The Nome nugget., 1947-10-17
What Price Population?

Anchorage Daily Times)
 DIR. INIAS RICE of Aurora H., has proposed that Alaska be populated with up to 100000 immigrants to develop the "slumbering economic giant of the north. His proposal was published in the Chicago Tr- bune, giving it widespread circulation and making it worthy of answer
 Don't settle them in the United States proper" he wrote, but put them in Alaska"
 The physician declared that thousands of engineers, tradesrnen, and farmers from Europe would jump at the opportunity. He made special reference to Ger many and Italy the source of the immigrants assert ing that in Alaska they would become good democratic citizens in a hurry.
 The physician has made suggestion that is repul- sve to all Alaskans The first question resulting from his proposal is why exclude these potential good demo- cratic czens from the United States proper and fine their imnai aigration to Alaska?
 The proposal from the Aurora doctor is not novel. 1ckes sponsored such program for years Others in high places have given expression to similar proposals In past years Alaska has been mentioned good penal colony for cOnvicts.
 There can be little doubt that Aaskans opposed to any suggestion that this Territory be singled for immigration program undesirable for the nation whole In reply all the proposals the Territory has contended that this of the United States diff feren from any other Let the immigration laws of the nation control the immigration to Alaska just they do the 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico
 While is true that the greatest need of Alaska is population, it is equally true that the residents must meet the qualifications as those of the States
 The handful of Alaskans who developing the economy Of Alaska today Will De Tn the minority when the full development comes. They only setting the pattern and the newcomers must carry to completion Ever since Alaska became territory, its development and growth has been pointed toward sovereignty state in the Union Today it is knocking at the door of Congress requesting that this full form of self govern ment be granted.
 The accomplishments of many years would be lost if Alaska made the dumping grounds for persons unqualified unsuited for American citizenship.
 The suggestion from Dr. Rice comes at time when the interest of the nation in Alaska is at its zenith The Territory has been recognized generally the most strategic area in the world
 Alaska is the crossroads of the air world the most central spot the globe that travel has turned to aviation It is the frontne in any future war Security for the nation in Alaska security in Chicago Au rora, and most of the other cities of the nation.
 Dr. Rces suggestion would weaken the nations posi- tion in the north by turning it to porsens whose loyalty and political beliefs would disquay them from citizenship. It would compcate the military program to defend Alaska and hence the nation It would double the good American citizens who have braved great varieties of discrminatons from their federal govern ment to make their homes here and develop strong American economy.
 If it is desirable for the United States to allow O00 e