The Cordova daily times., 1922-03-10
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1922
CULTURE AMONG THE PIONEERS

Alasl.a's present population, while 1t IS small, comparatively, is an admirable nu"eus Of the multitudes that are to come after the primary pioneer work is done. It is a fact ull- denabe that the people now living in the Ter ritory are the kind who cannot be discouraged, "with heart for any fate, still achieving, still pursuing,'' over hopeful and daring. This is the American spirit, which developed the great States west of the Rockies.
 Among Alaska's people at the present tune may be found more culture more colleglans and cosnopolitans, more persons ot worth ana consequence, in proportion to numbers, than can be found in any other section of the world. This is always true of a great pioneer commun- itv The famous Imperial Valley of Southern California is remarkable for the same fact, and it is likewise in Eastern Siberia.
 One day at Brawley, Imperial Valley, in 1913 ''fIip young man" employed by the De- partment of Agriculture was advising a party of roughly dressed farmers how to hybridize and develop certain plants, according to theor- ies which he had been taught but of which he could claim no practical knowledge Uncle Sam had sent him, he said, to tell them about it. The farmers most of whom looked like veritable "Rubes,'' were nearly all members DI q university cluD. 1lSItlllllS COulIEouolv lo the blythe young man from Washington, they learned all he had to impart and then turned to one of their number to ask "How about it?' This man, evidently embarrassed and liffident, told how and why the theories which had just been expounded did not fit the pecul- liar conditions in the Imperial Valley. In the next ten minutes the wise young man learned more concerning that particular subject than ever had been taught in books, for the farm CT was Francis Heiny, famous botanlst and horticultural expert, whose achievements lose nothing in comparison with those of Luther Burbank.
 On another occasion, at Ell Centro, Imperial Valley, a hopeful eastern scribe, who was touring the 'wonderland,'' ,'' held forth in the lobby of the Barbara Worth hotel concerning the wealth of local material which could be utilized if only his hearers knew how to write. Among the listeners were several writers of international reputation, including a novelist, Harold Bell Wright.
 As for Alaska, the high degree of culture among its pioneers must be conceded by req son of outstanding results. lmbued with the caesarian spirit, they came, they saw, they conquered, "a home in the wilderness, at least, and time will develop and make splendid re- alities of all their hopes and dreams.
 Recognition by the government of Alaskan culture and pioneer abilities is one of the basic needs. Alaskans of experience, best acquaint- ed with conditions, should be appointed to all positions in control of Northland affairs, and residence in the Territory should be regarded as 50 per cent in determining the qualifications of applicants for federal employment.
 Precedent to this recognition, the Alaskans must organize far-reaching publicity service and tell the world who they are, what they are doing, what they know of Alaska, and what they want "Heaven helps them who helps themselves"