The Wrangell sentinel., 1923-03-08

only immediate alternative possesses the virtue of centralized authority and responsibility and is promising of desired results. Therefore a test of its equity and utility, or lack thereof, may we'll be awaited with patient consideration. Obviously its aims are for the public good. The first fishing season under this sys- tenn should demonstrate it's, merits or defects, it's success or failure, as bearing upon the future of the fish cries and the welfare of Alaska, and so furnish a sound basis for legisla- ton, if then found necessary.
 The need of conservation, long realized by all interests, however divergent their views as to method, emphasizes the wisdom of continu- ous propagation. The Territorial Fish Commission is organized and, in preliminary part, equipped for and has rendered a useful service.
 It's hatcheries operated successfully during the season just closed and tentative plans for future work, subject to your approval, should be most productive. The Bureau of Fisheries uaa indicated it's desire to work in closest cooperation with the in. i-h cSin p,,l f.N give heed to practical recommen- datlons received from the Territory. in readily surrendering one of it's most capable men, an experienced Alaskan, to join the Commission as Hatchery Superintendent, the Fed eral Bureau gave evidence of it's ap- preciation of the work being done by the Territory. Liberal provision for the continuance of salmon propaga- ton and its reasonable extension during the biennium seem fully jus tified by existing condition. AS can neries profit by this work an in- creased tax upon nonresident fish ermen is manifestly warranted.
 A pressing duty devolves upon the Territory to provide for the upkeep and safe housing of the Alaska Historical Library and Museum, its status having been definitely and finally fixed as Territorial institu- tion. The collection of historical works, books, papers and curios, is most valuable and could not be re- placed in the event of loss. It is of the highest importance to preserve the rare collection and guard it closely. The Alaska Historical Association will place before you the urgent needs. Had the institu- tion remained under Federal juris- diction, as originally created, Con- gross at its recent session would have been asked to meet the emer- gency. Under the changed situation action by the Legislature cannot safely be delayed.
 Familiarity with the Alaska pri mary and election system has given added smoothness to it's operation and, save for minor amendments to perfect and clarify the general act, legislation on this subject does not appear necessary or advisable. The system in providing means to ex- press the popular will achieves it's paramount aim and purpose. Changes calculated to produce confusion should be avoided whenever possible.
 Popular ignorance of Alaska is the Territory's heaviest handicap. Systematic, continuous and inten- sive publicity is necessary to over come this. The Presidents pros pective visit has aroused widespread interest in this still unknown land and created during the year an un- precented demand for information. Inquiries from all parts of the Union as well as foreign countries have received prompt attention. The Governors office is a clearing house of publicity and this branch of exec utive work has grown steadily, with out cost to the Territory. Pam phlets and leaflets prepared by the late Publicity Bureau have been broadly disseminated to advantage and special articles requested by newspapers and magazines have reached millions of readers. h. formative material should always be available and kept up to date. For this and kindred purposes, to the end of promulgating facts about Alaska, small publicity fund could profitably be employed and the sug- gestion of such provision is respect fully submitted.
 Two epochal events have marked the biennium now closing-the com