The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-06-29
Telephone No. &C.
OUR DUTY TO ALASKA.

The Seattle chamber of commerce has
lately been busying itself to good purpose
and placing the country considerably in
its debt. The self-appointed task has
been an investigation OF the boundary
question In Alaska. In the report which
summarizes the results of this Investiga-
tion, says the st. Paul Pioneer Press, 1t is
shown that the boundary line which
Great Britain is trying to set aside is
the original one recognized in 1867, when
Alaska was purchased; that the definition
OF the line as set forth In the treaty of
1925 was incorporated In the contract for
the purchase; and that after recognizing
the line for more than half century
without any attempt to change 1t, the
Canadian government is now making an
effort to SO alter 1t on the maps as to
deprive the United States of some of
Its best harbors. The change II Canada
succeeds in making II, would cut off a
strip six hundred miles In width from
the United States possessions. 1t would
give the Canadians harbor facilities which
they would undoubtedly appreciate and
which they now lack, at least at the
western end of their possessions.
What is really the most important part
OF the report, however is the statement
that the people of Alaska, conscious Of
the indifference of their own government
on the subject, are becoming discouraged,
IL not estranged. This is not the first
time that the attention of the American
people and the American government has
been called to the resources and the needs
OF this dependency. No foreign govern
ment could trihe with the boundaries OF
any other. territory belonging to the
United States and not be sharply brought
to account. not only by prompt govern
mental action, but by the Indignation Of
the people. In the case OF Alaska It is
not so much Of an Indifference to the
wealth OF her resources or the needs Of
her people as want OF. direct intercourse
with them and kind OF "a taclt under
standing that Alaska will get along by
herself until we are ready to take hold
and do some thing with her. If, however
as is alleged, the Alaskan people are be-
coming discouraged. now is the time for
them to be looked after. They do not feei
themselves politically independent to
that degree which incltes people to self
development nor have they had the right
opportunity to boone lmbued with the
spirit OF national institutions. They nave
no representation In congress and no reg
ular means of coming into touch with the
rest Of the American people.
The appointment of the boundary COM
mission will remove all danger OF further
British Juggling with boundaries, and viii
reassure the people OF Alaska ON that par
tleular point. However gifted the civil
engineers OF Great Britain may be 1t Is
hardly likely that they will be able to
rob the United States OF a valuable piece
Of territory merely by making alterations
in . map. The facts with regard to pub
lie interest in Alaska. however, remain
the same. II is generally regarded as
vast vague possession, magnificent in
size, but unavailable. excepting for self
glorlflcatlon on the map. According to
the report of Gov. Swlneford OF Alaska
that country offers as great Inducements
to settlers as any of the new territories
opened up within the last decade. He
says; 'Srhere is no part OF the United
States which. under ordinary clrcum-
stances, its resources and natural advan-
tages being known and appreciated,
would offer greater attractions to the
poor man In search of independence and
a home