The Chitina leader., 1910-11-12

"Where the team meets the steam, via Chit ina and Cordova.''
 That's the slogan now with the interior trav- eler, and those coming from the outside have their baggage and freight marked ''Cordova, via Chitina.''
 The new cutoff trail from Chitina to Willow creek, connecting with the Valdez Fairbanks trail, IS now ready for winter traffic and there isn't better trail or wagon road in Alaska. The road was finished and ready for traffic by November 1st, as was said would be done, when the road commission took hold of the work. From the beginning to the end the work on this most important cutoff road to the in- terior has been the cause of considerable agi- tation by those opposed to the new route through selfish motives, and, strange as it may seem, even to this day, after the completion of the road and demonstrated beyond all possible doubt that the route Is the best and most practical for traffic, by both teams and pedes- trians going over 1t, there are still few nar- TOW minded knockers who are mean enough to tell the people from the inside, who are unfamil- jar with the real conditions that it is impossible to get over the new trail, that the Tonsina river can't be crossed, etc., and the old trail to Val dez is the only safe exit. These reports we know to be true, for they come only this week from reliable Fairbanks business men, who were advised at few of the different road houses to forget the new 'cut-otf dream' and go out by the old route But like all good, hardy Alaskans, they did not hesitate to take a chance and much to their surprise they found wagon road fit for a bob sled, automobile or any kind of conveyance, instead of a torturous double ender trail, as represented.
 The Leader takes great pleasure in this is- ira31 &ba, oil Alaska that the new wagon road from Chitina to Willow creek on the Fairbanks trail is now ready, and in face of all opposition, the travel will be directed this way, as there isn't bet ter road in the North. A special edition of l. 900 copies have been printed, and go out in the next mail to every camp in Alaska, as well as to Seattle and coast towns in the states, assur- ing the traveller that from now on he will find the best accommodations and make the quick est time over the new route
 Advantages of New Route
 Travellers will decide to take the new cutoff road this winter for number of reasons First Because a saving of two or three days can be made, and time Is one of the greatest items in travel. Second, Because relaying from the big sleds to the double -enders Is unnecessary and the third Of many reasons which could be brought to bear, Is comfort The worst part of the Valdez Fairbanks trail is from Willow creek to the coast, the Thompson Pass and Keystone canyon terrors, having heretofore been the bug aboos to get over. The outgoing passenger, now taking the new cutoff road arrives in Chitina and finds the coldest and most lonesome part of his journey at an end. Here he finds the best accommodations at the new Hotel Chitina, and after comfortable night can take warm steam heated passenger coach next morning, ar irving at the coast terminus of Cordova the same day. On his way from Chitina he can look out the windows of the passenger train, view the magnificent and unsurpassable scenery