The Cordova daily times., 1915-06-05
ALASKANS SHOULD BE CONSULTED
 IN REFERENCE TO CELEBRATION IN 1917
! EALIZING that Alaskans should be consul

| EALlLlNG that AlaSkans should be consulted refer
 ence to commemoratng the ffteth anniversary of the
 purchase of this territory by the United States instead of going ahead with the plans for exposition in Seattle 9l Colonel Bethens Times cautions his home people go too Tar With Alaska and offers them the following very timely advice:
 suggestion to celebrate Alaska fieth anniversary by oy some form of festival in Seattle from distinguished Saiornan not from any in this city. Hon. Julius hahn congressman originated the idea worthy motive of compliment both the Norhland and the Pacific North and he made the basis of able and instructive speech during his recent visit here
 With due respect Congressman Kahn as Californian and in wider citizen of the United States The Times feels that this is matter in which it would be make haste slowly The suggestion, indeed appropr ately from legislator distinction and on that accomt it serves to emphasize the important point that Alaska is not an isolated community onger it is dstncvely and vtay part of the United Sateshe entire country has right to cl and does clain interest in any great public ment affecting its welfare
 Therein is to be found the precise why feelings and ncnaons of Aaskan themselves ought to be sought out and respected in this kind It is plain to be seen that Seattle has not the least desire arrogate to itself the distinction and the privilege of holding festival great fair in 1917 and to be quite plain that Aaskans would not be In hearty accord with such enterprise
 Alaska is entitled to its celebration Broadly speak ing is probable that tho tourist the United States intent visiting the Pacific Slope years now would prefer that the celebration if cast commensurate with the importance of the event. be held point in Alaska.
 It ought to be borne in mind too in this connection that Fairbanks already has we'll maured plans hold an exposition Therefore any step taken by Seattle might tend to detract from the fair to be held that city would scarcely be considerac friendly The attitude Alaska in view of Congressman Kahns suggestion is probably well stated by the Juneau Dispatch That newspaper says edtorially:
 Every commercial organization in Alaska should 20 on record against strictly Alaska celebration being held in Seattle, other place outside of the Norhland"
 The Times is heartily in accord with this view Never heess this newspaper believes it would be well if the Seattle Chamber of Commerce would sound sentiment in this matter For fifty years, almost Alaska has been American territory In March, 1867 this government took that country off Russas hands, and October 16 of that year American forces raised the Stars and Stripes Ska taking formal possession of vast domain The purchase price OOOO today by material standards aone the country worth not millions, but billions of dollars.
 Certainly the possession of Alaska of such material and potential importance that its eth anniversary under the American flag should be celebrated There be festival of kind to commemorate the wonderful and prophetic vision of William H. Seward when he negotiated the purchase that has gone into American history as his greatest act of constructive statesmanshp It would be amss if in urherng the plan ot observance the president the United States would fix public attention the event. by pocamng October IS, 1917, national holiday.
 In the meantime, Seattle may we'll deliberate The Chamber of Commerce aid in marked degree by bringing nfunce to bear Wcsto cities in particular and all Amer cities in general to learn what would be their attitude in matter of so great pubhc interest