The Daily Alaska empire., 1930-12-15
WILBUR PROMISES ASSISTANCE TO
 ALASKA.

In the great volume of official annual repol eeased from Washington early this month, the yas almost overlooked the report of Secretary R .yman Wilbur of the Department of Interior Alaskans he held out the promise of every legtima governmental aid that his own department G i've
 His remarks on the Alaska policy well wor eading He said:
 The process of gradual transfer to the Territory, itself, of as much of the admin istratve responsibility administered from Washington as may be practicable, will continue during this year. Already the ad ministrative division of the Office of Educa- ton has been transferred from Seattle to Juneau and the responsibility for the rein deer industry transferred to the Governor of Alaska from the Office of Education in Washington. The President has appointed an interdepartmental commission composed of resident representatives of the Depart ments of the Interior, Commerce, and Agr- culture. This commission is to study and report the transferring of departmental activities to Alaska and in advising on changes in operations which will benefit the Territory.
 The various problems of Alaska are being studied with a view to assisting the econ omic devopment of it's immense resources and readjustment of it's administration the Territory will be self-supporting and prepared within itself to move forward in it's development as the other Territories of the United States have in the past. Alaska's abundant pulpwood-enough to supply a bil- lion board feet each year a sustained yield-still lies idle; the forests dying of old age 45O00O horsepower of cheap water power near tidewater is going to waste Accessibility is the greatest need; an inter national highway from Seattle to Fairbanks is being pressed vigorously and is a real necessity if Alaskas resources are to become available. Increased industrial training of the Eskimos and Indians will be pressed so these natives will be gradually altered from wards of the Government to producers of export commodities
 One thousand two hundred and eighty reindeer have increased to 100000 in 40 years A great meat export and by products industry awaits development by capital and this will be actively promoted.
 It is considered advisable to encourage the local production of finished products and quartz mining to assist in stab-
 zing the winter labor market
 There are today about 70 prepared avia- ton fields in actual service and about 30 regular commercial planes using points on the Alaska Railroad as a supply base from which they handle commerce with regions hundreds of miles in every direc- tion Aviation will be encouraged. Tour st travel to Mount Mckinley Park and the interior will be especially recommended.
 The Alaska Railroad will continue to show a deficit until capital flows into the country and develops mines and other re- sources leading to traffic. No matter how good the management traffic must precede profit The railroad will continue to be operated as the greatest development factor in the Territory.
 It is doubtful in view of the great number that hedge in the natural resources he Territory almost of which were impos pon any former territories of the nation, and t handicaps placed upon private init i've, whether Alaska can progress as rapidly as did in the early stage of their develo nent. However the Federal Government can great deal to the burden of restriction nd the policy outlined by Secretary Wilbur peaks real effort in that direction.