The Cordova daily times., 1923-03-06


 shook the world Americas inter- vention brought peace. Alaska's re- sponse to the country's calls in dire emergency rebounds to the Terri tory's everlasting glory. Contributions generously given and sacrifices freely made brought no compensatory re- wards in war prosperity. But the stress of war demonstrated the Ter ritory's inherent patriotism and sturdy Americanism and revealed the spirit of Alaska at it's very best. Well may that fine chapter be re- called with pride.
 Slowly the world is regaining it's bearings. Quickest in recovery, the American Republic today is the strongest exponent of stable democ- racy and assured civilization. It's banner shines resplendidly, and Alas ka-soberly and patiently working out it's destiny in due season will surely add a bright star to that banner
 The Territory has met and over come obstacles incident to readjust- ment following the war with less difficulty than other sections of the national domain. It has been singu- larly blessed by Providence and Ma ture and has passed through the or deal strongly equipped for better years to come.
 Numerically the Territory has wit messed a decline since the first Leg slature here assembled. The popu- lation is less today than then. Un- toward. unforeseen events-primarily the European cataclysm-eXplain the decrease in numbers. But Alaska has a more permanent citizenry than ten years ago. It has become a country of homes. The Territory, in spite of adverse conditions, has not stood still.
 Although many of the hopes and dreams of the first lawmakers are unrealized, the laws they enacted put into operation the limited form of local government sanctioned by Con- gross and it has functioned smoothly and efficiently. In framing the Ter ritorial structure the initial Legis- lot H1,i11o1 uya11 sors have uniformly 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 extension of it's functions of self government.
 Foremost of Alaska's achievements since becoming a Territory is the establishment upon a firm foundation of a public school system, which in- spires pride and must ever command fostering care. Year by year the enrolment has increased. The pro- gressive 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 dis tinct or signal progress in this re- spect than has Alaska. To the edu- cational advantages offered by the Territory is clearly to be as,ribed the multiplying number of homes and permanent residents That the school system will be wisely safeguarded and promoted henceforth is confi- dently to be assumer.
 Alaska officially is not over-organ- ized. The simplicity and inexpen- siveness of it's local government are in striking contrast with the compli- cated bureaucratic system of Federal TWO SPEECH .....- ........ ..... ....... -... control. Of necessity compelled to keep within it's revenues, the Terri tory is not burdned with excessive overhead costs, but conducts It's affairs at a minimum of expense, with scrupulous regard for the out Continued on Page 5)