The Cordova daily times., 1923-03-13
FOSTER SEEKS LITERACY TEST
 FOR VOTERS

almeu at III d Dlll lHITOuuCeu III IuS House by Representative Frank H. Foster, of Cordova, and which was read by title for the first time and re- ferred to the Committee on Elections, Election Laws and Mileage. It was indicated by the author of the measure that it is assured of strong support.
 The bill, listed as House Bill No. 8, is entitled: "An Act to prescribe the qualifications of Electors in the Territory of Alaska" It re-enacts the present statute covering that subject and contains, in addition, this clause:
 And provided further that no per son who is unable to read the Con-
 stitution of the United States and to write the English language shall be eligible to vote."
 Other Bills Introduced
 Three other measures were intro duced in the House, one by MT. Ross amending the existing law relative to the duties of the Board of Childrens Guardians; two by MT. Shepard, one appropriating money for the entertain ment of President Harding on his visit to Alaska, and one amending the pres ent pension law.
 Commenting on his measure, MT Ross said under the present law it is necessary first to arrest any child en- cd +o off come under the care of the Board of Children's Guardians. The bill intro duced is designed to correct this.
 New Pension Act
 The new pension act introduced by Mr. Shepard, according to a statement made by him, is intended to increase the present maximum allowance for aged pioneers, males from $12.50 to $50, and to increase the allowance for women from maximum of $25 to $50. The present system of admins tering the pension act is not changed under the provisions of MT. Shepards bill, which the author said had the support of all the Igloos of the Pio neers of Alaska. It is the second of such measures to be introduced in the Legislature, the first being presented in the Senate early last week by Sen ator Aldrich. The latter bill seeks the abolition of the present system of administration of the pension system and turning it over to a Territorial Board of Control which would also have charge of the administration of the Pioneers Home. It also seeks to raise the maximum allowance for men to S25, leaving the s25 maximum for women unchanged.
 Two concurrent resolutions were in- troduced by MT. Staser, one providing for the participation of the Legislature in the presentation of a Distinguished Service Medal to Maj c. Gotwals, and the other asking for the extension of franking privileges over the Govern ment telegraph and cable lines to members of the Legislature. Both were passed under suspension of the rules.
 Petition Is Received
 A petition from Igloo Mo- 4, of Fair banks, Pioneers of Alaska, asking thatl the Legislature memorialize Congress for an increased allowance for the in- digent fund, was received in the House. It was referred to the Committee on Judiciary. fish hatchery in the A. B. Building was received from Supt. Edwin Went worth and p. m. Sunday set as the time when members of the House will go through the hatchery.
 Speaker Names Committee
 Speaker Cole, under authority of MT. Staser's resolution, named Repre- sentative Staser, Johnson and Policy on committee to confer with the American Legion, Governor Bone and Col. James G. Steese relative to ar engagements for appropriate ceremon- ies in the presentation of the Distin- guished Service Medal to Major Got walls. All three members are them solved ex-service men and Legion mem bers. The Senate is asked in the resolution to appoint a like commit tee.
 The order bestowing the decoration on Major Gotwals was issued late last year and the medal was recently re- ceived by Colonel Steese with instruc- tions to arrange for it's presentation. It is the only one ever presented in the Territory and one of three be- slowed to officers stationed in the Territory, the others being given to Colonel Steese and Colonel Mears. Colonel Gotwals is now in Cordova,