The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-09-10
SEWARD THE NAME FOR ALASKA.

Having noticed a statement n the pa
pers OF he probable division Of Alaska
into t~o territories, one part 10 embraces
the Yukon valley. and the region tribu-
tary 20 Il. and the other part 10 include
the great stretch OF country bordering
on the Pacific Ocean, I write 10 say,
the name suggested for the pro-
posed new territory was Lincoln.
The 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 80 large. and the parts so
separated by natural barriers. that gov
ernmental oversight would net only be
difficult, but almost impossible. The di-
vision indicated may be a matter of Ira
portarce IN affording larger facilities for
the enforcement OF law, and thereby Sc
cure the better protection. Of the multi
tUdes who ara crowding into that land OF
gold But the name suggested. 10 my
mind. Is altogether out OF place. II the
new territory is 10 be named after q
man. then in the name Of justice and fair
dealing. and also because Of it's histogi-
Cal appropriateness and suggestiyeness,
let it be called Seward. for he IL was
who conceived the idea Of securing. and
negotiated the purchase Oh what was
then Known as Russian America. and TO
him we are indebted for all the BENEFITS
that may accure TO Us as the result CT
that purchase.
Mr.. Lincoln was cognizant no doubt Of
the correspondence involved In the case.
and gave assent 70 IL, but he simply ac-
guessed In the action OF his trusted Sec
rotary Of state Mr. VIM II. Seward.
Between these two men there existed
bond of friendship akin 10 that which
united the hearts OF David and Jonathan.
Allow ne to give little chapter Of
facts. When the negotia atoms IN this
purchase were being made and ratified.
was stationed at the First n z church
in Cape May City, n. J.
In April tSs5. Mr.. Lincoln and Mr..
Seward were assassinated- Mr.. Seward
survived AS soon as he lad rallied sur
fciently, 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 trus-
tee, and whose wife was q 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 10 front OF the hotel.
In this way / became personally ac-
quainted with Mr.. Seward, and know
WI ereof speak. In regard 10 his relation
to the Alaska purchase. having had sew
this subject. He was fine onversation-
alist. Alaska was a theme about which
no loved 10 talk and ne 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 hcsne OF the
fur seal, and her fish and her furs will
eventually fad market In all parts OF
the globa."
ole - 81
try laugh and point to Alaska as a
monument of Stewards folly, and say
that Ii Is a dreary waste covered with
icebergs: but the time viii come when
they win admire the wisdom and appre-
ciate the value of this purchase. and then
my action Will be approved. and 1 shall
be indicated"
If living. what would Mr.. Seward now
say Of his purchase? The Alaska Of yes
terday was known for its wealth OF fish
and furs. The Alaska OF today is known
as q 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
win In the years to como 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 to 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 Few territory is formed In Alaska
Also that this matter be brought 20 the
attention Of our members OF Congress
from this state by individuals. Chambers
OF Commerce, Boards of Trade, and other
bodies. 20 the end that they may assist
in securing the adoption OF this name for
the now territory, and thus make II IN
name what IL IL in fact, a memorial TO
this great statesman, the father OF
Alaska
The appropriateness and Justice in
volved in this subject Is so apparent that
II should receive the Endorsement of the
people, and also secure their cooperation
in bringing IL about
A ATWOOD.