The Alaska daily empire., 1923-01-11
Argues for Purchase

Ri9ueS TOT fufC1dSc
 "Nlne years ago l strongly recom- mendcd in a special report that the Federal government purchase from tho North American Commercial Company their property at Dutch Harbor .Aleutan Islands, Alaska, as fuel and supply baAe. In subse- qnent reports l reiterated my recom- mondaticn, but to date no action has been taken. There is stronger argu- ment now than ever before for again advocating the purchase of this prop. erty for 8 Federal government base. Under present conditions temporary or permanent headquarters for gov ernment vessels must be at Unal- aska, close to Dutch Harbor, and there is hardly an argument in favor of the continuation of this arrange ment. The harbor at Unalaska is a poor one, and the means of reaching It is through a narrow channel which is more or less dangerous even to small vessels.
 'tThe government has already paid many thousands of dollars to private companies for coal transported from Australia, Canada, and other places. and in addition has paid for various privileges in connection with dock ing where private interests are in- valyed There is a very poor supply .of fresh water at unalaska, and the buildings for storage are entirely in- aGRnnatn (fnnaseaAE4a t- and the activities in Western Alaska are marked, so that it is good busl- ness, especially from tho point of view Of economy. to look for a per manent Federal supply base.
 Dutch Harbor, which is an ahan. doned village of tho North American Commercial Company. seems clear ly 10 be the outstanding and logical place for tho Federal government to acquire. The only wireless station in the section is located close to this village and affords easy means of communication. The harbor is excellent, has additional room for modern wharves. and has a liberal supply of fresh water. While the buildings of the company are rather old no doubt many of them can be restored to fairly good condition There are coal yards and trackage for handling coal and bins already built
 Aid to Government
 'eThe Department of Commerce would be materially helped by having such a government station in this more or less isolated section of Al aska, as it's maritime bureaus would find it of great benefit In addition to having place to take on coal and oil fuel. as well as water and other supplies. conditions gre such that without great outlay of money certain repairs 10 vessels could be undertaken The Bureau of Fisher ies, with it's important interests in and almost year.round contact with the Pribilof Islands, would find such base of great help in expediting the moving of supplies to the islands and bringing back sealskins and oth- CT furs. The Lighthouse Bureau and tho Coast and Goodotic Survey, both of which are engaged in important work in the Pacific Ocean. Boring Sea, and waters adiacont to the Alen- tian Islands, would find this supply and fuel base of great assistance in expediting their work. But this is not all. The Navy Department, with Yassels moving back and forth be- tween the Orient and western waters. could no doubt use this government base to advantage, as could also the Coast Guard of the Treasury Depart
 (Cnntinncd on paon SiY