Iditarod pioneer., 1913-02-15
LET THE WILSON IDEA PREVAIL

The question of railroad construction in Alaska has been brought within the range of practical politics by President Iats to last week dealing with the matter and the selection of routes becomes subject o vital importance to every resident of the Interior The proposals submitted by President Taft include the consruc tio of two trunk ines-one starting inland from Cordova and the other with terminal at Seward On the other hand have the counter proposals of Woodrow Wilson, who if reports correct favors the construction of two trunk roads with but ternnal-SeWard.
 Now while the people of Alaska, or at least the vast body of them, may have voice in the ultimate dsposl- ton of the natter it is within their province to discuss the various proposals criticize them if they ft and make whatever suggestions they deem advisable to secure recognition of the special claims of their respective oc-
 ties Therefore it is not to be wondered at that when tS question of railroad construction in Alaska looms ahead all districts clamor for hearing. Especially is this the case in the coast towns the continued existence of which may depend upon the onge1-for railroads 10 the Interior.
 But considerations of the benefit that night accrue to one coast town or injury that may result another should not, and probably will not have any bearing upon the ultimate decisol-he sole question to be settled being: What form should railroad construction in Alaska take that it may result in the greatest good to the territory as whole: When answer is found to that question: the selection of routes and terminals is settled and for a regardless of agitaon petitions, meetings of protest etc., that may But that does not preclude from look ing into the proposals submitted and judging of their merits and demers from viewpoint especially as lit- arod is provided for in and approach the subject without bias.
 In his message to congress President Taft recommends the construction of two trunk nes-one having terminal Corlova and going inland to Farbanks the other start ing from Sewari tapping the Maanuska coalfelds then turning westwa@ md coming to Iditarod This scheme has several drawbacks and is to meet with much Op positon for which shall demonstrate. It will remembered that the original proposition to appeal to congress to appropriate funds for the construction of thousand miles of railroads in Alaska In his report proposed railroad routes in Alaska published last year. Dr. A. H. Brooks estimated the cost of construction at S4O00O mile which would mean appropriation of $40 OO0O O00 But President Tafts scheme make Cor dova terminal would necessitate the purchase of miles of the Copper River raroad As this road cost 800 900 mile to build, the cost to the government would be over SlOO0000 sufficient according to Dr. Brooks to build 275 miles of road in favored locality. There yet other objections to President Tafs proposals Not only only do they include landing elevermiIon dollar melon to the Alaska syndicate but they ignore the claims of the rich Slsitna valley, the Bonnied district and the Neana coalelds and would involve Waseful penditure for two terminals, where would The congressional appropriation for railroads will be ime and Alaska needs many miles of railroad be got for the money appropriated The should acquire expensive roads, but build more.
 Turning to the scheme said to be favored by President elect Woodrow Wilson, find the proposals not only broad in general concepon but provision is made for opening up territory mitless in possibilities, while at the time securing greater economy in construction maintenance and administration. Mr. Wilson fayor5 terminal the coastSevard From that point the line would nOrthward up the rich Susna valley to it's junction with the Chulitna up the Chutna the divide at Broad Pass the Nenana the canyon down the Nerana its mouth thence eastby-north Fairbanks apparent those who have read Dr. Brooks report the