The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-29

In a dispatch from Washington. pub
bshed yesterday morning, the correspon-
dent OF the Post-Intelligencer gave the
substance OF an interview with Assistant
Secretary spanlding of the treasury de-
partment' relating to the petition of the
ekagway Chamber Of Commerce for the
resembling OF the privileges allowed Ca
nadians for bonding merchandise through
Alaska. Mr.. Spaulding IL reported to have
said that the privilege allowed Canadians
at Alaska ports was nothing more than
the privilege allowed all foreign nation
aiities at all ports in tho United States.
and that nothing would be done TO change
the existing status.
Notwithstanding this published pro-
pouncement Of n treasury department Of
hcer. the Alaska committee OF the Sc
attic Chamber OF Commerce, at a meet
ing held yesterday, decided that the bond
ing privilege at Alaska ports, as It now
exists. Is a serious detriment TO Ameri-
can trade. The committee will recon-
mend that the chamber take prompt ac-
ton looking toward the resembling or
~ any rate the curtailment OF present
privileges. The chamber does not meet
again until July II. so that no action IL
possible before that time unless Il should
be decided that the matter is sufficiently
pressing 10 warrant a special meeting
Other Reasons for Complaint.
The assistant secretary does not quite
reach the. real cause OF the protest from
Skagway." said a member Of the Alaska
committee yesterday. at IL recognized
that the simple privilege OF bonding mer-
ehandise through United States terri
try. but the citizens Of Skagway assert.
and we think Justly. that extraordinary
privileges are allowed there and meth
cds Of procedure authorized by the GUS
toms officers which are forbidden at other
ports. For instance, there Is the privi-
lege Of bonding perishable goods, and the
stead Of computed. fine skagway Pc
tition calls this excessive and unlustin-
saes ANA am 'h acned q 70 agree n'ea
THE merchants OF Skagway and the
Coast cities that seek to do business with
ment The privileges allowed foreigners
at that port should be no greater than
are allowed mt any other port.
Another question embodied In the Skag-
way petition concerns the restrictions
which Canada imposes upon the attempts
Of Americans to secure trade In the klon-
eike and the obstacles In the way Of bond
ritory. These things demand nvestiga-
ton and II seems 10 me that some sort
OF reciprocity should be exacted from
capada."
Honorary Msmbevs Named.
At recent meeting OF the Chamber Of
Commerce President elise was authorized
10 add 10 the Alaska committee, as hon
orary members. number OF Eastern men
who have shown an interest IN the welfare
of the great territory. SO far three
have been named Hon. George w Mar
lor OF New York, assistant United states
treasurer, was the first. Mr.. Marlor has
been connected with the treasury for over
thirty-fve years. II was his privilege, In
an official capacity. TO hand over to the
Representatives OF the Russian govern
ment the purchase money for Alaska.
Since that time he has maintained a
personal interest In the acquisition.
Another appointee r. Prof. Angelo He'll
rrin OF Philadelphia, president OF the
United states Geographical Society. who
visited Alaska two years ago and adj
dressed the local Chamber OF Commerce
upon his return. The third honorary mem
her Ia Mack =. Smith, OF canandaigua. y.
z, a man Of Wide acquaintance and In
Nuence In the national legislature ana
among government officers, From the
active corporation OF these gentlemen
the Alaska committee expects Important
results