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.
Published every Saturday by
WILL A. STEEL—Editors, Managers and Proprietors—Harry G. STEEL
Office: Hote IChitina Building. Cordova Office: Daily Alaskan
ADVERTISING RATES
Made known upon application. They will be found reasonable for the
service given.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES:
One Month... I .50
Six Months... 2-°°
One Year. 3 50
CHITINA, ALASKA, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER IS, 1911.
A PLEA TO THE PRESIDENT DIRECT.
For a youthful organization the Chitina Commercial Club
is demonstrating an activity, strength and courage that might
well be emulated by older organizations in the territory. The
Chitina Club is ever on the alert to take action that will tend
to bring before the public those things that would be to the
advantage of their section as well as to the entire district.
A recent example of the wisdom of the Commercial Club is the
action that they have taken memoralizing President Taft
direct, in the effort to have him exert his good graces with
Congress so that a liberal appropriation might be made for
roads, trails and bridges.
And particularly is it desired that money be appropriated
for the purpose of making the Fairbanks'Chitina road avail
able for mail and passenger traffic in summer as well as in
winter. This is a matter of vital importance to the people
of the interior, and if relief be granted it will mean much for
the settlement of a large section of country and will materially
contribute to the general convenience and prosperity of thous
ands of people. It is generally conceded that Congress will
be in the temper to pay some little attention this winter to
the dire necessities of Alaska, and it behooves every resident
of the district to exert every possible effort to bring out actual
needs before Congressmen and Senators with whom they might
have some influence. ,
--oooo
DR. COOK AND THE DANES.
The palm for “pure and unadulterated gall” must surely
be unanimously awarded to Dr. Frederick A. Cook. Any ques
tion of his right to this distinction after lus polar claim may
seem preposterous, but if any remained it certainly must be
removed by his going to Denmark and offering to fool the
Danes again—this time not for a necklace of flowers and a
dinner at the King’s palace, but for hard, cold cash.
Of all the victims of Cook’s astounding deception none
were more deceived than the Danes. Their record and famil
iarity with Arctic exploration should have made them the
hardest of all to deceive, and the ease with which they “fell
for” the Doctor, was largely responsible for his subsequent suc
cess elsewhere, and especially in this country. Since his con
fession the Doctor has frequently been challenged to return to
Copenhagen, the mere suggestion of his placing himself in reach
of his Danish dupes being judged humorous. But the Doctor
either has no sense of humor or he is the greatest humorist of
all. He not only returned to Copenhagen, but he actually at
tempted to give a lecture there. That his appearance almost
precipitated a riot, that he had to be rescued by the police
and made his escape from the hall by the back door will sur
prise no one but the doctor.
The Doctor simply made a mistake in not knowing his
people. The residents in some northern lands like to be
fooled, not once but many times. Even in our own progressive
Alaska the ear is always open for the heap big talk, and words
of braggadocio often suffice where constructive action was
expected. No more notable example of this fact was ever
evidenced than is frequently given by Alaska’s distinguished
Delegate to Congress. He is past master in the art, and is
becoming brazen in his exemplification of it- His boastful
words, as expressed at the recent Fairbanks meeting, were not
only largely untrue but contained many malicious misstate
ments.
-oooo
The grand jury is now in session but fortunately, and to
• tlie credit of the community, it may be said that there is not
much apprehension as to “what shall the harvest be.”
-oooo
SENATOR POINDEXTER GIVES US ENCOURAGEMENT.
There really seems to be good reason for believing that
at tliis coining session Congress will enact legislation favor
able to Alaska. There are many straws to indicate which way
the wind is blowing, but possibly one of the most encouraging
is tlie announced statement that Senator Miles Poindexter is
in sympathy with the administration in the desire to see relief
afforded to the people of the northland. Senator Poindexter
is a pretty clever politician, and he has been credited with
tlie ability to see the handwriting on the wall about the time
the iirst few strokes are drawn. And if he is anything he
certainly is an opportunist. JI is past record indicates that he
is quick to jump into tlie craft that is drifting with public
sentiment. For a time lie was one of the most ardent sup
porters of extreme Pinchotism, but as the sentiment changes
he is gradually becoming lukewarm in his advocacy of the
measures that are so dear to the heart of poor Gifford, al
though he will continue to give the latter kind words. The
President has declared his policy as in harmony with the
views of Secretary Fisher, the gentleman whom the Senator
came to Alaska to discredit, but lo, artd behold, list unto the
enlightened words of wisdom that Senator Poindexter gave
expression to the other day in Spokane:
“I am delighted to see that Secretary Fisher, with the
approval of President Taft, lias come out squarely in favor
of a government coal mine in Alaska, with transportation by
rail and water therefor. • Secretary Fisher’s proposition is
identical with what I and others have been contending for, and
we are delighted with the prospect of securing the powerful
support of the administration for this measure. If we can
have the support of tlie president and the secretary of the
interior for a road from Resurrection bay to tlie Matanuska
coal fields, I will co-operate with them to that effect to the
best of my ability.”
And just to show that there is nothing slow about hire
the senator is going to get some credit out of the affair, for
he tlms early comes to the front with the announcement that
lie will present lo Congress at the next session a definite pro
posal for the opening up of the coal lands and the construction
of a railroad from Seward to the Matanuska coal fields and
probably to the valleys of the interior. Poindexter proposes
the removal of government equipment and men from the Pana
ma canal as soon as practical for the work on the proposed
railroad in Alaska All of which is gratifying, for it indicates
that the senator believes that Congress is reully going to do
something for this territory.
Washington, November 14.—President Taft has
made the public announcement that he has decided to
fully accept as his own conclusions the views presented
on the entire Alaska situation by Secretary of the
Interior Walter L. Fisher. He furthermore states
that his annual message to Congress, which he is now
preparing, his recommendations on Alaska affairs
will be based in accordance with the report and sug
gestions of Secretary Fisher.
THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.
Now that President Taft has completed his swing arouni
the country and returned to the seat of government he wil
undoubtedly give much time to the preparation of his mes
sage to Congress. By reason of the general agitation con
cerning Alaska it is fair to presume that he will give seriou
thought to the many questions that perplex our people and re
tard the development of the territory.
Secretary of the Interior Fisher made his recent trip ti
Alaska at the request of and as the personal representative oJ
the President. He is a man of strong convictions, as those men
of Cordova who accompanied him on a trip to the interior can
strongly aver. As a result of his investigations and observa
tions in Alaska he has drawn many conclusions and most likely
has thought out many remedies for various existing condi
tions. These will now likely' be imparted at length to the
President. That they will have considerable weight may be
assumed from the utterance of Mr. Taft before the American
Mining Congress, when he said:
“If Secretary Fisher can straighten out the Alaska situ
ation you can believe he will win my undying personal grati
tude. as well as official approbation.” He further said he
hoped there was a “lull in the muckraking and unnecessarily
sharp criticism of those who are seeking to develop Alaska,”
and that the bureau of mines, created recently, would be able
to lend a hand to the adjustment of the situation there
And if Secretary' Fisher has observed w'isely, in connection
with his plan for opening the coal fields, we shall expect to see
his views reflected in the message of the President calling
upon Congress to make liberal appropriation for roads, trails
and bridges; to protect life and property by affording adequate
aids to navigation; to extend surveys throughout the district:
to create a territory with full powers by an elective legisla
ture to correct many' existing evils and provide for the future
contentment of our people by local self government.
-_onno
The Peking government is willing to plead guilty to any
thing just so it is allowed to do it again.
-oooo
ONE MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR.
^ . ^
The Commercial Club of Chitina, at a meeting on Monday
evening unanimously' adopted a memorial to President Taft,
praying that he use his personal efforts with Congress to secure
the passage of a million dollars annually for a period of five
years for the building of roads and bridges in Alaska. The
following was adopted:
To His Excellency WILLIAM H. TAFT, President of the
United States, Greeting:
Whereas the interior of the District of Alaska is possessed
of vast wealth, both mineral and agricultural, the development
of which is greatly hindered and in many sections made weP
nigh impossible because of the difficulty' experienced in ob
taining supplies and bringing out the products, the Commercial
Club of Chitina begs to memorialize the President and through
him the Congress, and set forth the urgent need of federal
assistance in the construction of roads and bridges in such
places as will serve the highly' mineralized portions of the
whole district
We therefore desire to urge the President to use every
legitimate means within the power of his great office to secure
highways and bridges which are absolutely necessary- to the
development of this vast region. The great hazzard to life and
health, the inconvenience and expense incumbent upon pros
pectors and operators is absolutely- prohibitive to materia'
development, retarding the advancement of all business in
terests, and especially the investment of large capital neces
sary to mining operations.
We recommend an appropriation of at least one million
dollars annually for five years for this purpose and that this
amount be expended under the direction of the Road Com
mission in such a manner as will best serve the masses.
The difficulties of construction, owing to the peculiai
topograjdiy-of the .entire territory', are so great that private
capital cannot be secured to carry forward the work of lie
velopment without federal assistance, which, if properly' given
would open up a territory of vast wealth to our people.
Believing that every commercial interest in Alaska is in
accord, it is the sense of this body' to be placed on record a:
favoring above all else, the building of roads and the estab
lishment of better mail service between the coast and interim
; points, and especially are we desirous of securing a reasonable
highway' between Chitina and Fairbanks and the placing ot a
permanent mail service thereon.
The above suggestions are respectfully submitted for youi
consideration, which we trust will result in yrour kind approval
Respectfully',
THE CHITINA COMMERCIAL CLUB
DR. CHAS. THOM, By FRED SCHAUPP,
• Secretary. President
_—nnnn
Wall Street would joyfully stick the political knife in the
back of Taft, if the thought of Woodrow Wilson did not give
it pause.
—-oooo
FEDERAL BUILDINGS AND COURT OFFICIALS.
Ever and anon there is talk of the necessity of a federal
building Ogd the appointment of court officials for Cordova.
Grand juries have urged it, Attorney General Wickersham has
admitted (lie necessity for it and the public generally know no
reason why we are not entitled to these considerations. With
the development of the Copper river mining country there is
every reason to believe that soon Cordova will be the largest
and most important town in the territory. Even writh the com
ing of the spring one mine alone, the Great Northern Develop
ment Company’s property, will be employing five hundred
men. And many other companies will increase their forces
next season- This will naturally mean more court business,
but at present we are not even as fortunate as Seward, where
a deputy District Attorney is located. The only way to get
results is to keep hammering away, and the grand jury can help
by again presenting the importance of what is a present neces
sity, in the appointment of deputy court officials and the erec
tion of a federal building. At present sessions of court are
held in the city hall and the grand jury hold their sessions
in Eagles llaL
COMMENT ON PERTINENT TOPICS.
By WILL A. STEEL.
The Chairman and Secreatry ot the Republican Territor
ial Central Committee have decided tb issue a call for a
meeting on Thursday, December 14. It will likely be held at
Cordova. The members of this committee are as follows:
Stun Blum, chairman, Valdez and Cordova; Harry (J. Steel, |
secretary; E. L. Harwood, Cordova; S- M. Graef, Seward; J.|
1^Heckman, Ketchikan; Carl Sphun, Killisnoo; M. J. O’Con j
nor, Douglas; Elwood Bruner, J. C. Browne, tieorge D. Seho-i
field, Nome; T. A. Marquam, L, L. James, Fairbanks; Fred
Carter, lditarod.
It will be the duty of this committee to fix the time and
dace for holding the Republican territorial convention, and
o decide on the ratio of representation, which heretofore has
oeeu on the basis of one delegate for every 20 votes cast at
lie previous delegate election for the Republican candidate.
The convention, in addition to nominating a candidate fori
lelegate to Congress, will also elect two delegates and two al
ernates to the National Republican convention, and a new
territorial central committee.
The national Republican committee will meet in Wash
ington on December 12 and fix a time and place for holding
the national convention, and to provide for the election of:
1,072 delegates. It is generally believed that it will be held;
some time in June and at Chicago.
The early calling together of the Territorial committee is
a wise move and if that committee shall provide for a con
vention in February or March, and to be held at Valdez, gen ■
oral satisfaction is likely to result- The mistake of 1010 in
not calling the convention until five weeks prior to the delegate
election was a most serious one and it should not be re
peated.
As yet it can scarcely be said that there are any avowed
aspirants for the Republican nomination for delegate, unless
it be Dr. Mustard, of Nome. Two years ago he was an avowed
candidate and had the support of the entire Seward Penin
sula. As the delay in calling the convention was prolonged he
withdrew, maintaining that if he were nominated there would
not be sufficient ttime to campaign the territory. His friends
ire again anxious that he enter the contest, claiming that with
the labor support that would naturally go to him, he would
prove a formidable candidate.
There has been favorable mention of three federal judges
as likely candidates. But of these it is not probable that
Judge Lyons would consent to run as he was most positive
in his determination not to do so when he. was urged to allow
the use of his name before the last convention.
Judge Peter 1). Overfiekl, of Fairbanks, has been a resi
dent of Alaska for ten years, formerly having practiced law
and engeged in mining at Nome. He has always been popular
and since his elevation ,to the bench has largely increased his
number of friends and admirers, in every section of Alaska
If lie could be pursuaded to stand for the nomination he could
likely secure it—and the election.
Judge Edw. E. Cushman, of Valdez, in another jurist who
has made good, and strengthened himself among all elements
who have come in contact with him. He presents many of the;
strong characteristics of his forceful and much beloved brother,
the late Congressman Frank Cushman, of Tacoma. And it is:
believed by many that no man could go to Washington who j
would be more successful in securing beneficial results for!
Alaska than Judge Cushman. But while he has frequently been
broached on the subject of his candidacy he has not yet given
an affirmative expression, although it is believed that the
position of delegate would be to his liking.
There may be other candidates spoken of now and later,
but should any one of the aforementioned judges declare him
self in the fight, it is believed that such a general shout of
approval would go forth that would be discouraging to any
other aspirant. ^
There will likely be a lively contest over the election of
delegates to the National convention, both for the honor and
prestige that it may give them, and also because they will likely
select the National Committeeman for Alaska, unless the con
vention itself should prefer to designate its preference. The
present incumbent, Louis P. Shackleford, of Juneau, is not again
desirous of holding the office, at least so his friends say. In
the event of President Taft’s re-election, a friendly member of
the committee from Alaska would have considerable to say in
the dispensing of federal patronage in this territory.
Beat the drams, sound the cynibols, and sing hallelujahs,
for lo, out of the valley of the Tanana will come today the
great prophet and pooh-hah. The Bight Honorable James
Wickersliam, minister explenipotentiary who deigns to rep
resent his humble minions of the wilds of Alaska at the great
court of political jurisprudence in the capitol city of Washing
ton, will take up his line of mush over his own beloved land,
to push on until he reaches the very citadel of his political
enemies. With the cdhrage of a warrior bold, the marvelous
seer and wordy Goliath of this northland will traverse the
despised thorny paths that lead him into that thriving little
city of enterprise, Cliitina, where the rails of the monstrous
railroad constructors, Morgan-Guggeaheims, will convey him
to the sea coast.
As the triumphal march of Alaska’s one and only daring
fighter progresses, road house oceuparts and birds of the air j
will be afforded the exquisite pleasure of listening to impas
sioned words from the lips of the exalted statesman, as lie
Iaquaeiously explains what he didn't do-md what he prevented 1
from doing at the seat of government. The great monarch of!
all Alaska may even condescend to lingu- a few hours in the
bumble little village of Cordova, wherq'he residents' had flic
temerity to raise-*a few thousand dollars to assist in building
the trail from Cliitina to Willow creek after the fighting
statesman had wired them to “go to.'’ *
We hail the coming of the big chief; Greetings he shall
certainly have and there are many who wil gladly turn their
other cheek, so that the Lord high execkioner may again
smite his loyal subjects as an evidence of hi displeasure inso
far as they continue to breathe in a comnv,nity upon which
has been placed the royal ban. The ensuinafew days will be
fraught with much impatience and joyful anticipation bv
almost the entire populace of the Copper rive country. They
deeply sympathize with the bretliern of Fairbanks who are
compelled to sustain the temporary loss of their hallowed
hero. But this section of his domain is ecminly entitled to
garner a few pearls of wordy bauble that ia.v fall from the
lips of the iron master as he marches on o war in the far
east.
Due announcement will be made of tie particular hour
of coming of Alaska’s defender. In the ueantime the town
should be gaily decorated and elaborate preparations made
for a monster reception and public meeti'g in honor of that
eminent politician and perennial candidal*, the distinguished
fighter James Wickersliam. For is lie i°t now on his way
to again administer a severe rebuke to those men of small
calibre who occupy seats in Congress aid dare presume to
consider legislation that might result in he development and '
prosperity of Alaska, and if enacted into law would terminate
the reign of a selfish egotist and change the blight of Wick- i
erslmiu into a dawn,of peace, contentment and plenty. 1
! and Oats
| »
T 41
J East of the Mountain D. C. Timothy hay per ton 50.00 i I
| Best Quality double sacked oats per ton,. !;
4 In Carload Lots <1
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DELIVERED AT CHITINA
j . .
I Slight advance in less quantities. f
| j
4 I
X We have erected at Chitina a large ware- X
t house for storage of ha y and grain in order to t
X assure prompt deliverie s and now have a large |
X stock of feed on hand t lere. t
X See E. H. GILLMAN, ±
X I
♦ Forwarding Agent, S. BLUM & CO. |
i s. BLUM & CO.’S j
X CORDOVA’S BIG STORE J
4 X
*■»♦♦♦♦♦ 44444444f»444»4»4444444444»44 44444 44 4444444444
i Special Attention Given to
♦ Hush Orders.
♦
♦
Hot Hutlis at all hours a t
Specialty. ♦
i GHITINA LAUNDRY AND BATH HOUSE
t .. —. = ' ::
f MRS. BURROWS & MRS. GOODMAN
I
7 Proprietors.
\ .
i Family Laundry Rough Dry 85c Per Doz.
♦ C IIITINA, - ALASKA J
Only First-Class Hotel in Chitina Prices Iteasonable «•
* ::
I
r
1 ;;
I Hotel Chitina jj
| , i
T .1. PALMER and T. CLOXIXGER, ; ;
T 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 ;;
$ ::
Chitina Alaska
t ::
WHEN COMING TO CORDOVA REMEMBER
Cordova Steam Laundry
THE ONLY REAL LAUNDRY IN TOWN
l<ot us wash and clean your canvass covers, blankets, clothes,
overalls, ete.
If you are in a hurry we can do your work in an hour’s time It
necessary.
Leave your work at any hotel, rooming house or barber shop
and it will receive prompt attention.
’RHONE 57 E. A. JONES, Manager Second Street
I PROFESsioNAL GUIDE FOR HUNTING PARTIES !
| - ::
► Guaiantee to secure game or no pay. ;;
: PACK THAIN HORSES FURNISHED
£ At Reasonable Rates -■
I Address J. LAWRENCE, Chitina,Alaska i!
I Chitina Bakery
♦ & Coffee House
| GESSNER & ETANGNETH
♦ Proprietors
I FRESH BREAD
Cakes and Pastry
Always on Hand
| Main Street, — Chltlna.
THE LOG CABIN
RESTAURANT
Has opened under the new
management of Clemment &
Guild.
OPEN DAY AND NIGHT
Meals Served at All Hours.
Come and see us aud get a
square.
San Francisco, Nov. 15.—A cable
eceiveci today from Hongkong states
hat Nanking has fallen.
[Just Op
» HHHHHBHHHBHHH « >
Billiards - Pool
CIGARS
• • i i
Confectionery
Soft Drinks and
> • Solo Tables '< ' .
— |
Bowling Alley i
TIBBS BROS.
T^TM|Mr.mini ; |
— ' —" " """ - ■'—==3asssa
ORIENTAL OFFICE
IS NOT DESIRED
Special to Dally Alaskan.
Peking, Nov. 15.—The Premier
ship has been offered to Mr. Kai,
but he positively announces that he
will not accept.