The Alaska daily empire. [volume], November 02, 1912, Image 2

About The Alaska daily empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1912-1926

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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
?