The Nome nugget., 1903-02-18
SOUND THE SLOGAN.

In view of the apparent fact that Alaska will, in all probability, receive little no consideration at the hands of the present congress, and that the time has when a united stand should be made by all true Aaskans for recognition of their just demands and redress of grievances, wh ch have he,n patiently bcrne for many wears, we believe that concerted agitation should be commenced for the establishment of territorial form of government for te district
 careful review of the situation fails to reveal any cogent reasons why such should b. denied In point of population and in intelligence entitled to this form of autonomy. Alaska is growing; it's re- sources being developed; it s producer as well as a consumer it is a magnificent field for legitimate exploiation it is mineral storehouse its agricu-
 ura possibilities great; it has every thing at its command for the upbuiding of mighty common wealth. its citizenship will compare favorably with that of any other state territory of the union. In
 few months it will be the Hast of the terrtor
 es'. far as the United Staes proper is concerned for this year Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma will undoubtedly become states, leaving Indian terri tory out of the question for territory 1t will remain
 indefinitely We fail 10 why self government should be longer denied Alaska That it is acountry of magnificent distances will admit, but so were all the territories of the great west once upon tlme and that not so very long ago. The men who made the territories of Oregon, Washington, Idaho Mon tana and many more labored under no greater disad vantages, in point of remoteness and distance from a central point than do of Alaska. It has been urged that the expense of maintaining territorial government would be far in of the benefits to be derived but challenge the statement. Any change from our present amorphous status must re- suit to the advantage of Alaska. Constituted we today neither fish. flesh nor fowl, govern mentally speaking And will any Alaskan rise up and truthfully tell why Alaska should not be the recipient of a territorial garment? The population of Alaska is increasing rapidly. At a conservative estimate its white population numbers, probably, than 50,000 souls. It is than self-support
 ing, for every year surplus, over and above
 the cost of such government as 1t receives, into the federal treasury. A territorial government would we submit entail no additional expense upon the people. Indeed if not much mistaken our tax burdens would be lessened inasmuch as the special government taxes now levied would be no
 longer in evidence after the installation of the terri
 oral government.
 Further no longer an insignificant bailiwick remembered only to be forgotten Alaska need not
 take back seat when the possessons" of the United States being enumerated We are capable of self-government by every right and for every
 for which our forefathers fought and for which our fathers labored We are neither suppants nor men, dicans. We are American citizens and claiming righfuly that proud privilege we have every to demand that our rights as such receive speedy recognition. We will never receive unless we demand and the time for asserting ourselves unitedly if we can is here Therefore let each citizen of neglected and unrecognized commonwealth, destined to become great, shake off his apathy and demand that which is his right not by spells of conquest but by inherit ance-autonomy for the country of his adoption.
 The cmatology of this country is immense.