The Alaska daily empire., 1917-01-27
ALASKAN HOME RULE FIGHT
lDawson NewsD

Dawson NewsJ
 The movement which has been renewed in Alaska Co secure home rule for that Territory will receive the sympathy of those of Yukon Territory or the Can adian Yukon. who went through the early development of this Territory. The experience and the political advancement of Yukon Territory should serve as a precedent and aid to the AIaskans in securing the au tonOmy for which their progressive citizens are "orN ing.
 Yukon was created by the Dominion government Territory in 1898 when the KOndike gold excitement was at its height. Provision also was made at that time for a local Territorial government comprising the governor and six appOntye members, and m l9OH the Yukon legislative body made wholly elective and enlarged and is chosen entirely by the people of the Territory This body conyenes at least once year. and Ottencr, if deemed necessary by the chief executive. Thus matters of Territorial concern can always be dealt with whenever desired and by repre- seutatiycs chosen from among the people Of the Ter ritory-those best qualified to know and dea! with local matters.
 of parliament elected by the people Of the Territory and sitting in the Federal House Ot Commons. He not only has voice but vote in any and every matter coming before the federal house, and IS member ol some Of the most important committees of the na tionaI legislative body The representative Of Alaska in the American federal house has merely voice with it's democratic institutions and in face of the origin of the nation and ts declaration Of ndepeni ence originating with cry of taxation without rep reCntaon that Territories and outlying portions of the British government today have extended to them greater powers and wider representation than are granted American territories by their national govern ment The great republic needs 10 take few strides 60 catch up with Britain and the Dominion in such matters. Tn the particular of representation in Alaska anu Yukon Uncle Sam is fifteen years behind the procession. In view of this and other disabilities under which Alaska labors, the Aaskans are fully utitied in agitating for reform. As u is today they under the thumb largely of bureaucratic govern directed from Washington, 4,0OO miles distant by people who never Alaska, and who have had little knowledge or sympathy with the country or it's peo- pie. and who have not and cannot comprehend it's yastacss its marvellous resources and its peculiar con ditions and needs Only those living in the Territory are capable of making its local laws and administering them.
 Yukon Territory has had no cause to regret, but every reason tO congratulate itself over its home rule and the fact t has member of the federal govern meUt with vote which gives this region a say in affairs Of the nation of which it is part and to whose laws t is amendable and Co whose support l, contributes. Aaskans should not rest until they secure their recognition to similar rights. Washington need not think that in extending those rights iJ is granting privilege 10 Alaska, for it will be extending only what every citizen Of democratic and rcprCseu-| tatiye land is entitled tO, especially under sOnsti tuition based upon the premises that those subject to taxation entitled to representation and that alien government Of local affairs is inimicabe the best interests or the Territory so governed.
 It is up tO the Alaskans whole to make a firm and determined stand and they but
 Yukon Territory is jealous of its autonomy and the fact u has Territorial home rule and full repre- seutatiOn iu the Federal house Yukon will be glad Go it's ueighbor equally blessed, for the physical conditions m these promising young Territories are largely identical Their similarity of resources and means that any thrift and progress for one must Of necessity come largely to the other so that if Alaska now be given those rights which will help her legisate and handle her home affairs in and population to Aaska-YuEOn will help share the prosperity.