East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1911-08-31
LANDS
ARE THREATENED
ALASKA PRESENTING e.
PERPLEXING PROBLEM
Denied Efficient Government, and No
Statute Provides for Government
Development OF Rich Fields OF
Coal and Mineral.

Washington, Aug. S1.-Threatened
| by the loss of priceless mineral re-
sources, deprived of the benefit OF its
| rich coal fields, denied an efficient
form of government, and its valuable
fishing industry in the hands of a
grasping monopoly, Alaska has pre-
sented one Of the hardest problems
which congress has faced during the
past session. Already plans have
been formed which will make the
problem one of the leading ones of
| the next session.
During the agitation that has been
| carried on furiously for several years
this situation has resulted:
The Cunningham coal claims have
been Cancelled by Secretary Fisher of
the interior department. His action
saved to the people from the attempt
ed grab of the -Guggenheim
syndicate, thousands of acres of high
quality coal worth uncounted mill
lions of dollars.
No adequate law for the develop
ment of the coal fields appears in the
statute books and, with vast supplies
from distant points-even Australia.
Secretary Fisher will recommend a
practicable law to congress.
Richard S. Ryan's attempt to ac-
oulre from the government valuable
terminal privileges for railroad at
Controller bay, has not been consum-
mated by the prospects seem to favor
his enterprise. Congress passed a
law giving Ryan permission to build
wharf over shallow water to a deep,
narrow channel in Controller bay.
The grant was subject to approval by
Secretary of War Stimson, however,
and the matter IS pending in the war
department.
Ryan has not received title from
the government for locations under
soldiers scrip of land on the shore of
the bay made in the interest of Ryan
hut it is said these lands cannot be
denied him and that the delay has
been merely a matter of official rou-
tine. Each of these locations ex-
tends for 100 rods along the bay but
are not contiguous The law pro-
vides that ever alternate claim, so
rods on the bay, shall be retained by
/ the government
! Ryan had the presumption to file
| terminal railroad claim of 40
acres, covering an entire frontage of
cne of the governments so rod res
] ervations. President Taft, however,
has said that that claim is clearly
| against the law.
/ With characteristic fores ght Ryan
/ has surveyed a railroad right of way,
about p miles long, from Controller
bay to the coal fields in which the
priceless deposits sought by the Cum
u.ngham ella ms re located.
There is general impression that
if Ryan and his hackers build the
railroad ii will eventually pass to the
Morgan -Guggenheim syndicate.
The syndicate owns the only rail-
read in Alaska, with o length of about
90 miles. and when the Cunningham
claims seemed to be within reach,
had planned to build a short branch
to the coal fields. The short termi-
rus is at Cordova, not a great dis
t6nce from Cordova bay.
Senator PoindeXter Gep., Wash)
who is an authority on Alaska, said
today that the parties seeking to grip
| its wealth in a monopoly are ]. p.
Morgan, the Guggenheims and Lon
don firm, Close Bros.
SHOULD the government give them
transportation monopoly in Alas
| ka." declared the senator, "it would
be one of the most stupendously rich
money making propositions in the
world. Even an increase over rea-
sonable rates of 10 to Is cents ton
would mean millions increase above
ordinary profits. The interstate COM
pierce commission has no control over
railroads in Alaska.
"Monopoly is not only charged but
| is admitted by these men as the OBJ
| ject they have in view. They seek to
! control not only land transportation
Lut the ocean shipping and are now
| credited with being masters of the
great fisheries and large mercantile
enterprises. 1t is a private monop-
oily and they are seeking to extend
it over vast mineral interests in
| Alaska.
"As a remedy l believe that the
| government should develop a large
coal deposit for its own use and for
public distribution. 1t should con-
struct a railroad from the mine to
the coast and operate fleet OF
steamers to convey coal to our naval
stations throughout the Pacific and
to consumers in the cities of the Pa
cific coast states. In that way an
effective curb could be placed upon
corporations, also engaged in coal
production and disposed to extort ex-
orb tant prices from the consumers