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
Published every Saturday by
tt-t. a. STEEL_Editors, Managers and Proprietors—HARRY a. STEEL
Office: Hotel Chitina Building. Cordova Office: Daily Alaskan
Seattle Office: 551 Colman Building.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
One Month .Von
Six Months . *•””
One Year .. 3
ADVERTISING RATES
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, AUGUST 4, 1914,
A LEADER’S ABSENCE
During these days of political conventions and discussions
in Alaska we have often wondered where hideth the bold
warrior who for several years exerted a Czar-like influence
over the Republican politics of the territory. Of course we refer
to the well known attorney of Juneau, Louis P. Shackleford.
But our anxiety is relieved by the information that the gentle
man has been sojourning for a season in the sunny clime of
California. But he has again returned to Juneau, with the
information that there is a strong anti-Democratic feeling
all along the Pacific coast. But Louis will certainly find that
there is a strong pro-Democratic feeling in Alaska, and that
even' the few Republicans whom he has not yet been able to
put to sleep will put on the armor of war and make a fight two
years hence for the Republican delegates to a national
convention.
AN AUXILIARY STATION
The contemplated repairs and improvements to the radio
station at Whitshed, that is to make it one of the largest and
most perfect on the Pacific coast, suggests the idea than an
auxiliary station at Cordova might prove of great advantage
and result in more general use of the wireless for commercial
purposes. Of course we would like to have the main station
practically in town, but if that cannot be arranged it would
be a great convenience if a branch were established here.
Possibly if the Cordova Chamber of Commerce were to take
up the matter with the navy department some change might
he made to the greater advantage of the town. It might be
well worth while to discuss the matter with the men on the
transport Buffalo.
FACTS ABOUT AUSTRIA AND SERVIA
In answer to inquiries it might he stated that the
Austro-Hungarian empire has 261,029 square miles, with a
population of 52,000,000. Vienna is the capital. Servia is
included in 23,661 square miles and contains a population of
4,000,000. Belgrade is the capital. Francis Joseph, Emperor
of Austria, is the oldest sovereign in Europe. He was born
August 18, 1830, and acceded to the throne December 2, 1848.
He has a civil list of $4,520,000. Peter I, King of Servia, was
horn in Belgrade in 1846. He was proclaimed king on the
night of June 10, 1903, by the officers of the Servian army,
after they had murdered King Alexander and Queen Draga.
He is a descendant from Karageorge, a peasant who was a
leader of the insurrection against Turkey. King Peter has an
annual civil list of but $225,000.
THE WAR SEEMS A CERTAINTY
\ -
It begins to look as though the European war was a
certainty. Nothing apparently is being accomplished in the
way of restoring peace, while measures to the contrary are
hourly being taken. General Miles declares that this promises
to be the most destructive and unjustified war in the history of
the human race. And we imagine that this opinion will he
largely shared by the people of the Unit^l States. Ours will
indeed be a fortunate country if we finally succeed in keeping
out of the embrolio. A statement from Japan today indicates
that that counry would follow the lead of England, which is
on the verge of taking sides with France. Belgium, Sweden
and other smaller countries will find it almost impossible to
keep neutral. Italy is trying hard to do so, hut it is a grave
question as to whether she will succeed. The developments of
the past 24 hours have not shown any great amount of conflict
hut a bloody battle between Germany and France is soon
expected. In the meantime preparations for battle continue
among the other countries.
EUROFEAN POWERS ARE TAKING SIDES
The lines are beginning to be strictly drawn among the
European jjowers and it seems inevitable that a long and
bloody war is to be waged. Until this afternoon Great Britain
had not formally declared herself, but now it seems that she
will side with France and Russia. For the present Italy will
maintain a neutrality but it is expected that she may soon be
drawn into the conflict on the side of Germany and Austria,
with which nations she has had an alliance. Many of the
various smaller countries will take sides, with the probability
that if the war continues it will eventually change the map of
Europe. Japan has not declared herself but it is expected that
she will follow the lead of Great Britain. The United States
has declared a neutrality and there now seems no reasonable
possibility for her to he drawn into the conflict.
German subjects in America, who have not declared their
intention to become citizens of the United States, realize that
they are in a serious predicament. Duty calls them to their
Fatherland while inclination holds them to a land of peace and
happiness.
We rather imagine some people get indigestion because
the gall bladder crowds the stomach out of its natural position.
A WISE PRESIDENT
The wisdom of President Wilson in resisting war with
Mexico for the reason that foreign complications would result
by reason of troublous times impending in Europe, is now
evident. Although generally condemned for his “watchful
waiting” policy, as judged from a superficial knowledge of the
real conditions, he will now be generally commended for his
tolerance and patience. He knew the conditions better than
did his critics and despite their denunciations went on in the
even tenor of his way. Had a war been precipitated with
Mexico it would undoubtedly have led to complications that
might have involved us in the European embrolio. And in
the present financial emergency the administration at Wash
ington is keeping a careful watch over the interests of
Americans and will use the resources of the treasury to prevent
panic and misfortune.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
With the dove of peace flying over Mexico and with
Cordova’s internal political troubles practically at rest we may
now give our undivided attention to studying the war elements
in Europe.
The money spent on wars and preparing for their possi
bility, would, if properly used, educate the population of the
world to the utter foolishness of war.
A favorite maxim of Philip D. Armour’s was “Anybody
can cut prices, but it takes brains to make a better article.”
It’s peculiar how young people in love think their judg
ment is better than that of people in their right minds.
Tight clothes for men is now fashion’s edict. We skinny
fellows never were sticklers for fashion anyhow.
A man who stole a dozen watches was in no dire need of
the ten years’ time given him by the court.
The worst pessimists would be loud mouthed optimists if
things were going their way.
When a man has water on the brain he shouldn’t be sur
prised if his head swims.
If those European nations engage in a continued war and
keep wiring to the United States for coal for their navies,
Uncle Sam may be induced to throw open the mines of
Alaska. And if the Bering river product is not good enough
for some of our fancy officers, we might send it abroad. The
navies on the other side would undoubtedly be glad to
receive it.
If local option should prevail in Alaska, it is clear that
almost without exception the towns will vote “wet.”—Ex.
A St. Louis woman had a man arrested for kissing her.
Nothing like advertising.
People would not object so much to the building of a
battleship now and then if they didn't feel it was a peace
offering to the battleship builders and powder manufacturers.
If that European war scare continues prosperity will
come to the United States before we even have time to pass
the anti-trust bills.
. One of our prominent citizens has been heard to remark
that the individual who lives in a glass house ought to
undress in the dark.
The transport Buffalo is said to carry a lot of baseball
fans and an invincible team of players.
The greatest amount of charity is not always shown by
the giving of money.
A level-headed man is, of course, evenly balanced.
Wonder how that delegate from Ketchikan happened to
wander into the “Progressive Democratic” convention at
Valdez today. He evidently was tagged the minute he looked
inside the door and hasn’t yet been able to break out.
While the people of the United States will regret to see
the European powers engage in deadly war, it will mean
general prosperity for our own country.
Paragraphers make fun of the kind of people who talk,
but if folks didn’t talk where would the news come from?
A new fashion in dress is for a woman to wear electric
lights—just as if the men didn’t see enough already.
The hen that lays over 300 eggs a year doesn’t waste any
time counting her chickens before they are hatched.
We are all more or less people of destiny—but we do not
have to take it ready-made.
If you don’t know what you want there is no use trying
to get it.
German investigators have found that radium acts
powerfully on dormant plants. After a few hours’ exposure
to the emanation lilac buds sprang into vigorous growth at
the end of November. But a fraction of an ounce of the metal
was used in the experiment. We’d like a ton for use on some
human beings we know. About that amount ought to bring
about some signs of life.
The arrival of the transport Buffalo will be a welcome
announcement to the people of Cordova. The vessel will
remain in port for five weeks and in the meantime the officers
and men, as well as the half hundred workmen who will go*
to the wireless station, will have ample opportunity to enjoy
the hospitalities of the people of the town and have a general
good time.
Captain Taylor and the men on the transport Buffalo are
being kept well informed of the war situation in Europe
through the means of wireless communication with the states.
The Cordova Common Council is again working in
harmonious order, because of the break in the deadlock that
has existed the past two months, during the absence of one of
the majority members. Now instead of holding sessions of
from three to five hours, the oratory is cut out and the real
business is transacted in less than an hour and a half.
The statistics show that government expenditures in
Alaska have been $20,000,000 in excess of receipts in the 45
years since the territory was acquired, counting in the original
purchase price. In return Alaska has contributed $500,000,000
to the nation’s wealth. If one year’s expenditure of $50,000,000
in the river and harbor bill, ostensibly in the interests of
commerce, would bring one-tenth as large results in increased
commerce as the expenditures in Alaska have produced, there
would be less complaint of pork barrel appropriations.—P.-I.
A cordial welcome to the men on the Buffalo.
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 Clitiina 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 carry
STOVES and TINWARE
over the long trail to the
interior, as we are pre
pared to fill all orders in
our tin shop.
W. H. CARSTENS & CO.
SHUSHANNA - - ALASKA
Chitina GRILL
Good Eats for Particular People
Prompt Service. Popular Service.
Next to Chitina Hotel,
CHITINA : : : ALASKA.
a a
0. ADRIAN NELSON |
- ,,
U. S. Mineral Surveyor ::
- «i
«i
CHITINA 5 - - ALASKA ::
« »
CHITINA : BAKERY
AXD
Coffee House
HENRY GESSNER, Prop.
FRESH BREAD, CAKES AXD
PIES ALWAYS ON HAND
Chitina j
Pharmacy |
♦♦♦♦4+44444t4*44444444 4
t
DRUGS, ♦
STATIONERY, 1
CANDIES, ♦
KODAK SUPPLIES ♦
CIGARS & TOBACCO I
If you cannot call, write t
us. MAIL orders our 4
Specialty. X
l A. G. MOREY, Prop. ]
►
Let Lewis Help <===rf
‘‘Pointer* for Amateurs” will help you to better
pictures—it’s free. Send us your films for develop
ing and printing. Enlarging. Developing 10c roll,
any size; printing. 3c up. Cash with order. You’ll ji
find oar work better. Photo supplies. Dept. S.
=-■ —— - - ■■
GROCERIES, HARDWARE ::
—- AND=-. : :
MEAT MARKET;
<
•' ■ ■ «
•
We have a big line of See- <
ond-Hand Goods, and can •
save you money on your out- !
fit. Bunk House, with free !
Cook House, In connection. j
CHITINA HEIGHTS
C. A. SIMONS & CO.
»4»4»4i4ntirfMM«AA.T..T..t. A. AAA AJj... J
Feed, Fuel
and
Lumber
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. i
0. A. Nelson & Co.
CHITINA
HOTEL
WASHINGTON i
ANNEX
SEATTLE !
<
__ *
.
.New, modern and lireproof. <r
All outsidb >00018 4
A
The most conveniently located 4
hotel in the city.
llooms and suites are par lieu* ;
larly large. ■
Very desirable for families or 1
parties traveling together.
1
RATES MODERATE
Auto-bus meets all boats and !
trains. Write for booklet. !
11111/i m m mYiS> Prcp '