The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-12-11
sEAY1EE. JUEsDzY. DEC. II.
ruE TRADE OF ALASKA.

The deIimI;ation of the boundary line
between Alaska and British Columbia 10
now the chief subject Of controversy be-
tween the United States and Great Britain,
and the revelations of the designs Of the
latter country, which are made by Mr.. V.
Wilson In an interview published In an
other column. show tina. with her usual
greed Eagland IL trying to further extend
her control of the commerce of the world
by securing possession Of the only Outlets
for Aiaska's product. This Is a matter OF
vital Importance TO the United States as a
whole aud to the Puget sound country
In particular. for the proximity Of
the Sound to Alaska. combined with the
fact that in this narrow strip of less than
$50 miles from north TO south three trans
continental railr roads meet the ocean com
merce. makes IL certain that Seattle and
the other cities of Puget sound will be-
come the smporla for the trade between
Alaska and the rest of the world. While
the long winters and the uninviting win
ter climate Of Alaska render is doubtful
whether that country will ever perman-
thtft nav ~ Sc P1PAAattohs tAe NosttA
of Its mines and fisheries makes 1t certain
that the territory win experience IN the
immediate future a very rapid develop
ment at the hsuds of . constantly chang
ing population who win brave the rigors
of It's winters In search of wealth, and that
the beauty of its summers and its great
scenic attractions will make IL more and
more sought by tourists. Thus Alaska
opens wide field for trade for Seattle
and the other Puget sound cities, and In
directly for the whole state.
The designs In regard TO the boundary
which England has revealed show a dslib-
crate purpose 10 snatch this rich trade
away from the unitsd States and give il
b. Great Britain. 50 that abe may control
the commerce Of the extrems North Pacific
ocean. II the dslimitation OF the boun-
Diary decided on by the international COM
mission should BE Eagiana's interpreta-
tion oil the treaty hetssen Russia and Great
Britain. a very small proportion Of the
imports And exports OF Alaska would pass
through American ports, FOR the best har-
bors would be awarded to England, and
the long narrow strip Of Alaska which sx-
tends down TO the coast would be
practically worthless 20 the United
States. On the other hand. II
the American commissioners take a
Arm stand and insist that the coast line
shall be regarded as following the shores
OF the principal bays, inlets and estuaries,
the harhors viii fall to the lot Of the
United States. aud Puget sound will carry
the commerce not only of Alaska Itself. boa
OF the whole Of Northwe Canada. which
as no inlet or eutlst except By sea. The
trade Of the interior is carried on by In
dlans. who sell their products to the In
alAns on the coast. and the latter Isalouslv
prevent the interior Indians from coming
90 the coast aud dealing directly with the
white people.
These conditions make it evident that A
rich prize lies within shs grasp Of thu
Cnited States. and that upon the bound
.-y line adopted depends the question
whether shss country shall seize it. The
Puget sound country win Re the principal
FaiaeF by she success Of the American
contention, aud the representatives Of ,his
state in congress and the public bodies Of
the state and its eities should vigllAatly
watch the progress Of abe negotiations in
order thai sais prlEs mar OF Re thrown
ausv