The daily Alaskan., 1909-10-13
THE wlcKERsHAm BILL.

Delegate WiCkersham has asked Tor an expression of home rule from Alas kan papers. His purpose Is to interest President Taft in his measure, by sending him the expressions obtained when the president reaches Seattle,
 A good many people seem to have the impression that the granting of autonomy to Alaska means an ad- diuOnaI expense and greatly increased taxes; that, in fact. the territory must cut itself adrift from the federal craft and sink or swim through its own efforts. This is not the intent of theI wlckersham bill as we gather from reading it. It is a compromise meas ure, the first step as it were for al fuller and more complete form of ter TitOrial government to follow after wards. The purpose is to retain all Of the benefits now derived from fed eral sources and at the same time ex- ercise control over thousand and one things which materially affect tha interests Of the people living in the territory, and for which Congress is too busy to devote the time.
 According to the bill no law should be passed interfering with the primary disposal of the soil; the property of the United States shall not be taxed, nop-residents are to receive the same consideration in he matter of taxes as residents. No special franch ise or privileges can be granted with out the affirmative approval Of Cong. ress, but the legislature may, by gen eral act, perm persons to associate themselves together as bodies corpor- ate for manufacturing, mining, agri- and for the conducting Of business in- surance, savings banks (Out not of issue) loan, trust and guaranty assoc iatiOus, for the establishment and con ouct of cemeteries, and for the con structiou and operation of railroads, wagon roads. vessels ond irritation ditches, or for colleges, seminarIes, churches, libraries, or any other be- neyolent, charitable or scientific as- soclation."
 The same laws as now in force against gambling and lotteries are in- cluded in the legislative functions as well as the bonded indebtedness of municipalities. No tax shall be lev. led for territorial purposes in excess Of one per centum upon the assessed valuation of prOpery," nor shall any incorporated town levy any tax in ex, cess Of two per centum. All laws pas sed must be submitted to Congress for affirmative action. The bill pro vldes that the expense of the legis- latIve assembly shall be paid by the United States. Each member is to get sI5 per day while the legislature Is in session, and l5 cents mileage for each mile travelled. The legisla- tive assembly will take charge of tAe justices of the peace. probate judges and other offices now held by com mlssioners, for which elections win be provided.
 By the terms of the bill a school and road fund is created from the revenues of all federal licenses out side of incorporated towns. Money from these sources is to be paid by the clerk of the courts directly into the hands of the treasurer of the territory. instead of the United States treasury.
 It will be seen that the bin is far from being an out and out, fulLnedg- ed territorial bill such as was granted to other territories.
 The people of Alaska are fully cap able of looking after their own affairs, As for population, the lack of which Is the principle criticism now heard We shall have all the population we need in another three or four years time. Meantime. we would like to. have a little to say about the fashion Ing Of this NOrthIand of ours; the