessary. And
the shame of it is, many of these
men call themselves Americans, en
joy American prosperity and rest in
j the security of American freedom,
i They are not traitors in the eyes of
i the law, but they are a greater
menace to the country than the alien
! enimies within our boundaries. They
! will not fight, they shirk their finan
cial responsibility and they dis
courage food conservation. They
place personal comfort above loyalty.
They want to enjoy all the privileges
j of a free American citizen without
making any of the sacrifices loyalty
1 demands of them in such a struggle
! as we are engaged in at present.
Such men must be shown the error
| of their ways. The cannot be per
mitted to stand in the way of those
who are trying to help the nation
' win the war. They must put their
shoulders to the wheel or they must
be classed as an enemy of America
and American ideals. There is no
neutral position in a war which
threatens the very foundations of our
republic. We are loyal supporters
of our government or we are ene
mies, and should be dealt with ac
: cordingly.
United Siates Commissioner Robert
E. Burns has many friends in Ne
nana who will regret to learn that
it is his intention to retire from
office at the end of his present
mortl The court over whicn he has
presided for nearly two ‘.ears, is held
in high esteem by the residents of
this product and the n anner in
which the affairs of the court have
been conducted ha; beer, eminently
satisfa: tore
Commissioner Burns has taken a
leading part in local politics, being
chairman of the Nenana Democratic
Chib and a staunch supporter of the
administration. He also has taken
an active interest in civic affairs.
He organized the N'enana Commer
cial club, and during the first year1
;o the club’s existence he served as '
secretary of the organization. He
has been identified with numerous
business ventures, has taken a prom
inent part in the social affairs of
the town, and has been at all times
a consistent booster, evidencing his
faith in the future of N’enana and
surrounding district by erecting a
substantial residence here, and by
investing hi= money in home enter
prises. •
Striking figures just announced
by the U. S. Food Administration
show that the people in the United
States consumed more than ten
pounds of beef per capita in the fis
cal year 1916-1917 than in the pre
vious year. The average consump
tion of beef for each person was
65.04 pounds for the past fiscal year.
This condition was one cause for
the slaughter of more than a fourth
of the total cattle in the country
last year instead of a little over one
fifth, the proportion previously pre
vailing. It has also been accom
panied by a shrinkage of more than i
33,000,000 pounds in beef exports
from the fiscal year 1915-1916.
These facts help to emphasize the j
importance of reducing beef con
sumption during the coming year in
order to better sustain our Allies
and troops in Europe.
“We shall stay in this war until Ger
many shall see its war lords de- !
posed,” declared Secretary Daniels i
in a recent address, “and we shall
live to see that capable people freed
from the master of militarism that j
has made every home a house of j
mourning. To this accomplisment, '
because until it is accomplished no j
people can be safe under their own
vine and figtree, America has pledged :
its sacred honor, and to pledge every i
man and every resource and every !
dollar are dedicated.”
T'.e residents of Yukon territory !
are doing their bit to help win the j
war. Besides raising a force of 400 :
volunteers, our neighbors in the old j
Klondike camp, and in other Yukon*
districts have contributed more than !
$100,000 to the various Canadian 1
funds, including more than $12,000
to the Canadian Red Cross. The
per capita contributions exceed $10
“White Dog” Smith and Henry
Nartella recently left Anchorage
over the Seward trail with a limited
load of outbound mail, the first con
signment of the winter.
f MANY LEAVE FOR
COAST DURING WEEK
Several parties of mushers got
away for the coast during the past
week, a few taking large outfits, in
tending to prospect on the way over.
Included in "Moose" Johnson’s party
were: R. Dickson, M. L. Stevens,
George Merrill and George Lezt.
They have 3 sleds and 16 dogs, 10
of which are to be turned over to
| the Seattle traveling man, J. E.
j Moulten, upon their arrival in An
j chorage. Johnson intends investi
| gating several quartz propositions
on the other side, and the others
are south bonud.
Another party, comprising M.
Fountain, George Smith, Dan Pagan
and Carl Rodsett got away Friday
! morning with 2 sleds and a bunch
of dogs.
BURNS HAS RESIGNED:
BUSINESS NEEDS TIME
U. S. Commissioner Robert E.
Burns, who was appointed by Judge
Bunnell in .916 to Stive the people
j of Nenana as rragistan e. i ecoive,
j ex-officio cironer ai d just'c.* c- the
! peace,, has tendered his resignation
and will retire from office as soon
as his successor has been appointed.
He has asked to be relieved at the
■ end of the present month.
In explanation of his action, Com
missioner Burns says that ie is giv
ing up his office in order that he
may devote his entire time to his
! usiucss afairs. It is his inter,t'or,
to move his present office to A street
where he will conduct a genera! real
estate, insurance and brokerage
business.
Commissioner Burns has not yet
been advised when he will be per
mitted to vacate his office, nor does
he know the name of his successor.
It is generally understood about
town, however, that Game Warden
R. S. McDonald is to have the place.
The following is Mr. Burn’s letter
of resignation:
Nenana, Dec. 23, 1918.
"Hon. Charles E. Bunnell, District
Judge, Fairbanks Alaska.
“Dear Sir:—On several occasions
while in Fairbanks, I have advised
you personally of my desire to be
relieved as commissioner of the Ne
nana precinct at some time in the
near future, and before the opening
of navigation this year on account
of business interests which require
my undivided attention.
“I now find that it will be more
convenient as well as more advan
tageous to myself if I may be able
to do so even earlier than I at first
anticipated, and I therefore request
that if agreeable to you and other
wise compatible with the public in
terest, you will consider my term of
office terminated on January 31,
next.
“Therefore. I hereby tender my
resignation of this office to take
effect on said date above mentioned,
or at such time thereafter which ■.
will the better suit your convenience
in arranging for my successor.
“In relinquishing the duties of;
this office permit me to express to ’
you my sincere appreciation of the
pleasant relations always existing!
between us and also of the uniform
courtesy and consideration which 11
have received from you while in this !
position.
"Yours respectfully,
ROBERT E. BURNS,
Commissioner, Nenana Precinct,
Fourth Division, Alaska.”
MOOSE IN NEW HOME
Xenana Lodge Loyal Order of j
Moose has completed arrangements
whereby their permanent home in
the future will be located in the j
X’enana Labor Union building, begin-;
ning with the next regular meeting, i
on Wednesday evening, January 23. .
Details of the First Annual Mas-1
querade, to be given under the aus
pices of the local lodge on January
26, are progressing favorably, and
all members are requested to be j
present Wednesday evening, at which
time all final details will be dis
cussed.
The meeting will be called to order
at 8 o’clock.
“
LABOR UNION ELECTS OFFICERS
At the election of officers held by ;
the Nenana Labor Union last Satur- j
day evening, the following offiicers j
were chosen:
President .Jack O’Neill
Vice President .A. G. Johnson
Secretary . R. B. Eames
Treasurer .M. O’Malley
Business Manager. N. E. Smith .
The board of trustees consist of
George Woods, Erik Nelson, E. A.
Williams, Lokke McLoughlin and J.
Ronan.
A grievance committee was formed
embracing one member form each
craft.
L
' RAPPOLT WRITES OF THE
CONDITIONS IN EAST
An interesting letter was recently
I received by Ed Brooker from Henry
Rappolt, who left here last summer
! and who is now in Washington,
D. C. Mr. Rappolt was particularly
i impressed with the great spirit of
patriotism as shown by the people
on the Outside, manifesting itself in
1 large financial contributions to each
and every new system and scheme
devised to win money for the Red
Cross and other patriotic orders. In
reference to one of the ways used
to obtain money for the Red Cross,
Mr. Rappolt says: “In walking down
the street in Columbus, Ohio, a real
, cannon stared me in the face. Of
course it wasn’t there to kill anyone,
but all who passed it came away
crippled financially, as everyone took
the opportunity of dropping money
down the mouth of it. One organ
| grinder ground out $700 on his ma
chine, and all he played was
(‘America, Here’s My Boy.’ ”
In speaking of food conservation,
which is so strictly adhered to, es
pecially in the East, Mr. Rappolt
; says: "Talk about sugar, butter,
I lard and other staple commodities,
! you almost have to command a ccr
I tain amount of influence in order
j to get all that you want. My daugh
I ter wanted me to stand in line to
j get a pound of sugar, but when I
! went out and saw all the women in
line a head of me, I gave it up as
a bad job and returned home with
out it. There have been several
instances where stores have been
broken into and the contents looted
of plain foodstuffs, and in one case
a merchant was held up in his own
store while the highwaymen appro
priated several sacks of sugar. Lard
is another thing which has risen to
a price almost prohibitive; still you
can get it if you care to pay the
prices.” Coal is very scarce, says
Mr. Rappolt, and the people buy it
by the peck or in other small quan
tities, the price now being about
$10 a ton. As far as sweet stuff
is concerned, the ingredients have
certainly been well Hooverized, as
it would nearly choke you to eat
some of it. A good many of the
local bakeries have been compelled
to go out of business on account of
a shortage of material. Eggs, fit
to eat, cost 63 cents a dozen, and
butter retails at 60 cents a pound.
Butter has been practically elimin
ated from the menu of most of the
local restaurants, the piece that you
get being about the size of a quar
ter and hollow in the center under
neath. Mr. Rappolt says he believes
that the government is taking steps
to make this size a war measure for
all restaurants and cafes from the
Pacific to the Atlantic.
Despite the strict conservation,
says Mr. Rappolt, there is little or
no discontent among the people, all
seeming to realize that such meas
ures are necessary to carry the war
to a successful finish. Prohibition
has also been in effect since the
first of the year, and this will also
cause a great saving of material.
Mr. Rappolt states also that he is
perfectly satisfied with Alaskan con
ditions and that he will return as
soon as his health permits.
PRIZES ARE ANNOUNCED
FOR MOOSE MASQUERADE
The entertainment committee hav
ing in charge the arrangements for
the Moose masquerade, scheduled for
next Saturday night, have announced
that six prizes will be awarded dur
ing the evening, one of which will
be a ten dollar gold piece.
The committee also announces that
the best music obtainable will be
provided, and that dancing will con
tinue until a late hour.
The sale of tickets indicat | that
a large attendance may be expected
and the interest displayed by the
ladies gives promise of some un
usually good costumes.
The masquerade is to be held at
Union hall and the price of admis
sion will be $1.50 for gentlemen.
Ladies will be admitted free.
BIG DEAL PENDING.
A real estate transaction, involving
the transfer of four valuable busi
nes lots in Xenana, is now pending
and probably will be concluded with
in a few days. The property is that
purchased for Fred McCoy by H. E.
St. George during the lot sale, and
includes the corner lot on A street,
opposite the Simson store; the cor
ner lot on Market, at the rear of
the Southern hotel; and two inside
business lots, on A street between
the Simson store and Anderson Bros.
& X'erland’s.
The deal is being put through by
Robert E. Burns, for himself and
business associates, who purpose im
proving the property during the com
ing season. These improvements,
however, probably will not be decided
upon definitely until later in the
year.
ELSEWHERE IN ALASKA
According to recent advices from
Seattle , government officials are
planning on sifting out Chinese gun
men from among the cannery crews
of Alaska, as the result of disclos
ures made at Portland in Chinese
highbinder trials The star witness
for the government stated that a
number of highbinders wanted by
the government secret themselves
among the cannery crews in the
summer in Alaska. He testified
that a murder fund was subscribed
and guns and ammunition furnished
a number of highbinders who had
decided to murder a member of
another torg.
Three men from Metlakatla re
cently set out to look for some of
their friends who were supposed to
be lost and were shipwrecked in a
gale, losing their boat. Two of
the men. Peter Robinson and son
Richard, were washed away, but the
third member, Stephen Ryan man
aged to sustain his hold on life and
existed on a cliff until rescued.
There are only two white women
now in the Kantishna district, Mrs.
N an Orsdel, wife of the commis
sioner. and Fannie McKensie, the
well known oldtimer, who has been
•in that part of the country for
many years.
The people of Anchorage have been
called upon to pay the cost of main
taining the municpal skating rink,
amounting to about $75 a month.
The rink was started by the town
site management, with a view to
making its use free to the public,
but it was afterwards discovered
that there were not sufficient funds
available to pay the cost of main
tenance.
At a special meeting of the An
chorage Chamber of Commerce, held
recently, the Alaska Fair association
was organized and $3,150 of the
capital stock of the association sub
scribed for. It is expected to make
the agricultural exposition acid last
fall for the first time, a permanent
annual event.
Joseph Beach, proprietor ot the
D & D Smoke shop of Anchorage,
was recently arrested and given six
months for bootlegging.
A gold strike has been made on
the Nixon Fork, a tributary to Ta
kotna river, between Takotna and
McGrath. Considerable excitement
prevails in the Takotna country now
and many miners are flocking to the
scene of the reported strike. Nixon
Fork experienced another strike in
1910, when many promising pros
pects were located.
Anchorage has one mile of twelve
foot concrete sidewalks, forty-seven
autos, twenty-six restaurants, six
hundred eighty-one women residents,
two hundred fifty children attending
day school, one hundred men and
women attending night school and
one of its hotels boasts of sixteen
private baths.
The president of the United States
created the Four-Minute Men organ
ization by executive order last April
for the purpose of telling to the
people of the United States the rea
sons we are at war, in speeches
positively limited to four minutes.
Ralph E. Robertson was made the
Alaska territorial chairman. This
organization is made up of a volun
tary membership. Juneau has taken
jp the movement and will have a
round of speeches as long as the war
lasts. It is presumed that the rest
of the Alaskan towns will soon fol
low suit.
A disastrous fire at Anchorage
recently destroyed the Eureka lodg
ing house. At the time of the blaze
there were no roomers in the house
ilthough a fire had been started in
Ai oil stove earlier in the evening
by Mr. Jonovich, the owner. It is
supposed that it became overheated
»nd ignited the bunks and mattresses
near it. The alarm was not turned
in for about ten minutes after the
fire had been noticed, owing to a
confusion in calls. This is Anchor
ape’s second large fire, the first
having been in 1916, when the Labor
Temple was burned to the ground.
In a gale which recently struck
j Ketchikan, much damage was done
along the waterfront. The barge
Blanche, of the Ketchikan Power Co.
which was tied up at the saw mill
dock, broke loose from her moorings
and went sailing up the channel till
, she was fina'ly tossed ashore near
the Ketchikan Marine railway ship
yards, where she was found and
towed back the next morning. Kreid
ler’s new cement shop which he had
built on the dock was blown over
board.
—
S. R. Giddings, in charge of the
road work between Ophir and Tako
na recently made the remark that ^
the trail between Anchorage and
Iditarod is extremely well marked
and supplied with necessary road
house accommodations. Mushers
traveling over that trail this winter
will find very little difficulty.
The government has relinquished
the public schools at Anchorage.
Major Mears in a letter to President
Ervin stated that as the Engineering
Commission had completed the school
they thereby turned it over to the
| Anchorage district. Along with the*
building they relinquished all re
sponsibility for repairs and the oper
i ation and maintenance of same.
1 _
San Francisco.—The Grand Trunk
is negotiating for the purchase of
the steamship Humboldt.
ELECTRIC PUMPS
DECK PUMPS
FORCE PUMPS
PITCHER PUMPS
WELL POINTS
Lang and Toledo
RANGES
JUST ARRIVED
Tanana Sheet Metal Works
CHOP SUEY
and
NOODLES
Served at the
Northern Cafe
Highest Cash
Prices Paid for
RAW
FURS
SIMSON’S
1
ROLAND’S STAGE LINE
U. S. MAIL
Leaves Southern Hotel, Nenana
Sundays and Wednesdays
AT 9 A. M.
Leaves Nordale Hotel, Fairbanks
Saturdays and Wednesdays
PASSENGERS FREIGHT EXPRESS
Make Reservations at Southern Hotel
NOTE—Parcels which we are unable to deliver, owing
to our not knowing addresse*s residence will be left
at the Southern hotel.
*