The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1897-12-10
NEEDS or ALASKA.
Existing Conditions Demand a
Change In the LAWS.

The territory OF Alaska requires tho
prompt and early attention OF congress.
The conditions now existing demand
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 sim larger immlgra-
ton la the spring VIII not permit us to
longer neglect the extension OF civil au-
thoriiy within the territory or postpone
the establishment OF a more thorough
government. a general system of public
surveys has not yet hecn extended to
Alaska. and all entries thus far made In
that district are upon special surveys.
The act OF congress extending 10 Alaska
the mining laws of the United States con-
tanned the reservation that Il should not
be construed TO put In force the general
land laws OF the country
by an act approved March B. 1891. au-
thority was given for entry OF lands for
TOWNSHIP purposes. and also for the pur-
chase OF not exceeding 1860 acres then or
thereafter occupied for purposes OF
trnde and manufacture. The pur-
pose OF congress. as thus far
expressed has been that only
such rights should apply TO the territory
as should be specifically named. IL will
be seen how much remains to be done for
that vast. remote. and yet promising por-
ton OF our country.
Special authority was given to the pres
ident by the act approved July "a. 1897. to
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 presl-
dent was also authorized to appoint a
encouragement for the entire district
Pursuant To this authority a surveyor
general and receiver have been appoint
ed. with Offices at Sitlsa. II In the cnsu-
Ing year the conditions Justify II, the addi-
I.4.lI l4tH Ia t1
viii be established with an Office at some
point IN the Yukon valley. No appropria-
lion however. was made for this pur-
pose. and that is now necessary to be
done. 1T
The Military Post.
I concur with the secretary Of war in
his suggestions as 20 the necessity for "a
military force in the territory OF Alaska
fnr the protection Of persons and prop
erty Already small force consisting
OF - men and two officers. under COM
mard of i.ieuienant-Colonel Randall, Of
the Eighth infantry has been sent TO
ST. Michaels 10 establish "A military post.
A. % as tO the interest OF the government
TO encourage the development OF the coun-
try and us duty TO follow up ITS citizens
there with the benefits OF legal machin-
cry. / earnestly urge upon congress the
establishment OF a system OF government
OF such fiexibllity AS will enable IL TO adj
just itself I'm the future to the needs ut
tendant upon greater population.
Relief for starving I<Iondilser-.
The startling though possibly eNag-
geratcd reports from the Yukon river
country OF the probable shortage OF food
for the large number OF people who are
wlniering there without the means OF leav-
ing the country. are confirmed In such
measure as 10 justify bringing the matter
to the attention OF congress Access to
thnt country this winter can be had only
by the passes from Dyca and vicinity.
which Is n most diiilcult and perhaps inn
possible task. However. should these re-
ports OF the suffering OF our fellow-clti-
Gems be further verified. every cffort at
any cost should be made to carry them
relief