The Alaska daily empire., 1920-07-14
GETTING CLOSER IN TOUCH

One talking to Secretary of the Interior Payne
could not help being impressed by his genuine earn
est concern the Territory and the sincerity OF
his desire to hear what Alaskans themsees have to
say about their country, the things which they
think are hampering and how these hampering
influences be remoed 1t is plainly evident
that to him the job of administering regulations
concerning the Territory is more than matter OF
FORM something other than unwlndlhg tahsleu
sken of red tape.
His interest in the outcome makes 1t obvious TO
those with whom he in contact that he realizes
the human side of the Alaskan question, If there be
such a IL ing If those re2nlatans with which he
is charged to enforce are working hardships on
Alaskans if they operating to prevent genuine
development of this land of last frontiers under the
American Flag, he wants to know the particulars
aud how they be changed to eliminate si1
harmful portions.
He has shown his good intentions prior to his
visit tc the Territory, but even with the best OF
good will existing, lacking personal knowledge
the people and country, Alaska to him was per-
force bound to be viewed from an abstract stand
point, as idea rather than definite fact. On
the other hand, though realizing his good in
lions, Aaskans without any personal knowledge of
the man. bound to regard him as the head of
the Department at Washington which is most largely
connected with administration of Federal regula
TONS automaton who sat at his desk across the
continent and issued his decisions and made his
rulings according the letter the law rather than
through Interpretation of the spirit of the times
and realization of the conditions wholly unrelated
the form of laws sought to be administered.
That Mr.. Payne recognizes the force of the per-
sonal equation is indicated by his statement Il am
hopeful that personal contact and its influence
is to service Alaska" He is good
listener and good talker saying little but what
he say is direct and the point. He sees
everything around him and will carry back to Wash
ington a vivid impression of that portion of the
Territory which he visits Although prepared in
by official reports covering Alaska, he
came North expecting to goodly lot of snow
and ice and perhaps scant and hardy vegetation
OF sort. What he has proved to be eye
eyes will become.
Although connected in a lesser degree with Al
askan enterprises than Secretary Payne, the pres
of Secretary Daniels is little if any of less i'm
portance to Alaska just than that of the former
1t must be forgotten that the Navy Department
is sponsoring the first real government effort
develop a coal supply.
He, himself placed emphasis upon the Importance
of the Alaskan Goa! deposits to the Navy Here is
the place the Navy get its fuel for the future.
Coal first simply because it lies nearest
portation. A railroad has been constructed through
the heart of the coal fields north Anchorage.
Development of mine there two purposes,
first it is vital to the Pacific fleet and second it
will provide tonnage for the Alaska Railroad After
the Navy has opened mine, it is not unreasonable
to believe that commercial needs of the Territory
will be taken OF. Coal imported from
British Columbia points should be obtanabe in AL
askan fields and if the Navy opens up a source of
substantial supply Alaskan towns in this section
should be able to land its fuel supplies less cost
than that which is paid today for imported coal.
The Navy is deeply interested in oil in
coal declared Mr. Daniels, adding that the Navy
Coal Commission. Chickaloon when it had
completed its task in the coal fields, would probably
be given similar task in the oil fields Mr. Daniels
lively interest in both coal and oil help but
be of benefit to the Territory.