The Washington times., 1912-02-02
ALASKA AND ECONOMIC QUESTIONS IN MESSAGE

"a w. -
changed to meet the growing prosperity
There Is nothing I'm the history or the
United States which affords such just
reason for criticism as the failure OF
the Federal Government to extend the
benefit of its fostering care to the Ter
fitory of Alaska. There was time, OF
course. when Alaska was regarded as
SO far removed into the Arctic ocean
as to make any development Of II prac-
ticaily impossible, but for years the
facts have been known to those who
have been responsible for Its govern
ment, and everyone who has given the
subject the slightest consideration has
been aware Of the wonderful possibili-
only 5 capital M Mn Were invested a Seti there and
good government put over It, think
the United States owes 1t, therefore, to
Alaska, and to the people who have
gone there, to take an exceptional step
the treasures of Alaska to the Pacific
and to the people who live along that
ocean on our western coast
Suggests Commission.
The construction Of a railroad and
Government operation. Pursuant, how
Secretary Of the Interior. I suggest to
Congress the wisdom of providing that
the President may appoint q commits
sion Of competent persons. Including
two army engineers, to examine and re-
port upon the available routes for q
railroad from Seward to the Matanuska
coal fields and into the Tanana and
Yukon valleys, with an estimate Of the
value of the existing partially construct
ed raiiroad and Of the cost Of continu-
the valleys named. This proposal is
Iurther justified by the need that the
secure coaling base in the North Pa
enc The commission ought to make a
full report also as to the character of
the coal fields at Matanuska, and the
proplem or furnishing coal from that
source Tor mercantile purposes after res
serving for Government mining a sufn-
cient quantity for the navy.
Question of Distance.
1 have already recommended to Con-
gress the establishment of a form O.
commission government for Alaska. The
Territory is too extended, its needs are
too varied. and its distance from WASH
inston too remote to enable Congress
to keep up with its necessities IN the
matter of legislation of a local char
acter.
The governor Of Alaska in his report
which accompanies that Of the Secre-
tary OF the Interior, points out Certain
laws that ought to be adopted. and en,.
pnaslzes what have said as TO the inn
,,,Sns meaiate need FOR a government Of much
" !, uer @ powers than now exists there, II
at all e"'e'ahcnt
l do not stop to dwell upon the lack
pr provision fo7/the health of the in
n,,a naoitants and the absence or made
quacy OF laws, the mere statement of
winch show their crying need, oniy
press upon Congress the Imperative na.
cessity for taking action not onIv 10
permit the beginning Of the develop
her Resources, but to provide laws
which shall give to those who come
ton.
Colorado River Appropriation.
Ihere Is transmitted herewith a let
ter from the Secretary of the Interior
setting out the work done under toint
resolution approved June Is, 1910. an.
[hor1zing the expenditure of s., ,0OO. 900 or
30 much thereof as might be necessary.
TO be expended by the President for
the purpose of protecting lands and
property In the Imperial Valley ana
eisewnere along the Colorado river I'm
Arlzona- The money was expended ana
the protective works erected, but the
In Mexico go delayed the
WORK. and the floods In the Colorado
rlVer We're so extensive that a part OF
me works have been carried away. and
lhe need Tor further action and ex
penditure Of money exists.
:, DO not make definite recommenda-
fnr
plan to be adopted for the betterment
of conditions near the mouth of the
Colorado river proves to be SO de-
pendent on free and full agreement
uetween the government OF Mexico and |
the Government of the United States
as to joint expenditure and Joint use
mat 1t Is unwise to move until We can
optaln some agreement with that Gov.
srnment which will enable us to SUBJ
adapted to the exigencies presented
than the one adopted.
1t Is essential that we act promptlv.
md through the State Department the |
natier Iaatier Is Is, being EN- pressed upon the at
Meantime. q report Of the engineer in |
charge, together with q subseouent ra-
port upon his work by a body of ex- |
2erts appointed by the Secretary Of the |
Interior. together with an offer by the
work at a certain price, with a guar.
anty for year. and a comment upon
his offer by Brigadier General Mar
shall. late chief of engineers, United
States Army, ana now consulting en-
sineer Of the Reclamation Service, are |
Ill herewith transmitted.
Water Power Sites.
In previous communications TO Con-
,ress / have pointed out two methods |
~ which the water-power sites on
streams may be controlled
Is between the State and the National
Government 1t has seemed wise that
he control should be concentrated in
,ne government or the other as the
active participant in supervising its
Use by private enterprise. In most
Eases where the Government owns what
Ire called water-power sites along nom
VIII WONDED