The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1903-12-07

obtained there nave Deen eraulcateu.
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION
There seems 10 be good ground for
the belief that there has been. a.. real
growth among the civilized nations Of
a sentiment which will permit grad
nal substitution Of other methods than
the method of war In the settlement of
disputes. 1t Is not pretended that as
vet we are near position in which it
WIN be possible Wholly to prevent war,
or that a just ,egard for national in
terests and honor will in all cases per-
nit of settlement of International dis
putes by arbitration; but by mixture
of prudence and firmness with wisdom
we think it is possible to do away With
n,uch of the provocation and excuse for
war, and at least in many cases to sub
stitute some other and more rational
method for the settlements of disputes.
The Hague court offers so good an ex-
ample Of what can be done in the di-
rection Of such settlement that 1t
should be encouraged in every way.
LEWIS & CLARK FAIR.
The centennial of our establishment
npon the western coast by the expe-
dition of Lewis and Clark is to be Gel
ebrated at Portland, Oregon. by an ex-
position in the summer of 1905, and this
event should receive recognition and
support from the national government
DEVELOPMENT OF ALASKA.
call your special attention to the ter
ritory Of Alaska. The country is devei-
oping rapidly, and it has an assured fu-
t,1re. The mineral wealth Is great and
has as yet hardly been tapped. Tne
fisheries, if wisely handled and Kept
under national control, will be a busi-
ness as permanent as any other ana Oh
the utmost importace to the people.
The forests if properly guarded VIII
form another great source of wealth.
Portions of Alaska, are fitted for farm
ing and stock raising, although the
methods must be adopted to the pecui-
lar conditions Of the country. Alaska
is situated in the far north; but so are
Norway and Sweden and Finland; ana
Alaska can prosper and play it's part
in the New World just as those nations
have prospered and played their parts
in the Old World. Proper land laws
should be enacted and the survey OF
The public lands Immediately begun.
Coal-land laws should be provided
whereby the coal-land entryman may
make his location and secure patent
under methods kindred to those now
sntrymen. Salmon hatcheries, exclus-
yely under government control, should
for homestead and mineral
be established. The cables should be
extended from Sttka westward. Wagon
roads and trails should be built, and
the building of railroads prompted in
all legitimate ways. Lighthouses
should be built along the coast. Atten-
ton should be paid to the needs of the
Alaska Indians; provisions should be
made for an officer, with deputies, to
study their needs, relieve their immedi-
ate wants, help them adopt themselves
to the new conditions.
+ ALASKA SALMON FISHERIES.
The commission appointed to investi-
gate, during the season Of 1903, the con-
lition and needs OF the Alaska salmon
fisheries has finished its work in the
Reld and is preparing detailed report
thereon. A preliminary report citing
he measures Immediately required for
he protection and preservation of the
salmon industry has already been sub
nitted to the secretary Of commerce
md labor for his attention and for his
needed action.