The Alaska daily empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1912-1926, 1922-09-13
BONE DELEGATES
ALASKA COLLEGE
NEAR FAIRBANKS
Halls Opening of School as
Promising Augury-Hun-
dreds Attend Opening.

FAIRBANKS, Ais. Sept. 13.-In
the presence of hundreds of specta-
tors who went to the campus by au-
tomobile and special trains from
here, Gov. Scott c. Bone today for
mally dedicated the Alaska Agricul-
tural College and School of Mines.
This institution will open for iEstruc-
ton next Monday under President
Charles E. Bunnell
Governor Bone hailed the op ming
Of the institution as IAN augtry OF
brightest promise" 1t occupies a
unique position away off here at
the top of the world, he SAID, and
has no counterpart anywhere. The
Governor promised President Bunnell
his hearty support and that OF the
Territorial government. and said
that politics cannot and will not be
permitted to enter into the affairs
of the college.
Stands for Progress
Governor Bone said, in part:
1.-THE opening of this institution.
the first of higher learning and tech
meal training in the Northland, is
a potent sign of the times. 1t speaks
progress. 1t tells the world that AL
aska is going ahead 1t proclaims,
in its name, the fact that agriculture
and mining are twin resources OF
this rich domain. 1t gives denial to
the popular fiction that Alaska is a
forbidding, frozen upheaval OF ice
and snow. 1t emphasizes the real
Alaska. 1t will be helpful factor in
service to Alaska.
1.-THE President Of the United
States hoped to be here on this nota-
BILE occasion. It was included in his
tentative arrangements. He looked
forward expectantly to the pleasure
and profit of visiting Alaska. Els
pecially did he wish to see this great
open country OF the Interior. The
thriving homesteads and expanse of
growing wheat would have inspired
him. He would have seen here. in
this fertile land watered by the
Tanana and Yukon, the Mississippi
Valley OF Alaska He would have
grasped the full meaning to the Ter
ritory of the government enterprise.
the Alaska Railroad, for which, as
Senator, he voted. in opening the
mineral, coal and farming lands along
the way. He would have found and
applauded the pioneer spirit at its
best and recognized in all Alaska a
habitable and inviting land. But his
visit is only deferred. He will surely
come. His interest is abiding.
Better Era Predicted
Natural obstacles have prevented
the rapid growth of Alaska. Climate
Is not one of them. Distance and
inaccessibility are the chief To
these have been added and imposed
for 81 years since the Seward pur-
chase Indifferent and inefficient sys-
tens OF administration. They have
been heavy handicap to settlement
and industry. But a measure Of CO.
ordination is coming about and con-
structive policies are now assured
No longer can it be said that the
government at Washington is neglect
full and uncohccrned An awakened
public interest in Alaska's welfare
is speeding a better era. Material
advancement has been marked dur
ing the year and every prospect is
TODAY most heartening.
Educational needs will not wait
cannot be allowed to wait. They
A1ocko'o n,xhlto
school system. yet in its infancy, is
credit to the Territory and will. be
improved and strengthened year by
year. But 1t does not meet the
whole need. Something beyond was
required and in providing an Agricul-
tural College and School OF Mines
wise foresight was shown and took
practical form. Essentially 1t is the
type OF institution best suited to
Alaska. 1t will equip the growing
generation to deal with the problems
of Alaska. II is ideally situated in
the center Of a great farming region
and within easy reach Of mineral dis
tricts. In respect to mining 1t Is
more 'advantageously located than
any similar institution anywhere. 1t
OPENS at propitious time with the
Alaska Railroad in full operation and
Ia accessible from every part OF the
Territory 1t should and will appeal
to students from the outside world
Starting modestly. I fully expect 1t
to develop RAPIDLY and attain wide
prestige: and I can conceive no work
more attractive or magnificent than
In building 1t from its foundation.
Therefore, congratulate the presi-
dent and faculty upon the opportuni-
ties given them and bespeak the
active interest and cooperation, OF
the whole Territory In support of