The Alaska daily empire., 1917-08-24

the ceased oppose selfgovemment because he refused to permit him (Ierron himself) to become Republican National committeeman. He joined Wlck ersham after the latter publicly criticised the effort to full Territorial form of government for Alaska, and earned the unpopulary that caused his retirement from public life. As politician he al ways fell short of securing the desired office, and lobbyist his name has been identified with any piece of constructive legislation achievement for the advancement of the public welfare He op posed the reelection of President Wilson who gave his section railroad and population and he attacked and continues to attack Delegate Sulzer who is lead ing the fight for wider measure of sefgovernment for this Territory and for Democratic principles. He is devoted adherent the personal politics sys tenn and plays the game"
 This is the man who favored by honors from the Governor of Alaska presumes say what the Democrats of Alaska want, and who insnuatingy says:
 "The people of Alaska know who is behind The Empire in this opposition the reappointment of the Governor"
 Yes, The Empire believes the people do know. and it challenges Mir. Heron of his personal politics" tribe the whole Wickersham outfit Repub- lcans Democrats, to give any other reason than desire to the people of Alaska.
 The Editor of The Empire has fought for govern ment by the people in Alaska for the application of American governmental principles in the Territory for nearly twenty years he has sought in every way he knew to make the Democratic party-and the Re pubican-useful instruments for the advancement of Alaska; he has never sought office in Alaska and asked for consideration for himself any business in which he has been interested account of his political views his position any public question. Gov. Strong, time after time offered to retire office at the end of his present term and give his support for the Governorshp to the editor of The Empire if the latter would accept it. He re- fused the endorsement of Gov Strong just he re- oTho hacau his business running newspaper and not poli' tics. He did not want the Governorshp or any other office.
 The Empire is supported by the of the neope-its 2,60O subscribers and those from all the walks of life who patronze it's advertising columns and it's commercial printing department
 The Empire corporation anything except money-and that only in the ordinary course of businessand fair dealing support only to public and the consciences and judgment of those who make it.
 "Wl The Empire please advise it's readers as the class of people that opposing Gov. Strong re-appointment?"
 It will, notwithstanding that MT. Heron knows well enough They mine operators and mine workers, fishermen merchants, lawyers, doctors, skilled tradesmen, newspapermen and earnest Alas kans everywhere. They comprise very large ma jority of the Democrats of the Territory who are engaged in all of occupations. They the
 
 campaign last year They the who seek ing to raise Alaska out of the ru of personal poli tics and bring democratic government to it. They are the men who are sick and tired of Gubernaorial professions the lack Gubernatoria performance They who want progress rather than pffe. They who impatient to the ship of forward. They who little who long the people get cooperative ser vice. They want who will try to solve some of the governmental problems in Alaska, someone who will stop thinking of his political fate long enough to unselfish conclusions, and who the fight for their adoption when matured, in the open, and to fight hard They want a broad dmnded Western imbued with the facts and lessons of American history who will lead rather than attempt evade issues.
 "Seven-eights' of the Democrats for him! The Empire dares MT Heron to suggust to Gov. Strong that he leave the question to whether not he shall be the Governor Democratic primary election in this Territory.
 Gov Strong has many hand-shaking friends among the Democrats of the Territory, friends who like his personality his affability. his agreeableness But very few disnterested support him for what he stands for. He has been Governor for four years through two Legislative sessions-and there is not
 single piece of big, constructive legislation on the books for which he is responsible. The most important decided stand he has taken since be- coming Governor have been his stand for sacrificing the Australian ballot contrary to the advice of the Territorys legal adviser that for reappointment as Governor, and that to punish all who oppose his re appointment