The Cordova daily times., 1923-03-06

of several thousand dollars to the Territory was effected, with an i'm proved and enlarged service. The current mining report, prepared joint ly, which has been placed in your hands, is a most complete and satis- factory review of mineral conditions in the Territory and attests convin- cingly the value of coordination. I strtongly recommend, in view of the fact that the Bureau of Mines is now equipped for larger field activities in Alaska, that the cooperative arrange ment be perpetuated, and that the | Territory provide a reasonable fund 1 to meet it's just share of the ex- pense of the combined service. Such an arrangement is operative in con- nection with the mining industry in Utah and has aptly demonstrated it's economy, efficiency and general usefulness.
 Conservation of the fisheries of Alaska is of the utmost importance. Under a system of reservation and regulation by zone, the Government through the Department of Con- merce, is now undertaking, for the first time in the history of these | fisheries, to compel conservation. Alaskans justly look with disfavor upon such reserves of water or land and oppose the principle involved
 but the the system inaugurated as | the only immediate alternative pos sesses the virtue of centralized au- thority and responsibility and is promising of desired results. There fore a test of it's equity and utility, or lack thereof, may well be awaited with patient consideration. Obviously it's aims are for the public good. The first fishing season under this sys- tenn should demonstrate it's merits or defects. it's success or failure, as bearing upon the future of the fisher ies and the welfare of Alaska, and so furnish a sound basis for legisla- tion, if then found necessary.
 The need of conservation, long realized by all interests, however di- vergent their views as to method, emphasizes the wisdom of continuous propagation The Territorial Fish Commission is organized and in pre- liminary part, equipped for and has rendered a useful service. Its hatch cries operated successfully during the season just closed and tentative plans for future work, subject to your approval, should be most productive The Bureau of Fisheries has 1ndl- cated it's desire to work in closest cooperation with the Territorial Fish Commission and to give heed to prac- tical recommendations received from the Territory. In readily surrender ing one of it's most capable men, an experienced Alaskan, to join the Commission as Hatchery Superinten- dent the Federal Bureau gave evi- dence of it's appreciation of the work being done by the Territory. Liberal provision for the continuance of sal mon propagation and it's reasonable extension during the biennium seem fully justified by existing condition. As canneries profit by this work an increased tax upon nonresident fish ermen is manifestly warranted.
 A pressing duty devolves upon the Territoroy to provide for the upkeep and safe housing of the Alaska His torical Library and Museum, it's stat us having been definitely and finally fixed as a Territorial institution. The collection of historical works, books, papers and curios, is most valuable and could not be replaced in the event of loss. It is of the highest importance to preserve the rare col lection and guard it closely. The Alaska Historical Association will place before you the urgent needs. Had the institution remained under Federal jurisdiction, as originally ere ated, Congress at it's recent session would have been asked to meet the emergency. Under the changed sit uation action by the Legislature call not safely be delayed.
 Familiarity with the Alaska pri- mary and election system has given added smoothness to it's operation and, save for minor amendments to perfect and clarify the general act. legislation on this subject does not appear necessary or advisable. The system in providing means to express the popular will achieves its para mount aim and purpose. Changes cal culated to produce confusion should