The Wrangell sentinel., 1937-01-29
By LOUIS P. PAUL


 I have been asked to report on the important phases of the A.N.B. convention last fall as no publicity had been given them.
 First, I remind the reader that the fundamental blanks of the or ganization were: l. Education; 2. Economic development; 8. Citizen ship; 4. Health and Moral develop ment of the Indian race.
 At this convention two pre-.s.,ss...1o resolutions were adopted thanking the Presbyterian church for Haines Home and Sheldon Jackson Institute. Not one word about the need of additional equipment, teaching staff or appreciation of the present school system maintained by the govern ment.
 One of the weakest fisheries reso. lutions and protest written in the history of the organization was adopted. The argument instead of logically pointing out the special privilege of the trap system or its absolute destructive efficiency was a plea to "the Great White Father for relief" l will venture to say that he will not even hear of this resolution let alone read it.
 As to moral effort for advance ment of the race two days were spent fighting over several resolu- tions introduced by Rev. Mather of Ketchikan. That a law might be introduced prohibiting sale of liq- uors to Indians was feared and objected to. Any effort to adopt resolutions of benefit were im- mediately cast out.
 The third day l introduced motion instructing the resolutions committee to report a resolution of constructive nature embodying the permit system for vendor and Yen- dee: revocation of licenses for vio- lation of law; local option based on the school area plan. They did not even write the resolutions they introduced.
 This was adopted Saturday and Sunday the young bucks went to Ketchikan and got gloriously pie eyed In fact one of the young dele gates spent $20 allowed for con- vention expense before he arrived at the convention.
 The A. N. B. Battle Song "On- ward Christian Soldiers" and the daily invocations were just pious hypocrisies.
 The advantages of the Wheeler Howard, Indian Reorganization Act, were thrown out "because l am tired of hearing about it."
 This law is to the Indians what the R. F. C. is to business in the states. The law provides for eco- homie rehabilitation of the Indian through his own corporations and under his own direction. The sum of $10,O00,O00 being authorized and set aside as a revolving fund.- which the Indian could draw upon for business or purchase of land and equipment. In Alaska "a group of common bond and residence" may apply for and receive charter to benefit under the law. If any group desires the government to set aside for them reservation they must vote upon it not less than three times and if the required number vote in the affirmative, the reser- Yation would be authorized.
 Two forces-Fear and Prejudice joined together to defeat the re- organization of the A. N. B. to con form tothis law.
 Juneau, Wrangeli, Rake and Kla' wock led in the fight against this movement Fear of loss of any right of citizenship; fear of being put on reservations were the arguments Ignorance of the matter prevailed Sea lawyers placed their own con struction upon legal phraseology The convention become a stampede
 Jealousy aroused to a high pitcl against any DrOpOsal from Sitks