The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-25
TO PREsERrE ORDER IN A1AsKA.
ActlnE Secretary Roosevelt Thinks II Will RE-
auIre y Naval Force TO no Patrol Work.


WASHINGTON, Sept. 24.-Licut. George NJ.
Stoncy Of tho navy has devised n scheme for
the suppression of lawlessness in Alaska, which
has been favorably received by tho Navy De
p%artmcnt and will be brought TO the attention
of President Mckinley. He proposes tho estab-
lishmcnt OF three stations on the Yukon, one at
the mouth, another at tho head Of navigation,
and the third midway. Each Is to be in com.
mand Of q naval or marine officer and to have
n garrison of about twenty marines. A sur
gcon will also be stationed at each post. In
conjunction with the stations, a paddle-wheel,
liRht.draught steamer is to be provided. This is to
DO commanded by a naval officer and to carry n
force Of bluojackct and marines. 1t will patro.
the river from mouth to head, stopping to sup.
press lawlcssncss wherever 1t occurs. In the
course OF the discussion Of the project by Navy
Department officials the suggestion was made
that tho patrol work could DO better per-
formed by the revenue cutter service. Acting
Secretary Roosevelt is strongly opposed to that
idea. In q memorandum on tho subject writ
ten to-day he maintains that the revenue cut.
ter service cannot carry out the suggestion
of Lieut.. Stoney as well as the navy. He holds
that its men arc not regularly enlisted nor sub.
ject to military law and discipline. Tho off,
GERS have no power. or authority over them
adequate to the satisfactory performance OF the
.The conditions which viii almost inevita.
blv arise on the Yukon River when that ave.
nue. OF communication opens up In the spring
WILL" he says. "be such AZ to call for the pres
encc of q military force-otliccrs trained to mill
tary duty and men under military discipline.
The officers and men OF the revenue marine
service are excellent seamen and most efficient
in the performance OF their duties, but this
duty calls for something outside of the scope
of their training and experience. 1t calls at
once for the sailor. the soldier, and, in n meas
urc, the civil officer"
MIR. Roosevelt goes on to discuss the ability
OF naval officers in making surveys on the
Yukon. which, he says, is practically IN un-
possession Of the Government Is made up of
various and Conflicting reports Of trappcrs,
traders and q few others inexperienced in hydro
graphic work.
"This duty. he adds, should not be turned
over to another branch Of Government service,
when there are naval officers and men ready TO
do 1t who are in every respect the men best
equipped for the work. Tho history of past
events strongly favors the selection of n naval
force for this service. 1t has been necessary to
although there arc revenue cutters in those
waters. 1t was necessary to keep n vessel on
tho Rio Grande, Notwithstanding the fact that
revenue cutters were there. Thus it can only
north. where NIL communication Is by water.
the naval branch of the Government Is tho one
and the only one satisfactorily adapted to
patrol the avenues OF commerce, preserve tho
peace and enforce tho law. II II were possible
for men to march overland. or IL any consider
able amount of trading or travelling were done
on land, this duty would Enthusiastically be-
long to the army, but. rs before stated. all com
munication Is by water. Should a channel be
discovered sufficient to admit a revenue cutter.
one Of our light draught g%unboats could enter
with equal safety, and once there would be the
more effective craft"