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.
r ONLY NEWSPAPER IN CHITINA
j. Published every Saturday by
y|fyT- A. STEEL—Editors, Managers and Proprietors—HARRY o. STEEL
Office: Hotel Chitina Building. Cordova Office: Daily Alaskan
. Seattle Office: 551 Colman Building.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
One Month ...
Six Months .
ADVERTISING RATES
Made known upon application. They will be found reasonable for the service
given. Official publication for legal advertisements pertaining to mineral lands
of the Copper Rive: Cistrict. ____
CHITINA, ALASKA,. TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1914
AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST
Valdez had a day of rejoicing over the contemplation of
that town as the headquarters of the Alaska Engineering
Commission. Then Seward jollified for a couple of days over
a similar prospect. And yesterday it was announced that for
the present at least the headquarters would he maintained at
Seattle. And next we shall expect to hear that the Commission
will positively come to Cordova to direct the survey and
construction of the railroad into the Bering river coal fields,
as this is likely to be the first building to be done. The
announcement made today by President Wilson before a
conference with congressmen that he was anxious for the
speedy passage of the Alaska coal leasing bill, may result in
that act becoming a law before the adjournment of the present
Congress. In that event it is more than likely that the branch
from the Copper River & Northwestern Railway, from Mile 38
to the coal fields in the Bering district, would be commenced
before the snow flies.
THE COLORADO HORROR
Were it not for the engrossment in the international
conflict at Vera Cruz the nation would be horrified by the more
deadly results of the industrial warfare in Colorado, in which
women and children have been the chief victims. Of the
merits of the dispute we lack definite information, but that it
should have been permitted to reach the stage of anarchy
reported in the recent dispatches from Trinidad, is a disgrace
to the state of Colorado. The ruthless methods employed,
both by the state forces and the strikers, resulting in the firing
of the tent colony and the trapping of women and children in
the pits beneath the burning tents, shames civilization.
The attitude of the state forces in labor disputes in
Colorado has repeatedly been called in question. Instead of
preserving order and enforcing law it has been charged that
the officers have aligned themselves with the corporations and
made common war on the union workers. This, if true, would
explain, though not excuse, the violent attitude'of the strikers
and the open warfare so often reported in the state. Lawless
ness begets lawlessness, and the perversion of the power of the
state breeds anarchy.
The industrial record of Colorado has been a bloody one.
The corruption of state politics there has been a byword. The
two taken together may explain each other. Now the federal
forces are trying to handle the situation.
AN AUTOMOBILE SERVICE
The Cordova Good Roads Club can see the early realiza
tion of their advocated plans for a passenger and fi’eight auto
service between Chitina and Fairbanks. Soon cars will be run
on a regular schedule of 48 hours actual running time between
the interior points, and as the trade increases the number of
machines will be increased. As the roads are improved the
running time over the course of 320 miles will be materially
reduced. And after one or more lines of automobiles are
operating between Chitina and the valley of the Tanana Ave
shall expect to see th postal department route the summer as
Avell as the winter mail, via Chitina. It would give the
residents of the interior a regular and quick service such as
they have been demanding for a couple of years past. The
running of auto trucks will also giA'e a cheaper freight rate to
the mining camps and the road houses, at least on the southern
half of the distance. ^\e shall now look to see Colonel
Richardson and the other members of the Alaska Road
Commission make needed improvements to the government
road oA’er which the autos will run.
THROW OUT NEW LINES
During the many months past while sentiment Avas being
made concerning the aA^ailable terminal ports for trunk line
railroads the CordoAra Chamber of Commerce was in a dormant
state. Now that the matter of routes lias been thoroughly gone
into and the president has some pretty well defined ideas on
the subect, some of the members of our new organization think
that Washington officials may be influenced by importing a
Seattleite to exploit our advantages. As a matter of fact
e\erything possible that might influence the President in the
selection of Cordova as a terminal port, has been presented to
him by the head officials of the Copper Rnn?r & Northwestern
Railway. And those facts are also largely contained in the
report of the Alaska Railroad Commission, which the President
has thoroughly digested. And it is possible that even uoav the
negotiations that have been going on for some weeks past
between the President’s representatives and the railroad
officials have been closed and CordoAra selected as a terminal
port either for a branch line to the coal fields or for a trunk
line to the Tanana, or both. The Chamber has much effective
work that it may accomplish and no doubt will soon be
bending its energies in the effort to secure an additional pay
roll in C ordoAra and tributary country. We need enterprises
that will employ men, create homes, and bring in more
foreign money.
ESTABLISHING OUR COPPER DISTRICT
A third shipmnt this spring of rich c6pper ore from the
district tributary to the Nizina river is indicative of such
progress at the property of the Mother Lode Copper Mines Co.
that will soon insure the regular working of a permanent
shipping mine. This company has pursued work with almost
obstinate persistency when it was almost impossible to induce
capital to invest in Alaskan properties. But the results of
their patience, courage and able direction are now becoming
apparent and fully justify the faith they have always main
tained in the value of their “Marvelous” property. During
the present year nearly $100,000 has already been expended
in the purchase of new machinery and the installation of the
same.
For the past six weeks James J. Godfrey, president of the
company, has been at the mine, as he periodically has been
for years, directing the extensive work that is now in progress.
His familiarity with Alaskan conditions and knowledge of
the men who labor in the nortldand has been of incalculable
value in securing the .best possible results not only in the
installation of machinery but in the opening up of the property.
The peojde of Cordova and of the Copper River country are
almost as much interested in the development of this property
as are the officers and stockholders in the company.
The Mother Lode promises soon to be a regular shipper of
ore that runs over 50 per cent in copper, and tends to bear out
the contention that the district in the interior from Cordova is
among the richest known copper producing countries in the
world. The Bonanza mine at Kennecott has permanently
established itself by reason of the $4,000,000 paid in dividends
since shipment commenced in April 1911. It is expected that
in the course of a few months the Mother Lode will be shipping
from 100 to 200 tons per day of high grade ore. And that
would seem to establish the interior district beyond question.
Other mines are also being developed that will soon be big and
rich producers.
LONGING EYES TOWARD CORDOVA
The school teachers of the country are an intelligent ana
progressive body of males and females, largely the latter.
They give positive evidence of their superiority, insomuch as
130 of them are willing and anxious to come to Cordova. And
of course the rest of the profession would be willing to come if
they were not so tied up that they cannot get away at present.
Applications to the number of 130 were read last night before
the school board, and from the claims set forth and references
offered, it is evident that some mighty smart school marms are
anxious to take a trun at some of the bright striplings in our
town.
And most of them are so attractive looking that they knew
they took no adverse chances in also sending their latest photo.
And as many of these pleading eyes of different hue looked
appealingly into the countenance of the stern clerk of Ihc*'
board, he could not refrain from frequently commenting, as he
reluctantly passed over the correspondence, “very attractive
personality.” The members of the board were so overwhelmed
with photos and applications that it was necessary to effect an
adjournment until this evening before deciding upon the
selection of two teachers to direct the educational destinies of
our 30 or 40 school pupils.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
The Alaska Engineering Commission have started in on
their arrangements as though they intended to compete with
the record of the Panama commission in the way of quick
action and rapidity of construction.
Gentlemanly owners of mines in Northern Mexico are said
to be resuming their industry. Which indicates that Carranza
and Villa do not take all the available men to tight with.
Colonel Goethals came in with a characteristic announce
ment that if necessary battleships could go through the canai
on short notice.
Secretary Redfield announces that living cost is lower all
over the wold. But isn’t this claiming a little too much?
Governor Strong is still at Washington and it is not now
likely that he will be among the party of excursionists to leave
Seattle on May 15 for this part of Alaska. The latest informa
tion is to the effect that President Alexander of the Alaska
Pacific Navigation Company will have nearly 100 prominent
business men as his guests. Several well known railroad
magnates, including Louis Hill, will be among the
excursionists.
It only needs the announcement from Washington of the
selection of a surveying party to work between Chitina and
Fairbanks to make our people believe that the long hoped for
prosperity and growth in this section is about to be realized.
Reports from the outside indicate that the crowds around
the bulletin boards are less concerned about the news from the
battlefield than the returns from the ballfield.
New York’s newest industry, an infant one at that, is
renting babies to defendants in police court to excite sympathy
and secure leniency.
And there is beginning to be talk of primaries, conven
tions and elections in Alaska. In November next a delegate to
Congress, four members of the senate and eight members of
the house of the Territorial legislature will be elected. There
are some ambitious Cordova politicians who think they could
grace legislative'halls at Juneau.
The poles have all been discovered, but the bold spirit of
the adventurous is not discouraged. He can break his neck in
an aeroplane in any latitude, and need not freeze himself
through an Arctic winter in order to do it.
Bv carefully locking up his army each night, Coxey is able
to find it the next morning.
T h National D. A. R. election has just occurred without a
stormy session. Another record is established.
If our invasion establishes an agreement between federals
id Constitutionalists, we will gain at least an established
government with which we can treat for peace and safety for
our citzens.
Why Not Invest?
Witli the building of the government railroad from
Chitina to Fairbanks, the future of the Town of Chitina
is assured.
Lots are still offered at attractive prices and there
are many desirable ones remaining.
A few months later lots in Chtiina will be held at
largely increased values. Why not invest NOW?
GEO. C. HAZELET,
Agent Chitina Townsite Company.
TIN SHOP
IN SHUSHANNA
No more need to carry
STOVES and TINWARE
over the long trail to the
interior, as we are pre
pared to fill all orders in
our tin shop.
W. H. CARSTENS & CO.
SHUSHANNA - - ALASKA
Chitina GRILL
Good Eats for Particular People
Prompt Service. Popular Service.
Next to Chitina Hotel.
CHITINA : : : ALASKA.
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10. ADRIAN NELSON l
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: U. S. Mineral Surveyor :
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:: CHITINA l - - ALASKA i|
CHITINA: BAKERY
AM)
Coffee House
HENRY CJESSNER, Prop.
FRESH BREAD, CAKES AND
PIES ALWAYS ON HAND
4-44 44 4 4»4444 4-444 4 4 4 4 44-4-4-44
| Chitina j
j Pharmacy I
4 44444444444*4*44444444 4
l DRUGS, 4
| STATIONERY, I
x CANDIES, 1
4 KODAK SUPPLIES t
J CIGARS & TOBACCO 1
Ilf you cannot call, write t
us. MAIL orders our ♦
Specialty. X
A. G. MOREY, Prop, j
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^5sa Let Lewis Help
"Pointer* lor Amatear*’’ will help you to better
pictures—it’s free. Send us your films for develop
ing and printing. Fnlarging. Developing l(te roll,
any size; printing. 3c up. Cash with order. You'll
find our work batter. Photo supplier. Dept. S.
g*:.g ? ?***zSj
■ WWHWWI4W I > ■»'! < >
i GROCERIES, HARDWARE ::
: — and=i-_= ::
! MEAT MARKET
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| We have a big line of Sec- • •
• ond-Hand Goods, and can ■ •
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1 save you money on your out- ..
. fit. Bunk House, with free !
I Cook House, in connection.
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CHITINA HEIGHTS
; C. A. SIMONS & CO.
HAY, BRAN. OATS. CHOPS,
KOLLKJ) BAULKY
I
We can make prompt ship
ments to points on tiie rail
road. Our feed is the very
best quality.
0. A. Nelson & Co.
CHI I INA
1. IIIIIIMMHUIHH
HOTEL il
I WASHINGTON II
ANNEX
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> SEATTLE
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• New, modern and fireproof. 1 ■
| All outside rooms 11
I The most conveniently located |!
| hotel In the city. j \
> Kooms and suites are particu> ! 1
! larly large. ] J
i Very desirable for families or ! ’
l , ,
, parties traveling together. ,,
: RATES MODERATE
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• Auto-bus meets ull boats and • >
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• trains. Write for booklet. ■ ■
‘ i J-H.| DAVIS, Prep*;; ^