The Alaska daily empire., 1920-06-03
HIGHWAY
 SYSTEM URGED
 BY COMMISSION


 Roads suitable Tor motor trucks connecting isolated districts with the main arteries of transportation at business centers, feeders for both trunk line highways and railroads form the objective toward which Col. J. c. Gotwals, Chairman of the Alaska Road Commission, is bending his efforts, Colonel Gotwals, who has just returned from a visit to the westward. where he met and talked over road matters with busi- ness men, miners, prospectors, In fact Alaskans of every industry and trade, although but newcomer to the Territory, is as enthusiastic over it's potential greatness and as inter- ested in the solution of it's prob lens of development as the oldest sourdough of the North.
 Comprehensive Plan Outlined "The economic life of a new country" he said, lies in its trans portation facilities and a highway system, adequate in its scope, will solve the transportation issues in Alaska. Such a system necessarily cannot be builtain year. l want to suggest system covering build ing program of 20 years to come, and I want the assistance of Al askans in this matter. Backed by Alaskans, the Road Commission of ficials can go before appropriation committees and show them what amounts are needed and very likely secure them every year.
 Horses Too Expensive
 "As far as highway transporta- tion is concerned he said, 'the automobile is the means, superced- ing the pack horse. as the latter costs too much for upkeep. With this in view I am advocating and will prepare plans and estimates for national highway system of roads in Alaska. These roads, es- pecially in the region traverseed by the government railroad, will be feeders and furnish tonnage. In oth- CT sections this system of highways will open new districts as well as connect with roads already con structed."
 Trucks For Small Traffic
 Prom every standpoint the mo- tor truck is the ideal means oi handling small tonnage. One hun dred miles can be made by train of these~ vehicles in days run Trucks can handle the small ton mage where rail transportation could only be accomplished at loss. Take for instance the proposed system oi roads that will be feeders for the government railroad. Trucks can haul ore and produce to the railroad in quick time and cheaper than ir any other way. The upkeep oi 1 horses is now too great as they are i idle in tho winter and eat theil heads off. The small mining oper ator, with a truck, can get his oft to the railroad and furnish it with i tonnage, It Is impracticable to at tempt to construct railroads to all sections. Branch lines as feeders tc the great central routes do not pay | for themselves even in thickly popu- | lated districts in the States, but the auto truck, over a system oi l highways will do the work ana show a profit both for the feeder line and supply the necessary ton l mage for the main arteries of trans portation.
 Not To Abandon Richardson
 Highway
 There are three main passage: in the barrier of mountains shut ting off the great interior country from tidewater and all should b, kept open, each for insurance agains possible interruption of the others. said Colonel Gotwals. "The route through Cordova and the Copper River Railway is one; through Val deg over the Richardson Highway another; the third being the gov ernment railroad by the way of Sew ard and Anchorage. It is not pro posed to neglect any one for tho benefit of the other, but expendi lures in each will be governed en, | tirely by the money made available for Alaska road construction.
 The Richardson Highway has been blocked for almost a year just short distance north of Valdez | and naturally the people of that town are anxious to see it opened Nor are~they alone in their desires | people along the route in the inter ! for joining with them in their re- quest for early relief. I cannot say at this time.' he continued, just l what will be done in this matter this year. If the Alaska Road Commis-