Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-09-30
NEEDS OF ALAskANs.
Proposals That Are to Be
 Submitted to Congress.
A RESIDENTS OPINION OF THEM.

Colonel William J. Sutherland Dis
 agrees With Some of the Proposi-
 tions and Tells of Conditions Tn
 the District--He Says Alaska is the
 World's Richest Mining Country.
 As result of the recent visit of the United States senatorial commission to Alaska the people of that district have formulated a memorial to be pre- scented when congress assemblies. em- bracing the following propositions:
 That territorial form of government be established.
 That two judges be appointed for the Second judicial district.
 That a land office be established at Nome.
 That the mouth of the Snake river be converted into a harhor for the protection and use of small craft.
 That the license tax be either removed or reduced, liquor license excepted.
 That 8 winter mail route via Illiamna bay be established
 That congress grant a subsidy to private parties to build an ice boat for winter service between Dutch Harbor and Nome.
 That in all civil eases nine trial jurors may render a verdict.
 That telegraph communication between Nome and the outside be. established
 That a new courthouse and jail be pro- vided at Nome
 That life saving station bs established.
 That the government support and care for the Eskinos.
 That a congressional committee be ap- pointed to investigate the mining laws and recommend amendments.
 That congress appropriate funds to build permanent roads. trails and bridges.
 Colonel William J. Sutherland, who !, 4,.+, 4e sYr been staying in New York and recently left again for Alaska. When a New York Times reporter spoke to him con- cerning the memorial to congress, he said:
 Having just returned from long sojourn in Alaska, I am familiar with the matter referred to. Personally am opposed to a territorial govern ment there. think the position taken by Governor Brady is the correct one, and the government of Alaska should be continued along the present lines. Alaska wants no delegate to congress, but she does sorely need commits sioner appointed by the United States to investigate conditions and have the power to bring the wants of the people before congress So that laws may be ena cted for their protection.
 ssOne great need of Alaska is legisla- ton to prevent the jumping of min ing claims. heartily concur in the second and third propositions and con- sider the fourth an excellent idea. The revenues in Alaska are derived mainly from licenses, and, all matters consid- cred, they are comparatively reason able. They would be heavier under territorial form of government.
 "I believe there should be a winter mail route. but am opposed to sub- sidy for an ice boat service as an ex- ceedingly dangerous operation involv- ing a large expenditure of money with inadequate and unsatisfactory returns.
 '.The nine jurors proposition hss worked very well in some of our far western states, and don't knew of any reason why it should not be equal ly successful in Alaska. Photographic communication between Nome and the outside world is greatly to be desired. As to a new jail in Nome it is certainly needed, and it ought to be filled all the time, as there are many persons in Alas ka who are better in jail than out. But really from a humanitarian point of view a new one is needed. The pres- ent structure is old. and the inmates suffer terribly in extremely cold weath- CT. A life saving station is needed, but I don't know of any reason why the Eskimos should be cared for at the ex- pense. of the government. They are able to work and should be made to.
 S'There is urgent need for an i'm provement in the mining laws along other lines than those in operation in the southwestern part of the United States, which are not adapted to Alas ka because the seasons in the latter place are too short.
 ssI consider the proposition to pro- vide permanent roads, trails and bridges the best of the fourteen, as it would do more than anything else to improve Alaska. Private capital will not undertake these things, so the gov ernment should.
 .sI am very much opposed to the idea of electing delegate to congress from Alaska. The settlements and centers pOpQ1d dIG SO WlQCly dP1IL AIUin central points that there would be so much delay in getting the returns that either the wrong man would go to Washington or the territory would not be represented. The proposition in this connection to extend the franchise to the Indians is all wrong. In my opinion none who cannot read, write and understand the federal constitu- ton should be admitted to the electo- rate.
 For Alaska to take the place to which she Is entitled the mother gov ernment must help her. This would best be brought about by the appoint ment by the president of commis- sioner who would have Jurisdiction over mining claims and prevent the recording of fictitious location or re locations where the ground had not been abandoned by the previous To- cators. The seasons in the interior of Alaska are comparatively short, and