Seward daily gateway., 1923-03-06

JUNEAU, March 6-This morning at the converting of the Alaska Legis- lature, Governor Scott c. Bone appear ed before the assemblage and deliver ed his biennial message. The space al lated to spectators was crowded, many visitors now in the city taking advan- tage of witnessing the legislature in session.
 The Governor sald in part:
 Mir. President, Mir. Speaker and gen tlemen of the Alaska Territorial Leg islature:
 q esteem it high privilege, in pur- suance of custom. to appear before your honorable body.
 'sYou are assembled in sixth bien- nial session under most propitious cir cumstances. Abnormal times are pass ing. Improved conditions are at hand. "Alaska's potentialities are so mani fest, it's resources so manifold, that it cannot mark time or retrograde. .sIn growing volume of commerce, in steadily expanding industry, the year just closed showed unmistakable signs of returning prosperity in which the entire Territory is already sharing or soon will begin to share.
 An awakened general interest in Alaska and a strengthened faith in it's future are certainly tending to invite nopulation and stimulate enterprise. Indeed. this Legislature may we'll be imbued with a spirit of supreme op- timism and resolute courage in taking up the work the people have given you to do. To have part in the construc- tive, upbuilding affairs of an empire ln the making-to contribute toward the solution of pioneer problems in the in ceptiye stages of progresS-is dis tinction that will endure. l congratu- ! late you upon your opportunity TOT ser vice. In the annals of Alaska the rec
 
 ords of the Territorial Legislature be- come imperishable. It is no fleetlne honor thus bestowed upon you. Seeing this wonderland come into eminence your children and your children's chll dren will produly cherish the mem- orv of the work performed here. 1 Mindful of the duties and obllga tions imposed upon me as Governor 1 and recognizing that the welfare oi Alaska is our united aim, it is my Will to cooperate with you in the fullest degree and be of every possible aid in vour deliberations and proceedings. 1 "Ten years have pasesd since the 1st legislature met at this Capital. The decade is the most memorable of the ages, A stupendous conflict shook the world Americas intervention brought peace. Alaska's response to the coun try's calls in dire emergency rebounds to the Territory's everlasting glory Contributions generously given and sacrifices freely made brought no com nensatory rewards in war prosperity i But the stress of war demonstrated the Territory's inherent patriotism and sturdy Americanism and revealed the spirit of Alaska at it's very pest we,, may that fine chapter be recall ed with pride.
 "Siowlv the world is regaining its bearings. Quickest in recovery, the American Republic today is the strong est exponent of stable democracy ano assured civilization. Its banner shines resplendently, and Alaska-soberly and patiently working out its destiny in due season will surely add a bright star to that banner.
 "The Territory has met and over come obstacles incident to readJust meht following the war with less dlf ficulty than other sections of the nat ional domain. It has been singularly blessed by Providence and Nature and has passed through the ordeal strong ly equipped for better years to come
 Numerically the Territory has wit messed a decline since the first Legls- lature here assembled. The population is less today than then. Untoward unforeseen events-primarily the Euro- pean cataclysm-explain the decrease in numbers. But Alaska has more nermanenL citizenry than ten years ago. It has become country of homes The Territory, in spite of adverse con ditions, has not stood still.