The Cordova daily times., 1923-03-06
Hunt Heads Senate, Cole Made Speaker; By Day's Elections
Deadlock Deuel0ps On
 Selection Of Secretary

JUNEAU, March 6.-The Territor- 1ail Legislature convened at noon yes terday with Forest J. Hunt, of Ketch- ikan, as president of the Senate, and Cash Cole, of Juneau, as Speaker Of the House. Hunts victory over Chamberlain was by narrow mar gin, but was virtually assured in the organization plans developed over Sunday. For Speaker Murray, Cole and Ross ran close together, each lacking the necessary votes to assure elections previous to the formal bal loting. The balance of power hung with the Independents, and was the deciding factor in the election Of Hunt in the Senate. The elimination of Cole for the Speakership was re- garded as a possibility for time, in which event his supporters were eX- pected to swing to Ross, leaving Cole in line for the chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee. The final voting, however, gave Cole the support of the Independents, Daly and his supporters swinging in line in his favor.
 The Senate was deadlocked yester- day over the election of Secretary, Miss Scott and Will A. Steel each receiving four votes. It was expected last night that an agreement would be reached today. The House elected Earl Blossom Clerk, and Earl Jame- son Sergeant-at-Arms.
 The Governors message was de- livered today. A stiff contest is ex- pected to develop over the proposal to abolish the Territorial Fish Con- mission and the office of the At torney General.
 GOVERNORS MESSAGE
 MT. President, Mr. Speaker and gentlemen of the Alaska Territorial Legislature:
 l esteem it high privilege, in pursuance of custom, to appear be- fore your honorable body.
 You are assembled in sixth bien- nial session under most propitioius circumstances. Abnormal times are passing Improved conditions are at hand.
 Alaskas potentialities are so mani fest, its resources so manifold, that it cannot mark time or retrograde.
 In growing volume of commerce, in steadily expanding industry, the year just closed showed unmistak- able 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 its future are certainly tending to in- vite population and stimulate enter prise. Indeed, this Legislature may well be imbued with spirit of su- preme optimism and resolute courage in taking up the work the people have given you to do. To have a part in the constructive, upbuilding affairs of an empire in the making to contribute toward the solution of pioneer problems in the inceptive stages of progress-is distinction that will endure. I congratulate you upon your opportunity for service. In the annals of Alaska the records of the Territorial Legislature become imperishable. It is no fleeting honor thus bestowed upon you. Seeing this wonderland come into eminence, your children and your children's children will proudly cherish the memory of the work performed here.
 Mindful of the duties and obliga- tions imposed upon me as Governor and recognizing that the welfare of Alaska is our united aim, it is my will to cooperate with you in the fullest degree and be of every pos sible aid in your deliberations and proceedings.
 Ten years have elapsed since the first Legislature met at this Capital. The decade is the most memorable