The daily progressive-miner., 1918-06-06

coast of Alaska, from Ketchikan to kotzebue, distance of over 5000 miles.
 Alaska, today, presents the unique spectacle of possessing probably the greatest fishing resources of any coun- try, and relatively speaking, no fish. ing population. This condition is re. sulting in the greatest economic waste and the territory of Alaska is not re- ceiying, in any appreciable measure. the benefit it should from the develop nent of its great natural resources. Such condition cannot fail, as 1t has in the past, in arousing resentment rem all true pioneers and well-wishers of the great territory of Alaska.
 It has been the earnest effort of the Alaska Bureau, of the Seattle Cham. Der of Commerce and Commercial Club, to bring about change that would result in the more economical and rational development of this in. dustry and build up fishing popula- tion in Alaska that would assure an allied industrial development, the va2. ue and extena of which would be far: reaching. There is no condition, eli. matic or otherwise. prohibitive Of such development. The winter eli mate along the south coast of Alaska is more favorable to the building of communities than is the case along the New England coast. The average temperature for the month of Janu- ary on the south coast of Alaska is the same as that of New York.
 It is only natural that the true Alas kan, with the welfare of his country at heart, should feel resentful that this great industry should be exploit ed without rendering a commensur- ate return to his country, and espec- ially so. when it results in loss and waste to bothsthe producer and con- sumer
 This feeling of resentment dates
 rom the early operations of the in. dustry from San Francisco. If this method of operation Is to continue. it is certain that the principal. beU0 will be Prince Rupert as 1t is geo graphically favored over Puget Sound ports, as the latter were favored over San Francisco; and it is certain that it cannot fail but be the cause of in. creased resentment and friction by all Americans and Alaskans alike. as it will mean the ultimate loss of the industry and fishermen to America.
 Both countries of the northland are new and in the making Home ties have not been formed as they have in the older communities along the North Atlantic coast, and there Is nothing to hinder the man making his home where he does his business. In fact, this will be the tendency. duo to the close feeling of friendship between the two peoples of the Northland. Con. ditions in this respect, as in many others, are just the opposite of those that exist on the North Atlantic coast. There is not the same difference be- tween the business and social condi- tions of Ketchikan and Prince Rupert as between Truro and Boston, Where the Canadian fishermen of the At lantic would under no circumstances due to old family ties, move his fam " to Roston. the American fishermen of the Pacific would transfer his home to Prince Rupert without hesitation. if it became his business center. and he would not be true man of the north if he did otherwise, for 1t Is . land of giving and not of taking. The only reason he has not done so Is be- cause he does not believe that such conditions of economic waste and nat ional loss will be allowed to continue.