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ALASKA DAILY EMPIREf J. F. A. STRONG. Application has been made to the postodlce department for the entry of this newspaper aa second claaa mat ter. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One Year, by mall $10.00 Six Months, by mall 5.00 Per Month, delivered 1.00 JUNEAU. ALASKA. NOV. 2. 1912. FOREWORD. With this, the tlrst issue of the Alaska Daily Empire, a few lines as to its purposes may not be altogether inappropriate. In the first place every effort will be made to make it a newspaper for Alaskans and those who wish to learn of Alaska, its re sources and its people, wherever they may be located. Politically it will be strictly in dependent. reserving the right to honestly commend or fairly criticize any political party that may be in control of the federal or territorial administrations. The people o' Alas ka ask for and expect a square deal from the Congress and government of the United States. We believe they have seldom received it. but iu the coining years conditions may change, aud wrongs inflicted be re dressed. with a more intimate and comprehensive knowledge of .his territory and its needs, on the part Of our national lawmakers. Notwithstanding the many dlsabil lues under which Alaska has labored f -r years past, partly >.ue to polii.es ai-d particularly due to ignorance, in pin formation and misdirected zeal. ? u the part of the uaiiv.ua! school of n'tra conservationist i. the growth uud ?? eli.pi.a-n. of this gxeat conv .u \iulth?ti e 1-u.t of >he contl ontal territories- -has oocn greatly retard ed, if uot absolutoly prohibited in im portant sections. A change of policy by the federal administration wo be lieve to be indispensable to the end that the people of Alaska may be permitted to enjoy the fruits of their labors in developing its great lat ent natural resources. The land Is the people's and the fulness thereof; the treasures of the sea should be for the beneflt of all, not the few. Tho Empire received its name be cause of the fact that Alaska is an empire within itself, and as such this territory is fairly entitled to Imperial treatment at the hands of the federal government. In the development of Alaska's magnitlcient natural resources there should he unanimity of purpose. There should be n> room for section al strife: factional differences pro duce nothing but a crop of dragon's teeth. This newspaper has been started as a legitimate business enterprise, its proprietor has been closely iden tilled with the territory for many years and in a small measure, at least, is acquainted with its history, the people of the various sections, Every honest effort, therefore, will be made to further every legitimate interest, and give the fullest publici ty to the progress being made in the development of its resources. Southeastern Alaska is especially rich in minerals, in fish and lumber. It is believed that this section is on the eve of a wonderful development, which will result in a vast increase in its mineral output and a conse quent large Increase in its perma nent population and substantial growth in its trade and commerce. The Empire desires to bear a modest part in the upbuilding of Alaska and in the betterment of the conditions which environ its people. It will al ways be found to have the courage of its covlctions on all mtters of pub lic moment. Patriotism and civic pride, harmony and unity of purpose are prime essentials in the upbuild ing of country or community. For all these The Empire will consist ently labor. THE TERRITORIAL ELECTION. Reports from the different Judic ial divisions of the territory are to the effect that the election of sena tors and representatives to Alaska's first legislature is not a matter of paramount interest with the elector ate. This is to be regretted for the plain and simple reason that this election marks an important era in Alaska's history. It is the begin ning of that boon which is regard cd as a priceless American heritage ?the right of the people to govern themselves. And while the people of Alaska have not objected to the government itseir they have objected to the qual ity of the government medicine they have been per force com pelled to take from time to time. Another reason for the indiffer ence of the people, which, after all, may be more apparent than real, may pehaps be traced to dissatisfaction with the extreme limitations which Congress saw fit to place upon the territorial act creating the legisla ture. But the law is an accomplished fact. Perhaps It was the best that could be secured. It has been de scribed as a mere skeleton. It is in fact. But even an animated skeleton, with due nursing by careful hands, may be fattened and rounded out in to something resembling a state of pulchritude. Anyway there is time and room for hope. The legislature's powers may be expanded, with the lapse of time and the attainment of experience, until its functions shall era-1 brace important matters now placed beyond its touch. And it must not be forgotten that the legislature can always exercise the right to memor ialise Congress u?d tell that uugust body what it would like to have done. And if the local legislature be com posed of just and intelligent men its requests would, we believe, be given considertion at Washington. The important matter is the se lection of good men for the first leg taluturc. Don't overlook the fact that there will be more work for them to do than the drawing of their salaries and the "blowing of them in." If the legislature is limited in its powers, still it has the right to initiate and recommend constructive legislation for the Congress to act upon. In this respect alone it may be a power for good if its member ship be niade up of honest and capa ble meu. The important matter, it seems to us, for the people of the different Ju dicial divisions, to select the best men, those who will best represent the peoplo its a whole, no matter what their previous political condi tion?or servitude. Their political affiliations in national politics are not a mater of moment. | There are candidates enough in all the divisions from which good selec tions con be made. In most pases, I at any rate, their virtues and their [ faults are known. It is for the peo j pie themselves to determine what sort of history the first territorial leg | islature will make. A NEW ERA DAWNING. Southeastern Alaska is the most prosperous section of a great terri tory. It is having an awakening espec ially the country in and about and di rectly tributary to Juneau. Extensive development of mining properties that \ v lop.uent of mining properties that have long been idle for various teas ens, litigation oeing a contribul'ng factor, have been undertaken the pvst summer. The work being done Is bona tide and of large proport oi.s The different concerns engageu in developing mines, preparing to ha Id mills, running immense tunnels to fa cilitate the handling of ore, building 11 am ways and railroads to the mines, etc., are all strong institutions, well Pna.iced aud ably managed. Within the next two or three years millions of dollars will be thus ex pended. This means the steady em ployment of a large amount of labor and a largely increased popular on. the expansion of general business and the upbuilding of the towns of this section. Across the Gastlneaux the develop ments are steady and the outlook was was never better. Enterprise and careful management are every where evident. Expansion along safe, producing lines is in progress. There is no pessimism existent. The spirit of optimism fills the air. Re sults are being obtained?the essen tials that make for steady and per manent progress. To ensure the best results the co-oeration of all the peo ple is necessary. All are working, or should be workiug, in a common cause. It is up to each and ail to do their best, and if this be done there need be no fear for the future. Alaska has illimitable natural re sources which must be used for the benefit of all the people. THE POLITICAL FORECASTER. It is always noticeable that on the eve of a national election the wise forecasters become remarkably busy, and one may get any kind of "fore cast" that may be desired. Fore casting is not an exclusive privilege, except as it may be confined to weath er sharps. Only a few of the elect are permitted to work the goosebone. But it's differeut in politics. If one is a red-hot partisan his party is go ing to win; must win, in fact. And so now, with the presidential contest to be decided within a few brief hours, we are threatened with the election of three presidents of the United States?If you are to be lieve the most solemn asseverations of the different campaign managers and other statesmen, politicians and near politicians?Republicans, Demo crats, Bull Moosers. It does not follow, necessarily, that a political forecaster is a deliberate falsifier; sometimes his enthusiasm runs away with his judgment. His discretion becomes lost in the clos ing days of the fight. He thinks that he stands at Armageddon, when, as a matter of cold fact, he is headed up Salt Creek?a stream, by the way, much frequented by Democrats dur ing the past twenty years. However, no matter what forecasts the cult of political forecasters may formulate, there are certain signs and indications which may be read ily seen by the observer, whose eyes are not obfuscated by the smoke of political partisanlsm It would, there fore, seem as though the Woodrow Wilson forecasters had somewhat the best of their competitors, with Taft or Roosevelt in the second place, strictly according to the po litical trend of the recipient's mind. The republican party problem is not hard to solve. If it were united there probably would be little doubt of its success at the polls. But it would seem that it'cannot win?half republican and half bull moose. Its strength is divided, while the demo crats seoro to be n.-esenting a greai er solidarity than for many years past This "forecast" is no better, and possibly no worse than the multi tude that are being hurled at a long suffering public just now. THE BALKAN WAR. Tho war cloud in the Balkans, which has been gathering force Tor many yours, seems to he emptying vials of wrath upon die hereditary enemy of the Balkan states, and Greece is gallantly aiding in the light against the "unspeakable Turk." The traveler in Europe and Asia soon be comes acquainted with Turkish mis rule, butchery or tyranny, wherever the crescent flag floats. The "blight of tho Turk" it is called In the fair and sunny lands dominated by Tur key. The hatred of the Balkan peo ple for the Turks is rock-ribbed and ancient. It le as deep-seated today as it was centuries ago. It is some thing which the hand of time has not effaced, nor will it be obliterated so long as Turkey exists as a nation of Europe. Greece shares the hatred of the Turks, and these combined peo ples are making a heroic fight against tholr blood-sceptered foe. How long the war may last is prob lematical?possibly until the TurkB shall have been defeated; probably only so long as the leading powers shall permit it to continue. Turkey has been the "sick man of Europe" for many years; his physicians have been the great powers, but Turkey's disease is chronic because it is an anomaly and an anachronism in the affairs of Europe. Some day the map of Europe will undergo a change and Turkoy-ln-Eu rope will be no more. How soon Is a question which the future must de cide. The Balkan war is of more than usual Importance to the people of the United States, inasmuch as there is scarcely a town In America which has not a quota of people from the Bal kans or from Greece. Tho devotion which they are showing for the fa therland is marked. Thousands have returned to engage in the strugglo; others are contributing money to aid the fight. Their governments have told them that their personal ser vices will not be needed, but still they go. The spirit that held the pass at Thermoplyae and other his torical battlefields survives. 1 .[ I 1 v { SIDELIGHTS | ir; i m n in m m 11 m ml Will it be a donkey, an elephant, or u bull moose? ? ? ? There will be some optimists out of a job after election day. Also a marked Increase in the pessimistic crop. ? ? ? It is noted that all the platforms of the different parties which have candidates - for the territorial legis lature urge the conservation of the fishing industry. It is .ell. Our sal mon fisheries, particularly, have been exploited. Not for the benefit of Alaska and Alaskans but largely for the use and behoof of outside In terests. Under existing law the re leasing of salmon fry to perpetuate the supply is a hollow mockery, a delusion and a snare. The tax on the output should be increased to a reasonable amount, and alien fisher men Bhould be rigidly excluded. The herring, and In fact all other Alas ka fisheries, demand Immediate at tention. ? ? ? A Seattle newspapor In a recent issue, states that formerly the "na tives of the Northern Coast" used to place trees and brush in the her ring spawning grounds so that the spawn could be gathered and after wards well smoked and pre served for food. We do not know the facts, but even if the story be true, the spawn thus taken was for a worthy cause. The destruction of Alaska food fish for fertilizing pur poses seems to have developed into a crying evil. ? ? ? "I became an American citizen by purchase," said George Kostromet inoff. of Sitka, who was in Juneau recently. Mr. KostrometlnofT was born under the Russian flag while it still floated over Alaska. By the treaty of purchase he and all other Russian subjects in Alaska became American citizens. Mr. Kostrometin off is now visiting New York for the first time. Hitherto his excursions abroad have been no further than San Francisco. ? ? ? Starting a newspaper in any town is beset with many difficulties, all ot which, however, may be over come by the exercise of patience. It is hoped that The Empire will be a power for good in the development and upbuilding ot Juneau and South eastern Alaska. It 1b intended to make it a first-class newspaper in all respects?fair and clean and coura geous. What more could be asked or expected? It may be well here to emphasize the fact that Tho Em pire Is not in politics, neither is its proprietor. Politics is a mere inci dental to a legitimate business in dustry. As a matter of fact Alaska has been suffering, and is still suffer ing from a glut of politics. More w ork and less talk of partisan poll tics may accomplish something tangi ble for the territory. Acting Governor W. L. Dlstin yes terday wired the/ press and mayors of all towns of Alaska requesting "that all schools and public buildings half-mast flags" today, Nov. 2. in re spect to th6 memory of Vice Pres ident Sherman, who passed away on Thursday of this week. It wan a graceful act on the part of Gen. Dls tin in thus paying a tribute to the memory of a distinguished Amorlcan and a patriotic citizen. Douglas has a live wire In the person of M. J. O'Connor. Ho Is a man of many virtues'and, no doubt, hus u few faults, but candor is not one of ttaom. The Celtic blood which flows in his veins (b never sluggish. He has boon in America for a matter of twonty-flve years, and he lost no time in identifying himself with the country, for it is rolated that the second night after he landod in Sat Francisco, ho wont down to the Armory and joined the National Guard. Last summer he visited the place of his birth It is averred that he became Beusick or homesick on his return voyage across the Atlan tic, and according to Charlie Hopp, of the Douglas News, with this re sult: It is good to see the Old World and its antiquated ways, The ivy-covered castles?relics of by gone days, Hut give mo Alaska, though 'tis in the frigid zone; There's not another spot on earth I'd rather call my home It Ib good to see gay Paris?it has grandeur all its own? On parade are flashy garments, giv ing it u gala tone, Hut give me the Alaska girl with her sweet and modest way, A face tinted by the Arctic breeze, and a smile like break of day It Is good to see old London, where lords and dukes hold sway, Though they are disappearing since ?Lloyd George won the day; But give me good old Douglas, where there's not a lord or duke. Where 'tis easy to And a dollar, but hard to And a crook. It is good to see Old Ireland, and its abbeys old and quaint, Where the boys can dance a jig and the girls use no paint; But give me untamed Alaska, with its mountains and its game; It may get dreary sometimes, but I love it Just the same. ? ? ? Don't you think that this is a good time to bury forever nil petty faction al jealousies. If there be any, and let everyone get In and boost? And this thought leads up to a story. Many Alaskans know "Big Mike" Sul livan, of the Windsor House in Cor dova. A few years ago Mike visited Washington and while there he called upon President Roosevelt. The pres ident was immediately taken with the big fcllow'R direct speech and Im pressed by his commanding stature. Soon Col. Roosevelt was asking him all sorts of questions about Alaska and the federal officials of the ter ritory. Mike gave each ono a good boost und praised the president's sa gaclty In appointing them. Then with a hearty chuckle the Colonel said: "Mr. Sullivan, most of the Alaskans that I meet do not speak so highly of these officials as you do." "Well, Mr. President," said Mike, with a grin, "I don't supposo you have been around gambling houses very much. I have, and I always noticed that the boosters In those places got $10 a day while the knockers never got a cent." The President slapped Mlko on the back and he received an invitation to attend the next White House re ception. Subscribe for Tho Dally Empire. R. P. NELSON Wholesale and Retail Dealer In All Kinds STATIONERY Typewriting Supplies, Blank Books, Office Supplies, Sporting Goods, Huyler's Candies, Gun ther's Candies, Toys, Notions, Books, Magazines, Waterman's Fountain Pens, Conklln Pens, Etc. Cor. 2nd. and Seward Sts. Juneau, Alaska JUNEAU FERRY <5. NAVIGA TION COMPANY TIME CARD Leaves Juneau for Douglas and Tread well?*8:00 a. m., 9:00 a. m. ??11:00 a. m., 1:00 p. m., 3:00 p. m., **4:30 p. m., 6:30 p. m., 8:00 p. m., 9:00 p. m., 11:00 p. m. .leaves Treadwell for Douglas and Juneau?8:25 a. m., 9:25 a. m., ??12:00 noon, 1:40 p. m., 3:25 p. m., **4:55 p. m., 6:55 p. in., 8:25 p. m? 9:25 p. m., 11:25 p. m. Leaves Douglas for Juneau? 8:30 a. m., 9:30 a. m. ??12:05 p m., 1:45 p. m., 3:30 p. m.. ??4:45 p. m? 7:05 p. m., 8:30 p. n;., 9:30 p. m? 11:00 p. m. ?On Sundays this trip Is omit ted. ??This trip to Shoep Creek daily except 4:30 p. m. trip on Saturday, which Is omitted and trips leaving Juneau at 6:30 p. m. and 11:00 are made Instead, and Sheep Creek trips at 11:00 a. m., 6:30 p. m., and 11:00 p. m. HUMBOLDT STEAMSHIP CO. The Alaska Flyer S. S. HUMBOLDT I The Alaska Flyer NORTHBOUND NOV. 3 SOUTHBOUND NOV. 4 DOCKS AT JUNEAU CITY WHARF Seattle Olllce, 71C Second Vve. OEO. BURFORD, Agent j ALASKA STEAMSHIP COMPANY 1 :: inside route :: " HO I PUIN NORTH NOV. 5, 17 " ;; l/vjlii fllli sooth Nov. e, 18 ;; :: TFFFFR^ON N0RTH N0V- 11 :: + OL^l A Liiv J wn SOUTH NOV. 12 ?? Steamers Jefferson and Dolphin all the year round serving the '? prosperous cities and settlements of the world famous Inside Pass age Splendid service. Courteous treatment. I ELMER E. SMITH, Douglas Agent WILLIS E. NOWELL, Agent. ?' -H-i-l-H-l-H I ! I I I 1 1 I I III I I HI 1 1 I 111 I 1-H j NORTHLAND STEAMSHIP COMPANY S. S. ALKI, South, NOV. 10 S. S. NORTHLAND, Carrying Freight and Explosives IH. C. BRADFORD, Mgr., Pier 4, Seattle. SOWERBY & BELL, Juneau JOHN HENSEN t CO., Douglai ZZZZI ; CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY CO.-B.C.CdastService Sailing from Juneau for I'ort Simpson, Prince Rupert, Swanaon, Alert Bay, Vancouver Victoria and Seattle PRINCESS MAY NOVEMBER 7 Front and Seward Sts. C. P. R. TICKET OFFICE j. t. spickett. age ?Ill It II II I 1 I H II fr-H I II I M I I Ill ? :: WHEN YOU NEED ;; Furniture, Mattresses, Stoves, Ranges;; Cooking Utensils or Crockery and you want full value for your money go to ;; ::JOHN P. BENSON, the Furniture Dealer::. Cor. Third and Seward Streets, Juneau ? ? Tons upon tons of new and up-to-date goods arrive at our store every week.. HI liIt I 11 ' l 111 K I 11 11 I 11 111 11 11111111 M 111II11 M 1111 THE ALASKA DAILY EMPIRE ' j A paper for all the people, all the time. Independent *' , in every way. It stands for everything that will tend to the opening up and development of Alaska?-especially South eastern Alaska?along legitimate lines. The EMPIRE'S motto is Progress in all things. The world never stands still. Neither can mankind. They must move backward or forward. By subscribing for the EMPIRE you can keep in touch with the growth of Alaska. By advertising in its columns you can reach the people who read. Try it. The EMPIRE office is thoroughly equipped for doing up-to-date job printing in all its branches. Give us a trial. Office: Main Street, between Front and Second ?