Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-06-19
WANT FACTS ABOUT ALASKA


those at the head of Government de-
partmcnts the generally accepted
opinion of those acquainted with
conditions in Alaska appears to be
that this region is suffering from
bureauitis, a disease overtakinS all
things into which the ,alons of bu-
reaucracy become securely fastened.
This week President Harding leaves
for a trip to that country to see what
really is going on there. He is to be
accompanied by the heads of those
governmental departments having
supervision, jointly or separately.
ever Alaskan affairs, each of whom
is seeking to enlarge his control and
Jealous of any interference.
The recent housekeeping which the
President insisted upon, and which
was accomplished with rather sur
rrising effectiveness by General
Dawes, is considered good evidence
that he is not altogether enamored of
bureaucracy His well known skill
in cancellation is admitted but
whether he will arrive at conclusion
over and contrary to that Of his adj
visers that what Alaska needs is less
Interference by Government and more
Of local control is debatable ques-
ton. There are those who assert
the President is much Influenced by
his intimates. Be that as it may, he
has given ample assurance of the
possession of strong common sense
and, as in the matter Of the merchant
nt.trine has a mind of his own and
the backbone to assert it. Certainly
lie has had opportunity to realize the
faulty of Government management
in respect to our shipping and our
railroads and many believe he has
the courage to stand by his convic-
tisns.
Alaska. five thousand miles distant
from the seat of the national govern
ment, is storehouse of many of
those products and resources which
are fast being exhausted in the
United States. lumber. furs, coal
and food products. Some ask that
these shall not be turned over to the
local interests to exploit without re-
gard to the future, as so many of our
resources have been exploited. On
The other hand they are of no profit
In ic tho
in that country, but, as in the matter
OF the fisheries even under govern
ment supervision. they may be fast
depleted despite government control.
All agree something radical will have
to,be done in the way of regulation if
the salmon fisheries are to be pre-
served. So the Government hasn't
much it really may brag about in the
way of suitable conservation.
If there happens to be anyone
really envious of President Harding
in his job they should give little
consideration to the size and exact
ing nature of it; enforcement of pro-
hibition, the world court, the coal
question and all that Truly he Is
likely to have his enjoyment Of the
scenery distracted by thoughts of
what is going on at home while he
is away. And then to make sure he
will have all the data he needs to
take home from his visit not only so
that he may determine the actual
reeds but will be ablesto convince
the public enough to convince Con-
Sress respecting the conclusions, will
leave him few idle moments.
Shall the affairs be put under one
department or left with the So differ
Ont bureaus now mussing them?
Should the Government build spurs
and branches to its Alaskan rail-
road. spend million and half an
nually for ten years building roads in
that country. clear land for agricul-
ture and induce immigrants to take
IL up and so put an end to the !nflu-
ence which caused a decrease in
Alaska's population from 63,592 in
1910 to 54,S99 in 1920? Surely Presi
dent Harding's trip may scarcely be
called g. junket. The people would
like to have the facts set forth by a
disinterestel party and we know of
none better qualified for this under
taking than our President. Success
TO his trip and may he enjoy and
rroft from it.