The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1938-11-14
JUNEAU's UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

The misfortune of transformation is again felt
in Juneau as it is other cities of the Territory
particularly in the coastal towns. large number
OF workmen attracted by misleading stories about
Alaska in the States, have come north in the belief
that they could find employment quickly. Likewise
Alaska workmen from other parts of the Territory
have heard reports of much activity in Juneau and
have come into town expecting to be able to find
Jobs The result is that Juneau has one of the most
serious unemployment problems it has had in several
years Added to this condition is the fact that many
Alaska seasonal workers unable to make suf-
fcient income during the fishing season to tide them
over the winter. Thus the situation IS serious
than last spring when the unemployment problem
was primarily based the influx of men from the
Outside.
Delegate Dimond speaking before gathering of
the unemployed here yesterday afternoon. estimated
that there are around 1000 unemployed in the Terri
tory at the present time the most recent check show
ing 1885 These, some of them the heads of families
represent between 5000 and 1000 persons. He said
he had notified the Works Progress Administration
that 100000 would be needed in Alaska to for
the unemployment situation until March l. and that
application had been made for relief money
The city had applied for $4,000 and if favorable
action is received on the citys application for PWA
assistance its portion of the small boat harbor
work further work relief may be possible In the
day it win be up to the cities and towns do the
best they for the johless pending from
the Federal government
Mayor Harry l. Lucas speaking at the same
gathering with the Delegate yesterday, said it might
become necessary to start soup kitchen The city
and the Public Welfare Department last week acquired
some reindeer carcasses off the vessel North Star,
coming down from the Arctic, and so 60
unemployed men are using them in the kitchen they
have set up in the basement of the Union hall.
1t isn't a pleasant picture, and of its most
unfortunate features is the fact that it is in large
part due to transformation. Men getting off the
boat here recently said they told Los Angeles
that they could find lots work in Alaska recent
article in Hearsts Cosmopolitan magazine painted
glowing pictures of the north pointing out that almost
anyone could make a living in the Territory The
unfortnates who needed that sort of information
here now competing with unemployed Alaskans for
jobs which aren't to be had
With the closing OF hennecott, men have come
from Cordova. Others have come from Ketchikan in
the belief that they would find work the small boat
u harbor project which is using only very limited
number of men. Add these groups to the unemployed
that Juneau usually has during the winter months
and it is easy to see why the city has a serious un-
employment problem at the present time
While City Territorial and Federal officials are
doing what they to relieve the stuation-and al
of them doing their umost-a vigorous effor
should be made to get true representation of Alaska
conditions in the States that hundreds of Other
misguided persons Will not continue to rush north
thinking they can find jobs as they get of