Seward daily gateway., 1924-08-26
Gouernor William
 SuIzer Guest of
 Seward Chamber

One of the largest crowds that ever turned out to it's weekly luncheons welcomed Former Governor William Sulzer today at the Chamber of Com merce luncheon at the Seward Grill Governor Sulzer spoke at length on his friendship for Alaska ,and told of the many times he had appeared before congl ess on problems touch ing the Territory. He stated that he was one of the persons who helped may out the itinerary of the late President Harding, and declared that his death was a great blow to the Territory
 The Governor dwelt at length on the riches of Alaska, and prophesied that within a few years the Alaska Railroad would be extended to the Yukon, crossing at Rampant, thence on to the vast oil deposits of the Arctic slope. He stated that he was one of the objectors to the railroad being built from Seward to Fair banks advocating the building of the line from Valdez to Yukon. He spoke at length on the benefits to be de- rived by Seward from the railroad and that freight must be developed to make the road pay. This freight must come from the interior and would consist in time of oil, the na- vies of the nation bearing away the Alaskan products from Resurrection Bay.
 He paid a glowing tribute to Col Lee H .Landis, general manager ot the railroad He stated that he haG always been averse to army engi- neers building and operatin rail- roads, but that Col. Landis was a competent and thoro railroad man and should receive the support and indorsement of all true Alaskans.
 Gov. Sulzer declared that the fun damentals in building up a great na- tion were roads and schools. He eulo- gized Col. Steese whom he declared to be one of the greatest road build CTS of modern times, and told of helping Col. Steese secure a larger appropriation for Alaskan roads and trails.
 Continuing MT. Sulzer launched in- to a description of the great White River valley, declaring that within three years branch line would be built through the valley connecting with the Cordova railroad, giivng g great scenic loop for tourists and adding immensely to the potential wealth of the country. With it's great mineral deposits, fine grasses, milo winters and wide scope of tillabIe lands, he predicted the valley could support 5,000,O00 population, with g climate more equalable than that of Finland.
 Former Governor Sulzer concluded his address by an eloquent appeal for far play for capital invested in the Territory.
 His remarks were greeted with great applause by the members.
 Governor Sulzer has long been an ardent champion of Alaska. Coming to the Territory in 1886, at time be- fore the Klondike strike was made, he travelled from the southern to the northernmost borders of the territory and from the information boun .ary to Attu. At all times he has been a vigorous defender on the floor of Congress of matters beneficial to the , Territory, and has extinguished much harmful information disseminated by men unfamiliar with conditions,
 One of the greatest of the old-tin,e politicians he has held many import ant offices. He was born at Eliza beth, N. J., in 1863. Admitted to ahe New York bar in 1884; was elected c iiACiiibCA V 1LllO 4NCN 1OIh coSCIll- bly, in 1890-94 speaker of the House in 1893; minority leader in 1894; member of the 54th to 57th Con- gresses; and 58th to 62nd Congress- es; elected governor of New York in 1912; elected to New York assembly in 1913.
 Following the address by MT. Sul- ger several other speakers endorsed his remarks and complimented him upon his good work for Alaska. Ow- ing to the absence of President c. c. Hinde Judge Wm. Whittlesey pre- sided over the meeting.
 Governor Sulzer will leave on one of the next boats for the south, with a-eefinite program for Alaskan de- velopment.