The Chitina Leader
i+"
CHITINA, ALASKA.
Entered as second class matter, November 12/1910, at the post office
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... $ .50
Six Months. 2.00
One Year...*. 3.50
—. ~ LET US MINE OUR OWN COAL.
CHITINA, ALASKA. SATURDAY, OCT 7, 1911.
CHITINA S OPPORTUNITY.
Every town possessed of natural advantages always has
one and seldom more than one opportunity to establish a com
mercial supremacy over competitors. Chitina now has that
great opportunity and it is up to our citizens and business men
to make or mar the future of this town. Next spring a branch
of the road will undoubtedly be built from Strelna to the Gray
mines and unless Chitina is able to show its ability to take care
of the trade here there will spring up at that junction a com
mercial rival that will at least divide the business in such a
way that neither place will be more than a village. One large
center, where prospective buyers are sure of being able to find
what they want, is worth more to a country than a dozen ham
lets where there is no certainty of getting even the staples.
Keen competition between business men is always com
mendable, but open dissentions and personal jealousies have
no place in a wide awake business community, and tend to drive,
away trade that rightfully belongs at home.
Unless a man is willing that his competitor should have
his share of the trade he is too narrow minded to make a success
of his particular line even if he was alone in the field, for men
of his type would be so greedy that they would drive away trade
by exhorbitant prices. Let the business men of Chitina dem
onstrate their ability to maintain a supremacy over all competi
tors by dignified and equitable relations with each other as well
as with the public. Let us all stand up for Chitina and not sell
our birthright for a mess of pottage in hand today,
... -oooo
f ALASKA DEMANDS ACTION.
So valuable are lands in Alaska that the Unitted States
government, through its army of special agents, is searching
with microscopic care and unceasing zeal, into all locations,
such as homesttead entries, coal and oil claims, and the like.
In order to secure title to a homestead, or rather pass the
inquisition of .the inspectors, you are required to reveal your
life’s history. These inspectors want to know in the first place
what you want the land for anyhow. If you desire a homestead
why don’t you go to Canada, where the government is offering
all kinds of inducements for settlers. With the intuition of a
Sherlock Holmes, the agents scent some diabolical scheme on
the part of the homesteader to acquire from the public domain
valuable possessions, which he intends to turn over to some
huge corporation at a fabulous price. These never-ending in
vestigations have a tendency to make one tired. As a matter
of fact and common sense, if a person is willing to enter a
homestead in Alaska, he should be aided in all ways possible
by the government. What we need here is a permanent popu
lation. The lord knows we have plenty of idle land. We should
gladly give it to anyone who want* it and will settle and im
prove it. The homesteader should not be handicapped and put
to needless expense and trouble. Rather, he should be en
couraged.
People wonder at the progress of socialism in the
United States. This evolution of thought is but a sign of< dis
content on the part of the inhabitants. The treatment accorded
Alaska bv those having dominion over us is daily breeding un
rest and change of political affiliations. Life-long republicans
will no longer vote the party’s ticket. They will seek relief2
in a change of administration, in the hope that a broader view
will be taken of things affecting this country- For instance,
this coal situation is an incongruity, an unnatural policy. Here
is a country with vast fuel fields lying dormant. Not a ton may
be mined, even for home consumption. Six long years this
condition has prevailed. Not a claim has passed to patent.
Can we wonder that socialism and other isms are gaining in
power?—Seward Gateway.
--oooo
On all the frontiers of the world, says an exchange, bear
is considered as being a menace and a danger to the settler.
They kill his pigs and calves; they rob his caches and his bee
hives, and do not at times hesitate to kill the owner. In Nor
way, they have sought to exterminate them for a thousand
years, and they are still found there. In Pennsylvania they
have for two hundred years offered bounties for their scalps,
and they are still extant there. In Alaska are the largest and
most ferocious bears in the world. Instead of the government
offering a bounty for their scalps they are protected by law.
If a bear kills a settler’s hog there is no recourse. The owner
can do nothing. No damages are provided by law. If a bear
kills the man there is no penalty. If the man kills the bear
and it is out of season, he is fined for breaking the law.
-oooo
It is interesting to note that in quoting the opinions of the
leading papers of the country on the Alaska coal situation inr
partial critics fail to mention any of the “string” of yellow
journals represented by one John Lathrop, the muckraker.
-oooo
Controller Bay ought to pull off another spectacular wind
storm when Gifford Pinchot arrives, just to show him what a
fine harbor it is and why Dick Ryan is trying to turn it over
to the greedy monopolist.—Seattle P.-I.
Not long ago an applicant for citizenship was refused the
priviledge by Judge Overfield, of the District Court. The
would'be citizen knew nothing about the constitution, the gene
sis, history or functions of our political institutions. All he
knew was that lie wanted to become a citizen of the United
States, and he wanted to vote in Alaska for President, for
Congressmen, and probably for town counci imen, though he
didn’t say so. He was told to go in peace and learn something
about America, its institutions and its laws, and then come back
and try again to achieve his praiseworthy ambition.
In some ways this citizen-in-the-making—for he will be a
full-fledged citizen some day if he persevere—exhibited some of
the elements that make for good citizenship, despite his mani
fest ignorance and illiteracy. In the first place, he was truth
ful; by his desire to become an American citizen he indicated a
respect for and a belief in the country of his adoption, what
though of the simplest fundamentals relating to its government
he knew nothing. But he will learn; and in this respect he
sets an example to many men who though residents of the
United States are such for revenue only.
It may be stated as a broad, general principle that a man
owes his allegiance to the country which affords him susten
ance—that gives him his bread and butter; yet in America there
are tens of thousands of aliens who remain such deliberately,1
though sharing the protection of Government, and participat
ing in the opportunities affoi-ded for the accumulation of
wealth. Millions of dollars are annually sent, by this class, out
of the country, across the salt water, never to retixrii. For the
major portion of them, as soon as they have accxxmulated a
j sufficient amount to enable them to live comfortably, or even
luxui’iouslv, in their fonner homes, are known here no more.
To them America is merely a “land flowing with milk and
honey,” and having gathered it, they have no further use for
the country.
Whether people of this class would really make desirable
citizens, may be a debatable point. If a man be so wedded to
the institutions of his native land that he will not recognize
those of another country, though residing in it, by assuming
the duties, privileges and responsibilities that citizenship im
poses, it may be doubted if such an one would be an acquisition
to the Republic.
America, from the days pf the Pilgrim fathers to the pres"
ent, has been a “home for the oppressed of all nations,” but
those who come under that category usually seek citizenship as
a privilege and as a duty. The other class neither value nor do
they evince respect for the country’s history and institutions,
nor gratitude for the opportunities and protection accorded
them.
American citizenship cannot be safeguarded too closely.
It is prized by those who believe in free institutions, to whom
liberty is a priceless boon and democracy a rule of faith. Those
who are not willing to accept such a country as their own—
! if otherwise worthy—are indeed aliens and sojourners in a
strange land
-oooo
Maybe Mr. Pinchot will try to pursuade the Bogoslof, the
Aleutian volcano now in action, to quit wasting its resources.
—Ex.
-oooo
Exit the muekraker, so far as Alaska is concerned. That
vulture of a sensational and conscienceless press has at last
come to his just desert. He is thoroughly and completely dis
credited.—Seattle Times.
_... . —
I
Pinchot addressed a meeting at Valdez, in which he stated
that there was too much of a tendency on the part of Alaskans
to dwell exclusively on our wrongs and that we are not agreed
on anything except that we have not had justice. And this
remarkable statement from the man who is largely responsible
for the present stagnant condition of affairs in Alaska. Hej
also had the effrontery to state that he had no apology to offer
for any part he had taken in the withdrawal of the coal lands!
and took a rap at Attorney Elmer E. Ritchie for his criticism!
of both Pinchot and Roosevelt and termed it a “lot of cheap
talk ” Xot content with having practically forced most of our
residents to the wall this discredited ex-federal official now at
tempts to*pose as the friend of Alaska, but we do not think the
residents of this country will permit themselves to be hood
winked by the lady-like tongue of one Gifford Pinchot.
!!1i
ALASKA STEAMSHIP COMPANY I
Fast and Comniodioiis steamers sailing between Cordova and 4
Seattle via “THE INSIDE ROUTE,” stopping at KETCHIKAN. <
Sails from Seattle— Sails from Cordova— <
Sept- 24.ALAMEDA.Oct. 1 <
Oct. 2.NORTHWESTERN.... <
.LATOUCHE.. Oct. 8. <
Oct. 8.. ALAMEDA .Oct. 16 <
This company reserves the right to change schedule of steam- ^
ers without notice. a
Tickets on sale at up-town office Alaska-Steamship Rldg. ^
Baggage or freight will not be received at dock later .than one ^
hour before sailing time. a
R. J. BARRY,
General Agent.
THOMAS TALLENT, <
Ticket Ayent. <
ALASKA COAST CO.
“The Inside Route”
To Juneau and Puget Sound Ports and Southwestern Alaska.
Steamer Sampson leaves Seattle Oct. 16..
Steamer Bertha leaves Seuttle September 20
Steamers connecting at Seattle with the AlasLa-Facinc 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
B. F. WATSON, General Agent.
TELEGRAPHIC BRIEFS.
Washington, Oct. 5.—Secretary of
Navy Meyer orders two submarine
torpedo boats built on the Pacific
coast and the Moran company will
likely be awarded the contract.
Washington, Oct. 5—The governor
files a brief to set aside the decision
of Judge Hanford in the Munday
Shiels coal cases.
Los Angeles, Oct. 5.—The trial of
John McNamara, alleged dynamiter,
has been set for October 11, and that
of his brother will be held later.
Seattle, Oct. 5.—Tl.e cableship
Burnside floats the wrecked freighter
Edith, which was only slightly dam
aged.
Albany, Oct. 5.—Four automibiles
start on a trip to the Pacific coast.
Panama, Oct. 5.—Dr. Porras; Min
ister from the United States, has been
recalled as a result of a political in
trigue.
Seattle, Oct. 5.—Master Taafe and
Chief Engineer Tucker are charged
with negligence in the wreck of the
steamer Ramona.
San Francisco, Oct. 5.—The cap
tain of the schooner Elvira reports
that there are four new islands ad
ded to the Bogoslov group.
San Francisco, Oct. 5—Robert Dol
lar has started for Peking to arrange
with the Chinese government for his
steamers to sail under their flag.
Dublin, Oct. 5.—A home rule bill
has been drafted which provides
$50,000,000 and starts a new parlia
ment.
Terre Haute, Oct. 5.—Alaska's de
velopment, according to the conserva
ionists, means to keep everybody out,
ex-Speaker Cannon sarcastically re
marks.
New Orleans, Oct. 5.—In a riot as
a result of the shopmen’s strike six
people were killed, and the Southern
Exchange has offered its seiNices as
a board of arbitration.
London, Oct. 5.—The Turkish and
Italian fleets are engaged in a fierce
naval battle north of Mytelene.
Rawlins, Oct. 5.—Governor Carer
has pledged Wyoming to President
Taft both at the convention and elec
tion.
Negates, Oct. 5.—A devastating
storm and tidal wave is sweeping the
coast of Mexico.
'4
Mexico City, Oct. 5.—The follow
ers of Reyes and Diaz establish a jun
ta at San Antonio in preparation for
a new insurrection.
Albany, Oct. 5.—The direct nom
inations bill has been adopted by
the state legislature.
Seattle, Oct. 5.—Sheldon Bacon,
trustee for the United Wireless com
pany, arrives and advises a reorgan
ization of tljat corporation.
FORFEITURE NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given Charles Gar
wood that his interest in the Tjose
vig rgoup of mines, will cease at the
expiration of the publication of this
notice, unless he pays $50 as hit
share of the assessment work foi
1904, $50 for 1905, $50 for 1900
and $50 for 1909.
CHRISTIAN TJOSEVIG.
Dated this 14th day of Aug., 1911.
I* H O T O Ci R A I* H Y
\Ye do all kinds.
—o—
DEVELOPING:
3A Filins.10 cents
3A Prints or postcards ...7 cent.
Other work in proportion.
NELSON & NELSON
Chitina, Alaska.
D: A GRIFFIN,
DENTIST
Ml work guaranteed. Prices reason
able. In Tibbs’ Building.
Chitina, Alaska.
DR. CHAS. THOM
*
Physician and Surgeon
Now permanently located at Chitina,
Alaska.
■If Cmas. PeMK MG». j
^ Tiff BEST Or EVERYTHING
m mi minor man
i3SBnausWinl>wi«-50S»wtiBaons
Just Open
Billiards Pool
CIGARS
Confectionery
Soft Drinks and 3
Solo Tables j
Bowling Alley i
TIBBS BROS.]
Chitina Bakery
& Coffee House
GESSNER & RTANGNETH <
Proprietors ^
j
JRESH BREAD 1
Cakes and Pastry j
Always on Hand ■*
Main Street. — Chitina. j
PUBLIC LAND AND MINING
CASES.
If you are interested in any contest
or any matter before the Interior De
partment. write to Clark & Wright,
registered land lawyers, go2 F Street
N. W. (opposite Gen’l Land Office),
Washington, D. C. Free information,
about contests and where to obtain
scrip, Iocatable upon public lands,
without residence or cultivation.
it Jut*
OSBORNE
THE
PRACTICAL
\ Jeweler
f CORDOVA, - ALASKA
• Watches and Jewelry at
Outside Ptiics
Leave Your Work at the Leader
Office
Pete’s Lodging
House
AND
SECOND HAND STORTSE
FREE COOKING HOCHE
- !
CHlliNA HEIGHTS'
Dunks 25c; Beds 50 c „
PETER CORDES. Prop.
■ » - — --... -- -- .
'f
CHITINA
iGRILL
In Hotel Chitina
OPEN ALL NIGHT
Dinner 75c up
The Only First-Classr
Cafe in Chitina.