Iditarod pioneer., 1914-03-21
LANES PLAN
 FOR ALASKA DEVELOPMENT
March 16, 1914
2litor Iditarod Pioneer

March 16, 1914. Editor Iditarod Pioneer:
 In your issue of February 2l appeared copy of Secretary Lanes plan for st ution of the various Alaskan problems rather expected some comment before this expressing approval or otherwise of the plan advocated by the secretary of the interior
 Since I hear very little discussion Of sho subject in public in fact, a considerable | number of persons admit to not even having read it beg to offer a little criticism, not oi Secretary Lanes plan fir the development cf Alaskan resources, but of the apparent s-agnation of any interest in these matters 1 from constructive point of view by the average Alaskan.
 Is Rex Beach, in his "Spo;lasS," after all ~.ght when he makes Dextry say in reply to young Glennister's suggestion that they must fight for their rights No Use, son there are only three real men in this camp, and the rest are just a bunch of who will not fight? Perhaps little Grar tie comparison but dangerous diseases re quire drastic remedies. A bit of scid is usually good fer an inactive stomach Maybe a little stirring will star, something.
 The point l wish to make Is this: We Ai4sLaus one and aI owe it to ourselves to take an active part in the solution of the va..ous vc~a5ious pr,ngms of Alas}q We may have very Ith, power lnd.vi5naIly t. bring about beneficial results, but we have OUT champions in rIace~ If power. Why not s,rengthen their position? Certainly $ecre- ;ary Lane must be termed one of AIaska's champions. His comprehensive i Ian fer the 1 development of Alaskan resources indicate, not only careful thought, but 2iso com n~eiansivc lnovia.,cc of Alqslsan condition. when he frankly states that "Alas5a is a new 1 '-n@ to be opened under ncs conditions; 1 hat i've must create ncw piece of gov ! orrment for the purpose" that the solution 20 Alaskan rroblams sha,Ii cone thrcugl 'i.rs,haII knowledge of conaitiors;" ina, there can be no satisfactory administration of the land laws or any ether Iavs a. distance of 5,000 miles from the uaio, If action The eye that sees should be near the voice that gives the order"
 All Alaskans must acknowledge the truth and logic of these fundamental principles and we should be grateful to Secretary Leoc for stating them So caphancally and ulsorIy githout reservation.
 And right here l wish to point out where it becomes the duty of every Ala..an to make a &sh. for results along thc.e ines. not d red flag noise, but steady. active 1 and united support Of the general policy a>.- vocated by Secretary Lane.
 Most of Us may not be competent 10 work out and pass upon the details of making the plans operative but most of us have com Mon sense. We can determine the general good or bad of a scheme, the workable and 2nwcrkahle points.
 | would respectfully suggest that we get together on this matter at the earliest DOS slhle time and in open meeting discuss See l retary Lanes plan; and if in the opinion of the majority the plan seems good, let Us get busy and boost it by passing resolutions urging its adoption, with such comments as may seem advisable, and forward such raso- 1 lutions to every person of influence iii aI- ! ministative affairs.
 We have had the ball started for US; little extra boost will keep it rolling Will Alaskans help by putting their shoulders to It to help ii over rough places?
 Nothing worth having vas ever gained !. without struggle
 Come, what say you, men of Alaska, who have necked your load thousand miles, who have braved and defed the northern bllzzards, who have fought mosquitos and the swamps overcoming obstacles that only the men of the North can estimate, and overcome in your effort to wrest from its 1 hiding places the elusive gold-will you now | shIrk your simple duty as citizens to assist m the establishment of a wise and frugal government for Alaska?
 Thomas Jefferson in his first inaugural address stated one of the greatest truths when in speaking about the truly wonder tul resources of our country he said "One thing more, my fellow-c citizens is necessary to make us happy and prosperous people and close the circle of our feIcities, one thing more--a wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from injuring one another but shall leave them otherwise free to follow their own pursuits and industries and improvements, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned"