The Alaska prospector., 1903-10-29
COUNCIEMEN.
vox Popu1i Objects.

the NEWS has an editorial para graph, which, as is often found in its columns, is predicated upon in- ten,ionalmisrepresentation of facts, and in which l am referred to. The writer filches an idea from the RE- CoRD- MINER and strives to weave it into wit, but dismal failure IS the result.
 Ever since the mass meeting in September much wonderment has has been expressed why - with what object-did the NEWS publish the long editorial upon the action of the mass meeting? Certainly no good could be subserved. It was an article that showed the writer was sore with grievance, was greatly disgruntled, and in such a scolding, nagging humor that he must vent his spleen upon the citizens of Valdez and publish it to all the world. Of course mis- representation prevailed. It was an ill-mannered, impolitie, injudi- cious article, and could only result in harm and discord.
 The issue of the NEWS of Oct. 17 explains the object of this harangu- ing editorial. As was evidently anticipated by the NEWS, some of the papers of southeastern Alaska replied 10 his great scold, berating Valdez severely, and in one in- stance in a scurrilous manner. The NEWS most slceiully publishes these as comments" with an "I told you so" air. This is not true jour- nalism; it is petty and reprehensi- ble administrations. It is true the editor is youthful, but he should learn that the mission of apublic journal is to lead and mold public opinion for good, to restrain passions, to effect conciliation, and to not sew the seeds of discord.
 In the same selfish spirit, under the guise of advocating territorial government, the VALDEZ NEWS pub fishes an extract from the DOUGLAS NEWS as follows:
 "Home rule for Alaska should be the war cry for every man who is tired of carpet bag government, of misrule, of robbery, of receivers, of franchises, of claim jumpers, of insolent officers, of high licenses, of neglect, of scOrn, of abuse, and of every damnable and devilish de- vice to extOrt and rob the people of Alaska, at the same time denying them the God-given rights of Amer ican citizenship"
 Now, in all kindness and from full measure of self respect We must resent this unjust tirade. Possibly, in the opinion of some, portion of the foregoing conditions may be found in the first judicial district, but nothing of the kind. or even re- sembling such, exists in Central Alaska. Politically we are a most happy and harmonious people. Among us there is no strife or con tention. We honor, respect and cheerfully sustain the officials who govern, guide and care for us. for we know, that under the lead of Judge Wickersham, for efficiency, broad views, and all the instincts of true gentlemen, we have the best officials any community was ever blessed with. And we are proud of them.
 Our laws, as administered and abided by, so far as they reach are good, and under them we progress and prosper. Notifications and extensions are always in order, bu, no ''damnable and devilish devices" are existent here.
 We want the DOUGLAS NEWS and all kindred thinkers to understand that we resent being placed in such light-ycs, even by reflection.
 The people oi this section are