Arizona republican., 1911-06-27
CUNNINGHAM
 CLAIMS OUT Their Oisapprova| Yester- day By Secretary Fisher WANTS NEW ALASKAN LAWS The Decision of Commis- sioner Dennett Sustained A new Group of Alas kan Coal Claims on the Way to the Block,
WANTS NEW ALASKAN LAWS


 famous Cunningham Alaskan coal land claims, through which it has been alleged. the Morgan -Guggenheim syndicate had planned to extend their vast interests in Alaska and to con- trol one of the most valuable coal fields in the world, was today finally disallowed by the department of the interior
 Secretary of the Anterior Fisher having approved the departments de- cision as handed down by Fred Den nett, commissioner of the land office. the last door is believed to be closed to the Cunningham claimants.
 The Cunningham claims have been in the public eye for more than two years. They brought about the Bal linger-Pinchot investigation by con gress and the dismissal from the pub lie service of Clifford Pinchot chief forester; Louis R. Glavis. chief of the field division in the land office and several minor officials.
 In announcing the decision today, Secretary Fisher declared that new coal land laws are needed in Alaska if that territory is to be developed properly
 T do not believe the present laws applicable to coal lands in Alaska are wise or practicable laws" said Secre- tary Fisher. T sincerely trust these laws will be modified at the neYt ses- sion of congress so as to permit the development of the Alaskan coal fields under provisions that will more ade- quately protect and promote the pub lie interests"
 Commissioner Dennett, in his deci- sion holding the claims for cancella- ton on the ground of fraud. asserts the government conclusively estab- lished the charges brought against the claimants, and that there is no doubt an agreement existed among them in violation of law
 Another Group Questioned.
 Seattle, Wash, June 26.-Forty- seven claimants of coal lands in the Christopher -Simmonds- -Letcher group. in the Boring river coal field. Alaska, have been cited by the Juneau land office to show cause within 3O days why their claims should not be rec commended to the commissioner of the general land office for cancellation. A special agreement of the general land office has filed charges against the validity of each of the claims. charging that the claimants prior tO making locations and filings entered into an agreement or understanding with Cornelius Christopher George Simmonds, w. Letcher and MOrti- mer C. Sweeney. whereby the latter were to receive an interest in the locations and filings.
 Christopher. Sweeney and w. NJ Letcher according to land office of ficials, got some of their powers of attorney and relinquishments by can wasting saloons and telling the men found there that if they would sign the papers they would get something out of the claims"
 Christopher interested a number of wealthy Pittsburg men in his deal and they organized three companies to hold forty-six claims entered by dummies and transferred to the com panies. The companies are the Pitts burg Coal company, of which V. Christopher is president: the Cleve- land Coal company. of which John Y. Furlorg of Pittsburg is president, and the Youngstown Coal company, of which Simmonds is president. Sim monds was formerly justice of the peace in Colorado