The Cordova daily times., 1921-02-03
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1921
THE GUBERNAToRIAL SiTuA-
 TON

When President Harding assumes the presidency of the United States on the fourth of March he will have the resignation of Governor Thomas Riggs, Jr, of Alaska, and as the ter ritorial legislature convenes a few days later it is important that his sue cessor be immediately appointed, in order that the new executive of this northland be of the same political faith and in accord with the policies of the administration.
 There are two candidates for this gubernatorial honor, with every 1ndi- cation that George c. Hazelet, of Cor- dovt, will be the successful one. This is as 1t should be, for the reason that he is best qualified to discharge the duties of that office in manner that will be satisfactory to the residents and to the credit of the territory. MT. Hazelet is one of the pioneers of this northland, having blazed trails, pros pected and mined, thus aiding in the development of our resources. For number of years he has been one of the most substantial and successful business men of Cordova, having at all times been prominent in the social and civic affairs of the community. He has served on the city council, ya1 n4 io ficient and capable president of the Cordova Chamber of Commerce, which position he has held for several successive terms.
 In the spring primary Mir. Hazelet was elected delegate to the Republi- can national convention at Chicago, notwithstanding the fact that bitter personal fight was made against his candidacy and 1t was his first time to seek the support of the voters of the territory, in many sections of which he was personally unknown. Character assassins thought to weaken his chances for election by campaign of villification and abuse. His victory was a triumphant one, and one of the finest compliments to his integrity and popularity was the almost unani nous vote he received in his own home town, where he is known and appreciated for his true worth.
 No sooner had his candidacy been launched for the governorship than the Republican clubs throughout the territory voluntarily gave him their endorsement, prominent party leaders publicly declared that he was the logical man for the office, the news papers generally pledged their sup port to him, believing that Mir, Haze let would not only make an ideal gov : ernor, but was in close touch with the people, knew the needs of the terri tory and would favor and work for a constructive program, which would result in restoring confidence in the development work of our resources. The party organization also rallied to his aid and divisional and precinct committeeman gave him the strong est kind of endorsements. National Committeeman J. c. Mcbride, after conferring with the leaders and party workers throughout the territory, placed his stamp of approval upon MT. Hazelet's candidacy in the most unqualified manner. He issued & pub. lie statement and among other things said: T have very high personal regard for MT. Hazelet and feel that Alaska Is very fortunate to have at this time a man of his caliber avail able for governor and I am glad in- deed to give him my endorsement. I know that he is in every way qualified to discharge the duties of the high of flee of governor of Alaska and I will do everything in my power to aid him in securing the appointment"
 The other candidate for this office Is James Wickersham, who came to Alaska twenty years ago as an office holder and ever since has either been on the pay roll or seeking to draw salary from the treasury of Uncle Sam. He served several terms as