The Alaska daily empire., 1921-01-20
SPEAKERS SHOW
 CONFIDENCE IN
 ALASKA FUTURE
Period of Depression Here About Ended Say Com'l.
 Association Members.

Discussion of the proposal of the Ketchikan Commercial Club for the redistricting Of Alaska by the con solidation of the Second and Fourth Judicial Divisions and the creation of a new division in Southeastern Alaska by dividing the present First Division, making Ketchikan the headquarters of such new division was the most prominent feature O.. today's special meeting of the Ju- neau Commercial Association. That meeting was called following ad- journment of tho regular meeting as mark of the Associations sym pathy for Allen Shattuck, it's Presi- dent, following receipt of the news of the death of Allen Shattuck, Jr., in Seattle, 4
 No definite action was taken by the Association in connection with the KCtchikan proposal, the matter being referred to the Legislative Committee for report and recommen- dation It was the consensus of op- inion, however, that redistricting the Territory is not a desirable means of re-apportionment of rep resentation in the Territorial Leg islature.
 Riggs Discusses Plan.
 Gov Thomas Riggs, in discussing the plan, in response to an invita- ton to do so from Acting President w. George Johnson, said that he had refrained from making any def mite recommendations or promises to the Ketchikan Commercial Club for two reasons, one, that nobody knows just what conditions exist in other divisions and their judicial needs; the second, that as retiring executive head of the Territory and member of the minority party, he feels hesitancy in taking any posi- tive stand in the matter
 Predicts Good Future.
 In concluding his talk, Gov. Riggs said "I am greatly encouraged over the entire Territorial outlook. The past two years have been largely formative. Legislation enacted in that period is now beginning to bear fruit. Changes in forest regu- lations have made it possible for pulp mills to enter; oil leasing laws have resulted in much prospecting of possible oil fields in Alaska; the water power leasing bill has releas- ed many source of power for devel- opment in the Territory. I am con vinced that Alaska will experience great strides in industries other than fishing in the next two years. These will upbuild our permanent popula- ton, which the fishing industry has not done"
 Others discussing the proposed redistricting were Charles Goldstein, John Reck, H. J. Fisher, pr. l.. P. Dawes, w. George Johnson and that the proposition, while having merits should be carefully studied before action was taken. MT Gold stein cautioned the Association against taking any action that did not take into consideration all the rights of the existing divisions
 Slogan Campaign Closed.
 The Association adopted a resolu- tion closing the slogan campaign and those received were referred to the Executive Committee for report and recommendation at the next regu- lar meeting. H. R. Shepard asked that members of the Association rive some study to the proposed Compensation Act which will come up in the next session of the Ter ritorial Legislature. This measure, he said, affected every merchant. in fact every man or firm in Alaska employing two or more men.
 Better Times Ahead.
 T found bushes and labor condi- tions in Seattle and other places in q deplorable shape" declared Charles Goldstein, in telling of his recent trip to the States. Wages are com ing down and many men are with out employment. l believe, however, that we, in Alaska, have been through onr hardest period during the past four years. I have been in AlaskG about 35 years. Every dollar l have is invested here and Il am satisfied to stay with it. I ann we are about over the grade and in a short time 1t will be easy travelling"