The Alaska daily empire., 1923-03-07

responsibility and is promising of de- sired results. Therefore d test of it's equity and utility, or Jack thereof, may well be awaited with patient consideration. Obviously it's aims are for the public good. The first fish, ing season under this system should demonstrate it's merits or defects, it's success or failure, as bearing upon the future Of the fisheries and the welfare Of Alaska. an1 SD furnish a sound basis for legislation
 "rha need of. Conservation. long realized by aIl~~ interests. however divergent their views as to method, emphasizes the wisdom of continuous propagation. Ths Territorial Fisa Commission is organized and, in pre- iminary part, equipped for and has rendered a useful service. It's hatch cries operated successfully during the season just closed and tentative plans for future work. subject to your ap- proyal, should be most productive. The Brreau of Fisheries has indicaI- ed its desire to work in closest co- operation with the. Territorial Fish Commission and to give heed to prae- tical recommendations received from the Territory. In readily surrender ing one of its most capable men, an experienced Alaskan, to join the Commission as Hatchery Superintend- mt the Federal Bureau gave evidence of it's appreciation Of the work being done by the Territory Liberal pro vision for the continuance of salmon propag gation and dts reasonable ex- tension during the biennium saem fully justified by existing condition. As canneries profit by this work an Increased tax upon their product and apon nonresident fishermen is mani pes5ly warranted.
 Historical Library and Museum
 pressing duty evolves upon the Territory to provide for the upkeep and safe housing of the Alaska His torfcal Library and Museum, it's status having been definitely and Finally fixed as a Territorial insti- tuition. The collection of historical works, books, papers and curios, is most valuable and could not be re. placed in the evont of loss. It is of the highest importance to pres eq,ye the rare collection and guard it close. ly. The Alaska Historical Associa- ton will place before you the urgent needs. Had the institution remained under Federal jurisdiction, as origin ally created, Congress it it's recent session would have been asked to meet the emergency. Under the changed situation action by the Lagis lature cannot safely be delayed.
 Election Laws
 Familiarity with the Alaska pri mary and election system has given added smoothnoss to it's operation and, save for minor amendments 10 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 dts paismount aim and purpose. Changes calculated to produce confusion should be avoided whenever possible Publicity
 Popular ignorance of Alaska is the Territory's heaviest handicap Systematic, continuous and intensive publicity is necessary to overcome this. The Presidents prospective visit has aroused widespread interest in this still unknown land and ere ated during the year an unprecedent. cd demand for information. Inquir- ics from all parts of the Union, as well as foreign countries, have re- ceiyed prompt attention. The Gov ernors office is clearing house of publicity and this branch Of execu tiye work has grown steadily. wish cut cost to the Territory. Pamphlets end le'flets prepared by the late Pub licity Bureau have been broadly dis. seminated to advantage, and special articles requested by newspapers and ma gazines have reached millions of readers. Informative material should always be availa ble and kept revised end up to- date. For this and kin dred purposes. to the end of promul- gatlng facts about Alaska, a small publicity fund could profitably be employed and the suggestion of such provision is respectfully submitted.
 Epochal Events
 1.-Two epochal events have marked the biennium now closing--tlie com pletion and operation of the Alaska Railroad. built by the government at an expenditure of $56,O00, ,000, and the opening of the Alaska Agric,l- tural College and School of Mines.
 "The importance of the railroad project cannot be over-estimated. It opens Interior Alaska, making ae. cessible vast resources previously be- yond reach and transforming valleys hitherto wilderness. Unprecedent- ed winter travel bespeaks changing conditions and the dawn of a new day and brighter era. The operation of the railroad means early solution of other transportation problems and Alaska will now go~ forward more