The Cordova daily times., 1917-01-26
C0RDOvA GIVEN \ B|C BOOST AT
 LUNCHEON

A luncheon was given by the Alas ka bureau of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce at the Arctic Club, Seattle, on Friday, January l9, which was at tended by a number of invited Alas kans. Among the remarks made, Will A. Steel, formerly of Cordova, ex- pressed himself as follows:
 It has seemed to me that more patient, courageous and hopeful peo- pie have never existed than are to be found in Alaska. In seeking to un- cover the rich treasure box of the northland there has been remark able sacrifice of health, happiness, mind, and even life. Notwithstanding the privations and hardships that fol lowed in the wake of the development of the territory so rich in natural re- sources, the courageous people who blaZed the trail never lost the.r un bounded faith that one day an empire of fabulous wealth, peopled with a progressive and happy citizenship would challenge the wonder and ad miration of the world. What was seemingly to many but an idle dream is now fast approaching a full realiza- tion of the most extravagant prophet ic vision
 It is not necessary that l should cite the particular leaps and bounds that have carried the various con- munities forward to prosperity and permanency. and that have tended to the wonderful development of all of Alaska. You, gentlemen, are familiar with the growth and progress, and have assisted in no small way toward it's accomplishment. But l cannot re- frain from holding up the mirror of progress and directing your gaze to one of the many localities where na- lures bounty and mans energy are justifying the proud hopes that tend to a great and permanent empire.
 COrdova was primarily a railroad town, the sea coast terminus of 196 miles of steel rail over which the giant engines of progress steamed their way into mountains of the rich est copper ore known to mankind. Since the opening up of the first big of nfh eratiOns have been started until now they are well under way and give em- plOyment to thousands of men in what is known as the Copper river coun- try. And Cordova is their headquar- ters, their city" from which they draw their supplies and where they seek their recreation and establish their homes. And at present it is the gateway through which over three and a half million dollars of copper per month passes on to the shelter.
 But not content with it's railroad shops and offices, it's fame as min ing center, a tide of advancement during the past year has established upon the shores of Cordova more than a half dozen large fish and clam canneries, one of which is credited with 10000 cases. the largest salmon pack last season of any cannery in Alaska. And this year other canner ies and large refrigerator are pro- jected, so that soon Cordova may at tain prominence as one of the most important fishing headquarters in the northland. Other enterprises are on their way, and within a few weeks a new bank will be established, large mercantile house opened up, a modern sawmill running.
 COrdOva is today assuming the same acterizes other growing and prosper ous towns in southeastern and south western Alaska. Her people are con tented and planning for the carrying out of higher ideals in civic and busi- a Aess opportunities. The hopes of
 flier days are being realized and
 en and women are looking forward
 comfortable homes and pleasant
 (rroundings with adequate educa- uonal opportunities for the many growing children. They feel now that they want to be permanent residents \ of land that is coming into it's own The different communities are eagerly looking forward to particular developments, and the establishing oi material enterprises. It will be the of proud hope wher
 Ordova's railroad is connected with
 Bering river coal fields and the
 italia oil wells. Thereafter vii
 on follow the building of copper
 letter in the immediate vicinity O.
 Gdova. and the consequent employ
 Pnt of a large army of men tha
 ll determine the future growth ant
 fManency of what is destined to D.
 Of Alaskas largest cities.
 |2 but the rapid strides in recent year
 ard the development and upbuild
 of Alaska is not entirely due t, courageous people of that terri