...... . — * - -v- ^ *
®ftje (Sftilitut
SECOND YEAR
CHIXIXA, ALASKA, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1012.
no. ao.
RECENT
CHITINA
NEWS
-
The retimbering of tne Chitlna
tunnel is nearly completed. This
piece of work is without a precedent
in many respects, and its successful
completion is much to lue credit of
Mr. Forrester and those under him.
For over a month the temperature
has not been below zero, and the
lowest this winter was about 30 be
low. Tne old sourdoughs say this
is the mildest winter on record.
John McCrary, of Copper Center,
is in town this week. He says the
fur Beason nas been the best for
years, probably due to the return of
an abundance of rabbits, on which
the fur animals subsist. He has
shipped a lot of valuable fur from
chitina this winter. It is good to
see an old-timer like Mr. McCrary
enthusiastic about the farming pos
sibilities in this country. He prom
ises to bring fresh produce to town
every week next summer if the Fair
banks road has some work done on
It near Willow Creek, early in the
season.
The Chitlna Bar is getting to be
the recognized place to see your
friends on business, particularly so
with the freighters.
T, C. Macaulay of Kennecott came
to Chitina on Monday’s train. He re
turned Thursday. He takes a live
ly and wholesome interest in all civic
matters, and Chitina would like to
have him here permanently Mr.
Macaulay is a man of action and his
services are much in demand.
John Hazelet, of v aldez, was in
town witn about twelve tons of
freight for Slate Creek. Robert Mc
Intosh has the contract for moving
the freight.
Mrs. Horace Leach arrived on Sat
urday’s train and is now comfortablj
at home in the Jesse Martin resi
dence.
M. Finkelstein is in- Chitina again
He has been as far East as Chicago
Mr. Finkelstein has the happy fac
ulty of seeing the brigut side oi
things.
Mrs. C. F. M. Cole joined her bus
band here recently, and they are
now living on Chitina Heights.
Jack Miller is on the road frotr.
Valdez to Chitina with his freight
lng outfit. From here he will take
an outfit to Slate Creek.
Mr. Shaw has been making some
very substantial improvements to
the front of the Fairbanks Saloon
That place now has an attractive ap
pearance without as well as a warm
welcome within.
Angus McDugal, who has been do
ing assessment work on the Kuska
lina, left for Fairbanks on the 14th.
Peter Snider will handle the
transfer business for Robert McIn
tosh for the next month.
Henry Stafsholt nas purchased the
interest of W. Griffith in the Over
land Hotel and Bar. That place will
now be under the management of
Leach, Hyland and Stafsholt. The
building has been undergoing some
repairs and is now a first-class hotel,
it promises to become one of the
most popular places in Chitina.
The dances in the Nevada build
ing have been the most decided so
cial successes in town this winter.
I ,iey have afforded much clean,
wholesome recreation. The one giv
en Thursday night for Mr. John
Hazelet, of Valdez, was the best yet
Air kinds or job work at the
Alaskan office.
CHITINA’S PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOW RUNNING SMOOTHLY
School has been In session now for
over two weeks. Chitlna has a
school of which she may well be
proud, and the school board deserve
much credit for the building erect
ed with the limited funds available.
They nave gotten as much as possi
ble for every dollar spent, and have
given generously of their time and
labor. They were fortunate in se
curing the services of Mr. Shaw, who
had the contract for putting up the
building. He uld the Job at a very
low figure, knowing the limited
funds available, and also to show his
ability, which no one who has seen
his worn will question. The build
ing is 36x2u feet and well finished.
The furnishings, wnlch include a
pell for the cupola, are expected
soon.
Mias Nlckell Is teaching the
echbpl. The respect and affection
that/the pupfis have for her and the
progress they make speak much for
her ability. Among those enrolled
are Anne Heney, Fred Kingston,
Charlie Johnson, Eugene Tibbs.
V.
HEALYISM IS TIE BLIGHT OF (MINA
(BY WILL A. STEEL.)
The writer lias just returned from a periodical visit to the
interior town of Chitina. While there he noted with much sat
isfaction an activity and seeming prosperity that bespeaks
much for the future growth of what we believe is destined to
be the largest and busiest of the interior permanent towns. At
present the number of business houses is only in accord with
ihe legitimate demands of trade, and as a consequence all the
places of business are securing a fair and remunerative share
of patronage.
Prospectors are sojourning there in readiness 10 invade the
hills in quest of rich mineral. Mining operators and men are
daily arriving and adding to their quantities of supplies to
commence the season’s work. Outfits are going into the Slate
Creek district, while thousands of tons of supplies and machin
ery are being taken to the north and east of Chitina, into the
Kotsina, Chitina, Xizina and Chittvstone districts.
There is a prevailing hope, that has almost reached an
abiding faith, that with the coming spring or summer, con
struct ion will commence on the branch line of railway for the
Great Northern Development Company. It will run from Strel
na, or Mile 146, up the Kuskulina river to the big copper prop
erty that has been so well opened up by Manager Gray. This
branch will also be tributary to the properties owned and be
ing developed by the Alaska United Copper Exploration Com
pany and of the McCarthy property. During the construction
work the town of Chitina will undoubtedly prove a bustling
community.
Another encouragement that tends to the belief that Chiti
ua is destined to be a permanent town of much importance is
the recent information that comes from Washington. There tlu
impression is becoming more certain that Congress will pass
•i measure providing for the construction of a railroad to the
Matanuska coal fields. A hill has been introduced providing
for the appointment of a commission to investigate the mosl
feasible route. And engineers who have studied the maps ano
profiles of the availableroutes are almost unanimous in the efil
prssion that the route that must be selected because of its easy
grade, is from Chitina. It seems more than a reasonable cer
cainty that the picturesque little town nestling among the hills
is certain to prove a factor as the interior section of Alaski
c evelops.
But notwithstanding the rosy future that is in store for a
tavored community, a feeling of unrest and uneasiness per
ades almost every artery that should be enriched by a har
mony of action and a feeling of security and confidence that,
unfortunately, is now woefully lacking within the community,,
and has spread to people who contemplate making Chitina theii
neld o faction and premanent residence. That unfortunate
state has existed for several months past, and the writer spent
several days in investigating the various reports that have per
sistently circulated as a cause and reason for the seeming strife
ind antagonism. In giving conclusions we propose to state
plain facts, with the objectthat a healthier condition might re
suit.
It is undoubtedly true that the one man whose question
ible and reprehensible acts, more than all other elements, have
created this unsavory condition is M. R. Ilealy. Until early
last summer he was only regarded as a soldier of fortune who
bad wandered for years over various parts of the world, and
who came to Alaska to locate some land across the hill from
Chitina, thinking that it was in line of the proposed railway
and would have to be bought from him at a good profit. He
lived a hermit’s life until he was given some work in the office
of the U. S. Commissioner and Recorder. And soon after that,
when the presiding official resigned, Mr. Healy was appointed
to the office.
It was shortly after that this fattened Caesar reveled in
the glory of his prominence and became a Nero, drunken with
temporary' power. He stalked about the village, impressing ah
with his mighty importance, and that a czar was ruling on the
throne of justice( ?), where favors would be shown the fawning
and yielding. As time went on he succeeded in almost creating
a reign of terror. Despised as an individual, the weak fell an
easy prey to his dominance, the unalwful won his favor by theii
words of adulation that appealed to an almost unprecedenteo
egotism, while the strong and courageous who have failed tc
bend the knee have been subjected in many ways to his vindic
tiveness and revenge. And to another element whose favor lit
must win in carrying out the nefarious machinations of a mind
bent on destroying those who might oppose his unholy' warfare.
.ie has assumed an holier-than-thou demeanor that in some in
stances has deceived men of whom lie was but making a tool.
Like a snake in the grass, this more than wily' Judgt
M. R. Ilealy', fastened his fangs upon so many different ele
nents until his dominance became so hurtful both to individ
uals and the town that there was a revolt last November.
Charges were laid before the Grand Jury sitting at Cordova,
both against this man who held the exalted office of United
states Commissioner, and his minion and stool-pigeon, Deputj
United States Marshal Bown. Scores of witnesses were sum
moned, but many seemed reluctant to freely speak of the con
lemptible acts of the man they feared. But it was soon brought
out that the mighy Judge, who had emigrated to the shores of
the United States 20 years ago had not become a citizen. The
Grand Jury then ceased their investigation and reported this
fact to the presiding Judge of the Federal Court, with the prac
deal recommendation that he be dismissed from the office. The
matter was taken under advisement by the court, and it is ex
pected that a change will be announced in the office so soon as
another official is selected.
Instead of immediately resigning his position, which lie
held under false representation, he sought to continue to draw
salary from a government that he persistently declined to rec
ognize for many years by applying for- citizenship papers which
nave not yet been granted. And in the meantime his baleful
influence continues, leaving the promising young town in the
i throes of insecurity that is a detriment to its people and an ob
stacle to its advancement. In his work he is crafty, cunning
and insidious. In many instances he keeps in the background,
while his plots are being carried out by others, they not always
appreciating the injury they may be doing their fellow man.
After a petition had been presented to the court last Fall
asking for the removal of Judge Healy, and when court had
adjourned in Cordova, this vulture immediately started to se
cure his revenge. He directed his lacky, the deputy marshal, to
summon before him the men who dared sign a petition for his
removal and to explain their reason therefor. He was not sue*
cessful in this as these men were strengthened by the belief
that his reign was soon to be ended. He then inaugurated his
many acts of petty persecution through devious methods. He
and his lieutenants proudly boast that they got the scalp of T.
A. Macauley, formerly timekeeper for the railroad company,
and confidently predict that they will soon force the removal of
Station Agent Lawson. Another offender was Dr. Thom. He
occasionally expressed his personal opinion of the Judge and
his methods. The government official bided his time to “get”
the doctor. He instituted inquiries about his diploma and took
the matter up with the marshal’s office at Valdez. A request
was made of Dr. Thom for a copy of his diploma or some other
document, which the physician claimed he had mislaid. He
i had intended to come to Cordova. The evening previous Judge
Healy went to his cabin. That night the doctor stated that lit
feared the judge intended to cause his arrest on some trumped
up charge, that he would be given a hearing and helel in an ex
aggerated sum for his appearance before the grand jury, that
he would not be able to give bail and would be thrown into jail
for a couple of months. He was greatly worried, but the fol
lowing morning went to the depot, and there observing Deputy
Marshal Brown and Judge Healy, he quietly slipped away anc
has not been seen since. It is presumed that he went into the
interior and, with a guide, is endangering life in the effort to
go through Seolai Pass and into British territory. The deputy
marshal admits that he searched the train for Thom, but that
he had no warrant and merely wished to satisfy himself as to
the movements of the doctor. It is believed that a warrant had
been issued and then destroyed. These are just a fw illustra
tions of the contemptible acts that have been practiced.
This destroyer of peace and contentment in a community
that should be busy in upbuilding, is not satisfied to inflict his
vengeance upon those who assert their independence of him
by issuing warrants on slight pretext, exacting unreasonable
jail bonds so as to make it certain that his victims will be com
lelled to languish in jail, and many other questionable methods
is an official, but he exerts the influence of his office to intimi
late citzens and injure them in the pursuit of their vocation
aid business affairs. Ofttimes he works behind his mask of
-mug respectability, but it has been discovered in nearly every
.nstance where a poisonous fluid was distributed in Ohitina
chat it was a compound concocted in the shop of the United
States Commissioner.
It has frequently been set before us that a duty was owing
the public to expose the manner of man who lords it over the
people of the Copper River valley and pretends to dispense jus
tice to good American citizens when he is himself a subject of
dreat Britain. But believing that his tenure of office was soon
co end, we preferred that he should quietly slink into the ob
scurity that will envelop him so soon as he is stripped of the
arinine robes that he has so signally" desecrated. But he contin
ues to exert a dangerous power, and it is well that all men
should be put on their guard. Lawy-ers in Cordova sayr that un
less his career soon ends they will offer their services to bring
him to account for his acts of persecution. Alaska would be well
rid of such men as Judge M. R. Healy", and even the men who
are now doing his bidding will be more secure when an honest,
fair and upright judge is designated to preside over the Chitina
precinct. Healy is without the least semblance of gratitude
ind would throw a man who has lost his usefulness to him with
the same ease as he would a worn-out glove. His word and his
t romises are absolutely without value when his evil mind sug
jests a change that presumably would add to his prominence
is boss of the community", or feed his insatiable egotism.
Since the expose by the Daily Alaskan of the manner oi
man who occupies the responsible position of United States
Commissioner of the Chitina precinct, various phases of the
situated have excited particular interest. It is astounding tc
many that M, R. llealy should be allowed to continue to hold
x judicial position for nearly three months after he testified be
fore the grand jury that he was a subject of a foreign country
He stated that he made his declaration of intention about 21
years ago, and that his failui’e to petition for naturalization
was because he had never' continuously resided within the
United States for five years. And during these 21 years he has
returned to the domain of Great Britain, the land of his birth,
and resided there for years at a time. He has lived in the
Philippines and other foreign lands, wandering about like any
itinerant soldier of fortune, as a man without a country.
He came to Chitina less than three years ago, later secur
ad occasional clerical work in the office of his predecessor, and
when the latter resigned last spring he recommended and se
curd the appointment of M. R. Healy as his successor. With
the cunning that is natural to him he scrupulously disguised
the fact that he was not a citizen of this country, and conse
quently disqualified to take the oath that he would support
and defend the constitution and laws of the United States. In
his lordly and cruel czarlike manner this usurper presided or
the throne whex*e the sacred rights of liberty and property were
treated with a recklessness that has brought ignominy upon the
precinct.
His reign lias continued thus long because the residents
of Chitina fear to take public action against him. A lengthy
petition asking for his removal was numerously signed last
Fall. But when the wily judge learned of this action his min
ions were at once set to work to have names withdrawn and to
secure a counter petition in his favor. By coercion and other
questionable means he was partially successful, and when a
marshal was sent to Chitina to investigate the charges against
the wily commissioner he found it difficult to secure the evi
dence that it was generally known existed.
After M. R. Healy was forced to confess that he was an
interloper he tiled a petition for naturalization, taking the
chance that it might save him his position. This petition has
not yet been acted upon. Attorneys who have been consulted
are of the opinion that several clauses of the law will prevent
him from receiving his naturalization papers. The limit after
filing declaration of intention is seven years, while the loyal
and patriotic. Commissioner Healy has waited 21 years. The re
turn to Canadian soil to reside for years is prima facie evidence
that his declaration was fraudulent, and that he only intended
to pose as a citizen while in the United States without intend
ing to become a permanent resident. Then, who knows tlfet he
lias resided continuously within the United States during the
past five years. And can he secure two citizens who will make
oath that he has so resided and “behaved as a man of goo :
moral character, attached to the principles of the United States
and well disposed to the order and happiness of the same?
But whether he ever secures citizenship papers, the fact re
mains that a foreigner, likely the only one in the entire country,
continues to wield a power that imperils the destiny of the pe<>
pie over whom he rules. They desire relief. Even those who
have his protection should welcome a change, for they know
not when the hour shall arrive that we will turn on them. The
town of Chitiua is rent in twain. Neighbors are divided and
there is almost open warfare. And all because a few subject
must kow-tow to the big, meddlesome boss, supply food for his
insatiable egotism, and connive against those who dare assert
their rights of citizenship against the machinations of a for
eigner and judicial interloper. Judge Healy brazenly holds on
to his office and will clutch its perquisites until the very last
hour prior to his enforced relinquishment. And then his day
tor injury will have passed, and we shall expect to see him
igain take up the line of march to foreign shores.
Some of the Chitina people now believe that in officialdom
there a nest of foreigners loixl it over Americans. The jailer is
said to have been in this country less than two years. Tin*
commissioner’s stool pigeon, the weakling deputy United
States marshal, Joe Brown, is under suspicion, and his citizei
ship will be looked into. Truly a peculiar and deplorable state
of affairs. If relief were not in sight the people of the Copper
River country would have good cause to be alarmed and fear
fill of the future. There is every reason to believe that the
foul nest will be thoroughly cleansed.
From the Naturalization Laws and Regulations, Sept. 15,1910,
Issued by the Department of Commerce and Labor.
“He shall declare on oath that it is bona fide his intention
to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce for
ever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate,
state or sovereignty. ”—Declaration of Intention.
“Not less than two years nor more than seven years after
ire has made such declaration of intention he shall make and file
in duplicate, a petition in writing,” etc.—Petition for Naturali
zation.
“It shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the court
admitting any alien to citizenship that immediately preceding
the date of liis'application he has resided continuously within
the United States for five years at least, and within the state:
ro territory where such court is at time held one year at lqa t
and that during that time he has behaved as a man of good
moral character, attached to the principles of the constitution
of the United States, and well disposed to the order and liappi
ness of the same. In addition to the oath of the applicant, tin
testimony of at least two witnesses, citizens United State*
as to the facts of residence, moral character, and attachn ent
to the principles of the constitution shall be required.”
“If any alien who shall have secured a certificate of citi -n
ship under the provisions of this act shall, within five y
after the issuance of such certificate, return to the country oi
his nativity, or go to any other foreign country, and take a
permanent residence there, it shall be considered a prima facie
evidence of a lack of intention on the part of such alien to lie
come a permanent citizen of the United States at the time ot
filing his application for citizenship, and in the absence ol
countervailing evidence, it shall he sufficient in the proper pro
ceeding to authorize the cancellation of his certificate of citi
senship as fraudulent.”
“Aliens who declared their intention prior to June 29,
! 906, in accordance with the requirements of law, must comply
vith all of the requirements of the naturalization act of June
29,1906, in petitioning for naturalization, e xcept that they vil
not be required to sign their petitions in their own handwrit
ing, or to speak the English language.”
“That substantially the following forms shall be used ii
the proceedings to which they relate: DECLARATION OF IX
TENTION (Invalid for all purposes seven years after the dan
thereof.) ”
-oooo
The Republicans om Chitina held a primay on Saturday last
and four delegates were elected to attend the Republican Ter
ritorial convention to be held at Cordova on March 30. fOf the!
sixty-six votes cast all but one contained a decalration of eu
iorsement of the Taft administration. The gathering was or
derly and practically only one ticket was voted. The previous
lay a set of four Paines had been agreed to by all the different
alements, but shortly before the polls opened the ticket was par
dally cliangd by one faction. However, no fight resulted as
the only question at issue was the endorsement of Taft, and as
die new ticket contained that it was allowed to go through
without protest.
-oooo
Pleasing news comes from the McKinley Lake tabling
district. The mild weather this winter has permitted consider
able work to be done on the surface while several tunnels have |
been driven. On the property of the McKinley Lake Mining!
Company an air compressor and drill have been in use driving'
a tunnel that is now in 125 feet. Sunday a ladge was struck at a
depth of 75 feet that shows very satisfactory values. A mill
test was made of five tons and it shows $14 to the ton. In
cross-cutting this ledge they are already in four feet. On the
property of this company there are now 450 feet of tunnels.
The Lucky Strike Company has 440 feet of tunnels, with
one straight tunnel 99 feet in ore. The ledge is from 18 inches
to 4 feet, with values that are satisfactory. The Bear Creek
Company has a 50 foot tunnel, and expects to soon make a good
showing. There is every indication that prospectors will ear
ly go to this district, which is within 20 miles of Cordova.
Reports from Mile 52 indicate that very satisfactory re
sults are making on the property of the North Star Company.
The tunnel is now in 156 feet. Assays run 12 per cent copper
with $3 each of gold and silver. This property is located but
150 feet from the railroad track and 400 feet distant from the
snowshed. In driving the tunnel they have been in ore all the
way. It started at 18 inches and has widened to six feet. Ed
Rodee, Jim Brennan and Carl Sirene are now working on the
property. •
-oooo
Alaska, bent on a dream of warmer climate, now insists
that if the Japan current has not switched northward a few
earthquakes may tilt the ocean floor so that Cape Nome may
become a second Florida.—Ex. , •- r niigf*'*
HIM
DEMOCRATS
REM
A Democratic caucus convened on
Wednesday evening In the Log Cabin
store building. The utmost harmony
prevailed. E. H. tilllman was made
chairman and M. S. Nelson secretary.
Tom Holland, E. W, Exum and
•ur. Berry were unanimously elected
as delegates to the Valdez conven
tion, 54 votes being cast.
t permanent Democratic commit
tee for this district was chosen, as
follows: E. H. Gillman, Dan Mc
Donald, l’at Murphy, Robert Pollard,
Mr. Berry.
A committee on resolutions drew
UP the following, which were enthu
siastically adopted:
"We, Democrats of Chitina, Alas
ka, In convention assembled, reassert
our faith and loyalty to Democratic
principles anq the Democratic party.
"Believing that Justice ami right
must eventually prevail, and that our
great government should be admin
istered by and for the people, in
stead of wealth and class against the
masses; therefore, be it resolved:
"First, that the fundamental prin
ciples of Democracy have been adopt
ed by the Republican party under
misnomers such as reciprocity, revl
don of the tariff and attacks against
giant industries created and fostered
by their famous protection of infair
industries.
"Sejond, that we are unalterably
opposed to any administration that
lutocratically withholds the public
domain from settlement by honest
homeseekers, and by arbitrary rul
ings preclude the acquisition of re
sources to which honest toil and la
bor are entitled.
Third, that while Alaska is a pos
ession of the United States, and her
nhabitants noted for loyalty to their
| ,'overnment, It is nevertheless a fact
hat they have practically been ban
shea from the Union through lack
; >f government aid and such humane
assistance as has been accorded pos
sessions acquired from amj peopled
. belligerent foreigners.
'* i; i ‘i. tliat the success of the
Democratic party in November next
will insure honest administration oi
the affairs of ail the people, remove
the ban placed upon Alaska, unlock
her doors and permit Americans to
>njpoy that freedom guaranteed by
,ue constitution, and will assist the
rapid development of our resources.
Fifth, that harmonized opinions
and united sentiment so patent with
in our republic are harbingers of im
mediate triumph of reform and the
predominance of Democratic princi
ples.
< ‘Sixth, that the coming success
and achievements of me Democratic
party will forever abolish Pinchotism
aid herald the death of conserva
tion that does not conserve, and will
suppress the prostitution of law and
justice for theoretical experiments
that demolish the hopes and very
existence of pioneer prospectors and
worthy homeseekers.
“Seventh, that the manifest un
easiness and restless attitude of la
bor is largely due to unfilled prom
ises and catchy platform declarations
made solely for securing votes for
the Republican party, resulting in
confusion and discontent not alone
in the ranks, but amongst the most
prominent leaders of the party.
“Eighth, that the tendency of re
publicanism is toward centralization
of power, combination of wealth and
union of aristocracy, extracting from
the masses and filling the coffers of
a favored few.
“Ninth, that Democracy Is opposed
to monarchy and will forever carry
its banner emblazoned with ‘Perpet
uity of our Republic by honest ad
ministration dominated by the peo
ple’.'’
O. A. NELSON IN
CHARGE OF U' '
t _
The proprietors, of the Cl i
Leader announce the appolntmen,
O. A. Nelson to look after the it
and business affairs of The Lejlc
at Chltlna and in the Copper RJw
country.
■ ’ • "
Cliff O'Brien left for Fairbanks
the other day with 200 live chickens
and other freight.
The stalwart figure and the genial
smile of the big doctor are much
missed these days. Where ne has
gone Is a complete mystery. We trust
that he Is safe. Those who knew
him best were his warmest friends,
those who had been under his care
were his devoted admirers. He will
be welcomed If he returns to Chltl
«UL .
- I.i—b ■ 1 ^1— i ■bun .