davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

able in Alaska. We recommend thai
Congress revise this law and thai
special revision be made for salary
for collectors fully commensurate
with the conditions and expenses he
is obliged to meet. We favor straight
salaries and no expense allowance.
Further, we believe that the road
tax of $500 per capita is an exces-
sive tax and we, therefore, recon-
mend that the tax be reduced to 81
per capita.
Civil Requirements For Holding Pub.
lie Office.
This grand jury is opposed to the
practice of appointing persons to
public office unless they are by birth
citizens of the United States of Amer
lea, or have become citizens thereof
by fully qualifying as sucn under the
naturalization law.
1t was VIGOROUSLY rumored that a
former commissioner in this judicial
division was not fully qualified
citi"en, and it has been testified
to before us by the present United
States commissioner at Chitina, Alas
ka, that he has not taken out his
final naturalization papers; that
his first papers were secured twenty
years ago. We feel that no person
should accept or aspire to public
office who is not qualified citizen
of the United States.
Conditions in the Town of Chitina.
1t has been VIGOROUSLY rumored
and it has been repeatedly testified
to before us that condition of ex-
IRENE drunkenness has prevailed for
some time in and about the saloons
of Chitina. 1t is repeatedly report
ed by travellers and it has been tes-
titled to by citizens of Chitina that
there is prevalence of general dis
order.
In connection with affairs at Chit
ina, we have diligently inquired into
several allegations of a serious ma
ture but so far we have been I'M
able to obtain tangible facts. 1t has
been rumored that professional
gambling is being practiced and that
drunken men are being repeatedly
short changed in the saloons.
We, therefore, urgently recon-
mend that the United States mar
shall and the district attorney make
a personal investigation as early as
possible.
further, in connection with our
Investigations, petition has been
landed the grand jury relative to
the United States commissionership
at Chitina; we deliver it to the Hon
orable Court to whom it is address
sed and we do not have any COM
ments to pass upon it.
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

;n"h: ate government aid, and thinks
the leasing bill WIN pass. 1 could
not defeat it If triel. finrnGt and
the administration are agreed ~. Il
that one proposition. The House
Committee on public lands has al
ready reported a bill withdrawing
all coal lands from sale. Land will
be reserved to United States and
let on a leasing system. Not more
than 100 acres to any one person
or corporation, with royalty of not
less than three cents per ton of
coal. If the Katalla fields can be
freed from the claims against it all
might be well. Possibly claims could
be abandoned or sold to the company
getting the lease.
81 am friendly to your railroad
when it does right, but won't be
friendly when they do wrong. 1 am
attorney for the people of Alaska. If
the government gives title of the coal
lands to you, you could do nothing
with it, you would have to have a
railroad. The general manager of
the railroad would stand ON the end
of the car and say "Our rate Is so
much And the question Of rate
and transportation controls your
coal. We are up against the ques-
tion of transportation in this coun.
try. I am as much interested in
having good transportation as you
are, but want 1t under control.
Our roads always have been and
always will be party to. the govern
ment. For their great services to
the people they have high powers OF
eminent domain, ETC.. to enable them
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

| tation throughout the District Of
Alaska as regards the necessity for
Increased appropriations of funds
for the improvement of existing
trails and wagon roads, and for the
establishment of additional highways
throughout the district, but more
particularly the immediate necessity
of improving existing highways con-
Meeting the principal towns and pop
ulous mining districts. The i'm
provement and extension of trans
portation facilities throughout Alas
ka is question of primary import
ance to the development of the
country and it is the opinion of this
grand jury that the improvement
md extension of transportation faci-
lities deserves far greater attention
from the central government in the
future than has been evident in the
past.
Bridge Across the Nizina River.
The loss of human life in the at
tempted fording of the treacherous
Nizina river during past years fig
tres to such total that further I'M
Reasonable delay in constructing
wagon bridge across this river. in
cur opinion, will constitute a passive
criminal neglect upon the part of
the government. The increased
mining operations adjacent to this
river and the creeks tributary
thereto has resulted in an extensive
travel and consequent hazard to
human life. This travel will pro-
purtionately increase as mining OPP
erations increase and the hazard to
life and property will likewise be
greater.
We, therefore, urgently recon-
mend that the federal government
or its War Department authorize it's
officers to make immediate provi-
sion for the construction of a per-
manent wagon bridge across said
river.
Indian Affairs.
In view of the extension of civil
lization and improvements, and at
tendant features, through the Cop
per River valley, it becomes appar-
ent that provision should be made
for the permanent protection of the
natives. The primary movement in
this connection should be the estab-
lishment of forest reserve, say two
miles in length along the easterly
and westerly banks of the Copper
River, so located as will centrally
embrace the villages commonly
known to be under the tribal juris-
diction of Chiefs Good-La-Tah and
Eskaleda in the vicinity of Taral.
This reserve should be exempt from
residential encroachment by the
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

alike. 1 think the time has
come when we have been driven to
that point where all must stand to-
gether and work as unit.
s'You are interested in COrdOva
particularly in the matter Of coal.
You had a tea party at the wharf
which demonstrated to the world
that you were interested in the
matter. You are interested in the
opening of the Katalla coal fields.
Al it is not developed your stores will
be closed. You will be obliged to
move your families to a region where
development can go forward. You
may not approve of the big interests
but the time has come to unite to
endeavor to secure for you the de-
velopment of this particular region.
81 do not mean TO criticise Mr..
Fishers policy. know him to be
brave high-minded gentleman. A
man of courage and who believes the
leasing system is the proper thing
for Alaska. PinchOt is a good man
and desires to benefit the territory,
Poindexter is the same, but l do not
agree with these three gentlemen in
their efforts to put the leasing sys-
tenn of coal lands upon the people
of this territory. In my judgment
the leasing system will ruin Cor
dova. If it will have that effect |,
ought to engage the most earnes
attention. II it will result in tn,
arrest of development 1t ought tt
] escape the attention of every man
There should be no politics, NJ
party feeling Of any kind.
j "Mr. Fisher had before him an,
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

The public meeting last night to
hear an address by Hon. James
Wickersham, delegate to Congress,
was largely attended. DIR. Chase
presided and introduced the speak
er. He talked for over an hour and
4 half, and from many things he
said gave expression to the follow
ing:
II come TO talk to you tonight as
q representative of the people OF
Alaska and not as a politician. !
come to talk to you as a friend and
not as an enemy. l come TO talk to
each one about his own business.
TO railroad people, to merchants, to
city folk and to rough necks alike.
Each is in the territory of Alaska to
better their conditions. Each is in
terested i'm this great question which
now threatens the development OF
Alaska.
"For more than three years the
development of Alaska has been
threatened. In the last three years
we do know it has been going pack.
wards. We want coal in Alaska anG
opportunities given to every man tt
go into mining, fishing, logging
railroads. Into any line of pursuit.
to make success. How many mel
have been successful. How man!
men have grown rich out of the de
velopment of Alaska? You car
count them on the fingers of ON
hand. This is the reason why PEG
pie have not built cities. The reas
on now barring us from success.
am not on the platform to abue til
big interests as the big interests ar
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

the 33 Cunningham claims
and declared that there was fraud.
He made an order setting aside the
sale and the land reverted to the
government. 235 more claims are
to be examined and may be declared
forfeit. Claims would not be leased
by anyone in the meantime as there
was litigation. What will you do
during these years at Cordova?
''Mr. Fisher proposes to go a
little further. He proposes in good
faith to build a railroad from Sew.
ard to the Matanuska coal fields
and extend it to the great navigable
rivers Of the interior. will sup
port it. The time has come to lay
aside principle and build railroads
to develop the country. In prin-
ciple am opposed to the government
owning and operating mines and
rdurOduss III Is SOCldllStlC III lut1
and this kind of paternalism should
not be inaugurated in Alaska. But
If it is the desire to have such a
bill will not oppose it.
I'm principle am not in favor Of
the leasing bill. If they put up a
fair leasing bill I shall not work
against it. But a good leasing bill
Is better than we have had hereto
fore. But in my judgment a Ieas
ing bill Is going t., hurt you. The
government railroad from, Seward il
rot going to have any litigation t
prevent its being built. Fisher be
.ieves in a railroad and leasing sys
tenn at Katalla. The situation herr
Is between the devil and the dceI
sea Seward looks forward to Inn
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

to perform their duties and should
always be under control.
1.-THE courts have now decided
that Alaska is territory and writ
of mandamus has been sent the In
terstate Commerce Commission COM
polling them to take action and use
it in Alaska. Within two years the
Interstate Commerce Commission
will control rates.
II have been asked what I would
do in the coal case. III Congress
concludes it will pass a leasing bill,
then amend the bill in accordance
with President Taft's message. Each
lease to be offered to competitive
bidders and sold to the highest of
these bidders. Extend Interstate
Commerce Commission laws and con-
troll rates of transportation. Con-
troll mOnOpolies and excessive selling
price in alaska. Charge gradual
ed royalty according to price of coal
Pay all money from royalties into
an Alaska coal fund, to be used for
the development of Alaska.
''In conclusion. We have good
judicial system for the territory, but
we lack a legislative body, except
city councils. No other territory
was ever created before it was giver
an elective territorial legislature.
brought bill before. Congress t.
give us an elective territorial legis
lature. Someone told Presiden
Taft beforehand that Alaska was no
competent to make laws, ana SO 1
bill was provided for appointment o
nine. members to make laws To-
Alaska, but the bill did not pas,
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02
Office of Deputy U. S. Marshal.

Oi1lce OF deputy y. .. NaFsnaI.
We have not directly inquired in
to the official affairs of the Deputy
marshal stationed at Cordova except
as pertains to records and papers as
he may have connection with the
commissioners office and the jail
and in this respect we have not
found any instances to which we can
take exception. To the best of our
knowledge and belief the affairs
of his office are being properly ad-
ministered.
But we recommend, however, that
in connection with our recommended
ton as pertains to the Commission
er's office, an examination be made
at least once each year or more
frequently if practicable, by an &C
credited operative of the government
and that he report his findings and
recommendation to the Department
of Justice or such central authority
as may be proper. This is for the
protection of the government and
for the protection of the marshal.
Federal Jail.
We find the location of the fed
eral Jail central for all police pur-
poses under existing conditions. We
find the premises clearly kept and in
good sanitary condition. We find
proper provisions made for safe GUS
tody of the prisoners.
Federal Building for Cordoya.
AS is generally known, during the
sessions of the district court at Cor
dova, the several offices of the De-
partment of Justice are established
in different buildings or rooms
throughout the business section of
town. I Ais certainly is an unde-
sirable condition of affairs. We do
not believe that it permits to the
economical administration of judi
cial business as would be the case
if all offices were centralized in one
building under direct federal con-
troll.
We, therefore, urgently recon-
mend that the federal government
establish permanent building in
the town of Cordova, and we fur
Their recommend that the town of
Cordova make official tender of an
allotment of ground of suitable loca-
ton whereon the government can
establish federal building.
We recommend that this proposed
federal building be constructed after
such design as will afford accomoda-
ton for the conduct of all court
proceedings, business transacted By
the customs collector, United States
commissioner, marshal, and all 9TH
er local government business and.
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

and never will pass. Instead 1 con-
fidently expect my bill, with amend
ments to be enacted into law at the
coming session of Congress.
LETS let the Guggenheims come
in with us if they will be good. We
are getting pretty well in the same
boat. They have $2O,UUU,OOO in
vested in the railroad. 1t is GER
tainly a fine railroad. 1t reaches
way up into the mining country. l
want to see it extended to Fair
banks. 1 want the railroad develop
ed. From what 1 saw 1 am ready to
quit fighting If they will quit and
do right and all get together and
counsel one with the other and dc
all we can to get the coal situation
settled and the territory developed.
They ought. They have $2O,OOO,'
900 invested in the railroad, the
Alaska Steamship company and i'm
mense investments. But not enough
revenues to pay for the oil used in
running the road. The Alaska Syn.
dictate has spent an immense amount
of money and ought to want the
people to stand by them. They
ought 20 SO conduct their business
that whenever q boat gets to the
wharf the people would meet them
with a brass band instead Of ours
ing them. They are an awful good
railroad, but awful poor politicians
hope we can all stand together
and work together for the common
good of this territory.
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

At the conclusion of the hearing
before special commissioner Frazer
on Wednesday evening both ]. w
Foulkes and w. U. Park were held in
the sum of $4,000 each for their APP
pearance before the grand jury. They
are charged separately and collect
lively with Jos. F. Diggs with en-
bezzling $4,000 from the postoffice
funds. Late this afternoon Mr.. Parks
gave a bond and was liberated. His
sureties are Sam Blum, Geo. G. Haze
let, Tom Davis VIM. Clayson, Capt.
Lathrop. Ed Boyle, James Flynn and
H. c. Feldmann. Mr.. Foulkes is
still in the custody of the marshal.
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02
GRAND JURY MAKES REPORT TO DISTRICT COURT
{ whites or other races.
| Coal Land Question.

whites or other races.
| Coal Land Question.
The fact of delay in negotiating
an equitable settlement of the Alas
kan coal lands controversy is motor
iously known. We commend the
President for his efforts as evidenc-
ed by deputizing the secretary of
the interior to visit the coal lands
in person and we respectfully urge
the President, the secretary of the
| interior and Congress to do all pos
sible in bringing about an early
settlement of the question.
Alaskan Fisheries Industry.
We recommend that the rate of
! taxation, as at present levied on the
canning corporations, be materially
increased. We believe the present
rate is ridiculously low. We recon-
mend that the government exercise
closer supervision in connection
with this industry and use every
precaution to prevent wasteful
slaughter. The government should
see to it that tax returns are made
from every canning establishment in
accordance with the output what
ever the basis of taxation may be-
We recommend that the government
establish fish hatchery on Lake
Eyak, near the town of Cordova.
Assistant U. S. District Attorney.
In view of the fact tnat the town
of Cordova has become an import
ant center on the southwestern coast
of Alaska, and there being various
reasons to believe that the town and
section tributary thereto will con-
tinue to grow from the standpoint
of population and inter-dependent
business and legal interests; further,
in consideration of the fact that
there is now, and mas been for some
time, an assistant United States Dis
trict Attorney stationed at Seward,
Alaska, we, therefore, urgently rec
ommend that an Assistant United
States District Attorney likewise be
stationed in the town of Cordova
and section tributary thereto, first
hand convenience in judicial affairs,
and any necessary immediate pro-
lection wherein the interests of the
government or the community are in
question.
Road Tax Collections.
During the summer of 1910 and
since that period, there was and has
been since repeated rumors in this
section to the effect that there was
gross partially shown, and prob
ably graft existent, in the collection
of the road tax along the line of
the Copper River & Northwestern
Railway in the Chitina precinct.
The law in general is impractic-
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

Information comes from New York
that J. F. Erdletts, mining engineer
for the Alaska Syndicate, had recent
ly resigned his position. Mr.. Erd-
let's came to Alaska early in the
spring and spent considerable time
at the Bonanza mine for the Kenne-
colt mines company. Later he visited
a number of other properties in the
copper country as well as at McKin-
ley lake. He was we'll known and
had many friends in Cordova,
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

The members of the grand jury
submitted their final report to Judge
Cushman, in the United States Dis
trict court late Tuesday afternoon
1t was signed by all the members,
viz:
w. Mcbride, E. V. Boyle. J. w.
Nickel, F. C. Schiller, Fred Schren-
ger, Lincoln VAIN, Chas. Goodall,
w. L. Fursman, Fred Glasbrenner,
Tom ZEE. Williams, j. E. Currier,
Harry Dymond. James Lyons, J. e.
Barry, ii. B. Burkhart; E. e. Swer-
gal, secretary; Malcolm Brock, Fore
man.
1t was very complete and vol
luminous document. from which the
following generous excerpts are TAX
en-, covering the salient points:
The dis e mas submit
ted lave examined
seven wherein persons
accust .a had been held to
the same, and of this
have reported five 60
and two ca not true
III he district attorney has al
plsseuJed us other matters.
Office of U. S. Commissioner at
Cordova.
We find the office equipped with
necessary books and records for
conducting the work required of
the commissioner. The commission
er does not have the services of
clerk or stenographer and is, there
fore, required to personally perform
the clerical work. So far as we
we're able to observe in our brief
examination, the books and general
records are well kept and appear to
be in such condition that immediate
examination can be successfully
made by citizens interested.
We recommend that the govern
ment place the commissioners Of
flee on fixed salary basis, COM
mensurate with the responsibility
Of the office and reasonably proper
tionate with living expenses in a
frontier country such as Alaska;
that the expense of conducting the
office be borne by the government
and that in case Of emergency the
commissioner be allowed to summon
clerical service; the expense of such
necessary service to be paid as a
Fart expense of conducting the Of
lice.
We recommend that the Depart
ment of Justice promulgate stand
ard fee to be charged by all notary
publics, including the United States
Commissioners.
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

| further, that the United States jail
be permanently established in such
proposed building.
Land Office.
We recommend the creation of a
new land district in the Third jul
dicial division with a land office
established at some central point on
the coast of the Third division. At
present the extensive and rich gold
quartz and copper territory tribu-
the coast town of Cordova.
Valdez and Seward, to a consider
able degree is handicapped in its
development by reason of the fact
that claimants are required to trans
act business through the land office
at juneau. This handicap to facil-
ity of business has been repeatedly
made evident in the conduct of bust
ness pertaining to the coal claims
of the Matanuska and Boring river
districts by reason of the great dis
lance, lack of transportation facil-
tiles and great waste of time and
burden of personal expense inflicted
upon claimants having business to
transact with the land office at Jul.
neau.
All Night Gable Service.
We urgently rec ommend the IL
augurati: of an all-nieht cable SER
vice Our Cordcva cable office is
connected by telephone with the
arament wireless station at Point
shed and it is by this means
(, that any news of ships in dis
tress at sea can be transmitted to
the towns of Cordova, Valdez and
Seward.
Revenue Cutter
We urgently recommend that
revenue cutter equipped with wire
less apparatus) be stationed in the
treacherous waters of Prince Will
liam Sound in order to constitute
safe guard for the protection of
ships or persons in distress, or for
any necessary police patrol or GUS
toms duty, in the waters of said
sound or on the high seas adjacent
thereto.
Fixed Aids to Navigation.
1t is VIGOROUSLY known that the
aids to navigation along the entire
coast of Alaska are greatly mad
equate. This is particularly true
along the coast of southeastern and
Southwestern Alaska the waters of
which are navigated more extensive
ly than any other section of the
Alaskan coast, both as regards pas
senger and freight transportation.
Government Trails.
We approve of the widespread agi-
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02
MCNAMARAS CONFESS TO DYNAM|TING

Los Dec Thegrat o. ~ B. Nr
il
fmanem
They b enenedn
The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1911-12-02

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