The Alaska daily empire., 1922-09-19

M lner DdQ CHd1Se Ol lne d. dHSc ments for the day and the program of the dedication was carried out to the letter without a hitch.
 In the evening, from 9 10 IF o'clock. a public reception was given to the visitors and President Bun nell and members of the faculty at the Thomas Memorial Library and the entire community extended greet ings. It was a notable function in every way.
 Return Journey
 The return journey from Fairbanks over the trail, started at 8 o'clock the following morning, Thursday. the 14th instant With luncheon at Rich ardson. the party covered 139 miles and passed the night at Rapids The second day they travelled from Rapids to Gulkana, with luncheon at Paxon's, a distance of only 105 miles, owing to rough roads between Meirs and Sourdough, incident to heavy rains. Thence on to Chitina, 75 miles, the highway was in excellent condition and easily covered during the fore noon of Saturday, A Copper River Railroad speeder was in readiness at Chitina, and, leaving at 1:2O, reached Cordova at 6 o'clock. There the Cordova Chamber of Commerce en- tertained the party at dinner The Unalga had come from Seward and was in waiting, and at 9:15 Saturday evening set out for Juneau.
 Thirteen-Day Trip
 The entire trip to Fairbanks and return consumed 13 days, almost to the hour, and was most interesting throughout. To Captain Boedeker who, previously, was familiar only with the coasts of Alaska, and to Major Beaumont, who had been h. side only as far as the Broad Pass, the great Interior country was revelation. All the party returned full of enthusiasm over the trip and the possibilities of the Interior, and warm in their recognition of the whole,hearted hospitality extended to them.
 Tt was my third visit to Fair DdDkS, Sdlu tuc hOFcIuOi, anu It further strengthened my faith in the future of Alaska. A view of the broad fertile valleys is inspiring An abnormal season. followed by early frosts and the killing of the grain. has not affected the courage of the Interior people in the very least. They are disappointed, naturally. but accept it philosophically and point with pride to the fact that 1t is the first crop failure in Alaska in 25 years Practically it is the only crop failure, for agricultural development had, hardly begun a quarter of century ago. No state of the Union can boast of such a record. Tha acreage cleared during the year showed marked increase and the homesteaders look forward conf isntly to a big production of grain next year.
 Auspicious Opening
 "The Agricultural College and School of Mines opens under m,st promising auspices. I met and talked sith all the members of the faulty snd was much impressed by their earnestness. Certainly they have ar exceptional opportunity fo. service and are alert to the same To have a part in building such an inst'tY- lion from the ground up is 6 work worth while. It starts with s,1all enrolment, but it's growth is as sured Apart from the initial student body, applications are being received for special courses in agriculture and mining. Already the college has the nucleus of useful library and a valuable collection of minerals.
 Keen disappointment was ex- pressed by the president and Board of Regents and citizens of Fairbanks generally that Judge James Wicker sham, the father of the College, could not be present at the dedication"
 First Trip Over R. R.
 It was the Governors first trip over the entire length of the rail road A year ago he went to the end of steel-mile 306. Now the line is in successful operation. with trans. | lcI al 4NCudnd, anu ito iCVChuCo iOi the calendar year, he says. will ap- | rroximate $500,000. The narrow | gauge branch from Nenana to Fair | banks is very active and carrying | much local freight Foundations and | all preliminary work for the 70Ofoot, | single span bridge at Nenana were completed last week and the steel | for the superstructure is on the way. Early in the year, or by the end of the year. if weather conditions be the huge project will be finished. Then the narrow gauge branch into Fairbanks will be speed fly converted to standard gauge and service from Seward to Fair banks should be installed by spring. The twice-a-week trains are now uni formly we'll patronized and there are signs of activity at all the stations along the way. At Curry, formerly Dead Horse, the Engineering Com mission is erecting a 50-room. steam :; heated hotel This will be an i'm portant divisional point. where tray -p... xo <ha nrnaA pasc Kaut;ehna