The Cordova daily times., 1917-03-12
FOR A[ASKANS |S
 PROVIDED

pi'a hi"hiiE tht Inl. hCNihitN region in Alaska a national park only awaits the presidents signature to be- come a law. Through the act 2,200 square miles of country rich in for ests and wild life and characterized by wonderful scenery are set apart for all time as a refuge for wild life and playground for the people.
 The Mt Mckinley bill was strongly advocated by the Boone and Crockett Camp Fire Clubs and the American Game Protective Association It also had the support of Secretary Franklin K. Lane, and the department of the interior. Senator Key Pittman and Representative James McClintic and James Wickersham led the fight for the bill in congress.
 Wild Life Benefited.
 Among the species of wild life that will be specifically benefited by the action of congress are mountain sheep, moose and caribou. Mt. Me Kinley is the first game refuge to be set aside in Alaska, but it is hoped another will be established shortly in the Kenai peninsula, the home of the giant moose.
 There was urgent need of action in the present instance, as the region now given protection was menaced by large increase of population of the town of Nenana, nearby, and also by the approach of the government rail road
 Most high mountains rise by gradual steps that the height ceases to be it's grandeur. This mountain altitude of 20,300 feet is covered by perpetual snow for a distance of about 18,000 feet below the summit. It is studded with many large glaciers, and its sides are cut with torrential noun tain streams. The southern expos ure is mass of ice or glaciers for thirty-five miles, while it's walls are so precipitous that it cannot be ascen- ded from that side. To the north the slope, while precipitous, is more easy of ascent, and the base of the noun tain at an altitude of two or three thousand feet consists of beautiful parklike steps dotted by sparkling mountain streams and rich wild flow. CTS and flora
 Opened by Railroad.
 At the present time the region is practically inaccessible to tourists, but with the advent of the government railroad it will be easily reached from Broad Pass. From Broad Pass to. the boundary of the park will be approxi- mately fifteen to twenty miles, and from such boundary to the base of the mountain approximately fifty miles farther.
 The report of those familiar with the region shows that the country be- tween Broad Pass and the mountain is an open bench covered with a hard foundation that may be traversed in nearly any direction during the sum- mer months upon horseback without the necessity of trails.
 The construction of wagon and auto mobile roads in such country would be very simple and economical
 At the present time there are no accommodations for tourists in the park, and such accommodations can not be satisfactorily provided except under the supervision of national park service.
 The region embraced in the boun- daries, particularly to the north of Mt. Mckinley, is a natural breeding and feeding ground for all character of game. The game in this vicinity is more abundant than anywhere in the United States. It is the home of the moose, the caribou and the noun tain sheep, which now are almost as gentle as domestic animals. The pre- servation of this game will not only be a delight to the tourist who may visit the park, but it almost is essential to the life of the hardy prospectors, the advance guard of civilization, who for years have been attempting to devel op the great territory.
 These people realize the value of game and are never wanton in the destruction of animal life, but with the building of railroads and wagon roads and the influx of tourists, hunt CTS and adventurers, game refuges in Alaska will be absolutely necessary. Recognizing the necessity of game for the existence of the prospector, it is provided that prospectors and min CTS engaged in prospecting and min- ing in the park may take and kill game when short of food, but that in no case shall animals or birds be killed In said park for sale or removal there from, or wantonly.
 As mining is recognized as the chief industry of Alaska, the mineral laws of the United States are extended to the area within the park, also all ex- isting claims, locations or entries un- der the land or mineral laws of the United States are recognized and will be protected. The right of way laws