The Alaska daily empire., 1916-01-03
STARTS FIGHT FOR STATEHOOD FOR
 TIE TERRITORY

of leading citizens of Alaska on the subject. In letter received by The Empire Mir. Drayton says he has ad- dressed letter to several hundred influential citizens, including the members Of tho Legislature. in which he asks for their views and urges a convention of those who favor State hood.
 The letter, copies of which have been received by several Juneau citi- zens. is as follows:
 My Dear sir:-
 Knowing your loyalty to our Ter rltorial interests to be beyond ques. ton. your Judgment wise and unset. fish. and your influence corresponds ingly helpful. I am writing you with view of ascertaining your individual opinion touching the admission of AL aska to statehood and, 80 far as you have observed, the general sentiment of our fellow citizens In your district of the Territory with reference to that issue. Also. of course. any opinion or suggestions you may care to ad- vance in respect Of the other matters and things touched upon In this lot ter wlll be highly valued.
 There appears to be many good and sufficient reasons for believing that the time is at hand when the agita- ton for statehood should be intelli- gently and comprehensively begun and systematically continued; the chief reason for which. lt seems to me, is that to further delay the matter VIII correspondingly delay the acquisition of material. political, and social hope we vii lever enjoy untl statehood Is attained.
 We an realize. of course. that very considerable period of time will certainly elapse before we can secure the passage of an enabling act even after all are convinced and admit that we possess every necessary qualIfl- cation for statehood.
 Then, yet more time must pass be- fore VIC could expect to agree upon a provisional constitution acceptable to Congress.
 In other words. to become a state at all we ourselves must take the In. itiatlve. and under the most favor. able conditions statehood cannot be obtained until long after VIC deserve it.
 Furthermore. if the agitation be not soon commenced, and maintained with vigor. 1t is inevitable that a develop ment board. administrative commits sion. or some similar contrivance will be foisted upon us the adoption of which wlll most assuredly tighten the claws of bureaucratic government up- on our people and thus postpone self government indefinitely.
 Indeed. It seems to me. this is the most pressing danger of the moment; and expediency would suggest that we continue @ little longer to bear the llls we have. lntolerable as they are, rather than ny to others we know not of. feel entirely confident. that the American people, our brothers. our kindred. our friends. will not long de- ny us the rights of freedom; but should we sit still now. and com placenty submit to some new. untried experimental device being yoked up- on us. you may be sure that the people of the Republic win require Of us that we give 1t what its sponsors will spe- clously designate Q fair trial.
 This would mean simply a continu- ance for an Indefinite number of years under a new name and form, but in the main under the same men-of the administrative inellciency, indus trial stagnation. and political depend ency from which we now suffer and have suffered until our hearts are sick.
 The odor of a skunk Is not im- proved by changing It's name; and, we may be sure. no governmental makeshift will materially improve. our interests until the agents who govern us are answernble directly to as. For my part ! refuse to be deceived into accepting any other solution of our problem.
 Now. to give effective impetus to statehood agitation 1t has occurred to me that convention of represents tive citizens favorable to the idea could be arranged and @ permanent organiza- ton be perfected under some such name as the Alaska Statehood League. or other designation indicative of it's object and purpose, and provision be made for securing the cooperation of an Alaskans in sympathy herewith.
 When shall have received your answer, and the answers ofa substan- tlai number of other influential citi. gems throughout the Territory to whom nm sending q similar letter. shall mail you Q detailed summary of the responses and. also. a copy of Q theseis in behalf of statehood which am preparing, and, which, in addition to It's main purpose, will attempt in a modest way to anticipate and answer such adverse arguments as may be presented.
 Thanking you for such consideration as you may give this communication, remain. with assurances Of the high. est esteem.
 Sincerely yours.
 THOMAS B. DRAYTON
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