The Seward gateway., 1922-04-15
Dan Sutherland Tells of Measures Introduced by
 Him for Benefit Alaska

sition from the various bureaus now interested and which are jealous of their authority.
 Delegate Sutherland then waxed elo- quent in the statement of his case against the steamship companies ope-- ating in Alaska It is his claim that the retarded development of the Ter ritory is due mainly to the excessive freight charges on shipments to Alas ka. He showed facts and figures to the effect that freight shipped from San Francisco to Seattle and from Seattle to Skagway, almost an equal distance, was subject to from 25 per cent to 700 per cent increase in rates on the lat ter haul Sutherland declared that freight rates had been reduced the world over except to Alaska and de- spite the s12O,000 yearly mail contract and the lessening of operating expen- ses Alaska steamship companies had not reduced rates. Sutherland is mak- ing strenuous fight to correct this matter and he maintains he will sue ceed.
 The main relief, according to Dele gate Sutherland, from the high freight rates is to provide return cargoes. The development of the coal and mining resources along the government rail- road so that when ships coming north can leave with full cargoes is the one sure method to reduce the rates on freight to Alaska This matter of se- curing return freight shipments is one of prime importance to Seward for when this comes to pass Seward will become an important seaport in the Pacific ocean trade.
 Sutherland also explained his oppo- sition to Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, which discriminated against Alaska. He stated that Dele gate Grigsby had fought losing fight against this measure when 1t passed. The suit maintained by At orney Gen. eral Rustgard of Alaska attacking the constitutionality of the measure had been decided against him an i Il e onlv recourse left is 70 amend tho passage of the bill doing away with tn" dis crimination against Alaska which places Alaska more in the power of the steamship companies.
 The matter oi the hall. ut fshltg all (, ntroversy between k.t.'t";u and Prince Rupert was explalr- ! hv rh" relegate ac1 i..s attit de clearly stat- ed in the matter. He is for an open market and square deal for the fisher man. Instead of an embargo as de- manded by the middlemen Sutherland suggests duty on halibut to give some advantage to the American mar ket but he is opposed to forcing the fisherman to sell his produce on non- competitive market.
 The protection of the Alaskan sal mon received the attention of the del egate and he explained his attitude to- ward the White bill which is now pending before congress. He proposes that the fish trap be taken from the bays and estuaries of Alaska as the only means of saving the Alaska sal mon. Sutherland will return to Wash. ington at once to take up the fight to secure the passage of the White Bill.
 As regards the Presidents visit the Delegate advised against elaborate plans for receptions, but that each community should delegate spokes- man to present the needs and remedies desired for existing evils in a clear and concise manner.
 At no time in his speech did the Delegate mention his opponents in any manner. He merely told in straight forward manner what he had done at Washington, what he had attempted to do and what he intended doing during the balance of his term. He made his record the grounds upon he asked to be reelected by the voters of Wash ington.
 Delegate Sutherland will leave here Monday for Anchorage and Fairbanks returning here as quickly as possible on his way. back to Washington to again take up his duties.