Douglas Island news., 1915-04-21
rContiuued from first Pagel.

above sea level to the head of the arm, which is reached at mile v (from Kern creek. In this stretch the location crosses six or seven streams of cOnsid- erabe size, of which the Yukla is the largest. Construction throughout this stretch would be comparatively easy. It is possible that one or more steel spans would be required in crossing the delta of the Knik and Matanuska rivers at about mile 73. Near the western end of this crossing would be located the junction between the Mat. anuska branch and themain line up the Susitna valley. At mile 45 the location would pass about miles cast of Knik harbor Sometime called Ship creek, a blight on the east shore of Knik arm, which offers a safe anchorage at all tides during the six months of summer season. The plans of the Alaska Nor thern contemplate developing this harbor into a terminal for use during the summer months, from about May 1 to October 3l, iD order to save the rail haul of ll5 miles across the Kenai mountains.
 The Commission had no opportunity to observe any more of the locatsou of the Alaska Northern railroad than has been described to this point. Horses aud pack transportation were taken at Knik and the Commission proceeded inland about 40 miles over the Willow creek road which reaches the head waters of the tributaries of the Little Susitna river. Good views were had of the lower portions of the Matanuska aud Kuik valleys. Plans aud profles were obtained from the company, and considerable detailed information was obtained from The engineers of the company, one of whom had been over the Broad Pass extension and in the Matanuska field. The territory north of Broad Pass is also known to one member of the Commission.
 From the junction at the bead of Knik arm, the line to Fairbanks as located would proceed westward, cross ing the Little Susitna river al about mile 94, and would assend the broad valley of the Su.itna. This part of the line traverses a broad gravel bench offering no difficulties of construction The grade is held near the foot of the eastern slope of the valley and would be at elevation between 300 and 800 feet until the canyon section of the Susitua is reached at about mile 173. Several streams of considerable size are crossed. The largest of these is the Talkeetua, crossed at about 229. No data is at hand as to the discharge of this river, but the area draiued by it would indicate the necessity of bridging it
 Reconnaissance were run by the Alaska Northern reaching Broad pass by ascending the Chulitna river, which flows into the Susitua from the west at about mile l5U, but the Chulitna can- yon was found more difficult than the Susitua, involving about l5 miles of very heavy construction This loats would save one summit (Chulitua pass) and a location survey might jus tify it's selection.
 The adopted location asceud5 the Susitua, following the east wall of the canyon from mile ITS to Indian creek at about mile 197. This stretch of l9 miles is supported on the sidehills whose slopes are not excessive, though at places construction cost would be heavy. A steel bridge would be re quired to cross the Susitna at mile l95. The location then ascends Indian creek, reaches the Chulitna over minor summit (Cbulitua passl aud as- cends that stream to Broad pass at about mile 248. Data on this section of the location are not precise, but the construction would probably not be heavy except in short stretches, aed it is reported that a location can be ob. tained with 3 per cent as the maxi mum grade and without excessive cur yature.
 Broad pass lelevation about 2.800 feet) is a mountain gap from G to s miles wide and through it the head