The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-11
AI.tSk A..
hteriaI Changes I'm Territorial Laws
Are Necessary.

The territory of Alaska requires the
prompt and early attention of congress.
The conditions now existing demand mate
RAJ changes In the laws relating to the
territory, The gn5at influx OF population
during the past summer and fall and the
prospect Of a still larger immigration in
the spring will not permit us TO longer
neglect the extension OF civil authority
within the territory or postpone the es-
adjustment Of a more thorough govern
ment A general system of public sur
yeys has not been extended 10 Alaska and
ell eatries thus far made IL that district are
upon special surveys. The act of congress
extending TO Alaska the mining laws OF
the United States contained the restrva-
ton that II should not be construed TO put In
force the general land laws OF the country.
BY act approved March 3, ls9l. authority
was given for entry of lands Tor town
site purposes and also for the purchase or
not exceeding l60 acres then or thereafter
occupied for purposes of trade and manu-
iacture. The purpose Of congress as thus
far expressed has been THAI Only such
rights should apply TO that territory as
should be specifically named.
Asb IL 10 the interest OF the govern
neat 10 encourage the settlement OF the
country and It's duty to follow up It's clts-
Gems with the benefit OF legal machinery
! earnestly urge upon congress the estap-
lishmcnt % system of government Win
such feXihi,ity as will enable il TO adjust
.;set TO the future areas OF greatest pop
ulation,
Relief Is Needed.
The startling though possibly exagger-
Gei reports from the Yukon river coun-
Try Of the probable shortage OF food Tor
TIE large number OF people who are WIZ
isrirg there without the means OF leaving
The country are confirmed In such measure
as 10 justify bringing the matter 10 the
attention OF congress. Access to that
country in winter can be had only ny, tne
passes from Dyea and vicinity. when =
most difficult and perhaps an Impossible
ask However, should these reports OF thc
Enerlng OF our fellow-citiZens be further
verified, every effort at any cost should De
rade 70 carry them relief.
II will be seen how much remains 10 DE
Done for that vast and remote ana ye,
promising portion of our country. Special
authority was given TO the president hy
y divide that territory into two land dis
trcs and to designate the boundaries
hereot and to appoint registers and sur
.seyors or said land offices, and the presi-
S Ssnt was also authorized to appoint a sur
,yor-general for the entire district. Pur.
susht 10 this authority. a encouragement
s sn receiver have been appointed with
onees at Sitka. II in the ensuing year the
ssGInoitlons Justify 1t. the additional land
y gsh.et authorized by law will be estab-
,skon valley. No appropriation. showever,
,a ss made Tor this purpose. and that Is now
,,,o.dry 10 be done for the two land dis
y yS INTO which the territory is to be d.
NJ, concur with the secretary OF war In
MI MI, suggestions as to the necessity for a
n, ,d FORCE In the territory OF Alaska
li,a sny protection OF persons and property.
men ny, small force. consisting OF %
Ian, IN IN Two officers. under command of
N h. c9l. randall. OF the Eighth infant
i,hn.ats been sent to ST. Michael's TO es-
"sh a military post