The Chitina Leader 1
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.
Published every Saturday by
WILL A. STEEL—Editors, Managers and Proprietors—Harry G. STEEL
Office: Hote IChitina Building.
Cordova Office: Daily Alaskar
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CHITINA, ALASKA, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1911.
THAT RAILROAD INTO THE MATANUSKA
It now looks as though that non-partisan convention, tc
be held at Valdez on January 8 will have some difficulty ii
recommending legislation looking to the building of a rail
road by the government into the Matanuska coal field, from
any particular town. Seward starts out with the advantage of
having had the opproval of Secretary Fisher as the proper
coast terminus for the government railroad and as a desirable
place for a naval coaling station. Cordova thinks it has sup
erior advantages for a coaling station and that the route from
Chitina into the Matanuska field is a better grade, and that
a railroad could be built and maintained at a much less cost
than by any other route. Of course there would be no trouble
about the government or any company making necessary traf
fic arrangements with the Copper River & Northwestern rail
way for a haul between Chitina and Cordova. And then
agaain Valdez is not sleeping on the proposition and presents
reasons why tiiat town should have consideration in the mat
ter. On the subject the Valdez Prospector says:
-‘A sure sign that the residents of Valdez are not yet
ready to stand aside and let rival towns secure the railroad
to the interior, is demonstrated by the plans now on foot to
bring to the attention of the administration, and to the Con
gressmen and representatives the advantaages of Valdez both
as a coast terminus of a railroad to the Matanuska coal fields
and the Tanana and Yukon country.
Very quietly, for several weeks, prominent residents of
the town have been writing letters to various Congressmen and
even to members of the cabinet setting forth the advantages
©f ^ aldez from the point of ease of access to the coal fields
and as a naval coaling station, pointing out that this town is
nearer to the coal and to the Yukon than any other town on tlu
coast, and as a naval base is unexcelled in the world, having a
completely landlocked harbor, to which entrance can only be
gained through a narrow passage not more than a mile in
width and which can be so fortified that the combined navies
of the world could not pass.
“And these are advantages which cannot be well over
looked in planning for the opening of the coal fields and tilt
use of the fuel by the Pacific fleet. It has been further brought
to the attention of these officials that some years ago the
government sent several expeditions to Alaska to search out
the best route from the coast to the interior. One under Cap
tain Glenn went from the Cook Inlet country, and another
under Captain Abercrombie explored the country from Valdez
and the Copper River, and the result of the report of these ex
peditions was that Valdez was chosen by the war departmenl
as the coast terminus of the military road to the interior. This
fact in itself is the strong argument in favor of building the
government road from Valdez.
-oooo
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD PLEDGE.
The Persia committee, in a letter to the London Times,
calls attention to a paragraph in the Anglo-Russian conven
tion of 1908. This sets forth that neither Russia nor Great
Britain “seeks anything from Persia;” that the convention
is based “on regular guarantee of her independence and in
tegrity,” and asserts that its result will be to let Persia “con
centrate all her energies on the settlement of her internal
affairs.”
Yet purely as an interference in the internal affairs ol
Persia Russia is moving troops to force the discharge of a
Treasuiei-General who insists on an efficient collection of
revenue! The committee makes an unanswerable point in
logic. But it has one fatal gap.
The pledge quoted is over four years old. Although
Russia’s claim of a “sphere of influence” is based on this ver\
agreement it has got ready to repudiate the guarantee of in
tegrity and to gobble the plunder. Only a novice in Russian
Methods could expect adherence to four-year-old pledges.
•--0000
PRESIDENT’S ACTION RATIFIED.
Y hatever little differences there might have been con
cerning the manner of notification of the President’s action
in abrogating the Russian treaty was easily adjusted and Iasi
night his action had the unanimous endorsement of the Senate,
and will be effective January 1, 1913. The joint resolution
offered by Congressman Sulzer, fs as follows:
“Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives
of the l nited States of America in Congress assembled, thal
the people of the L nited States assert as a fundamental prin
eiple that the rights of its citizens shall not be impaired al
home or abroad because of race or religion; that the govern
rnent ot the United States concludes its treaties for the equal
piotection of its citizens, without regard to race or religion;
that the government of the United States will not be a party to
an\ treaty which discriminates, or which by one of the parties
thereto is so construed as to discriminate between American
citizens on the ground of race or religion; that the government
ot Russia has violated the treaty between the United States
and Russia concluded at St. Petersburg December 18 1832
refusing to honor American passports duly issued to American
citizens, on account of race and religion; that in the judgmil
of the Congress the said treaty, for the reasons aforesilB
ought to be terminated at the earliest possible time; and tlug
to this end the President be, and he hereby is, directed to give
the usual notice to the government of Russia that th*>
aforesaid shall terminate and be of no force and effect upon
the expiration of the year which shall commence after the date
of such notification.”
post between the United States and England, with the ana
malous result of its costing $1.12 to send a seven-pound pack
age from New York City to Hoboken, while it costs 54 cents
to send a similar package from New York to England.
-oooo-1
Notwithstanding each of those 35 unscrambled Standard
subsidiaries will have a certificate of a different color, all will
be redeemable in the same old “long green,”
-oooo-—
The long expected snow seems to have come in earnest
and there is but little doubt that Cordova will have a very
white Christmas. While there have been previous fhrnes
the succeeding rain would usually very soon carry a wav all
semblance of the “beautiful.” A couple of feet now would
likely last for some time.
ETERNAL vigilance is the price.
Cor o\a seems to have originated the idea of calling a
non-par isan convention at which all Alaska might give ex
preosio ^ ° the desires of the territory as to its needs in the
wa-v 0 . e^ls'ation by Congress. Many sections did not take
kind} 0 t ie idea, but it was finally determined by the towns
°t tnc |ud judicial division that they would hold a conven
tion a ajdez on Monday, January 8. This afternoon the
peop e o Seward are holding public primaries at which two
delega es will be elected to the convention. Valdez will likely
soon i o ikewise. Knik, Chitiua, Katalla and other towns are
expct e to move in the matter. The interest in Cordova seems
to hate somewhat subsided. A meeting of the Chamber oi
Commerce was called for Friday evening to arrange for pri
niancN mt so tew attended that an adjorunment was taken
witnou any action. The matter will be brought up at tlu
meeting ot the city council tonight when it is expected that
pronip action will be taken. The primaries should be belt
50011 so that the delegates who may be selected may have time
to ina ve necessary arrangements to attend the convention ant
*o f°nni,jate their ideas as to just what this section favors ii
the vat of legislation. Since the coal party the citizen;
if tae town seem rather willing to rest on their laurels without
urtlier exertion in behalf of the community.
-oooo
PLAYING POLITICS.
liile Senator Smoot’s frank prediction of what Con
gress vill do during the present session is, of course, directed
against the Democrats, it may stand as a general statement
applicable to all sides. “Playing politics” is likely to be the
most engrossing pursuit, every move and counter move with
an e>e on next year’s battle and calculated for its possible
effect on public opinion. Bills, as the Utah Seuator says, will
be introduced, pushed along, amended, discussed and voted
on with little other purpose in view. Oratory for home and
campaign ends will largely occupy the time of House and
Senate, and under grace of leave to print the Congressional
Record will be burdened with upspoken speeches intended to
show how invaluable the present legislator is and how radi
cally the opposition party.
However, a business session may be desired and hope en
tertained that legislation of benefit to the nation may be en
acted, there is too much reason to fear that Senator Smoot’s
estimate will be confirmed. It is unlikely that the House
Democrats and the Senate Republicans can agree on legislation
affecting the fundamental party principles- As to the In
surgents in the Senate, their experience in the short session
has not encouraged them to risk further discomfiture by en
tangling alliances. They too, may deem it more profitable to
•‘play politics.” On the Democratic side it is hardly within
the range of possibility that the session can get far advanced
before the conservative and radical wings set up rival camps,
if under persistent pressure, by the President and the force of
public opinion some constructive legislation can be obtained
out of a situation like this, it will be remarkable and cause foi
congratulation.
-oooo
A COMMENDABLE SUGGESTION.
The suggestion offered by the Pittsburg labor unionist
and approved by members of other organizations in various
parts of the country who have contributed to the McNamara
defense fund that the unforwarded balance and any remaining
portion of tlie $190,000 subscribed by unionists in the firm
belief of the innocence of the accused should be distributed
among the Los Angeles victims, widowed and orphaned by the
explosion, is humane, just and creditable.
It offers to the contributors, misled by the most positive
affirmations of innocence and faith in fellow unionists, an
opportunity for the amende honorable. Having been deceived
into volunteering support where none, it is now shown, wm
deserved, there could be no finer disavowal of that error than
to turn over the money so subscribed for the relief of the
innocent living victims of the crime. In no other way, pos
sibly, can they so convincingly set themselves right with public
opinion, remove from unionism the reproach cast upon it by
the McNamaras and disassociate themselves from the compli
cations in which they have been deceitfully involved by the
belief that they were assisting in pi-otecting innocence unjustly
accused.
Much of this money has no doubt been expended in the
conduct of the case, but whatever has not been spent could
not, we believe, be devoted to a more deserving or more re
dounding to the credit of organized labor than its distribu
tion among the widows and orphans of the victims.
-oooo
WHAT HELPS ALASKA HELPS CORDOVA.
In a recent issue of the Fairbanks Times we find the fol
lowing:
“Liberal Appropriations For Roads and Bridges in In
terior Alaska Will mean Development and Prosperity,” is the
slogan which the Cordova Daily Alaskan wears at the head
of its first page. It is a sign of active interest being taken by
the coast port which is encouraging to the interior, and should
be appreciated all the more because Cordova is not primarily a
highway town, but a steamship and railway town. Of course,
in boosting for the development of the Interior, Cordova has
tn eye to her own profit, just as Seattle, in boosting for the
development of all Alaska, has an eye to her own profit. But
so long as the interior stands to gain by the cooperation of
Alaska towns and cities, in and out of Alaska, it is immaterial
to us how much they may gain at the same time, so long as we
get the full share that i< rightly ours.”
Of course the P'ily Alaskan is boosting for good roads,
and in fact for everything else of a legitimate nature that wrH
have a tendency to help develop any part of the territory.
We aim to run this paper on broad guage principles, and can
always be found advocating those things that will help Cor
dova or any other part of Alaska- Tlfe Daily Alaskan is not
controlled by any special interests or by any politicians. It
is absolutely free and independent, although advocating the
principles of the Republican party, but not of some of the
dictators in Alaska. It is one of the needed institutions of
Cordova and hopes to do its full share to bring about the in
dustrial activity and consequent prosperity that is due the
batient ami loyal people of this town and other communities of
jjjaska.
—--nemo_____
i little yankee, Morgan Shuster,” is
Yesterday his cabinet resigned, hav
ing become frightened by reason of Russia’s insistence and
lie nearness of their soldiery the official family thought best
to beat a retreat. But the man who seems to be stronger than
the Persian government will not falter. He will continue to
have the support of the National Council, the real governing
body in Persia, the parliamentary representatives who, after
ousting the former Shah for failure to uphold the constitution
have been trying to establish a constitutional government in
that land. That Russia should be bitterly opposed to con
stitutional government is, of course, to be expected. The
ruling powers at St. Petersburg have done their best to reduce
to nullity the constitution granted their own people in a mom
ent of stress. But that Great Britain, boastful of constitution
al liberty, and under a liberal ministry, too, should not only
abandon the Persians to their fate at Russia’s hands, but
actually share in the plunder, would be inconceivable if it
had not been already demonstrated- Meanwhile, what Ameri
can can fail to thrill witli pride in Morgan Shuster.
REPUBLICAN NOMINATING CONVENTION
. ■ ■ •
The members of the Republican Territorial Committee
that met in Cordova last night and continued their sessions
during the day, are to be commended upon the wisdom of their
deliberations, which were seemingly harmonious and fairly
unanimous. It was early determined that every section was to
have a fair deal, and this was strongly evidenced in the de
cision to give each of the four judicial districts fifty delegates
in the forthcoming nominating*convention. And tiiis number
will be fairly divided among the towns and precincts in the
respective districts.
The time for the convention was fixed for Saturday at 10
a. m., March 30, 1912. Much consideration was given over the
; selection of a place- It was generally conceded that South
western Alaska was entitled to the honor, as all previous con
ventions had been held in the Southeastern section. Cordova
was the logical place, by reason of the time allowed between
steamers and the exceptionally good hotel accomodations here.
The only objection offered was the exploded bugaboo that the
tact of this place being the home town of the Alaska Syndicate
night be used to the disadvantage of the candidate who might
ie named for Congress. It was finally decided that this was
no longer a factor worth considering as it was well known that
the Alaska Syndicate is not now and has not been concerned in
the nomnation of any candidate for Congress. So the com
mittee forthwith proceeded to name Cordova as the place
where the next Republican convention should be held.
The Republican Territorial Committee completed its
labors late yesterday afternoon and then adjourned. An im
portant action was the endorsement of the administration of
President Taft and a declaration in favor of his re-election,
which was unanimously adopted. Considerable time was de
voted in an effort to effect a fair and equitable apportionment
of delegates in the several judicial divisions, each of which
will have fifty votes in the convention on March 30, at Cor
dova. This was finally and satisfactorily accomplished.
In the first division 8 votes each were given .Junea and
Douglas; 4 each to Ketchikan and Treadwell; 3 each to Sitka.
Wrangell and Loring. 2 each to Skagway, Chichagof, Haines,
Portland; 1 to each of the other precincts. In the second di
vision, 21 to Nome; 1 each to Council, Glacier Creek, St. M'
ael; 4 to Candle; 2 to upper Nome river; 1 to each of the other
precincts. In the third division 8 to Cordova; (5 to Valdez and
Reservation; 5 to Seward; 4 to Chitina; 3 to Keunecott; 2 each
to Copper Mountain, Evak Katalla, Unalaska; 1. each to
Chignik, Copper Center, Ellamar, Girdwood, Hope, Kenai,
Kodiak, Koddiung, Knik, Landlock, Latouche, Nizina, Sel
dovia, Sunrise, Susliitna, Uttga. In the fourth division. 17 to
Fairbanks and Graehl; 5 do Foyt Gibbon; 3 to Iditarod; 2 to
Flat Creek; 1 to each of other precincts.
It was required that all credentials and proxies shall bo
filed with the Secretary of the committee at Cordova on ox
before 0 p. m., March 29, 1912. The primaries for the election
of delegates to the convention shall be held under the direc
tion of the committeeman residing nearest the respective pre
cincts. He shall set the time and place for holding the prim
aries, which shall not be held until after Feb. 1.
(From the Daily Alaskan, Cordova, December 15, 1 Dll.)
THE GHOST THAT WILL NOT DOWN.
Attorney Brandeis, that high-priced legal charlatan, and
Chairman Graham of the Congressional Committee, have fully
decided to drop the Controller Bay matter. The Republican
members of the committee, however, insist that a full and
complete investigation be made, in justice to the men who have
been ..so unfairly charged, so that in completing their vindi
cation, the responsibility for the attempted i dastardly work
should be placed where it belongs.
How unfair, how unjust, that these much vaunted Con
gressional reformers should dip into the surface of the mire
only to discover that there was no political capital to be made
out of this gigantic fiasco, and then to precipitately retreat lest
justice should be done the assailed, and the scorn of all fair
minded men be directed against the persons responsible foi
the most dastardly attempt to besmirch the characters of in
nocent and honest men, that has been attempted in recenl
years.
How unreasonable for these great investigators, these
mighty men, whose every action, utterance and loud-mouthed
bray from the grand stand of the National Capitol, is repeated
and magnified by the great news gatherers of the country
and spread before the readers of the world, to base tlieii
whole statement upon falsehood originating in the brains ol
malicious politicians and fake promoters. And then wliei
tnese conspirators are shown up and their records published
these great men drop the red-hot poker and have the effrontery
to state to the people of the United States that their change ii
attitude is due to the administration’s new policy.
While the Daily Alaskan is far from the seat of govern
ment it aims to keep in pretty close touch with current events
and even at this distance we take the liberty of calling to tht
attention of Messrs. Brandies, Graham, et al., these pertinent
facts:
“The “Dick to Dick’’ letter has been shown up as a base
conspiracy evolved by enemies of Alaska and the national ad
ministration, promulgated through one John E. Lathrop, the
discredited and paid newspaper correspondent; through one
Dick Ryan, a former gentleman of fortune of Alaska, and ot
recent years a promoter trying to sell stock in New York.
Washington anti foreign cities; and through the misguided
and former prejudiced delegate from Alaska.
That the press of the United States and many prominent
people direct have been supplied by the Daily Alaskan with
tne full record and action in these matters, as well as the past
record of the men directly involved.
That the Daily Alaskan has answered editorials in the
Outlook, Collier’s Hampton’s and other muck-raking journals
which articles were evidently inspired or paid for, and to date
none of these great publications have dared to come back.
Is it not then a shame that Brandeis and Graham can be
allowed to drop the Controller Bay investigation- In Alaska
and Seattle there are scores waiting and ready to be s-b
poenaed to Washington to tell what they know of Contra U;
Bay-, of Dick Ryan and of Delegate Wickersham; while in
Washington, New York and Philadelphia there are as many
more anxious to go on the stand and tell what they know of
J. E. Lathrop. We charitably pass over the actions of the
woman involved in the affair.
. ____f\nr\r\_
i.l - •
As the days go on and political developments come to
light in Alaska there promises to be an interesting mix-up
during the days of primaries, conventions and elections in the
good year of J912.
-—7-—0000-:
Richard Crocker wants Mayor Gaynor of Newr York to
run for President. But Mayor Gaynor wisely reflects that
instructing the newspapers of his city how they ought to be
run is occupation enough for one man.
—-—0000— -:—
Nevertheless these politicians' who are already promising
to deliver their states to this or that candidate should recall
that every once in a while the voters cancel their contract.
--0006-— -—
Mr. John D. Rockefeller’s declaration that he is “as hap
py as a peacock” is a little unfortunate. The peacock is not
noted as a personification of happiness; while liis vanity is
proverbial. Yet not Rockefeller’s worst enemy would attri
bute to him the peacock’s self-display.
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We Carry a Full Line of
i »
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General Merchandise
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Including • >
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GROCERIES
HARDWARE >
• o
DOG HARNESS |
HORSE HARNESS t
FURNISHING GOODS |
BLANKETS |
FUR CAPS t
SHOES AND RUBBER PACS t
Also I
HAY AND GRAIN j
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CHITINA CASH STORE j
E. H. GILLMAN, Manager. |
Forwarding Agen t, S. BLUM & CO. |
CORDOVA’S BIG STORE I
Only First-Class Hotel in Chitinu Prices Reasonable !
Hotel Chitina
J. PALMER anil T. CLOMXGER, ;
Proprietors. <
The Only First Class Hotel in Chitina
Heated Room, Bath, Ladies Parior
Bar with all Standard Liquors and Cigar* ;
First-Class Dining Room in Connection ;
'
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Chitina Alaska
WHEN COMING TO COKDOVA REMEMBER
Cordova Steam Laundry
THE ONLY REAL LAUNDRY IN TOWN
Let us wash and clean your canvass covers, blankets, clothes,
overalls, etc.
If you are in a hurry we can do your work in an hour's time If
necessary.
Leave your work at any hotel, rooming house or barber shop
and it "ill receive prompt attention.
'I’HONE 57 F. A. JONES, Manager Second Street
ALASKA STEAMSHIP COMPANY
Fast and commodious steamers sailing between
Cordova and Seattle.
Sails from Seattle— Sails from Cordova—
Dec. 8.ALAMEDA .... Dec. 16
Dec. 16.NORTH WESTFh ..Dec. 24
Dec. 24.ALAMEDA.Jan. 1
This company reserves the right to change schedule of steam
ers without notice.
Tickets on sale at up-town office Alaska Steamship Bldg.
Baggage or freight will not be received at dock later than one
hour before sailing time.
R. J. BARRY,
General Agent.
THOMAS TALLENT,
Ticket Agent.
ALASKA COAST CO.
“The Inside Route”
To Juneau anti Puget Sound Ports and Southwestern Alaska.
Steamer Bertha leaves Seattle December 20th.
Steamers connecting at Seattle with the Alaska-Pacific Steam,
ship Company’s steamers sailing from Seattle Monday and Thurs
day of each week for California points. Through service. Low
rates.
Right reserved to change steamers and sailing dates without
notice. ALASKA TRANSFER CO., Local Agents ..
II F. WATSON, General Agent.
TRYING THE OTHER THEORY.
We have seen one trust fined $29,000,000 and nothing
comes of it, two ordered to dissolve, with the outcome yet to
be demonstrated, and now at Chicago in the United States
District Court before .Judge George A. Carpenter the other
“ tlieory, summarized in the phrase that “guilt is personal” is
being given a trial.
The prosecution of the beef conbination has been occupy
ing public attention at intervals for nine years- The case nofc
on trial is the first criminal prosecution of individual meinbi*,
of the so-called beef trust. Ten of the men higher up in tlA’
industry are charged with violating the anti-trust act by
ipulation and restraint of the interstate trade in fresh meats
All of the technicalities raised in the preliminary hearing!
have been set aside, the defendants have pleaded not guilty
and the case it is presumed is now on trial on its merits.
The penalty is a fine of $5,000 or a year in jail, or both.
The resort to criminal prosecution of individual members of
a. combination of this scope should offer a good test of the
possibility of enforcing the tlieory of individual responsibility
about which so much has been heard in recent years of anti- <
trust discussion.
-oooo--—
Still it does seem queer that England should approve of
Russia’s demand for the removal of the American Treasurer
General of Persia because he appointed an Englishman to a
Persian office. Is it another instance of honor among —!