The daily Alaskan., 1910-03-12
WHO IS BEHIND THE 5EVERIoGE
 BILL?

Since President Taft first euunci. ated his plan to have Alaska govern ed by an appointiye commission. un- til the present time when persistent efforts are being made to push this peruicious measure through Congress. there has been a vast deal of specula- ton among the people of Alaska as to the real inception Of the proposal and the interests behind the bill. A de- cided minority of the people of the north have thought Taft. though mis- taken and grossly misinfOrmed con corning northern conditions. sincere. in believing this plan of government to be for the best interests of Alaska. Others have thought it merely a cog in the political machine that the President seems to be building. a soft berth for political appointees. which will enable old debts to be paid and fresh obligations incurred.
 The first hypothesis is unthiukable. It Taft was sincere he would want to get at all the facts in the case and al though he has refused to be informed by the proper people, it is iuconceiy- able that he is not aware of the true status of the case and does not real ize the injustice of his actions.
 As for the second inference: that is no doubt correct. The proposed commission would prove a rich reward to political workers and would farther eurench the present administration i power But this only partially ex- plains the Presidents keen anxiety to pass the Beyeridg bill-and this same bill. it must be remembered, was drafted at Tafrs suggestion.
 There are certain interests back of the Beveridge bill who have millions Of dollars at stake in the territory and who hope to protect" themselves and to obtain advantages drought the creation of an appointive assembly. This charge is a serious one to make;. but it is absolutely apparent to those who have closely followed the ins and outs of Alaskan legislation, who have read the testimony in the hearings of the Senate committee on territories and who know the affiliations Of the men who have lobbied for the bill and misrepreseuted facts in an effort to have 1t pass. Probably no docu- meutary evidence of this fact can be adduced. Men do not set such things on paper. But two and two make four and circumstance piled upon cir cumstauce points to certain cOnclu- sion which any man of ordinary in- tenigence is compelled to accept.
 The Guggenheims are undoubtedly behind the Beveridg bill and that means the Northwestern Commercial company. tbe Fishery trust, the Cop per River and Northwestern railroad, at least one Of the big transportation companies. and several other concerns that have heavy investments in the territory and are looking forward to the future.
 Naturally enough the question will be asked:-why are these interests behind the Beveridge bill?
 Because they are opposed to home rule. The people of Alaska know that these companies, while they have done much toward the development  of Alaska. have also eyaded just payment for what privileges they hav been granted by the government. It is a notorious fact that the tax on the salmon fishery industry is re- bated under an act lobbied through Congress by Lieut.. Jarvis, a paid agent of the trust. This benefits the Fish trust to the extent of several hundred thousand dollars a year.
 Our seal herds are being depleted and the government is actually paying