The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-11-02
PROCESSING TAX ON FISHERY
 PRODUCTS.

Delegate Dimond's fear of the effects on Alaska and Alaskans of the proposed processing tax OH canned salmon fresh fish and herring IS not mis- nIaced Such step as that proposed by the Horticultural Adjustment Administration would deal this Territory well-nigh fatal blow, causing Wioe spread unemployment and depriving the Territory of the source of the major portion of it's revenues
 A Federal tax of S2 40 per on canned salmon, which is the figure tentatively considered according to the Delegate would ruin that industry. It would double the cost of production, forcing the retail nrice to such a prohibtve figure that sales would be impossible. Canned salmon is already hlgh when compared to other forms of food fish ana meats Experience has concusvey demonstrated that there is a limit to what can be asked for it and when that is reached people just quit eating it.
 The salmon packing industry normally employs from 10000 to 25oO0 persons, some 10000 of whlch are Alaskans If the industry is forced to discon- tinue they will go the charity list. There IS no other industry here to absorb all or any part Of them.
 About 85 per cent of Alaska's revenues are derived from the Terrtory's fishing industries They support our schools, Pioneers Home, our pension system and provide funds for indigent relief II IL is taken away from us we have nothing With Whch to replace it.
 These are reasons serious enough to make the A A A. pause before putting it's proposed processing w N~ prive 10000 Alaskans of their sole means of earning living or take action that will practically put the Territory into bankruptcy. And that is literally what such tax would do.
 In addition to this, the vision of Alaskas fish products as competition to the hog raisers of the country seems far-fetched Fish is not a substitute for pork in any form. On the basis of price pork has the advantage Any benefit that the farmers might receive from the proposed step would be far out of proportion to the disaster that would be suffered by Alaska and it's people.
 The salmon packers and others engaged in pro ducng fish in other forms for the market deserve some consideration, also. They have some $70,0OO,- GOO invested in plant and equipment. They have suffered losses proportonatey heavy as the hog growers and wheat and cotton farmers during the past three years. Only through the grace Of banking institutions have many of them weathered the storm thus far.
 They have asked for governmental aid They courageously working out their own problems getting back their feet, and paying up the debts incurred since l930 If they subjected now to processing tax of the sort revealed by Delegate Dimond, their industry will be wiped out. The farmers wont collect anything under the tax but that will be consolation to the Alaskan who is forced of work to the Territory that is robbed of its revenues, to the packer and other pro- cessor who loses his investment, which in most cases means his entire fortune.
 The seriousness of the proposal is unmistakabie should be protested vigorously possible and without any delay. The Delegate has done every thing he can to prevent it's consummaton. It is up to Alaskans generally now to help him save them selves and the Territorys greatest industry.