The Cordova daily times., 1923-03-06
Territorial SOl0ns
 Hold First Session
EIGHT PAGES
Continued From Page D

lay of public monies. Prudence is still required. Conditions do not yet warrant administrative expen- sion.
 A trend toward over-organization Federal, State, and city, throughout the Union, has made for heavy pub lie indebtedness and high taxation, with the accompanying ills of inef- ficient government, and Alaska may further profit by this mistaken policy by continuing studiously to avoid it. Not until population is substan- tially increased and revenues largely augmented will more elaborate of ficial machinery be justified.
 A multiplicity of laws tend to re- tard rather than advance progress and development. Simplicity of leg islation and simplicity of administra- tion are equally important and mutu- ally conductive to good government
 In the aggregate, during the bi- ennium, the Territory has kept well within the limits of appropriations provided. In some instances material unexpended balances revert to the general fund. In other cases eX- penditures have unavoidably exceeded the provisions made.
 The report of the Territorial Treas urer covers transactions in detail and a close examination of this re- port is invited. An expert and com Drehensive audit of the treasury, as required by law, has just been com pleted. It covers a period Of SIX years since the only preceding audit and djscloses a competent and faith ful handling of Territorial finances. This audit is analytical and lllumln- ating, and will doubtless prove use ful to your honorable body for guldT ance in making estimates for the ensuing two years. The Governor the Secretary of the Territory, and the Clerk of the United States Court of the First Judicial Division are constituted by law (Sesslon l9lo' Chap. 77, Sec. 7-k) a Board or Auol' and in performance of duty will make quarterly examination in the interim of the quadrennlal expert audits provided for.
 In the care given to needy plo- neers. men and women, and other deserving persons, the Territory has been provident and generous. It has set an excellent example to older communities in the administration of it's charities. Its pension system ln- wolves no costly methods of handling. Money appropriated for relief goes directly to those in need. It is doubt full whether any other Territory ever made as good record in caring TOT it's own. The Alaska Pioneers Home is efficiently managed and 1t IS grat- living to note for the last calendar year a marked reduction in ma1nten- ance costs, approximately nearly $l2,- 900 without in the least curtall1ng the comforts of the institution. Look- ing ahead, it is clear that the present old and decaying structures must within a few years, be rebuilt or replaced with new buildings. Grounds for gardening and small farming in connection with the institution would greatly facilitate it's successful man. agement
 Extension of Territorial charities should be approached with caution consistent with growth and possible revenues. Under the liberal exist ing system the outlay must naturally increase with increasing population.
 A merging of the appropriations for the relief of Restitution and the care of dependent children is ad- visable and here recommended, as their aims are virtually the same. For the biennium a deficit of the fund at the disposal of the Juvenile Courts developed owing to unusual demands, whereas the relief fund shows a substantial balance. The establishment of two Government training schools has been authorized and this will obviate the necessity yand added expense of sending native children to distant points outside the Territory.
 The system of transporting insane persons outside the Territory for care and treatment under contract is com mendable only in it's economical phase as affecting Alaska. Other wise it is objectionable and a better system must be devised and substi- tuted as soon as the Territory's means will permit.