The Chitina Leader
CHITINA, ALASKA.
Entered as second-class matter, November 12, 1910, at the postoffice at
Chitina, Alaska, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879.
ONLY NEWSPAPER IN CHITINA
r- “* •' v*» t
Published every Saturday by
, wtt.t. a. STEEL—Editors, Managua and Proprietors—SUIT O. STEEL
Office: Hotel Chitina Building. Cordova Office: Daily Alaskan
l Seattle Office: 551 Colman Building.
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Made known upon application. They will be found reasonable for the service
given. Official publication for legal advertisements pertaining to mineral lands
of the Copper River district.__
CHITINA, ALASKA, TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1914,
MAKING COAL AVAILABLE FOR ALL
.
_
The coal fields of Alaska are at last to be opened up.
Government experts have estimated that in a single area
comprising 122 square miles nearly ten billion tons of coal are
available and that this estimate might easily be discovered to
be but one-third of the actual amount within reach. The
particular field referred to would be accessible from tidewater
at Cordova. The Bering coal fields could be connected with
Cordova on the coast by a railroad not to exceed 90 miles in
length. Of this line, 38 miles are already in operation by the
Copper River & Northwestern railway.
The act of Congress provides for a maximum construction
or requirement of 1,000 miles of road and appropriates
$35,000,000 for the purpose. The extent of the mileage contem
plated and the sum dedicated to the purpose suggest a fairly
comprehensive system of development. The Matanuska coal
fields can be connected with tidewater at Seward by the
acquirement of 72 miles of road now under private ownership
and the construction of enough moi*e to include in all 155 miles.
The authorization by Congress of 1,000 miles of railway
construction in Alaska and the almost negligible quality of the
opposition to it furnish a most encouraging illustration of the
power of public opinion to melt down traditional theories as
to the limits of national activity. The need of the people today
is the dominating factor in government. No party can long
survive in opposition to it when once the people come to under
stand and know what they want.—Los Angeles Tribune.
FEDERATION OF COMMERCIAL BODIES
Haines is a small town but it has a live Chamber of
Commerce that is prolific with original ideas. Its latest
suggestion, and a very good one, by the way, is the formation
of a federation of commercial bodies in Alaska. In sending out
a circular letter on the subject the Secretary says:
‘‘I was instructed to write all commercial clubs in Alaska,
suggesting the formation of an Alaskan federation of such
bodies, for the good of all of Alaska, and to request each club
to report to this chamber, its views upon the matter stating
whether or not it would be willing to join such a federation,
and suggesting a means of organization and location.”
This idea is in line with the organization of bodies in the
various states of the union, which are united in one big
Chamber of Commerce of the United States. This central
organization exerts considerable influence on important
questions before Congress. Matters of general public concern
are suggested for consideration by every organization affiliated
with the National Chamber. Then a referendum vote is taken
and the result is submitted to the committees of Congress
which might be considering the question at issue.
The combined commercial organizations in Alaska might
have a powerful influence in legislation desired from our
Territorial Assembly or from Congress. A Chamber of
Commerce, representing all elements in a community, including
business men, professional men, clerks and workers generally,
would come pretty near reflecting the true sentiment of the
great majority of people. Here is a suggestion for the Cordova
Chamber to consider.
PROSPECTS FOR ALASKA LEGISLATION
The Washington correspondent of this newspaper gives
the chairman of the House committee on public lands as
authority for the prediction that the House will pass the bill
for the leasing of the Alaska coal lands at the present session,
notwithstanding the fact that the Democratic caucus had
adopted a program from which this bill was omitted.
The hope of passing the measure of so much importance
to Alaska is based upon the fact that after the House passes
the proposed anti-trust bills and sends them to the Senate
there will be a considerable interval of time to elapse before
the Senate acts, during which the House will have leisure to
take up and pass other bills. This, of course, depends on the
ability of the House to maintain a quorum, which it was not
able to do last summer, while theoretically in session.
There is no prospect, however, of the Senate acting upon
the Alaska bill this session. This much is admitted. But, at
that, the passage of the bill through the House would give a
fair assurance that it will pass the Senate and become a law
early in the next session, which commences in December next.
Having passed the House, the bill will have a preference
position on the Senate calendar when Congress reconvenes, so
that action may reasonably be expected.
In whatever shape it may.pass the House the Senate will
probably tone the coal leasing bill so that it will encourage
rather than repel capital in the work of developing the
resources of Alaska.
Leaving after-dinner speeches aside, is it not plain that
the country which has the.most ships is the country that will
get most out of a slioi’t cut from ocean to ocean?
New York is making a census of its unemployed. Will it
send an agent to Bermuda to make a complete return of the
unemployed there in their yachts?
LOYALTY OF MERCHANTS AND WAGE EARNERS
— - ■ ■ ■
In many localities there is a persistent endeavor to induce
the inhabitants thereof to forego the inclination to favor mail
order houses because of the possible difference in price and
wider range of selection. Many papers are now engaged in a
crusade against this system, and on this subject the Fairbanks
Times urges not only wage earners but merchants as well to
follow the precepts that mean greater benefit and prosperity
to their town. It says:
On numerous occasions in the past, the Times has
editorialized on the subject of patronizing the home
merchant. An effort has been made to convince Tana
naites of the importance of spending their money at
home—among the merchants who pay the taxes and
otherwise help to maintain the towns in which they
reside and furnish the public with supplies at a slight
advance over outside prices. Our merchants are a
necessity as well as a convenience, and in order to make
it possible for them to continue in business it is neces
sary for the public to support them. The wage earner
makes his money here, and such money as is necessary
for living expenses should be spent here, unless he would
encourage a lowering of wages and a general cheapening
of the particular camp which supports him.
The Times is not the only newspaper that has
pointed out these truths. It is safe to say that every
paper in the territory has, at some time or other, con
ducted a similar campaign. And speaking for ourselves,
the crusade against the mail order house was not
prompted by personal motives. The Times has little to
gain through the concentration of expenditures within
the territory by the average buyer. The wage earner
does not advertise, he does not patronize the job printing
establishment, and the fact that lie sends outside for
things does not prevent him from subscribing to the
local paper of his choice. It is the merchants of the
territory for whom the newspapers are fighting, and if
they appreciate the effort that is being made in their
behalf, they will set a good example by spending some
of their money at home—by patronizing the other
merchants, who have an equal right to support.
There are merchants in every town in Alaska who,
while crying against the mail order houses, do not prac
tice what they preach. They demand the support of
the public, but they forget that there are others in
business besides themselves. Such a policy means
disaster. It is really more important for the merchant
to adhere to the practice of buying at home than it is
for the wage earner, for the merchant has his money
invested in a large stock, while the wage earner is free
to quit a town or a camp whenever conditions become
intolerable.
' i
EDITORIAL COMMENT
The first work in Alaska under the direction of the Alaska
Engineering Commission was done at Chitina on June 2. when
the first survey stake was driven. It was on a line that will be
surveyed between Chitina and Matauuska. The first supplies
to be purchased in Alaska in connection with the permanent
location of government railroads wei'e bought at Cordova. The
Copper River country is making a pi'etty good start, thank you.
If the administi’ation forces keep on urging legislation for
Alaska we shall expect to see Congi'ess at least pass the coal
leasing bill befoi’e adjournment. And that Alaska Development
Board will likely get in good shape for action soon after
Congi’ess convenes in Decexnber.
We read in a daily that the world is being flooded with
gold. It is still low water mark xxp this way.
Every time there is a war some would-be poet thinks that
a rhyme is a perfectly good substitute for an idea. This is
an error.
“Sing for an hour every day and you will not have
indigestion,” says a physician. Most of the neighbors will
probably imagine you have, however.
The inxpox’ted Chinese egg may be entirely honorable in its
intentions. But by the time it reaches this country it has lost
some of its early freshenss that is quite useful for the egg.
Even the hottest partisans have been unable to allege
anything deficient in the standard of bridegrooms that the
Wilson administration is turaing out.
Calling a woxnan a suffragette is punishable by fine in
Cologne. No wonder there are no Pankhursts in Cologne.
Judge Thomas Rogers of the Birmingham (Ala.) Iixferior
Court was defeated for re-nomination, but has the satisfaction
of knowing wdio did it. At least he avers in his campaign
expense statement that it was done by “disgruntled, disap
pointed office-seekei’s, pharasaical bigots and haters of
Governor O’Neal, lineal descendants of Judas Iscariot, Cotton
Mather and Benedict Arnold; slanderers, members of
Ananias clubs and common every-day liars, especially members
of the Binningham police department and other city officials.”
It seems that the opposition was large, entirely outnumbering
the respectable citizens of Birmingham.
A Seattle lawyer seems to be under the impression that a
labor shark is trying to woi’k some of the people of Cordova
by inveigling them to go over to Port Graham and “look” for
a job in the coal mine there. Such schemes ai*e frequently
worked in Seattle but not often in Alaskan towns.
Outside tbe impression seems to be pretty general that,
soon coal patents will issxxe for some of the Bering river claims.
Also that a coal leasing bill will be passed before Congress
adjourns. All of which would mean that soon the C. R. &
N. AV. railway will be running Katalla way.
It is not yet possible to mine coal from the Katalla fields
Imt plenty of oil is coming from that section. The Alaska
Engineering Commission will have opportunity to xise some of
it at Ship Creek, where a consignment is now going. (
A man can cure himself of sleeping in church by spending
the hours of 10 to 12 Sunday mornings in practicing the philo
sophy of Isalc AValton, and the hours of 7 to 9 p. m. in helping
his wife prepare the fishof Monday’s dinner.
Why Not Invest?
With the building of the government railroad from
Chitina to Fairbanks, the future of the Town of Chitina
is assured.
Lots are still offered at attractive prices and there
are many desirable ones remaining.
A few months later lots in Chtiina will be held at
largely increased values. Why not invest NOW?
GEO. C. HAZELET,
Agent Chitina Townsite Company.
TIN SHOP
IN SHUSHANNa
Xo more need to rarry
STOVES and TINWARE
over the long trail to the
interior, as we are pre
pared to till all orders in
our tin shop.
W. H. CARSTENS & CO.
SHUSHANNA - - ALASKA
Chitina GRILL
Good Eats for Particular People
Prompt Service. Popular Seivice.
Next to Chitina Hotel.
CHITINA : : : ALASKA.
0. HDRHH MEM
U. S. Mineral Surveyor
CHITINA I - - ALASKA
CHITINA: BAKERY
AND
Coffee House
HENRY GESSNER, Prop.
FRESH BREAD, CAKES AND
PIES ALWAYS ON HAND
Chitina
1 ‘ ■ . • ■ . • • 1 9 ; ‘
Pharmacy
DRUGS,
STATIONERY,
CANDIES,
KODAK SUPPLIES
CIGARS & TOBACCO
If you cannot call, write
us. MAIL orders our
Specialty.
A. G. MOREY, Prop.
p33 Let Lewis Help
I "Pointer* foe Amateurs’* will help you to better I
I pictures—it*s free. Send us your films for develop- I
I ing and printing. Enlarging. Developing 10c roll. I
I any size; printing, 3c up. Cash with order. You’ll I
I find our work better. Photo supplies. Dept. S. I
GROCERIES, HARDWARE
— »«n ■
MEAT MARKET
We have a big line of Sec
ond-Hand Goods, and can
save you money on your out
fit. Bunk House, with free
Cook House, in connection.
CHITINA HEIGHTS
C. A. SIMONS & CO.
Feed, Fuel
and
ii
HAY, BRAN, OATS, CHOPS,
ROLLED BARLEY
We can make prompt ship
ments to points on the rail
road. Our feed is the very
best quality.
0. A. Nelson & Co.
CHITINA
HOTEL
WASHINGTON
ANNEX
SEATTLE
New, modern and fireproof.
All outside koom's
Tlie most conveniently located
hotel in the city.
Rooms and suites are purlieu*
larly large.
Very desirable for families or
parties traveling together.
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trains. Write for booklet.
J* H. DAVIS, Prop