The Nome nugget., 1904-05-21
ALASKA'S
GOVERNOR
Strong Opposition to
Governor Brady.
HIS Term EXPIRES
On June 9th. Next.-AmOng the
Candidates Mentioned is Col.
W. 7. Perkins of Nome.

Washington, March 4.-Among Alas
kans who have been in Washington
this winter there has been lot of Cos
sip about the coming appointment of u
governor of the territory. The Alaska
governorship is sinecure the money
value of which is $1,000 q year: yet the
opportunities for usefulness in the Of
flee are doubtless very great-depend-
ing upon the personality of the incum-
bent-despite the smallness of the actu-
al function which the law confers upon
the governor.
Gov. John G. Brady has held the Of
flee for two terms of four years each,
and has many partisans and friends who
admire his enthusiastic view of the
local conditions in Alaska and his con-
slant optimism in regard to the future
development q its natural resources.
Even the governors friends know, how
ever, that it is idle TO think that his ap-
pOintment for third term will not be
opposed. AS for his enemies, they de-
progressive new elements of the popu-
lation, and that while his years are not
great, he is too old to learn. They want
new governor and they will fight hard
to get him.
The opponents of Gov. Brady will not
have to look further than the interior
department to find some hope and COM
fort for their campaign. Secretary
Hitchcock is not a strong partisan OF
the present governor-and this is put
ting the case mildly. Under certain
circumstances it is not too much to say
that the secretary would surely favor
the appointment of some strong, pro-
gressive man in Mr.. Brady's place.
Mr.. Hitchcock has for three years or
more discouraged the governor from
leaving his post to visit the capital OF
the nation, holding that the governors
place was not to urge Legislation before
congress, but to spend his entire time
in the territory. MIR. Brady has re-
Gently come down to the Pacific coast
in connection with the arrangements
for the Alaska exhibit at ST. Louis.
All sorts of opinions have been ex-
pressed by all sorts Of Alaskans this
winter in regard to the prospects of the
campaign for the governorship. With
some, the opinion has found deep lodg-
ment that Gov. Brady will certainly be
rejected as a candidate for reappoint-
ment. Other persons are just as strong
in the belief that the governor will be
named to succeed himself without any
serious contest. In fact, the prophecies
have been uttered on both sides with
the freedom which usually indicates
lack OF actual information. 1t has been
the season of gossip.
There is this much to be said of a
positive nature. however: There is
strong opposition to the governor, and
the opposition has brought forward
some candidates for his place. The
names most prominently mentioned are
those of David H. Jarvis, collector of
customs for the district of Alaska; Jas.
M. Shoup, United States marshal for
the Southeastern district, and Melville
c. Brown, federal Judge for the South.
eastern district. The name of Col. w.
r. Perkins, of Seattle and Alaska, has
also been used by II few persons in this
connection. but probably without his
authority.
Capt. Jarvis has been recognized as
possessing strength enough, probably,
to defeat Gov. Brady, il he were dis
posed to do it. That the collector has
been so recognized is indicated by the
fact that all the other candidates ap-
peared to stand aloof until made aware
OF Capt. jarvis position. He has told
all inquirers that he is not candidate
for the Office. Capt. Jarvis stands high
in the regard Of the president and of
several members of the cabinet who
know we'll his qualifications for an ex-
ecutive position. He was appointed
collector without the solicitation OF
himself or anybody else. His appoint
ment was purely a tribute of President
Roosevelt TO what he regarded as Capt.
Jarvis fitness for the post in question.
Many persons believe that Mr.. ROose-
welt would gladly appoint him to the
governorship, but the general belief is
that Capt. Jarvis will not serve.
Marshal Shoup has been mentioned
in connection with the pOyernOrShip
more frequently, perhaps, than any
other man except Capt. Jarvis. The
marshal, however, is not willing, his
friends have said, to make any fight on
the governor. II it should appear that