The Chitina Leader
CHITINA, AliASKA.
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 Saturduy by
WILE A. STEEIr—Editors, Managers and Proprietors—HAREY G. STEEL
Office: Hotel Chitina Building. Cordova Office: Daily Alaskan
Seattle Office: 551 Colman Building.
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given. Official publication for legal advertisements pertaining to mineral lands
of the Copper River district.
CHITINA, ALASKA, SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1912.
BLIGHT OF HEALYISM REMOVED
Healyism is at an end in the Chitina precinct, and let us
hope that soon the insidious influences that worked to the de
struction of the peace, harmony and general welfare of an
otherwise favored community, will be completely obliterated.
For more than eight months past there has been turmoil, per
secution and dissention, because of the methods pursued by an
alien who held a judicial position, and who by reason of his
magnified powers sought to rule or ruin. It required an ener
getic and persistent fight upon the part of a few patriotic men
and women of the Chitina precinct to jeurb the assumption and
arrogance of a British subject who was consumed with an over
whelming egotism that demanded of American subjects that
they bend the neck and bow the knee before the mandates of
a self-constituted czar.
With the active assistance of the United States marshal’s
office, Healyism became an octopus that for a time was feared
by people who knew that his unscrupulous methods would not
hesitate to be directed to their destruction if the least vulner
able opening was presented. But the fire of indignation was
not allowed to burn low at any time, and there was persistent
denunciation of the man -whose oath of office should have con
stituted him the guardian and protector of the rights and safe
ty of the people, instead of the arch enemy of the well-behaved,
fearless, independent and law-abiding people. And their re
ward has been what will undoubtedly prove the entire elimina
tion of the baneful influences that have been a curse to the
Chitina valley.
llie people are to be congratulated that their power ot en
durance did not give way under the extreme provocation to
which they were at times subject. They persisted in energetic
but peaceful means to rid the precinct of the itinerant pest that
had been inflicted upon them. And in this connection t lie Daily
Alaskan is morethan gratified that it realized its duty when tiie
appeal for assistance was made by an injured people, and gave
its vigorous support to a cause that was just and imperative.
Such assistance as we have been able to render our friends and
patrons in the Chitina valley has been extended because we be
live it the duty of a clean, enterprising and independent news
paper to assist in bringing relief against oppression and injus
tice upon the part of public officials.
The course of the court officials of this third division in
connection with the Healy disgrace has been regrettable and
almost beyond the understanding of the average man. They
have rendered Healyism such continued and energetic support
as to cause many to doubt the integrity and honesty of the ad
ministration of their own offices. When the grand jury made
their report against “Judge” Healy last November it was the
obvious duty of Judge Cushman to have removed him. It was
a shock to realize that an alien was exercising judicial powers
over loyal Americans. Although he declared it was his inten
tion to remove Healy, he procrastinated. Then in February
last, when the agitation was again renewed and he was present
ed with dozens of reasons why he should take immediate ac
tion, he felt that a personal affront had been offered him. Then
when Healy came before him on a petition for naturalization
he overlooked the admission of illegal voting and swearing in
his vote, two distinct crimes against the statutes of Alaska.
And when it was sought to have eliminated from the grand
jury last week men who were the apologizers for and boon
companions of Healy, he turned a deaf ear to the petition, and
appointed as foreman one of the men objected to.
These and other acts upon the part of the court, a man pre
eminently honest, but with warped judgment, and, at least in
the case at issue, with prejudiced mind, has been a shock to the
community. They are at a loss to understand any process of
reasoning that would justify the course taken. Men with a
high regard for the sacredness of the judiciary, and a belief in
the integrity of the courts in general, could not refrain from
expressing wonder and resentment at the seeming indifference
of the court to the seriousness of the situation that confronted
him.
The relegation to oblivion of Healy has been accomplished.
His successor could never stir up such strife as was occasioned
by the arbitrary acts of an alien. But a successor can do much
to retore the equilibrium of a disturbed community. If he be
the right kind of man there will soon be peace and harmony
where existed strife and turmoil. A wire to Valdez today
brought the information that Judge Cushman was out of town
and would not return until this evening. So we are at a loss to
know whether a successor to Healy has been appointed, and if
so, who the individual is. In the meantime the precinct is with
out a commissioner and recorder, and people are inconveni
enced thereby.
-oooo
The prediction is confidently made that before the first of
July a new judge will have been appointed for this division.
It is expected that Judge Cushman will leave Valdez on the
24th to take the oath of office in his new district in Western
Washington.
If the government only displayed half the energy and
promptness in giving relief to the coal sufferers of Alaska as it
has to alleviate the distress of the volcano sufferers, this land
might soon blossom as the rose in prosperity and contentment.
PEACE BE WITH YOU
It is extremely unfortunate that a man holding a high ju
dicial position such as is occupied by Judge Cushman, should
continue by his official acts to bring upbn himself the severe
criticism of the public. And particularly after he had been
selected for a more important division, in the state of Wash
ington. Genial and pleasing as a companion, and generally
well liked, even his critics are grieved that he should burden
his record, as he has during the past few months, with a weight
that it will be difficult for him ever to throw off. Had he
demonstrated in Alaska the possession of a judicial mind, even
then his pathway would not be strewn altogether with roses,
for in Seattle and Tacoma he will have to combat with the
learning and ingenuity of some of the acutest and brightest
legal minds in the profession. But in his departure from our
midst, soon to take place, all will wisli Judge Cushman a great
er peace of mind than he now seems destined to enjoy, in pre
siding over the federal court of the Western district of Wash
ington.
-oooo
A SUCCESSOR TO “JUDGE” HEALY
The appointment by Judge Cushman of a successor to M.
E. Ilealy as United States commissioner for the Chitina pre
cinct will come as a surprise in the announcement of the per
son selected. It was known that he had promised the appoint
ment last November after the grand jury reported against con
tinuing Alien Healy in office, to a lawyer of Valdez named
Frank Foster. He gave the promise to a friend in Cordova, the
only proviso being that he could otherwise take care of Thomas
E. Shepard, whom he was inclined to favor. He afterwards ap
pointed Judge Shepard to the commissionersliip at Valdez. And
more recently the rumor was circulated that when a change
was made at Chitina that Charles Scott, an attorney of Valdez,
was to be sent there. In any event, it was presumed that an
at torney or a man of experience would be selected.
However, it seems that the unexpected is rather to be an
ticipated when the court of this division takes action. And it
will be more than a surprise to learn that today Judge Cush
man appointed J. W. Nickell, of Cordova, to the vacant com
missionersliip at Chitina. By reason of the troubled condition
and intense feeling existing in the interior precinct the people
had reason to expect that an experienced and well-balanced
man, of conservative and conciliatory ideas, and with a knowl
edge of the law, would be appointed. In all that interior there
is not a limb of the law, and the necessity for one frequently
arises. But it does not seem to be the policy of Judge Cush
man to do the reasonable and wise thing. And we say this
without any disparagement to Mr. Nickell, who is to be con
gratulated upon his ability to land a ripe plum. It is to be
hoped that he will prove equal to the emergency and render
reasonable and satisfactory service. The responsibility rests
with the appointing judge.
-oooo
CABLE RATE REDUCTION IN DOUBT
All Alaska and the people in the states who have business
or social relations with this territory have been looking for
ward with satisfaction to the 50 per cent temporary reduction
in the cable rates, effective July first. It had been generally
conceded that Congress would favorably act upon this item,
which was included in the army appropriation bill. But dif
ficulties arose between the Senate and the House conferees on
the bill after it had practically* been agreed upon. Then the
provision effecting the temporary reduction of Alaska cable
tolls was stricken out of the measure, with practically no
chance of being restored at the present session. The provision
was agreed upon by the House conferees about May 20, and the
bill ordered reported to both houses, but later differences of
opinion developed and the Alaska toll paragraph was one of
those sacrificed for other concessions which they thought more
desirable, and when the House again adopted the conference
report on the bill on Thursday of this week the cable paragraph
was not included.
Speaking on the justice and wisdom of a reduction in the
Alaska cable tolls, the Seattle Times had an opportune article
on the subject the other day*, as follows:
Alaska’s cable service furnishes a striking commentary on
the suggestion of Postmaster General Hitchcock that “the gov
ernment of the United States should take over and operate all
telegraph and cable systems in the United States.”
The experience of England with its telephone system fre
quently* has been quoted as one of the striking instances where
public operation of a means of communication has been far
more costly than when in private hands.
J. J. Undersood, of Seattle, in an article on “Uncle Sam’s
Telegraph Monopoly” in Leslie’s Weekly*, shows how* the gov
ernment of the United States and the people of this city and
of Alaska have gone through the same general experience.
Explaining the pungent witticism of the North, “Talk is
cheap—but not if you telegraph”—the writer points out that
the rate charged by “Uncle Sam’s telegraph company for a day*
message of ten words from Seattle to Nome, a distance of 2,340
miles by* the steamship route and 2,87!) by* the telegraph and ca
ble route, is $3.80 and 38 cents for each extra w*ord.
“The rate charged by* either of the commercial companies
for a ten-word message from Seattle to New York, about 3,000
miles, is $1, and seven cents for each additional word.
“The day rate for telegraph and cable messages from Seat
tle to London or Berlin, a distance more than twice greater than
from Seattle to Nome, is $2.90.”
The Times some months ago, speaking for Seattle mer
chants and for the business men of Alaska, pointed out the in
convenience and expense to which these interests were sub
jected because of the high cable rates, and voiced their vigorous
demand for a reasonable reduction.
At that time, and subsequently*, the excuse was urged by
government officials that the cost of the cable service rendered
high rates inevitable.
Mr. Underwood points out that the salaries of officers and
enlisted men in the signal service, together with the expense of
maintaining the cableship Burnside—all are charged against
the patrons of the cable, although these agencies give less than
one-quarter of their time to this particular work.
Figuring on this basis and including the cost of govern
mental messages, he shows that last year the enterprise made a
profit of about $251,000.
The moral is plain and is the same as may be observed in
public operation of such utilities anywhere in the world: When
ever the government assumes direction of an utility, the ten
dency always is to load it down with political as well as legiti
mate expense, until the unfortunate patron is forced to pay a
considerably higher price for his service than is the case un
der private management.
-oooo
EDITORIAL COMMENT
The Roosevelt delegates elected at Valdez did not have a
look-in before the national committee, let alone a seat in the
convention. In this instance, at least, regularity has won a
victory.
There are grave fears that the native inhabitants of the
village of Katmai, and possibly other small settlements, have
been completely buried under the debris thrown from the vol
cano eruption.
The Valdez Prospector seems to be independent most of
the time in its expressions on matters of public concern. But
the hypnotic spell of the court official family has been mildly
cast over Editor d’Heiry, and he expresses the intimation that
possibly Mi\ Ilealy is being persecuted. Ye gods! Why, all the
whitewashing of a friendly grand jury and inteersted court
could never possibly wipe out the official stains that have
blotted the record of this self-confessed violator of law.
The right of the government to bring proceedings to can
cel a certificate of citizenship upon the ground that it was il
legally or fraudulently procured was sustained by the Supreme
Court. This may not be pleasing news to U. S. Commissioner
Healv or the official court family at Valdez, but it is true, nev
ertheless.
In cases of extreme distress Congress has been known to
act with commendable promptness. And in affording relief
to the victims of the recent eruption of Mount Katmai it is ex
pected that the resolution introduced yesterday by Delegate
Wickersham and Senator Jones will be promptly and favorably
acted upon.
-uuuu
CHICAGO, June 15.—There was consternation this after
noon in the ranks of the Roosevelt forces, and it now looks as
though there would certainly be two conventions, as it is almost
beyond the possibility for Roosevelt to be nominated at the
tegular convention. Eighteen of the Taft delegates were seat
ed from Texas, and this has caused the Roosevelt managers
much chagrin. They now declare that if the delegates from
the state of Washington are given to Mr. Taft that there will
be two conventions and twro nominees. As it is practically cer
tain that the flimsy pretext upon wdiich the Roosevelt delegates
from Washington seek admission will not avail, it may be pre
sumed that Teddy will be nominated by an harmonious con
tention all his own.
TOLEDO, June 15.—Upon arriving hero enroute to Chica
go Col. Roosevelt declared his determination to tight to the end.
He didn’t make it clear whether he meant to the end of the con
vention or to the end of the campaign.
CHICAGO, June 15.—The delegates elected to the national
convention by the Roosevelt and Wickerslmm forces at the
Valdez convention did not receive much consideration before
the national committee. The contest was brought up just be
fore the committee adjourned last evening. The presentation
of the claims of the regular delegates elected at the Cordova
convention and the opposition forces was made before the com
mittee. There was no argument, but by vote the committee ;le
clined to consider the credentials of the contestants, wliicli left
Mr. Shackleford and Air. Lindeberg as the regular delegates
from Alaska. These two and ten other votes were yesterday
added to the Taft certain column. The committee agreed upon
1 hornas II. Devine as chairman of the committee on creden
tials.
--oooo-—
WASHINGTON, June 10.—The Senate committee on ter
ritories has had the A\ ickersliam-Jones Alaska home rule bill
under consideration for several days past. It was announced
that the bill would be favorably reported probably in a few
days, when it is expected to pass. One important amendment
has been made by the committee. In the bill passed by the
House on April 24 there is a proviso for a Senate of eight mem
bers and a House of sixteen members. The Senate committee
has agreed on one legislative assembly of sixteen members,
four from each judicial division, and if the bill thus passes it
will have to go back to the House for acceptance of this change
There was some talk of changing the capital to Fairbanks or
Valdez, but it was decided to leave the capital at Juneau. The
friends of Alaska are very hopeful that the bill as amended will
pass the Senate and soon he enacted into statute.
-oooo
The wireless station at Whiteshed was occupied during
last night in sending wireless messages received here from va
rious government officials to the revenue cutters McCulloch
and Manning, both being in the neighborhood of Kodiak. It
was difficult for the operator here to receive anything very
definite from the westward. It was reported, however, that
the tug Kedondo had gone from Karluk to the village of Kat‘
mai, but was unable to make a landing as the ashes and sand
were so deep that it was impossible lo reach the shore. They
could see no evidence of life and the inference was that the
people had either sought refuge farther down the coast or had
been completely obliterated by the flow that came from the
volcano. Many of the messages intended for the Manning are
not received direct, as the vessel is in a sheltered bay with high
hills around. A cannery tender at Karluk is better situated
and takes the wireless, sending the messages to the Manning
by a tug. The revenue cutter Bear is reported as having ar
rived at Kodiak. The tug Printer has been sent to Afognuk
Island to ascertain the condition of the people in the two or
three villages on the island, of whom nothing has been heard.
It is feared that they have met with disaster. It is expected
that by Monday more definite information can be received con
cerning the probable loss of life and details of the injury done
to property and lands.
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■ ■ U. S. Mineral Surveyor
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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, 902 F Street
N. W. (opposite Gen’l Land Office),
Washington, D. C. Free information
about contests and where to obtain
scrip, locatable upon public lands,
without residence or cultivation.
D. A. GRIFFIN,
DENTIST
All v/ork guaranteed. Prices reason
able. In Tibbs’ Building.
Chitina, Alaska.
Feed, Fuel
and
j
Lumber
HAY, KUAN, OATS, CHOPS,
ROLLED BAH LEY
We can make prompt ship
ments to points on the rail
road. Our feed is the very
best quality.
0. A. Nelson & Co.
CHITINA