The Cordova daily times., 1923-02-22
ALASKA'S GREATEST
 NEED IS PUBLICITY
Business Chronicle of Seattle Sees a Great
 Future for Alaska

Perhaps one of the best advertise ments ever made of Alaska with a view of bringing home it's real condi- tions to the people of the United States was the dinner of Alaskan pro- ducts given at the recent Seattle con- vention of newspaper men of the state of Washington. When to the charm and surprise of the dinner was added the presence of Gov. Scott c. Bone to explain in greater detail the actualities of Alaska, the value of the advertisement was doubled. It was a surprise to some that the Governor of Alaska in the middle of the winter should be able to leave his Territory and attend such an occasion. For the belief is entertained by far too many that Alaska is ice-bound throughout winter and that no port is accessible between early fall and late spring. Few understand that isothermal lines are such upon the Pacific Northwest Coast that all ports, with single ex- ception, that of Nome, are ice-free the year around. Juneau, in particular, the Alaskan capital, has a climate not unsimilar to that of Puget Sound. :.
 Such errors as to the severity of the climate apply almost equally to other Alaskan conditions. That Alaska could of it's own products supply bread from wheat Of it's own raising, vegetables, meat and fish in like man. ner is just as true as that Juneau has climate like unto that of Seattle or Aberdeen or Vancouver or Victoria. But it is not generally so understood. The greater the pity that should be the case. Hence one of the several reasons that the population of Alas ka hardly exceeds 60.000 people. But, as Governor Bone explained Alaska has a wealth of resource. Not only fish and gold but other metals, coal, timber, furs awaiting development are to be had where foolish conserva- tion laws do not utterly forbid.
 Bringing these facts home to the newspaper men of Pacific Northwest will do good. But the publicity which is Alaskas need should go farther than this. It should embrace at least all of this North American continent and as far beyond as is possible to be reached In this respect Governor Bone should prove of the greatest help. As a neWspaperman of lifelong training he understands fully what is and what is not news. In modestly sincere speech given at the Alaska dinner Governor Bone promised he would do his best during his term of office to see that Alaska secured this publicity.
 Nothing tells in publicity more than facts, published regularly and sequen- tially so that the public may be able to judge for itself of the output of coal, of copper, of lead, of furs, tim Der, shell fish, gypsum, salmon, her ring and mark their growth. Influ- ential business concerned in such in- dustries will note what is being done and presently this interest will cre- ate a demand for further knowledge. Then Alaska will be fully on the bus mess map. But Governor Bone can not do this by himself whatever his merits. and they are many, as jour- nalist of eminence and a statesman of ability. If those Alaskans immediate l ly concerned will cooperate in bus iness- like manner they will find such man as their Governor of the great est possible assistance. What Alas ka wants more than any one thing is publicity. They could have as Gov ernor no better man If they will act with him.