The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-01
In the Upbuilding Of the Ameri.
can Merchant Marine.
GIVES HIS REASONS
In a Speech on the Seattle Elk
position Grounds.
Says Alaska Should Wait for a
Territorial Government.

Seattle. Wash. Oct. speaking
before the largest audience he has
faced since his trip began-a crowd
that overlooked the natural amphi-
theater of the Alaska-Yukon ex-
position, with its seating capacity OF
nearly 2O.OO0-President Taft an
nounced that he would urge in his
coming message to congress the en-
actment of a ship subsidy law.
Mr.. Taft declared that the coun-
try was ready to make such an ex-
pertinent and that something must
be done to build up an American
merchant marine. His utterances on
this subject were received with
great acclaim.
When the president turned to
Alaska, however. and declared that he
was opposed to granting territorial
form of government to that far off
possession, the statement was re-
ceived in silence.
AS the president proceeded. how
ever. and outlined his policy for the
upbuilding of Alaska. of recommend
ing of government aid in the con-
struction of railroad. of a local
government by a commission of five
or more members appointed by the
president and cooperating with the
government and when he told of the
great possibilities that lie in Alaska,
he plainly caught the favor of his
hearers and was loudly cheered.
mitted to membership in the Arctic
brotherhood, an International or
ganization made up of Canadians and
Americans interested in the develop
ment of Alaska. the president an
nounced that he intended to visit
Alaska next summer and then go as
far into the territory as time would
permit in order that he might come
into contact with the people and see
for himself what might best be done
for their welfare.
Not just Yet.
The president frankly told the
members of the brotherhood that he
did not believe Alaska at this time is
ready for entire self-government.
ST am as much In favor of
popular government as anybody" de-
ciared the president. "but I am in
favor of popular government only
when the conditions exist under
which popular government may be
a success and work for the benefit of
the people and the government at
large. When there are limitations
growing out of various circum-
stances, we must take other means
until popular government becomes
possible and then. of course, it is the
best government in the world
In announcing his position with re-
gard to a ship subsidy. President
600 to $s,00O,0O0 earned by the gov
eminent of foreign mail service each
year, satisfactory system of sub
sidy could be inaugurated.
AS to the argument that ship
subsidy would be an appropriation of
public money to private companies,
the president said that a subsidy
was in principle and effect much the
much the same as government as
sistance in the development and i'm
provement of rivers and harbors. and
the reclamation of arid lands through
government irrigation projects.
If a war should come at this
time, President Taft declared the
United States would not nave enough
vessels to carry coal to its fleets. And
it would be doubtful. under. the
United States would be able to buy
foreign vessels in the emergency.
The president had an interesting
and busy day which ended with a
banquet in the Washington building
on the exposition grounds.
Immediately after the ceremonies in
the amphitheater the president went
to the Arctic Brotherhood building for
the initiation ceremonies. Returning
to the fair grounds at night Mr.. Taft
viewed for the first time the wonder
full Examinations.
Given Costly Robe.
At the Arctic Brotherhood the presi-
QenL was SIeCI0Q honorary past grand
arctic chief and was presented with a
costly robe of office made of purple
velvet and trimmed with furs. The
brotherhood did not presume to ask
the president to don the robes, but he
insisted, with a laughing remark:
IT am not afraid to put on the robes
of office never have BEEN"
In the Alaska building the presf-
dent was invited into the cage where
more than a million dollars worth of |
Alaska gold is exhibited.
Nearby, miner who was illustrat-
ing placer mining, let the president
wash out a pan of gold, worth $1,000, |
Mr.. Taft remarked that he would go |
into mining if he could keep up that |
rate.
At the door of the Hawaiian build |
ing a native girl tried to throw over
the presidents neck wreath of pan
sizes. The president restrained her,
saying:
mo. shan't wear it; we're not In !
Honolulu now" and passed the wreath |
to an aide.
The president then went to the Jap
anese government building. Here |
Commissioner General HAHN Ota |
read a letter from the emperor of |
Japan. through the minister of agrf- |
culture and commerce, Baron OrIra
thanking the president for his visit to |
the Japanese building. Mr.. Taft reply-
ing, said the Japanese had long been