The Wrangell sentinel., 1917-10-18
COMMUNICATION FROM
 HON. P. (. MCCORMACK

M attention mas Ieeu uifeCted 10 an editorial in the Petersburg Report of September 7, entitled. Some Juneau Explaining re- garding the act of the the last Leg islature permitting Territorial road funds to be expended for waterway improvements, an d quoting the Juneau Dispatch as stating that the bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Heckman at the request of Representatives Monte Benson and P. C. McCoi- mack.
 l l wish 10 state that in so far as my name is concerned the state ment is incorrect and misleading.
 The measure was passed in the Senate without my knowledge. The first intimation 1 had of its eXis- tence was when it came up for the first reading in the House, after it's passage in the Senate In view of these facts | fail to understand how the Dispatch could or should connect my name with any activity as 10 fostering the measure.
 Regarding the merits or demei- it's of the bill and my attitude as to it's passage, will state that l con- sidered such a course dangerous in that it might lead to will!ul abuse in the use of the road funds as originally intended. And for that reason l raised an objection in the committee. But upon investi sation 1 found that the measure would afford relief to a great many settlers adjacent to Juneau and the Channel towns who had to go a long way to reach their destination and were also subjected to the great danger attending the longer pas- sage. ] also realized that tie greater percentage of the popula- ton of this division is centered upon Gastineau channel. And tor these reasons felt that these settlers were entitled to the relief asked for in so far as the improve m-nt and dredging of Gastineau channel was concerned. Al Ii e time I was assured that the cost would not exceed SI5,ooo or s2o,- 900.
 In view of the conditions as above stated, and realizing tie necessity for the improvement, l did not press my objection in this connection. While I do not alto gether approve of the diverting ot funds intended for certain purpose. 10 other uses 1 will state that in SC far as the question involved |, concerned 1 feel that under sinliial circumstances and conditions should any other section of tie division be interested the Legisla ture would be justified in taking similar action, but that such action should be specific as to actual work intended for certain improvement, and the expenditure should be- limited so as not to interfere wi :: needed improvement required in the different other sections of the division.
 With reference to the statement of the Dispatch as to the possible improvement of Hawk Inlet under the provisions of said act 1 will ad- init that such action would be pos sible, or others that might be urged, owing to the fact that the act as passed was general instead of spe- cihc. However, l feel satisfied from the personnel of the Board of Road commissioners that they will see that all sections of the division will be accorded fair treatment. Their mode of action may seem dilatory, yet we must admit that a new measure of this kind requires considerable preliminary work be- fore much actual progress can he made. l anticipate general activ- ity the coming year on all road work actually necessary.