The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1914-03-18
A RAILROAD FOR
ALASKA CERTAIN
President Affixes Sigma
ture To Bill.
It WILL Be or VAST BENEFIT
Opening Up Enormously Rich
Country $35,000,.
900 To Be Spent.
PROJECT Is TO START At ONCE


Washington. March 12.-Presi-
dent Wilson to-day extended what he
termed "the hand of real helpful
ness and brotherhood to Alaska"
when he signed the bill authorizing
the expenditure of S35 100000 for
the first Government-Owned railway
constructed by the United States
Secretary Lane. a group of Sena.-
tors and Representatives and mem
bers of the Seattle Chamber of Com
merce. stood beside the President
as he affixed his signature to the
act, which passed both Houses of
Congress by substantial majorities
The President was in a happy
mood as he signed, and in placing
one souvenir pen aside to use anoth-
er, smilingly remarked: III change
engines
When the bill had been signed the
President made brief speech.
the completion of the measure. say
ing he believed a step had been ia
ken that would assist materially in
opening Alaska and bringing it near
TO the people of the United States
II want To say" said the Presi-
dent. how sincere my qualification
is in the completion of this measure
and its successful passage | feel
that we have at last reached out the
hand OF real helpfulness and broth
erhood 10 Alaska, which will now
link it to us by many bonds that
will be valuable to both sides This
is q consummation that | have been
hoping might arrive in my Admins
tration. and that it has come so soon
is to me very delightful
Secretary Lane Immediately after
ward had a long talk with the Pres
ident about the selection of engin-
GERS for the task. Though Colonel
Goethals had been mentioned for
the work, il is unlikely that he will
be through with the Panama Canal
in time for the present undertaking.
which Mr.. Lane intends to get into
operation at once.
The Secretary said the enactment
of the railroad bill would be follow
ed by the passage of the Alaska leas-
ing bill. which would mean the ear
rying out of the Administration
program for the development OF
Alaska in an incredibly short time
He added that an attempt would
be made to gather the working force
this year. and that map showing
the various routes and conditions
existing along each would be- stud
led by the President.
Our AIM" said MIR. Lane. will
be- not merely To construct rail
road from the sea to the interior.
but along route that will develop
the agricultural and mineral re
sources of the country so that We
may have 4 railroad that will tap
large coal fields and have othrr
freight 10 carry
rho beginning of he u.ojr,t viii
sienalize y new method Of Govern
mont stimulus rof the opening a.
virgin territory. contrast . the
Government bounties and gu 'antei
e. Dons ri'h ~ he pioneer DAYS
OF The West w re I'D by tn Ned'r.
al Government to encourag rail.
road building.
To-Ga! Law had comparl lively
short history though tho subject
has been agirat.d for many wears
Early last Year secretary Lane gave
his indorsement 20 the bin and OBJ
tanned the support oi the President
to make il an Administration meas
ure.
Administration leaders in Con
Pre's made il clear during the de
bate that followed that the bill was
not To be construed as AN indorse-
ment OF the principle OF Govern
ment ownership OF railroads. but
was intended 10 iii a special case
and brlug 10 Alaska private capital
and people who wonld develop its