The Daily Alaska empire., 1935-01-17
FULL TEXT OF GOVERNORS MESSAGE TO LEGISLATURE

well the local trades people It has been suggested that the sales tax ought to be levied goods shipped to the Territory rather than goods sold at retail However there is question whether that could be legally done The sales tax is matter which urge the Legislature to consider very seriously.
 A motor gas tax has been suggested It has been strongly urged on governmental agencies that tax should be levied used in aanes to produce funds to for aids to air navigation Others have suggested in like manner that proceeds of tax used by auto mobiles might be used for road and street development and gas used by water craft might be used for development of small boats harbors other water lgation improvements urge that this matter also be considered by the Legislature very carefully
 Considerable sentiment has developed throughout the Territory favor of increased tax on mining-par ticulary gold mining This particularly matter that fought be carefully considered Existing mining opera tons constitute the greatest activity in large areas of the Territory where is the support for the people do not believe that should cripple this in dustry should we place burdens the mines that would result in keeping capital that might other wise be invested in opening mining properties However the mines could probably stand taxation in view of the increased value of gold
 Of course, there is last resort-a real estate and personal property tax upon which most States rely for been raised to this for Alaska Chief among is the difficulty that could arise in the way of levyng and able roll for the Territory would be huge and costly task The property is widely scattered vast Yet believe the Legislature should consider the matter carefully, because while you may be able adjust appropriations to meet the anticipated for this bennum the time fast approaching when there must be larger Territorial income
 
 believe the Legislature will and ought to give care ful consideration to the welfare of working people in Alaska All of have been in direct contact with the workers in your several districts and confident that you will protect their best interest Working and women constitute the largest element in population ! We wish to make conditions working and will wish to live in the Territory and families here under the most favorable circumstances.
 In connection with this, I think it is advisable to oint out what YOU already know that the welfare of the workers closely allied with the welfare of industries ptoft tho welfare of labor industries here and possible new ones must be encouraged
 Only through fair treatment of both labor and indus
 tries hope to work cut of this depression and insure future economic welfare.
 FISHERIES
 Acqusitici. control of fisheries by the Territory is Ivery importantly desirable However the Territory has much to do that will require money and time and organized effort that believe would be better for it to take fisheries control pecemea rather than fell swoop that the wished for end could be reached through Federal legsaton giving the Territorial Legisla equaly with Congress through amendments to existing laws or the enactment of new legislation In this way m Rrea 0 of c costs o quarter of million dollars annually could be retained until its functions might be absorbed by the Territory need for action It would give the Territory opportunity proceed carefully and avoid creating chaotic conditions lit be remembered that fishing and handling fisheries products going industries employing vast numbers of people and large Investments It is important that those employed in these industries be able to make continuous living their work and that the capital employed con tinue to fair returns, that employment may be maintained and increased and Territorial revenues pro lvded t The most serious problem confronting the fisheries industry is that of marketing the fish products It to essential that there should be advertising cam paign throughout the country to call attention of the people the desrabity of fish food. We ought to profit by the experience of California, Washington and Oregon in that respect Markets for food products have been developed through vigorous and effective tona advertising Our fisheries ought to profit by that experience Of course, the logical way to meet this situation would be for the canneres and other producers lof fish to advertise for markets themselves However there growing sentiment among the fisheries that the Territory ought to take charge of this matter and have special tax to produce revenues to carry into effect The fisheries the of of the Territorys and the people ay interested in the welfare lof the industry
 Recent reports advise that the canners have imposed to take of national advertising
 However the proposition is still worthy of your study land attention because through the results of proper advertising the market value of canned salmon be increased and sustained and through ths the people in the Territory working in the fisheries industry will be benefited through the resulting increased price for raw fish and the ability of canners to pay better wages.
 MINING Ourm min indu oold oinin