The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-09-10

Having noticed statement IN the pa
pers or he probable division % Alaska
into two territories. one part TO embrace
the Yukon valley. and the region trfbu-
tary 10 II, and the other part TO include
the great stretch OF country borderins,
on the Pacific Ocean, write 70 say.
the name suggested for the pro-
posed new territory was LINCOLN
TIE reason given for the adoption OF this
name was that Alaska was acquired dur
ing the administration OF Mr.. Lincoln.
The reason given for the division was
that Alaska Is SO large. and the parts 50
separated by natural barriers, that gov
ernmentaI oversight would not only be
difEculT but almost impossible The di-
vision indicated may be matter Of I'm
po<tance in airording larger facilities for
the enforcement OF law, ana thereby Sc
cure the better pros lection OF the multi
tUdss who are crowding into that land Of
gold But the name suggested to ny
mind is altogether out of place. II the
new territory is 10 be named after
man. then in the name Of justice and fair
dealing, and also because Of its histori-
cal appropriateness and sgggestiyeness.
let Ii be called Seward, for he II was
who conceived the idea of securing, and
negotiated the purchase o. what was
then known as Russian America, and 10
him VIC are indebted for all the benefits
that may accure TO Us AZ the result CT
that purchase.
Mr.. Lincoln was cognizant no doubt OF
the correspondence involved in the case.
and gave assent to It. but he simply ac-
guessed in the acsion OF his trusted Sec
Rotary OF state Mr.. VIM H Seward.
Between these two men there existed a
bond of friendship akin to that which
united the hearts of David and Jonathan.
Allow ne TO give a little chapter OF
facts. When the negotiations in this
purchase were being made and ratified,
/ was stationed at the First NJ E. church
in Cape May City. n. J..
In April. 1866, Mr.. Lincoln and Mr.
Seward were assassinated- Mr.. Seward
survived. As soon as he lad rallied SUI
ficiently, he was brought 10 Cape May,
and quarters were provided for him at
Congress Hall. This popular hosiery
was kept by a gentleman who was a trus-
tee. and whose wife was a member Of
my church. Mr.. Seward attended serv-
ices every Sabbath. He also took much
interest in the large religious gatherings
held Sabbath afternoons on the beautiful
lawn n front OF the hotel
In this way / became personally ac-
quainted with Mr.. Seward, ard know
WI ereof speak, in regard to his relation
to the Alaska purchase. having had sew
eral conversations with him in regard 10
allst. Alaska was a theme about which
he loved 10 talk, and he often referred to
il as his purchase.
He said: "The waters of Alaska ara
the richest fish producing region in the
world Alaska is also the hcme OF the
fur seal, and her fish and her furs will
eventually find q market in all parts OF
the giobe."
He also said: THE people of this coun-
try laugh and point to Alaska as a
monument of Stewards folly. and say
that 1t Is a dreary waste covered with
icebergs: but the time will come when
they will admire the wisdom and appre-
ciate the value of this purchase. and then
my action will be approved, and 1 shall
be indicated"
II living. what would Mr.. Seward now
say Of his purchase? The Alaska of yes
terday was known for It's wealth OF fish
and furs. The Alaska of today IS known
as a great treasure house OF gold He
also referred TO these waters In Western
Washington and said, Puget Sound Is
the finest body of water on the globe, and
viii in the years to come be known
throughout the world for its commercial
Importance"
I desire to emphasize the statement
that TO Mr. Seward Is due the honor of
the conception Of the idea, and the sue
cess full elimination of the negotiations
that secured Alaska 10 the United States.
Allow me to respectfully suggest that the
newspapers OF the country urge the
adoption OF the name OF Seward In case
a rev territory is formed I'm Alaska
Also that this matter be brought TO the
attention of our members of Congress
from this state by individuals, Chambers
OF Commerce. Boards of Trade, and other
bodies. 10 the end that they may assist
in securing the adoption of this name for
the now territory. and thus make 1t in
name what Ii Is In fact, a memorial 10
this great statesman, the father OF
Alaska
The appropriateness and Justice In
volved in this subject Is so apparent that
It should receive the Endorsement of the
people and also secure their cooperation
in bringing IL about
A ATWOOD.