New-York tribune., 1909-10-01

members. to be appointed by the President and
to act in cooperation with the Governor of
Alaska. He added:
1t Will be observed that this is virtually the
government given 10 the Philippine Islands al
though the commission there had more Iegisls-
tive authority than IL would be wise or neces-
sary 10 give to the Alaska commission. OBJ
lection Will be made the ground that this IS
treating the people Of Alaska, who are generally
free born American citizens. as If the territory
self-goveFnment
l cannot deny that the conditions in Alaska
are such as in my judgment 10 prevent the ex-
tension or local sef-government safely 70 that
territory: II is not because of the character Of
the people IL they were permanent residents and
suHlcient IN number and sufficiently distributed
10 warrant the establishment Of a representative
government, but the conditions that exist are
suft1cient TO put them for the time being in
position tusttfying a similar treatment to that
OF the Philippines Indeed. it would be a great
deal better government than az present because
II would be vesting power in local authority
familiar with local needs and to-day no such
power exists. In other words. il would be a
great advance over the present conditions
do not know If Congress will agree with me
in this view. but a personal experience in the
practical operation OF such a system Of gov
ernment for the benefit OF the territory governed
leads me TO feel justified in making such re-
cOmmendatiOn. The territory viii develop much
more rapidly and the boon OF self-gOvernment
will come much more quickly under such
system than as the government is being carried
on at present.
and great productIvenesS. but II needs inteli-
gent legislation to develop it quickly and in the
right way and I know no better method Of Sc
curing such a result than by properly cOnsti-
tuted commission. There is no opportunity for
Congress to aid in the construction OF certain
railroads that will largely develop the territory
and which private enterprise is not able will
ing to undertake unless it receives some sort
OF guarantee from the government That I
would unhesita tingly recommend. because
Alaska is a territory in which private capital
cannot be expected TO build the first railroads
I especially interested in Alaska because
her development has been delayed by a lack or
appropriate legislation and because l know
something Of the needs of land so far distant
OF course the lawmaking power OF the COM
head Of the department az Washington reSpOn-
sible for the government OF Alaska, Just as IS
provided now by the law governing the Philip
pines
Since last visited the Coast I am glad to say
that the Philippines have had extended 10 them
in the matter Of a tariff Law measure Of Jus
tice which ought 70 have been adopted nine
years ago. If it had been adopted then Seattle.
San Francisco and the whole Pacific Coast would
have prOfted by its enactment
Free trade with the Philippines estab-
lished between the islands and this country will
two countries which will be greatly TO the ad-
vantage Of both. Trade IN the Philippines has
long had one trend. and il will take some time
perhaps two three years-to effect change,
even now that the law is passed but farnil-
arity with the situation in the islands makes me
confident that the Pacific Coast will come 70
value more and more highly the trade from the
Philippines which will fall 10 it,
There are many Industries in the Philippines
the products Of which will sell well in the United
States now that the tariff is lifted from them,
and with similar relief from burden in entering
the Philippines American manufacturers will
have far wider sale in those distant Islands OF
the Pacific.
CANAL To REvOLUTIONIZE TRADE
The Panama Canal will be completed on or
before January 1. 1915 and with its completion
the trade between the eastern and western
coasts of this country will be revOlutiOnized- for
IT, carriage OF heavy bulk merchandise between
the Pacific Coast and the Atlantic Coast is al
most certain 10 be by water THIS VIII reduce
the transconutnental business 70 the carriage OF
the more valuable classes of merchandise which
prohtably pay higher rate OF transpOrta-
ton More than this IL Will change the avenues
OF international trade, will bring the eastern
coast OF America closely in touch with the west
ern coast OF South America and will greatly
facilitate the direct transportation from the {
west coast Of America TO European ports e..
China is waking UP. She is approaching a I
period Of development that cannot but increase
her trade and augment her Importance
toner and a trader with this country. while
moving onward with giant steps In the CONNER
rial competition Of the world
Later in the day. when he was admitted to
membership in the Arctic Brotherhood. an inter
national organization made up of Canadians and
Americans interested in the development of
Alaska the President announced that he in
tended 10 visit Alaska next summer and to go as
order that he might come into contact with the
people and see for himself what could best be
done for their welfare
The President frankly told th- member r
the brotherhood that he did n'l b~iee- A ts0e
Is ready for entire self government
II am as much in favor Of popular Cover rleut
as anybody" he said, but am in favor OF
popular government Only when the conditions
exist under which populsr government may be a
success and work for the benenr OF the people
and the government at large When there are
limitations growing out Of various circumstances
We must take other means until popular gov
ernment becomes possible. and then or cour
L is the best government in the world"
The President had interesting and busv
iay. which ended tonight with a dinner in the
Washington Building on the exposition grounds
m. BRYCE NAV ACCOMPANY PRESIDENT.