Douglas Island news., 1918-11-08
CLUB SECRETARY
 MAKES PREDICTION
Continued from pago n

(Contlnucd from pagc D
 upon tho gold reserve. IT this is' seriously depleted, our ability to give credit ls by 80 much reduced
 Other needs of Alaska, as seen by Mir. McPherson. are an improve ment of Che mail service which ho roports. ls in worse condition than for many years An increase in the water transportation during summer when Che peak load is southbound Aids Co Navigation and increased activity In tho survey of Alasko's coast line and adjacent waters. Con structlon of wagon roads through all sections of Alaska and especially Into mining districts adjacent to tho route Of Che Government railroad.
 Leasing of Alasl,a's coal lands has. not brought Che results which many, unfamiliar with tho true conditions, believed possible. In this connection it is necessary that drilling be done in order to induce capital to take up the development of the prospects Capital of consequence will not pros meet. but it will develop when exist ence of the substance sought is proven without doubt Under the present lease law capital Is not ot- tracted because of Che uncertainty as to location of workable beds of coal There should also in this com noctiou be enacted a law that that win permit development of the oil resources. Anothohr factor which has done much toward discourage mont Of capital from Alaskan Invest ment has been Che entirely unneccs- sary dealy which has attended Che. securing of patents Co agricultural and mineral lands.
 While the majority of Alaskan cities are feeling the slackening or industry in the Territory, thoro are n few on the coast line which com tlnue Co be actually prosperous. EX- amples of these are Ketchikan and Petersburg. Their prosperity may be directly attributed Co development of the Alaskan fishing industry. That industry win produce this year op- proximately S6555,OOO,OOO worth of fish products. However. the future .of the industry is In jeopardy and remedial measures are asked Co in- sure good run of salmon to Alas Ean waters. This year a very sub- stantlal percentage of Che pack was taken from streams and Che condi- tion of Che run In tho future is said to bc cause for concern.
 Building up of Alaska's fishing industry and the centoring Of that industry in towns on the coast of Alaska exorts a stabilIzing influence on the population as Is being real- ized by au coast cities. Truth Of rhis statement is attcsted by Che eX- trome measures which arc now be- ing taken by most Alaskan towns. SO situated as Go be possible fishing centers. to develop their ports in favor of the fishing industry. This ls seep i'm the construction of docks and storage and the maintaining Of such facilities as are required by the industry. The building of new saltery or canncry is in each in- stance Che forming of a nucleus for a fishing colony
 Accomplishment of an those things which. In the minds Of mon that know. are vital to the welfare of Alaska can only be brought about through a widespread dissemination of such information as accurately shows the opportunities m Alaska for the capitalist and the worker. In order Co provide the most csscn- ual means of learning, first hand knowledge. of what Alaska has Co offer. suitable provision must be made for the transportation of those who wish to see for themselves and there must be supplied accommoda- tlons for them when they wish Co stay Through tourist travel after war. Alaska must expect her largest returns and facilities for large volume Of this travel must be ade- quate Co meet the after-wor de- mands. Reports of lack Of sufficient accommodations or extreme difficult ties to be experienced in getting from one part of tho Territory to ,notber will moi serve as am induce