Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-08
ALASKA'S ASSETS
REACH RECORD
Pres. Hardirg's Visit Did
Much Good
Suggested by Gov. Bone that Alas
ka's Affairs Be Placed under One
Head-Faith Abounds in Alaska

Washington, Dec. TT Nineteen
twenty three probably win stand out
in Alaskan history as the most not
able year in territorial history, Gov
ernor Scott c.. Bone declared in his
annual report published today.
Not only development pushed at
unprecedented speed, he said, with
record production of wealth from
various activities but there was a
hitherto unknown success In "mak-
ing known Uncle Sans last remain
ing frontier and concentrating gen.
eral attention upon it."
Governor Bone listed President
iarding's visit and those of preced-
ing and accompanying delegations of
congressman and press representa-
tives as among the assets of meal
culable value which had been added
to the territory during the year. The
report recorded the belief that the
current year would mark the turn
ing point Of Alaska's long wait for
national and international apprecia-
ton of her potential wealth.
Recommendations made in his re-
port for 1922 were renewed by Gov
ernor Bone, among them being:
The placing of the affairs of Alaska
under one Department head at Wash
ington and the substitution of a CO.
ordinated and centralized system of
administration for the present inef-
ficient bureaucratic system at the
earliest possible date.
An appropriation of 100000 to
supplement a fund of $150.0G0 here
tofore authorized for the erection of
to house federal and territorial Of
fees and thus facilitate the transact
ton of business and save the rentals
of scattered quarters.
Adequate provision for the opera
ton and upkeep of the Alaska Rail-
road, and for the building of branch
lines and spurs as required for the
development of tonnage and to meet
Industrial needs.
An al preparation Of $1,500,000 an
nually for the building of roads and
trails in the interior and provisions
for the obstruction of roads and
trails into Mount Mckinley and
Mount Katmai Parks.
The vesting in the Department OF
Commerce of complete authority over
the fisheries of Alaska, with it's
Bureau of Fisheries adequately
equipped and empowered to make and
enforce rules and regulations limit
ing the catch and number of traps,
curtailing fishing areas and closing
streams and reducing cannery waste
in the public food.
Improved facilities for tourist
travel, by putting two vessels of the
United States Shipping Board in
Alaskan service. to be operated by
existing companies or the board.
making regular trips in the summer
season through the inside passage
and westward to the southern ter
minus of the Alaska railroad, thus
permitting tourists to see Alaska.
The consolidation of all law-cn
forcing agencies in Alaska under the
Department of Justice.
A colonization plan to be operative
in connection with the Alaska rail-
road. with priority rights to lands
freely granted to Alaska soldiers of
the world war and their depend
ents. g.. -. ..
Allotment of fair percentage, at
least one-half. of the net revenues
derived from the Pribilof Islands,
which are in Alaskan waters, to the
general fund of the territory.
sowing to the dimensions of the
territory and Its divergent interests"
the report said. anything like a una
nimity of views as to the territoFys
needs is still wanting. But, what
ever the differences of individual
and group or'rion, a concensus of
faith in Alaska today abounds."