The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1897-12-10
NEEDS OF ALASKA.
Conditions Demand
Change in the Laws.

The territory of Alaska requires the
prompt and early attention of congress.
The conditions now existing demand a
material change in the laws relating to
the territory. The great influx of popula-
tion during the past summer and fall and
the prospect of a still larger immigra-
tion in the spring will not permit US to
longer neglect the extension of civil au-
thority within the territory or pos tpone
the establishment of a more thorough
government. A general system of public
surveys has not yet been extended to
Alaska, and all entries thus far made in
that district are upon special surveys.
The act of congress extending to Alaska
the mining laws of the United States con-
tained the reservation that it should not
be construed to put in force the general
land laws of the country.
By an act approved March g. 1891, au-
thority was given for entry of lands for
townsite purposes, and also for the pur-
chase of not exceeding 100 acres then or
thereafter occupied for purposes of
trade and manufacture. The pur-
Sag been as tha fhqS ohy
such rights should apply to the territory
as should be specifically named. 1t will
be seen how much remains to be done for
that vast, remote, and yet promising por-
tion of our country.
Special authority was given to the pres
divide that, territory into two land dis
: tricts, and to designate the boundaries
thereof, and to appoint registers and re-
ceivers of said land offices, and the presi-
dent was also authorized to appoint a
surveyor-general for the entire district.
Pursuant to this authority. a surveyor
general and receiver have been appoint
ed, with offices at Sitka. If in the ensu-
ing year the conditions justify it, the addi-
tionaI land district authorized by law
will be established with Office at some
point in the Yukon valley. No appropria-
tion however, was made for this pur-
pose and that is now necessary to be
done.
~ The Military Post.
concur with the secretary of war in
his suggestions as to the necessity for a
military force in the territory of Alaska
for the protection of persons and prop
erty. Already small force consisting
of 25 men and two officers, under COM
mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Randall, of
the Eighth infantry, has been sent to
ST. Michaels to establish military post.
AS it is to the interest of the government
to encourage the development of the coun-
try and it's duty to follow up its citizens
there with the benefits of legal machin-
cry. I earnestly urge upon congress the
establishment of system of government
Of such f1exibility as will enable it to adj
JdSl llSCiA III lhiC idIoiC ~ eAiS HSSN' e~e
tendant upon greater population.
-stecxing- -Ixlondikers.
The startling though possibly exag-
gerated reports from the Yukon river
country of the probable shortage of food
for the-- large number of people who are
wintering there without the means of leav-
ing the country, are confirmed in such
measure to justify bringing the matter
to the attention of congress. Access to
that countryfthis winter can be had only
by the passes from Dyea and vicinity,
which is a most difficult and perhaps i'm
possible task. However, should these re-
ports of the suffering of our fellow-citi-
any cost should be made to carry them
relief.