The Alaska daily empire., 1917-12-18
.L0PP PRAISES NATIVES FOR
 THEIR CHOICE
Another Important Mile stone in Local Indian History Is Passed
 in Juneau.

Another important HllleSlOnc II
 local Indian history was reached yesterday when the Juneau Civil League held it's annual election ol officers. James Clark received the highest number of votes cast for league president, and Aux Jack who lacked but one vote of the mum Der received by Clark, was chosen vice president Jimmy Watson sue ceeded himself as secretary and treasurer Seward Kuntz and Chas Jackson were elected to the Board of City Relations.
 The evening meeting was well al tended and much seriousness of pur- pose displayed by those who are chosen leaders for the advance ol the Juneau native race. After tke election returns were officially an nounced, oaths of office were ad ministered by District Superinterd ent Chas w. Hawkesworth. Able i speeches were made by the newly elected officers of the league, then the entire audience rose and dem onstrated it's patriotism by a rousing rendition of America" singing the whole four verses of the national hymn from memory. Mrs. Hawkes. worth presided at the organ.
 In response to popular demand, William T. Lopp, Chief of the Alas ka Division of the Bureau of Edu- cation, who had just returned from inspection work in other towns near | by, and who, according to the testi- mony of the natives, always has Q [ helpful word for them in their struggles for progress, then address | ed the meeting.
 "A year ago." said MT. Lopp, you were talking about pulling out ol selves for the purpose of abandon 1 ing civilization and continuing the | customs of your ancestors; but f. nally you decided to remain here organize this civic league and try your hand at self government. That was a very wise decision You elect ed your best men to office, consult | ed with city authorities, and tried to put your village in shape. YoU determined to meet the demands of the times by abandoning your tri bal relations and conforming to the standards of your white neighbors Many hundreds of years ago these white people knew little more of self government than you do, but they have been advancing all the | time, crawling into efficiency. You have passed the first crawling stage and are now about to take the first step in modern selfgovernment."
 The speaker then called their at tention to conditions prevailing in Russia and Mexico, as voiced by the daily newspapers; entrusted the life of people under a oneman govern ment with that of a free republic like the United States. He tolG them that education was necessary as well as the experience of hart knocks in fitting them for civic sue cess; congratulated them upon tho wise choice of leaders and cautioned them in regard to the disappoint ments that usually befell those wht
 tried to reach higher standards o
 living when not united in effort Don't get discouraged" contin ued Mr. Lopp. addressing the off cers of the League. If those wh elected you to office find fault wit your measures and criticise you SC verely All civic officers are tn servants of the people and mus continue bravely to do their duty
 Remember that old habits are har | to break, old customs are difficul | to forget; old memories cling to tn past Those habits and custom | were undoubtedly good in their da.
 but they have served their purposes | Progressive Natives in Southeaster Alaska now realize that potlatche
 hold them back from advancement