Iditarod pioneer., 1916-12-30
TERRITORIAL DIVISION

question which is likely to receive considerable agitation tarough territory that of dividing Alaska into two territories The idea have been avoaby ycJ throughout Southeastern Alaska and far has been noticeable in the press the territory serious objection has been raised from any other section As the full territorial rnnent agtatlon It IS not quite clear what good purpose to the end sought accomplished other than provide another excellent berth for perfectly good politician But the people of Southeastern Alaska succeed in impress their views upon it not likely that the residents the Interior will take the trouble attempt hwart their be doubtful whether the of the proposal de rahle especially of the insstent but unsubana de and for statehood Speaking the subject the Juneau Empire upon the population indicated by the vote at the recent election which any other cleo ten by 3C00 This increase says for the part fined to the Pacific coast belt and the returns indicate the population of the Second and Fourth divisions Continuing N says:
 It is apparent that the time has arrived when the terri tory should be divided least congressional districts This need promises to become more and more urgent with the development of the coastal regions It quite possible
 that the Fourth division may receive substantial influx of population with the completion of the government rsiroad but its geographical location such that its development along industrial and other lines will be rapid that of the coast regions There sentimental interest in keep ing Alaska until such time it ready for statehood but sentimental interest must give to that which Is era Pacific Alaska have many They geographically and climaicaly alike they have identical natural resources end ther progress
 material things would be greatly enhanced they gether to form independent territory.
 J. R. Hickman, the newyeected Republican from the First Civioicn said prior to the election
 My and have been for time that the terri tory should be divided The interests of one section seriously conflict with those of the other. In law-maIng particularly this condition presents itself and the conflict of interest ap parent all the The Second and Fourth divisions roads and insist taxing build them In this part of the territory do not need many roads. Most of thoroughares natural watecoures provided by nature The taxable wealth of the territory nearly all in the First and Third divisions yet those divisions have equal with and therefor 4ble either block if defeat, proposed by the First and Third
 My personal conviction is that the First division should be
 territory by itself end is abundany able maintain such
 government But if this yet possible then the First end Third should be thrown together territory
 but the four divisions territory has not been satisfactory, and in my opinion never will be.
 Delegate James Wickersham said have tentatively ap- proved the idea, least plan for delegates represent Alaska precedent for which has been in the of the Philippine islands.
 Of the purely selfish one; but that is argument against it. It than likely that the best of the entire territory would be served by such division though would tend postpone the realization of hopes of sehood The interests of the coast section of Alaska diff those of the Interior that there always be ct Furthermore the dominating interests of Southeastern and coastal Alaska generally such dpae all hope that they work harmony with the people of the Interior This has