The Nenana news., 1918-02-23
HANDICAPPINC LOYALTY

Alaskans are patriots of the first water. Theyhave contributed lib- orally of their savings to assist the government, by the purchase of Liberty bonds and war saving stamps; they have rendered valuable aid to the Red Cross society, they have helped materially to alleviate the suffering of Belgians, they have provided numerous beds for wound ed American soldiers and they have dug deep into their pockets to pro- vide food for orphan children on the Western front; they also have shown their willingness to give their blood for the nation, as well as their money. Their record will compare favorably with that of any com munity in the United States, the more so because of the remoteness of the territory from the centers of industrial activity. where indi- viduals and entire communities are growing rich rapidly on war trade profits.
 There are no strings to the sacrifices which Alaskans are mak- ing. All that they hope to receive in return for their money and blood contributions is the ultimate assur- ance that the world has been made safe for democracy, the seas safe for the vessels of all nations Alas kans will go the limit, because they realize that only with victory can they hope for better things in this country. They know that German success would stop development and perhaps even endanger the owner ship of the territory.
 They have done well and are en- titled to full measure of credit for their achievements, accomplished un- der handicaps which would have filled the hearts of less courageous Americans with Encouragement. The high cost of provisions and other SuppilCo iletS SISclly ICIdIuSu uCNSl- opment in every section of the coun- try-retarded it to the extent that Alaskans are not nearly so pros porous now as they were few years ago, when prices were more reasonable and rich paystreaks more accessible. Another handicap is the excessive cost of transportation, both along the coast of Alaska and in the Interior waterways. And press dispatches received during the week state that the steamship companies are planning to give their rates a further boost during the coming month. Just why these rates are to be raised has not yet been made clear to Northerners, the only cer- tain thing about it being that the added toll will further retard de- velopment in the North and lessen the ability of Alaskans to assist the nation financially. It will also create a stronger demand for gov ernment ownership of water trans portation to connect with the gov ernment railroad, for Alaskans are well aware that the railroad cannot give them the relief they seek until ocean traffic between Alaska and the States has been placed under fed eral control.
 Perhaps the steamship pirates realize that the government some day will put on line of boats to connect with the railroad, and, like the Interior transportation compan- ies, they are trying to make all the money they can before the change takes place. The regret is that nothing, apparently, can be done in the meantime to insure reduction in freightage charges. We must con- tinue to turn our earnings over to these profiteers, who know neither loyalty to the nation nor gratitude to the territory which is making them wealthy, until such time as the government can be shown the neces- sity of coming to the relief of Nor therners.