The Chitina leader., 1912-11-05

It was splendid outpour1ng Of people last night who did honor to the presence in our midst of the members of the Alaska Railroad Commission. Empress theatre was filled to capa- city and all indicated interest in the discussion of the railroad situation and future possibilities. Very natu- rally the principal interest centered in the expressions upon the part of the members of the Commission, for all were eager to hear drop a word or two that would seem to favor the selection of Cordova as the ocean ter minus of a trunk line railroad that would extend through to the Panama and Yukon rivers.
 When Major Morrow, chairman of the Commission, made a short ad- dress, he soon made it evident that the Commission was endeavoring to intelligently and industriously fulfil it's mission in making the necessary investigation concerning me trans portation situation in Alaska. And he stated that definite conclusions would not be reached until after an inspection had been made of Pyramid harbor, near Haines and the White Pass at Skagway. He indicated that the Commission had been impressed with the great possibilities of Alaska, both from mining and agriculture standpoint, and of the necessity for better and immediate railroad facili- ties. He stated that in examining routes for the starting of a trunk line that would undoubtedly expand, the Commission was now seeking an ocean terminus that would assure an open port all the year round. For that reason the mouth of the Yukon, the Kuskukwim and the upper part of Cooks inlet were eliminated from present consideration.
 The Major added that he was greatly impressed with the general and sincere expressions that he heard in every section of Alaska condemn
 ng the policy of conservation that had tied up the coal resources of the ter ritory and stifled industrial expan- sion. He stated that he was thoroughly convinced that the Pin chot policy, as applied to Alaska was a mistaken one. And he further said that he believed that if the Conl- mission can find way to refer to this phase of the situation in their report that maybe we will and "the Con- mission will try to find a way to help along the good work"
 Dir. Alfred H. Brooks briefly re- ferred to his acceptance of place on the Commission because he believed that in its examination and report something good would result to the Territory of Alaska. He believed that it was a Commission different from most of the commissions and expeditions that had so often visited Alaska. The present body is taking its duties seriously, with the idea that it was intended for work and accom-
 lishment. and that real service might be rendered the patient people of this northland.
 Leonard M. Cox and Colin McCrae lngersoll both spoke briefly and re- cited many interesting experiences 'AAoS ehSJ Aou ChCOuAlcISu III AldShd. They also made it evident that they were highly impressed with the mag nitude and rich resources of this country, land of plenty under nor nal and favorable conditions, that but required transportation and a liberal policy upon the part of the government to make it blossom as the rose.
 Geo. c. Hazelet and John Y. Ostrander, of Cordova, and Falcon Joslin, of Fairbanks, spoke upon be- half of Alaska and of the great needs of this vast territory in the way of transportation. MT. Hazelet went into considerable detail in desribing the various routes and lines of rail- road that would open Alaska to de- yelopment, and of the superior ad- possessed by Cordova as coast terminus and of the Copper