The Alaska citizen., 1913-03-17
.DO|NCS AT THE
 NATIONAL CAP|TA Al

WASHINGTON, March Nation, al Democratic Committeeman z. k. Cheney of Alaska Robert W. len nihss, Democratic candidate ill the last election, and several representa- tives of the Seattle chamber of com merce who eeye here in the interests 1f Alaska. were received by Presi- dent Wilson this afternoon and as sured of the friendly attitude of the thief executive toward the Northern territory
 The president told the Northerners hat il is his desire 10 aid Alaska in every way possible. but that he has no intention of advocating re- forms until he has had a further op- portunitE of acquiring d knowledge Of conditions in the North. He said that Alaska is engaging his deepest thought al present and that he hopes soon to outline his plans for the ad- vancement of the interes. $ of the North.
 The president suggested 10 his visitors that they confer with Secre- tary of the Interior Franklin K Lane. since most of the reforms sought must come through the interior de partment
 CONFERENCE WITH NATIONS.
 WAsHINEoN. March 1o-Res- bonding to ,1aeneral invitation issued by Secretary of State William Jen- nings Bran. the Washington repre- sentatiyes of all of the principal for eign nations gathered at the office of the new secretary this afternoon and participated in lengthy con. ference concerning international re- lations
 Bryan took occasion to assure the diplomats that. under the ad- ministration of President Wilson. the United States will endeayor to main tain the most friendly relations with the other nations of the world.
 BRYAN TO RETAIN OLIVER.
 WASHINGTON. March 10-Robert Oliver. assistant secretary of state under Secretary Knox. will continue 10 hold office under Bryan. accord ing to an announcement which was made today in the local press.
 WILSON SEES ALASkANS.
 WASHINGTON. March 10.-A dele gation from the Pacific coast. con sisting of Messrs. Patterson. Heifner. Todd and Charles Drury, of Tacoma. called on President Wilson today in regard to the Alaska coal situation The president suggested 10 them that they call on Secretary of the Interior Lane and urge on him that the coal lands be opened. This the delegation accordingly did, telling AIr Lane of the suggestion made by the president.
 TO OPEN COAL LANDS.
 SEATTLE, March 1.-Private ad- vices received in this city today from the national capital state that the RooseveltTaft policy of conser- vationa as applied to Alaska is not looked upon with favor by the Demo cratic administration. especially with regard to the withdrawing of the coal lands of the North.
 The advices state positively that Secretaries Lane. of the interior de- partment. Daniels. of the navy. and Garrison. of the war department, have not the slightest sympathy with the Republican policy, but instead they favor the encouragement of the rapid development of the territory.
 Further than to state that the secretaries named favor the reopen ing of coal lands, the advices do not state what steps will be taken to un- do the work of the past two ad- ministrations.
 REFERRED TO LANE.
 WASHINGTON. March 11.-Acting on the advice of President Wilson National Committeeman Cheney and the other Alaskans who are here in the interests of the Northern terri tory. called upon Secretary Lane of the interior department. today for the purpose of discussing plans for the betterment of conditions in Alaska.