The Nome nugget. (Nome, Alaska) 1919-1934, 1924-12-27

capacity, the matter probably seem unmpor-
ditions of membership all sufficient; everything
seemingly going along nicely and smoothly as pos
sible: but to the 90 25 1goos scattered over
the Territory. many of which Igoos trying hard
for continued existence. the question is indeed
very significant: in fact it is most VITAL because
II the relief such Igloos seeking does not soon
arrive of them will. of necessity, 60 out of
existence and in behalf of these 1gloos I now ask
your serious consideration of the question.
Before you cast your VOTE I request each of
you to ask yourself the question, WHY DO l BE-
LONG TO THE PIONEERS OF ALASKA?
l heard a member of Igloo No. say, in effect
because it is honor to belong to the Order; an
honor that we should not lightly bestow on Chez
chako." To that I would say, wherein lies the
honor? II it is honor to have to Alaska
prior to 1901 the joining of the Pioneers did
not add to detract from that honor. MANY
old-tmers who to Alaska long prior to 1901
do not belong to Order: yet the honor of long
residence. If honor it is. is theirs also: they OBJ
tanned it without the the Order. So it
is fair to that that is not the real answer
to the question.
The objects of the order to unite Pioneers
and to promote the best interests of Alaska The
uniting of Pioneers carries with it the idea of mu-
tually assisting brother and sister Pioneers when
ever possible Those most worthy objects and
should be encouraged in every way, but to euf1
these objects and obtain the best possible results
the order must and should be strong possible
The Order Of Pioneers Of Alaska has been very
strong in the past, in numbers. influence and pres
tige. 1t has been power for good in Alaska. and
has figured very extensively in the history and up
building of the Territory; all Of which is as IL
should be. for who should know Alaska's needs bet
ter than the Pioneers Of Alaska. But tic:e has
thinned our ranks alarminsy; each year Nature
has demanded and has taken heavy toll of MEM
bership. until our number has decreased abont
half and is still decreasing. In largest Igloos
this not be apparent. but in the outlying Jg
loos where, through varying conditicrs. the mem
bershp has been reduced from hundreds a mere
handful, the continued call upon the survivors.
though just as cheerfully responded to- makes
bershp sometimes extremely burdensome and the
load is getting heavier each year. until has reach
ed the point where they must either take in
members give up and quit altogether. and NO
ONE WANTS TO QUIT.
Alaska is still in its infancy, still up-buildng.
still making history. and will so continue for many
years: the work of the Pioneers is by COM
pleted: in fact it is just commenced, yet I have
heard 1t suggested that allow ourselves to die
out and that turn work to new
generation. Brothers. FORGET IT: GET BUSY.
The advice. counsel. prestige energy and action Of
the Pioneers is needed NOW, than ever. and
the real Pioneer was never known to quit. least
until he had to.
Every Pioneer takes pride in his Order. and nat
urally desires to see as strong possible. THEN
LET US BE STRONG AGAIN.
All around us many desirable citizens who
have been in our midst for twenty years; they
are well known to us: they have been long identi-
fed with Alaska; yet, they not eligible for mem
bership in our order because they lack few short
years Of residence; They real Pioneers in spirit
they have the best interests of Alaska at heart
Is we have they wish to Join our ranks and work
with US for Alaskas good. and will If allowed to do
30, be credit to order.
Brothers, in behalf Of those Igloos which are
& seeking this relief, and who wish to continue and
to expand, earnestly request that you give this
matter your most thoughtful consideration, and II
possible admit those worthy citizens to membership
who would come in under the proposed amendment
Let us lower our bars Of limitations and open our