The Ketchikan miner., 1909-02-27

| " NAeAh taA~S VI " e-~--.@ VI commented upon how bad state this country would find itself in if there should be war with Japan. Should a sudden call for transports on the Pa cine coast be issued only eight steam ships carrying the American flag would be available.
 ''I am not one who believes that the peace which has existed between this country and Japan will be brok- en,' said MT. Humphrey. "but should war come this country would find itself absolutely devoid of facilities for protecting its Pacific coast line. Our fleet could not move around the Horn without colliers under foreign flags; it could not 20 to battle, for in- ternational law would prohibit the carrying of its coal in foreign bottoms.
 ''The war department has figured that if we were in state of war with an over-sea power we would need FPS ships in thirty days; we could not get | -Cigub. udt COuid ldId 2o0, 900 soldiers in the Philippines and loo. 600 in Hawaii before we could em- bark 10000 from the Pacific coast. Japan through her merchant vessels, which would be converted into tran sports, could carry 200, 900 men at one time, while if every American vessel available could be found in home port at one time there would not be enough to transport 10, 900 men. Jap an has 300, 900 men in her merchant marine service upon which to draw in case of war: there are not 10000 na- tive born imercian sailors in the present Amerciau merchant marine. It would cost America s40, 900, 900 to equip fleet of transports equal to the Japanese fleet that would be available at the outbreak of War. n-Ex.
 Washington. Feb. 20.-rhe original army bill calling for 1850, GOO for Alas ka roads was brought up today and ulttf Ucd5cu ulSCuooiOD Ou bOtu Si0OS was finally called to vote which re- suited in the original being passed. The Seattle Chamber or Commerce, | individuals and the various members of the house who are and have been in close touch with Alaska affairs and her needs received no consideration whatever. As matter of fact the sum appropriated will do great amount of good work, but the idea of stringing the work out from year to year does not appeal to Alaskans. What she needs now is good roads to the places where tise proven ground has been developed. She needs the roads now and needs them badly.
 Fort Gihbon, Feb. 20-AdditlonaI reports of sensational finds continue to come from the Alaska gold fields, this time from Fort Gibbon. William Lane, who has been prospec ing on Gold Mountain reports finding big pay streak on the right limit of the I ukon, on the Alabama Association properties which possesses untold wealth. From the present outlook this will be the greatest year in the history of Alaska. The sensational find oD Clear Creek by Frank Bartlett, the finding of the mother lcde in the Fairbanks district and the Gold Moun- tain discoveries by William Lane will inject more life in development wo, k than at any time in the history of the i district.
 Washington. Feb. 20.-Tbe sundry bill which was passed on February IS, contains s500, GOO for repairs to bar- racks and court house In Sltka. For repairs on the federal buildings on Pribiloff Island, 5000. For the care of Alaska's insare $50, 0,0oo. For the ed ucasion of the Alaska Indian & 0o0. For the protection If he reindeer s12. 0Oo. For the purchase of land ar Fort Egbert s2, 900: also $50, 900 will be available for the HiEchinbrook light during the year.
 1 Washingiou. Feb. 20.-1n spite Of the recommendations of President Recosyelt on duties which may be in- cluded as part Of the requirements Of the Government Secret. Service, the su ,diy bill which came before the house ,oday contained clause limit. | ing the activities of that body and con 6ning it strictly to government busi. ness. The spying out of the business methods of the men holding elective office will hereafter not he a part Of I tbelr duties.
 The bill also contained an appropri- ation of s33. 800. 900 for the Panama Canal. si9, 500, 600 for barbors and sl, OO0, GOO, for the use of Secretary Gar l field to be used in the detection of land frauds. There was also bill appro- priating the vast sum of s232. 000, GOT for the post office department, which in round figures is one of the largest appropriations ever made at any one time for any purpose.
 San Francisco. Feb. 20.-Fraucis J. ! rT z.