The Chitina Leader
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CHITINA, ALASKA,
Entered as second class matter, November 12, 1910, at the postoffice i
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
SYDNEY D. CHARLES, City Editor
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. 3.30
LET US MINE OUR OWN COAL.
CORDOVA, ALASKA, SATURDAY, AUGUST 26. 1911.
A DEMAND FOR BRIDGES AND TRAILS.
—
If Secretary* Fislier conies in close contact with the miners
of the interior country he will not escape until he learns ol
the positive necessity for trails, roads and bridges. Other thar
constructing a bridge across the Kotsiua river four years ago
and which has since washed away, the government has nevei
spent a dollar in that populous and rich mining section east
of the Copper river and in the Kotsina-Chitina-Nizina belt
Through the failure to build across the swift and ever chang
ing Xizina river many lives have been lost, much unnecessary
hardship endured, and development retarded. A numerously
signed petition will soon be presented to the Alaska Road Com
mission, praying for a life saver across a narrow channel ol
the Xizina. And possibly Secretary Fisher may be prevailed
upon to use his influence to secure the much needed structure
-nnnn
MUCK-RAKED ALASKA.
Muck-rakers have done for Alaska what revolutionist;
do for Latin-American republics. Just as revolutionists i)
Mexico or Central Ameirca create in the mind of the ordinary
American investor a reasonable doubt as to the permanency
of title to property there, so have the muck-rakers on Alaski
created in the mind of the average American an impressioi
that the government is likely at any time to declare tha)
a property* owner in Alaska came by his property fraudulently
and that the whole territory is subject to confiscation by tin
government. Such seems to be the opinion of President Taft
and we believe his opinion is sound. W hatever the adminis
tration has done toward Alaska has been contorted by tin
scandal mongers in order to make a sensational story, regard
less of justice or the effect upon the progress and prosperity
of the territory.
In the same way that Grover Cleveland inherited fron
the preceding administration a bad financial mess, the blame
for which his enemies tried to throw upon him, so President
Taft inherited from the preceding administration a very bad
mess of laws and regulations and executive orders regardin'
Alaska. These have been seized upon by' Muck-rakers, writ
ing in the pay of enemies of the president, and distorted to
embarrass the administration as much as possible. The Cun
ningham coal claims formed the storm-center of the Ballinger
Pinchot controversy, the biggest load the administration ha;
had to bear. But the cause of it all goes back to the stupk
coal land laws passed by congress in 1904 and 1908 and tin
lawless withdrawal edict by President Roosevelt in 190(5
and fairminded people will place the blame where is right
fully belongs.
-oooo
Alrfed H. Brooks, in his latest report on Alaska, rathe)
makes light of the Alaska delegate’s fears for the control oi
the three “gateways” into Alaska by great combinations ol
capital. Mr Brooks had better beware. When Major Richard
son disagreed at Washington with the delegate on mattei’s oi
fact in Alaska, the delegate set out to get the major’s scalp
with the result that the major was promoted to the ranks oi
colonel. If Mr. Brooks doesn’t watch out, he will be the nexi
to be attacked by the delegate, which ought to land him ii
the office of director of the geological survey.—Fair bank;
XlillTO.
A Maryland man has been drunk 88 times in 139 days
But perhaps it was the same drunk.
-oooo
The erection of a monument to Mark Twain is all right
but he really did not need it to be remembered.
-oooo
Vice President Sherman is president of an ice company
What peculiar affinity exists between the Vice Presidency
and the ice business. >
-oooo
Secretary Nagel is unalterably opposed to Attorney Gen
eral Wickersham’s suggestion of government control of prices.
The President will need his judicial mind when he listens tc
the advice of these members of his cabinet.
-oooo
Mr. James Hazen Hyde offers a $200 prize for the best
manuscript tending to promote better understanding between
the French and American people. Mr. Hyde, it will be ob
served is not nearly so lavish as he once was.
-oooo
Someone says that “John D. Rockefeller is an incurable
optimist.” He can afford to be, but there are any number of
confirmed pessimists who snarl every time they recall the
fact.
-oooo
In New York a contracting company whose operations had
destroyed a number of shade trees had to pay $500 a piece
damage and the judgment has been affirmed by the ultimate
court. Sounds rather severe, but the contracting company
needed to learn that while you can chop down a fine shade
tree in 2’ minutes you cannot reproduce it in 25 years.
(From Saturday's Cordova Daily A.askan.)
Secretary of Interior Walter L. Fisher, accompanied by Walter E.
Clark and other members of his party, arrived here this morning at 9:30
o’clock on the revenue cutter Tahoma. They were met at the dock by th<
reception committee of the Chamber of Commerce, consisting of Messrs.
John Y. Ostrander. Geo. C. Ilazelet A. J. Adams, James Flynn and H. G
Steel, as well as a large number of citizens. As the Tahoma came uj
the bay salutes were fired and the whistles of the steamer Edith an.,
engines at the dock blown. The weather was ideal and in contrast with
the kind they have been experiencing at other places. As soon as all
had an opportunity of meeting Secretary Fisher and Governor Clark
they boarded the automobile in waiting and made a trip through the town.
On account of having lost a day at Katalla the party was anxious to
go over the railroad as far as Kennecott at noon, in order to be hack
here early Monday and leave immediately for the westward. This neces
sitated the calling of a mass meeting at 11 o'clock, if our people were
to he given an opportunity to hear Mr. Fisher, and although the notice
was short Eagle Hall was crowded. President Adams, of the Chamber of
Commerce, stated that a brief of our needs had been prepared by a special
committee appointed by the Chamber, and he called upon Chairman John
Y. Ostrander to read the document, which set forth in a concise and able
manner conditions as they exist in Alaska and pointed the relief needed
if the resources of the territory are to be developed.
Secretary Fisher was tnen called upon to address Die audience and
he was given an enthusiastic ovation. Mr. Fisher delivered a very pleasing
address, which deeply impressed our people with his sincerity of purpose
in attempting to solve the problems that are of such vital interest to
Alaskans. He stated that it afforded him great pleasure to actually be in
Oordova and see conditions as the peopie here see them. While ho could
not be expected to express his conclusions until lie had completed his tour
jf investigation he did not hesitate to express the opinion that something
vou'.d he done, and that very soon, to develop the resources of the ter
•itory. He congiatulated the Chamber of Commerce upon the intelligent
md tempered manner in which it had presented the grievances of the
.eople by explaining conditions, instead of devoting its entire efforts to
criticising; that he was particularly phased with the suggestions of con
structive legislation. While he could not agree with all the document con
rained, he declared that he was in absolute accord with the main pur
pose and fundamental principles, and glad to know that the sentiment here
vas against allowing the coal question to get into partisan politics, lie
dated the people in Alaska could do their part to prevent this condition
>f affairs and he assured us that he also would do his part.
The Secretary expressed his regret that Congress had not adjourned
arlier, in order that he might have been allowed more time to spend in
Cordova and along this coast, but while the so-called Controller Bay
ontroversy was on the President naturally desired the members of the
abinet to be in Washington in case he found it necessary to consult them
n reference to proposed legislation or other important matters.
. Mr. Fisher stated that he could say with absolute accuracy that no
>ne was more interested in evolving some constructive policy for Alaska
han President Taft, and that the administration was not responsible for
he present conditions as the remedy lies with Congress. All the admin
straiion can do is to offer suggestions and this the President has done
n every message, in a most definite and vigorous manner, im
pressing upon hte law-makers at every opportunity of the needs of the
erritory. He felt satisfied that congress was tuny alive to tne snua
ion and necessity of immediate action, but not perfectly clear as the
iind of legislation that was best for all concerned. As to himself Mr.
Wisher is heartily in favor of constructive legislation and promises to do
ill he can along that line.
As to the settlement of the coal claims he must either apply a drastic
Penalty or throw them open. The prime necessity is cheap fuel and lie was
n Absolute accord with the people -on that question, but as to its de
velopment is a matter that must be settled. This once disposed of and an
agreement of the general proposition is solved> the details to be worked out
ater. Mr. Fisher says he believes in treating all questions with absolute
andor and as the subject matter is a vital and serious one he would ask
.he citizens of Alaska not to make up their minds too hastily on the leas
ng question. While he does not want to be quoted as saying that this
jlan will be adopted, he is not prepared to say that it is not the best system
for all parties concerned.
Secretary Fisher says he came here to get information first-hand auu
•onsequently cannot be placed in the obvious position of ascertaining
acts and then giving any opinion before having had an opportunity to;
study conditions and meet the people. In consequence he must deal largely j
n generalities in addressing the residents of Alaska on this trip, lie
telieved, however, that some definite plan would be evolved by congress
o solve the coal problem, and there was a conviction among the people
generally that Alaska was entitled to remedial legislation.
When Mr. Fisher took office he found all of the Bering river coal
>atents pending and one of the first things he did was to instruct the com
missioner of the Land Office to investigate the claims with a view to
oming to an immediate decision. He also learned what appropriation
vas available so that he could send a large force of men into the coai
ields and he will decide these cases as soon as their reports are received.
‘You are going to be treated the same as people in other parts of the
jnited States and all cases decided on their merits, after liberally con
struing the law. These claims will be decided as the law and the facts
,'all for so far as I am concerned. If any claimant is entitled to patent
he sooner he gets that claim and allowed patent the better it would
dease me. But this doesn't mean the throwing dowrn of the bars, but
he treating of man as man.”
The secretary concluded his remarks by saying that he thought Gor
lova w-as able to take care of itself, as was evidenced by its recent
•oal party, which had proven a big advertisement. A graphic story
lad been printed on the front page of all the newspapers of the country
tnd everybody read it and smiled at the enterprise of our people. Mr. '
Fisher stated that he had not intended to make an address before he j
ante here, but the character and tone of the resolutions adopted by th» ;
Jhamber of Commerce were entitled to be treated seriously, which h* i
;ays he attempted to do brieiiy. At the conclusion of his remarks Sec-1
.etary Fisher was liberally applauded as he inspired confidence and hope !
by the sincerity of his purpose and his words of encouragement.
Governor Walter E. Clark w as next called upon to address the I
assemblage, but as their time was limited he spoke briefly. He con- i
granulated the Chamber of Commerce on the resolutions presented, and j
stated that he felt as much pride in their tone, temperate views and in- i
telligent form as if he had been elected to his present office by the1
votes of the people. The governor said that while he might not be j
willing to subscribe to all that had been said he believed with Secretary |
Fishei in their general tone and purport; that the people of Alaska liked
straight talk and he thought the Secretary had said all he was ready to
say until he had an opportunity to make further observation. He felt sure
the people had confidence in Mr. Fisher and knew that he has formed a
great liking for the Alaskans. Governor Clark has the conviction that
this visit of the Secretary means a better day for Alaska, as he is earnest
in his desire to solve the questions that are most paramount in import
ance to the people of this district.
Spanish aid for the Portugese Republic may proceed from
the belief that it may keep the Spanish Republicans quiet.
Assisting the Portugese Royalists might very well incite ike
Republicans in Spain to a counter demonstration.
--oooo
One bunch of American aviators threaten to fly in Europe
unless bigger purses are put up here. Well, if they can collect
more abroad that is where they ought to go since it is the
money they are after.
_
Washington, Aug. 26.—Experts
pronounce that the new one pound
earoplane gun is a success.
Kingston, Jamaica, Aug. 26.—The
British steamer Alice, with the priti-:
cipal officers of the Atlantic Fruit
company on board, was wrecked on {
the coast of Nicaragua.
When in need of job printing of
any kind give us a call.
FORFEITURE NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given Charles Gar
wood that his interest in the Tjose
vig rgonp of mines, will cease at the
expiration of the publication of this
notice, unless he pays $50 as his
share of the assessment work for
1904, $50 for 1905, $50 for 1906
and $50 for 1909.
CHRISTIAN TJOSEVIG.
Dated this 14th day of Aug., 1911.
D: A GRIFFIN,
DENTIST
All work guaranteed. Brices reason
able. In Tibbs' Building.
Chitina, Alaska.
DR. CHAS. THOM
Physician and Surgeon
Now permanently located at Chitina, |
Alaska.
SAVOY
RESTAURANT
Opposite C.'iitina Trading Co.
The Only First-Class Cafe in
Chitina
Air.erican and European Flan
Dinner 75c up
A la Carte all day
Cater to special dinner parties.
Chitin
Ph rmacy
Drugs Toilet Articles
and magazines our
Specialties
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Chitina, Alaska.
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CHITINA HEIGHTS
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Billiards Pool *
CIGARS j
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Confectionery |
Soft Drinks and *
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TIBBS BROS.
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♦ Main Street, — Chitina. ♦
f t .V; 11. i. n i ,t 1111, n i, 11
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, fXJ’ F Street
N. W. (opposite Gtn'l Land Office),
Washington, D. C. Free information
about contests and where to obtain
scrip, locatablc upon public lands,
without residence or cultivation.
| Log j
i Cabin :
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x ■ x
=~": f
•4
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:: GOOD COFFEE l
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