The Alaska daily empire., 1923-03-16
THE ALDRICH BILL.

The proposals of the Aiu..vh bill which would transfer executive authority in Alaska from the Govesnor and place it. with much of the ministerial work of the Territorial Secretary in Board of Con- trol to consist of Controller the election of which is provided the Territorial Treasurer and Attorney General. unprecedented in century of American Territorial history. They contrary to the very spirit of Territorial in the United States. So revolutionary they that is not only probable but almost certain that they would be vetoed by Con- gress if they adopted in Alaska.
 The theory behind Territorial government in the United States is that it is form of government to the transitory period between absolute Fed oral control and Statehood. Ii is designed to serve during q scrt of probationary period in which the people prepare the responsibilities and pense of full membership in the union of States In other Territories the Legislatures given much broader scope of authority than the Alaska Legisla ture has been given, but always the Federal Gov ornment has kept it's hand the brake, through a Governor and a Secretary, who becomes Acting Gov in ease of the absence, death disqualification of the Governor, appointed by the President It is not likely that tho Federal Government will consent to release that hold Alaska.
 Further, there is occasion for this radical de- parture from precedent The executive authority is net being abused, and it has been abused in the past. While the Governor has veto over legislation l. is power that has been seldom exercised and it is that two-thirds majority in each branch of the Legislature may override. In other words if the people of Alaska sufficiently united in favor of any particular legislative policy they have the power to adept it in spite of anything the Governor might do.
 The situation is that suggests the idea that politicians want to get hold Of the appointing pow CTS so that the offices might be used as patronage to the faithful And that suggests the fact that some people are unable to distinguish between the of government, the authority behind the act and the personnel of the public service They seem to think that sef-government consists of the local appoint mp nf local olar I.l;n They rail because in the interest of economy and efficiency to facilitate cooperation, Territorial duties have been placed in the hands of Federal employees They contend that this is self-government
 AS a matter of fact there is little or no connec- ton between self-government and the personnel of the public payroll. Self-government means the de- termination of policies the exercise of power to direct the course and regulate the manner of the government. It is not important who does the work as long as it is well done by honest men and women In fact the most capable public service that We have is that which is rendered by those the classified public seryice-men who trained for their work and in the selection of whom the people have no voice
 It cannot be said that Governor Bone or his predecessors in the execution of the Territorial laws have not tried in good faith 10 carry out the intent of the people expressed by their representatives in the Legislatures. It cannot be said that they have not, generally speaking been successful in this re- spect. It cannot be said there has not generally speaking. been efficiency and honesty in the Terri toria service.
 The need for the proposed legislation has not been established No demand for it among the prudent citizens who are interested in good government and development than they are in pol 1tlcs or the personnel of the payroll is apparent
 Under the circumstances see no reason for the proposed radical departure from precedent while on the ether hand, it would. if adopted upset and disarrange the whole system of government en- talng all the vexations and turmoil incident to such 2 change.