Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-16
WEALTH IN alaska
Secretary Fisher Makes Plea
for Development.
HAS TALK WITH PRESIDENT
Shows How Material in Panama
May Be Utilized.
TAFT'S NEWS FROM INDIANA
Primary Vote in Indianapolis Dis
trict Gives Him to / Over
Roosevelt.
TAFT'S NEWS FROM INDIANA

Secretary Walter Fisher of the Interior
department. who has just returned from
trip to the Panama canal, told President
Taft today that he found. after talks with
the engineers of the canal, that there will
De available for use on a government con-
| structed railway in Alaska a great deal
| of material. This equipment would save
the government many thousands Of dol
| lars should Congress authorize railroad
designed to open up the great coal fields
! of the far northwest territory
Secretary Fisher has set his heart upon
doing something for the development of
the natural resources of Alaska, especial
iy the coal fields owned by the govern
ment.
There can be no development without
a railroad. and private capital, under
present conditions, will not furnish the
money. In his annual report Mr.. Fisher
recommended government construction
and President Taft backed that recon-
mendatlon by message to Congress- Mr.
Fisher wants to see a railroad from
Seward, Alaska, deep water port, to the
Matanusen coal fields If Congress will
authorize such road much money can be
saved by using railroad materials from
Panama that will. not be needed there
after the finish of the canal.
Mr. Fisher said today, for instance, that
he had ascertained that 1900 fiat cars
will be released when the canal is fin
ished and in operation. These cost about
lilo each. The Panama railroad Is
five-foot gauge road, wider than the
standard roads in this country. The cars.
however, could be changed to standard
gauge for a cost of something like $27. 80
each. The cost of transporting the cars
to Alaska would not be great, as it could
be done by water.
Will Report to CONGRESS-.
Mr.. Fisher will prepare his data for use
he hopes to make Of it before Congress.
This data will show not only much val
liable material for an Alaska railroad or
elsewhere but the Secretary will DEM
onstrate that the splendid engineer corps
that is constructing the canal could also
be transferred to Alaska for railroad
work there. 1t is probable that Mr..
Fisher will be given opportunity to pre-
sent his views and facts to the proper
committees of Congress.
Secretary Fisher was one of a few men
who had a conference with the President
today. The latter retired to his study in
the White House proper to do some i'm
portant work. and denied himself to call
ers, no engagements having been made.
The President is to leave Washington to-
morrow afternoon for a trip to Massa-
chusetts and New Hampshire and de-
sired to clear up some work before leav-
ing. He also wishes an opportunity to
prepare one of his speeches in advance
If he can find an hour or so for dicta-
ton.
The President is to arrive in Boston
at O'Clock Monday morning The
mayor and city officials will entertain
him at breakfast at the Somerset. At
| o clock he will. address the legislature:
at O'Clock take luncheon with the Pill
grim Publicity Club: at 3 o'clock review
big parade; at o'clock meet the off,
GERS of the Massachusetts Peace Society:
at u dinner with the Charitable Irish
Society: at 9 visit the banquet of the
Bank Officers Association: at 10 drop in
on the banquet of the Boston Paper
Trade Association: at 1870 spend a few
minutes with the Boston Yale men in
annual banquet. Tuesday morning he
will leave for New Hampshire, making
visits to Nashua. Manchester and Con-
cord. He will return through Boston
| that night for a short stop and then
come on to Washington.
The President will be accompanied on
the trip by Secretary Hilles and Mai. L.
l.. Rhoades, the latter atcing as military
aid
Receives News From Indiana.
The White House was much pleased to-
day over the result in the Indianapolis
congressional district last night. In d.
rect primary election, at which both
Taft and Roosevelt tickets were in the
field, Taft carried the city by three to one.
He carried the wards of the laboring
men. where it was predicted he would
lose The congressional convention will
meet today and elect delegates to Chicago
They will be w. II. English and Mayor
Len Shank, and will be instructed for
Taft. The Presidents managers think
there is no longer doubt that the Presi-
dent will have the entire Indiana dele
cation.
| President Taft. having received an in
vitation to attend the International con-
ference of Knights Templar. to be held In
this city August ID, has written, through
Secretary Hilles. saying that the "Presi-
dent will in all probability be in Beverly.
where he hopes to have an unbroken va
cation and rest"
| This indicates that the President will.
| II Congress adjourns early, go to Beverly
as soon as he can and that he will not
take up advance campaign work.
Care of Public Buildings.
/ The President has issued an order to
Surgeon General Blue of the marine hos
pital service directing that all govern
ment buildings are to be inspected at
least once a month and this inspection
followed by sweeping, busting and what
ever fumigation Is necessary. The sur
geon general has also been directed to
take whatever other steps he thinks wise
to make public buildings hygfenic and
| sanitary
President Taft, Secretary Hilles Repre-
sentative Mckinley and Postmaster Gen.
gether the warning republican factions in
\ North Carolina so N inslIre Taft dale-