The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-12-06

the recommendations I made In my
last message on the subject. 1 am
convinced that the migratory charac-
ter OF the population, its unequal dis
tribution and its smallness Of num-
Der, which the new census shows to
be about $4,000. in relation to the enor-
nous expanse Of the territory make
IL altogether impracticable to give to
those people who are in Alaska today
and may not be there year hence
the power to elect legislature to gov
ern an immense territory to which
they have a relation so little perma-
ment. It Is far better for the devel-
opment Of the territory that IL be COM
mitted to a commission to be appoint
ed by the executive. with limited leg
islative powers sufficiently broad to
meet the local needs, than to continue
the present insufficient government.
with few remedial powers. or to make
popular government where there is
not proper foundation upon which to
rest IT,
The suggestion that the appointment
OF n commission will lead to the CON
troll OF the government by corporate
or selfish and exploiting interests has
not the slightest foundation in fact.
Such government worked well in
the Philippines and would work well
In Alaska. and those who are really
interested In the proper development
Of that territory for the benefit of the
people who live in it and the benefit OF
the people of the United States. who
! own 1t. should support the institution
of such "a government.
! have been asked to recommend that
the credit Of the government he extend
ed to aid the construction of railroads
In Alaska. / am not ready now to do
so. a great many millions of dollars
have already been expended In the
construction of at least two railroads,
and If laws be passed providing for the
proper development of the resources
Of Alaska. especially for the opening
up OF the coal lands, I believe that the
capital already invested will induce
the investment Of more capital. suffi-
cient to complete the railroads building
and to furnish cheap coal not only to
Alaska, but to the whole Pacific coast.
The passage of law permitting the
leasing OF government coal lands in
Alaska after public competition and
the appointment OF commission for
the government OF the territory with
enabling powers to meet the local
needs will lead to an improvement in
Alaska and the development Of her re-
sources that is likely to surprise the
country.
National Parks.
Our national parks have become so
extensive and involve so much detail
OF action In their control that II seems
to me there ought to be legislation Gre
ating a bureau for their care and con-
troll. The greatest natural wonder of
this country and the surrounding terri
tory should be included in another ma
tional park. I refer to the Grand Can
yon of the Colorado.
Pensions.
The uniform policy OF the govern
ment in the matter OF granting pen
sions to those gallant and devoted
men who fought to save the life Of the
nation In the perilous days Of the great
civil war has always been OF the most
liberal character. Those men are now
rapidly passing away.
The best obtainable official statistics
show that they are dying at the rate
Of something over 1900 a month, and
in view Of their advancing years this
rate must inevitably in proportion rap
idly increase. To the man who risked
everything on the field of battle to save
the nation In the hour Of its direst need
we owe debt which has not been and
should not be computed in begrudg-
ing or parsimonious spirit. But while
we should be actuated by this spirit to
the soldier himself care should be ex-
ercised not to go to absurd lengths or
distribute the bounty OF the govern
ment to classes Of persons who may at
this late day from mere mercenary
motive seek to obtain some legal rela-
ton with an old veteran now tottering
on the brink of the grave.
The true spirit OF the pension laws
Is to be found In the noble sentiments
expressed by Mr.. Lincoln in his last
inaugural address. wherein in speak
ing Of the nations duty to it's soldiers
when the struggle should he over he
said we should care for him who shall
have borne the battle and for his wild