Seward daily gateway., 1923-03-06
Chief Executive
 Covers Important Matters
 In Address to. Lawmakers

Although many of the hopes and dreams of the first lawmakers are un- realized. the laws they enacted put in- to operation the limited form of local government sanctioned by Congress, and it has functioned smoothly and ef- ficiently In framing the Territorial structure the initial Legislature build ed we'll and it's successors have uni forrnly been guided by foresight and wisdom in completing and securing the structure. In the prudent handling of it's affairs. the Territory has thus emphasized it's just appeals for an ex- tension of it's functions of self govern ment.
 Foremost of Alaska's achievements since becoming Territory is the es- tablishment upon a firm foundation of a public school system. which inspires pride of citizenship and must ever command a fostering care. Year by year the enrolment has increased. The progressive standards of Alaska schools are recognized in the States.
 A primary need of growth has been met. No land can be developed with
 out schools and no other domain in it's early days ever made more distinct or
 signal progress in this respect than has Alaska. To the educational advan-
 tages offered by the Territory IS
 to be ascribed the multiplying number of homes and permanent residents. That the school system will be wisely safeguarded and promoted henceforth is confidently to be assumed, ' rAlaska officially is not over-organ- ized. The simplicity and inexpensive ness of it's local government are in striking contrast with the complicated bureaucratic system of federal control.
 Of necessity compelled to keep with
 in it's revenues, the Territory is not burdened with excessive overhead costs. but conducts it's affairs at minimum of expense. with scrupulous regard for the outlay of public monies, Prudence is still required. Conditions do not vet warrant administrative ex-
 pansion.
 "A trend toward over-organlzatlon, Federal. State, and City, throughout the Union. has made for heavy pubic indebtedness and high taxation, with the accompanying ills of inefficient government, and Alaska may further profit by this mistaken policy by con- tinuing studiously to avoid it. Not un- til population is substantially increas- ed and revenues largely augmented,
 will more elaborate official machinery
 be justified.
 "A multiplicity of laws tends to re- tard rather than advance progress ana development. Simplicity of Legislation and simplicity of administrator are
 equally important and mutually con
 ductive to good government.
 'In the aggregate, during the olen- nium. the Territory has kept well within the limits of appropriations provided. In some instances materlal
 unexpended balances reverted to the
 general fund. In other cases expendl- tures have unavoidably exceeded the
 provisions made
 "The report of the Territorial Treas urer covers transactions in detail ana close examination of this report IS invited. An expert and comprehensive audit of the treasury, as required ps law. has just been completed. It covers
 a period of six years since the only preceding audit and discloses con-
 netent and faithful handling of TeTrl- torial finances. This audit is analytical and Illuminating, and will douotiess
 nrove useful to your honorable body
 body for guidance in making estimates for the ensuing two years. The Gov
 ernor. the Secretary of the Territory, and the Clerk, of the United States
 Court of the First Judicial Division, are constituted by law (Session 1915, Chap. 77, sec. 7-k) Board of Audit and in performance of duty will make quarterly examination in the interim of the ouadrennial expert audits pro -vided for.
 "Iu the care given to needy pioneers men and women, and other deserving persons. the Territory has been psovl- dent and generous. It has set an excel