The Nenana daily news., 1919-02-13
CLUB REQUESTS PROMPT ACTON
 ON ROAD BILL

able action on the request of Sec retary of the Interior Franklin K Lane for an appropriation of $13,- S00,000 to complete the government railroad, the publicity committee of the Nenana Commercial club has forwarded a night letter to Chair man Swagar Sherley, of the Souse Appropriation committee, pointing out the importance of providing funds for continued railroad con- struction. The committee also has endeavored to counteract the eff forts of John Ballaine and others who are seeking to obstruct railroad legislation, by reminding Chairman Sherley of the fact that the rail- road is being built to make possible the development of Interior Alaska resources rather than to boost prop erty values at Seward, where most of the opposition appears to have developed.
 Another telegram was sent by the committee to Secretary Lane, ap- proving his request for funds and expressing confidence in the ability of the Alaskan Engineering commis- sion to complete the railroad in a manner satisfactory to the people of Interior Alaska and to the ad- ministration. A third wire has been sent to the Fairbanks Commercial club, requesting that similar action be taken by that body.
 Members of the committee believe that every effore should be made locally at this time to convince mem bers of congress, and particularly members of the appropriations com mittee, of the necessity of indors- ing the program outlined by Secre- tary Lane. The present session of congress will terminate on March 4, and when the lawmakers are called together again the Republicans will be in control of both branches of ,f.n and very likely will, be convened immediately in extra ses on, but there is the remote possibility that it will not be assembled until the regular December session, in which event, the railroad situation in Alaska will become acute if funds are not provided during the present session. It is to avoid such a risk that the need of prompt action is being urged upon the present con gress.
 The work of this committee is re- garded as especially important in view of the fact that considerable to the Alaskan Engineer ing commission and the railroad pro- ject generally has developed on the coast. Photographic dispatches re- ceived several days ago told of the activities of John Ballaine, at Wash ington, and further advices have reached Nenana during the present week, stating that the Seward Cham Der of Commerce is now fighting both the Commission and the appro- priation. Why Seward is assum- ing such an attitude is not disclosed, but it is enough to know that op- position has developed in that un- expected quarter.
 Citizens of Interior Alaska who have friends or acquaintances at Washington, are urged to cooperate with the Commercial club committee in beating down this opposition. The Commercial club doubtless will as- sume the responsibility of forward ing wires submitted for that. pur- pose.
 The two Washington telegrams above referred to are as follows:
 Nenana, Feb. 12, 1919 "Hon. Swagar Sherley, Chairman
 House Appropriations Committee,
 Washington, D. c.
 Respectfully urge your co-opera- tion securing appropriation request ed by Secretary Lane for compile tion Alaska railroad. Early com pletion necessary insure develop