The Daily Alaska empire., 1937-01-01
A CHEER FOR 1886, A TOAST TO '37

Despite the fact that there were no regularly scheduled American liners for transportation little 1887 arrived the at midnight last night true to advance notices and without special permit from either the shipowners the striking maritime workers He looks like robust healthy little fellow with sound waop in either hand, and able to take care of himself fairly well in the forthcoming F months.
 His arrival heralded great many important things Among them the meeting of the national Con- gress on January g. the converting of the Alaska Legislature here January II, and while he didn't wish to be quoted, the probable settlement of the maritime strike during his regime.
 But while he optimistic for the future ana suggested such things another fine fishing season a continued building boom; more mining development and network of airfieds and air lines for the Ter ritory, he reticent to dismiss old man 1886 wt just passing toast He declared that 1886 decrept and tired he looked at last midnight, dus great credit scrbbled few notes the little fellow began reeling off some of the things which should go down ill the record book to the credit ot old man 1886.
 .s For example and in small way responsible fol the reception given young 1887 night he pointed to the Alaska salmon pack during the reign of 936 The total pack 8274429 cases the largest or record and he whispered that while passing through Washington D. C., Frank T Bell Commissioner o Fisheries had tipped him off that its estimated $45 100000. Quite pile of money to come ou of the waters of Alaska But that only part of tn, fish income he explained
 The Commissioner also had told him tha 84215l5 pounds of halibut had been taken in Alaskan waters during the reign of old 1886 and the estimated value of that product of the $589,5O6. While he didn't have the figures crab shrimp and herring aside from the sport fishing the Territory from Outside angling enthusiasts, he declared il would run to healthy figure, and free in pre- dieting the total wealth from Alaska fisheries during the year just past would close to S50000000 A lot of wealth in any mans language, including ar economic royalist, if you will.
 He paused a moment to acknowledge the toas of midnight celebrant, and then we questioned hin further for of the data old 1886 We talked of mineral wealth and while his figures not as specific, learned the estimated mineral output of the Territory during the last 12 months eX- pected to between $18,OOOOOO and s2OOoOOoo. Ht warned not to overlook the fact that nice, big lslce of it of the famed Alaska Juneau mine right here in Juneau, the largest low grade pro- ducng mine in the world, which accomplished gooe deal of development work in the Old Perseverance during the year and has gold blocked out to ate for years to come.
 You've real town here.a he remarked and Tn going to like it." and bowed modesty in behalf o the good citizens who make it but were busy at the moment joining in the welcome to little 1887.
 He spoke of the vast dredging operations in the Interior during the past season the influx of machn cry which is to in the spring during his regime of the new properties opened up and old ones te be re-opened He had optimistic reports from the Goodpaster Easter creek, the Cliff mine Kuskok- vim Berners Bay and of other places from which flow the mineral wealth of Alaska. Al had prospered while old 1886 on the job and ke gave assurance that he wouldn't let Aaskaus down while he was ruling but forecast even better condition In another of his asdes, he whispered and dc. forget Franklin D and of the boys are cn.itled to little credit for tipping the price Of gold
 Again he paused few mamen $ 10 lead inc chorus in Auld Larg syne. But we finally got his attention sgan and qlericd fer the low-down on agricultural development the Territory and "hows about Matanuska?"
 I'm only newcomer, of course, ne remarked "bu had chat with Secretary Harold Ickes of the Interior Department and I'm convinced the colony is destined to go ahead I also saw Senator Elmer Thomas too and despite what you hear Elmer is an expert on Oklahoma Need I say more?"
 He did, however. hint at other agricultural pro- jects to in Alaska, perhaps of them during his reign in the north
 Summing up some of the more immediately local things, he spoke of the progress toward getting a small boat harbor for Juneau of the build ings in the city particularly the several apart ment houses, the light companys new building and the new structure of the Juneau Diaries While some of them will be completed during his regime he gave old 1886 credit for the original thought and their start.
 But he anxious to be off to greet the merry makers gathered to welcome him. we put it squarely