The Chitina leader. [volume] (Chitina, Alaska) 1910-1928, 1914-02-10

James R. Mann, of Illinois, leader of the Republi-
cans in the House, was the principal speaker and
0osed the debate on the Alaska railroad bill in the
House today. He declared that the opponents of
4 the measure are of the same brand DIS those who
opposed the construction of the Panama canal and
are still opposed to pure food legislation. They
were still using the old stock argument that such
measures were Socialistic. ''Those who are oppos
ing the Alaska measure, if they had been living so
years ago, would have declared that Oklahoma was
a Wilderness declared Mr. Mann, and continued
''and their statements would have contained
much truth any they making in opposi-
ton to the Alaska railroad legislation.
Thursday officially became Wednesday under
the rules of the House during the consideration OF
the measure today This had been agreed upon yes
terday when the Alaska railroad bill debates were
postponed in order to permit of the immigration
measure coming to vote. The first order of
business was the official substitution of the Cham
,Aberain bill for the Wckersham bill for the Wicker
sham bill, after which agreement was made to
debate the Alaska railroad bill from II O'Clock this
morning until the House adjourned tonight
Other speakers on the Alaska railroad bill
included Representatives Henry T. Rainy and James
NJ Graham, of Illinois, both Democrats. They
favored the development of Alaska by the construc
ton of trunk lines to the interior and the immediate
passage of legislation providing for the opening of
the Alaskan coal fields. The bill will be considered
for amendment next Wednesday under the five
minute rule for debate on amendments. The friends
of the measure feel more confident now than ever
before that the measure will pass the House with
safe majority. The support of Congressman Mann,
who is the recognized leader of Republicans in the
House has caused the threatened opposition by the
4Democrats from the southern states to be less
feared.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 10.-Another bill
has been introduced in congress to provide for the
opening and development of the Alaska coal lands.
RaOraSantatiVa
duced measure providing for leasing the coal
lands through the department of interior com
petitive system of lease. Under the measure the
secretary of interior would be authorized to receive
bids and make leases to private individuals, COM
panies or corporations for the development Of the
coal lands in sections of forty acres multples up
to 1880 acres The life of the lease is not to exceed
50 years in any case.
= 1t is anticipated that Immediately following the
passage of the Alaska railroad bill the admnistra
ton will endeavor to reach a solution of the coal
land question. number Of bills, whose authors
believe they gifted beyond their ordinary
fellow members, have been introduced in both
houses. It is recognized that with the passage Of
the railroad measure action providing for the
immediate opening of the Alaskan coal fields will
be imperative. The government will require enorm-
quantities of coal during the construction of the
railroads and will not use imported coal as
Alaskans have been obliged to do during the coal
land controversy. 1t is limited in congressional
circles that conference of the Senate and House
committees on territories will be held in the near
future at which measure which will receive the
approval of the party and the support of President
Wilson will be discussed and outlined
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 10.--A hearing
will be held Tuesday next before the House
Nhc lands committee the bill introduced in the
House by Representative Ferris, of Oklahoma and
unuTOR On EArppaNuu ,a,.n. .nd ,,h,oot 20