The Nome nugget., 1903-08-01
The Colorado Senator.

The Colorado Senator.
 Col. Perkins then introduced Senator Patterson by telling an apt story. The senator, he said, would respond to the toast, The Ladies'"
 Senator Patterson responded in a happy vein. He was a member of the minority in congress, he said, and the minority member of the committee, a sort of vermiform appendix to help the others along. The people of Nome had not degenerated; they were true Amer jeans, for all were in favor Of the old flag and an appropriation, and he didn't know why the people should not get what they want.
 'If congress won't let you govern yourselves it should supply all your needs. Colorado became a territory when it had but 1000 people: the kings and queens of England had conferred upon their colonies and surely 40.000 or 50,000 people in Alaska had the right to have q little govern ment of their own, Thirty or forty men in Alaska could sit down and find out Alaska's needs much better than a committee sent out from Washington to see what the people are like. "But YOU will continue to have troubles, '' the senator said. -"Gou are still looked upon as land of ice and snow. and Arctic bears and sleds and dogs, and east of the Alleghenies it has been hard to find a man with patience to listen to anything about Alaska. The United States is big country, and all are working to get rich"
 Each member of this committee was earnest in his endeavors and each would do his best for Alaska and it's needs, but it was going to be waterhaul, especially to get harbor appropri- ation for Nome. There were too many other places looking for the same thing, backed by congressman and senators. In Colorado they had a stream and were seriously thinking of putting Il copper bottom in it, simply to get an appropriation, and to make the stream hold water. Alaska should have a representative in congress. Eff the struggle is to be continued, and you have got to continue to make the strug' gle, and when that comes you will have made the first step toward attaining your desires. Outside of your munich palities you have absolutely no self government. Roads, trails, bridges and transportation facilities are the most important of your physical wants Establish these and the rest will come easily.
 The senator said he did not look for a rapd increase in the population oi Alaska. or of it's mineral production, but it's future was wrapped up in its gold, coal, oil and other minerals and industries. The population would be- come more stable, and then agricultural development would come and Alaska would produce everything needed for it's growth. ,,,
 II predict" said the senator, 'tha, in less than 20 years Alaska will be producing more gold than all the rest of the United States. and l wish you tC remember this prediction.
 ''You have the best types here ol manhood and womanhOod: and all your fondest hopes will be realized before you leave this world and turn your eyes to a better"
 Senator Patterson concluded amid great applause and Col. Ransdell, ser. geant-at-arms of the senate. made 6 witty speech. and then sang the song of the Zero club of Dawson, which fol lows:
 Why don't you work?
 Why don't you work?
 As other men do?
 How the h-l can l work When there's no work to do?
 Hallelujah you're bum. Hallelujah give us a handout. Revive us with gin.
 Sapolio.