Iditarod pioneer., 1917-03-31
ANNIVERSARY OF PURCHASE OF TERRITORY OF ALASKA
 TO BE WELL CELEBRATED

Elaborate celebrations by cluZehs ana NIS- itors in Alaska cities, in which all otflclaI party of tourists, including a special delega- tion of eighteen United States senators and fifteen representatives will join, a gay water carnival in Seattle by the Seattle Yacht Club followed by a cruise to Northern vaters-theae arc important features m program now being arranqed by the Alaska
 r4au of the Seattle Chamber of Com Dlerce and Commercial Club in observance next summer of the seri-centennel of the purchase of Alaska according to adylces received here on the last mMl.
 At the same time veteran Alaskans now living in the Yakima valley have formed n organize ton which plans to provide for
 celebration of the seml-centennal in Sc at;le Formre residents oi the Northern erritorv now established in various cities n tkc Northwest are expected to take part n this demonstration.
 The Ian as far as it relates to the Alaska tour was decided upon by the Alaska com munities when the Alaska bureau of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Com narciul Club sent q representative through that territory to learn the wishes of the Alaskans as to how they desired to ceIe- brate this event, so that Seattle could CO., oDerate and lend every assistance possible to make it big success. As the negotla- tions for the purchase of Alaska extended about six months, beginning in March fifty years ago, and ending in October, it was decided that the plan as outlined would be the most fitting and obtain the best results
 With this end in view, the Alaska bure3u If the Seattle chamber has in hand the organization of large representative party tk at will make complete tour of Alaska -o participate in these celebrations. Con- gresa is preparing to be represented by a large committee. The last resolution to be introduced by Senator Putnam provides for a delegation of eighteen senators and fifteen congressmen.
 As the Seattle Yacht Club had planned for this summer water carnival to be fol lowed by a cruise of the waters of South eastern Alaska, the Alaska bureau cooper ated with the Yacht Club in fixing the date of departure from Seattle on July 7, so that the two parties will leave Seattle together The water carnival will furnish source of entertainment and a fitting Sendott for the Al2ska party.
 It is probable that the yachts will be able to be with the Alaska bureau party at their stops in the Southeastern Alaska towns, after which the Yacht Club party will re turn to Seattle The Alaska bureau party will continue to the westward along the coast as far as Anchorage, returning via Skagway where the bureau party will dl- vide part returning to Seattle and the remainder going on into the Yukon interior and covering all of Western Alaska. It is estimated that the south coast portion of the Alaska bureau tour will require twenty two days, and the entire tour. covering the Interior and Western Alaska, about forty eight days The Alaska bureau party will leave Seattle in two or more vessels that will travel in company throughout the southeast and south coasts of Alaska.
 The Alaska bureau was asked by the Alaskan committees to undertake the or ganization of this party and the arranging of the necessary details. This the bureau has now in hand and expects soon to De able to announce complete details as to ltln- erary. The numerous celebrations and in teresting events that will be staged in the Northern localities for the benefit of this party are being arranged in extensive men- ner. Those plans contemplate some thirty odd special celebrations and events.
 The anniversary of final transfer of Alaska to the United States, October IS, probably will be a reunion of all Northerners under the auspices of the Arctic Club and the Alaska bureau.