The Daily Alaska empire., 1948-05-21
PLATFORM OF REPUBLICANS, SETkA MEET

The following is the complete platform as adopted by the Re- publicans at the Sitka convention:
 Be it resolved by the Repubh- can Party of Alaska, in duly called and regularly organized con- vention assembled at Sitka, Alaska. May 18-19, l948, as follows:
 We reaffirm our allegiance of the National Republican Party and to the principles of govern ment for which it stands; and
 In order to provide a better and finer place to live and raise our families as loyal Americans, we pledge ourselves to the following articles and urge all Alaskans to lend us their support in accom- plishing them:
 Statehood
 l. We advocate immediate State hood for Alaska
 Fisheries
 2. We demand the immediate abolition of fish traps. Suggest, and that Congress pass no legis- lation that will alienate Alaska's fishery resources from the people of Alaska)
 g. We recognize that improved working conditions, a higher stan- dard of living, and economic se- curity are basic in the growth and prosperity of Alaska. We, there- fcre, urge and effective wage col lection law, a child labor law, and an expanded apprenticeship pro- gram, and a retirement plan for all Territorial employees.
 Equal Pay
 We pledge ourselves to secure for the workers of Alaska legis- lation to guarantee equal pay for all labor regardless of sex.
 Taxation
 We believe in a basically sound taxation system for Alaska. We re- solve to work for economy in Terri torial government and pledge our- selves to eliminate extravaganza and waste in government.
 However, we recognize that cer- tain costs of government must be met. and that adequate tax rev. enues must be raised to meet them. We further believe that a sound tax program should be based upon the principle of ability to pay-and especially. that those vested inter- ests whose incomes are derived from exploitation of our natural re- sources ought to pay their full share of the necessary mainten- ance of the Territorial government.
 Finally, we recognize that our tax system must be of a nature to attract and stimulate new indus tries to Alaska
 Transportation
 1. We demand that the Federal Aid Highway be immediately eX- tended to Alaska. We urge, also, the construction of highways con- meeting all Alaskan communities, with proper ferries where needed to link up the main highway sys- tenn. We also urge the construc- ton of a railroad linking the Pacific Northwest to Alaska
 We further condemn the ocean | transport monopoly that is throt- tling Alaskan development. We demand that the ocean transport l system, and rate structure be by Congressional statute, placed under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission and taken | away from the U. s. Marine Con- mission.
 Aboriginal Rights
 5. We recognize the justice of | the claims of the aboriginal peoples O4 (1ldShd u lllDd4 ldllNo. we AS- mand that Congress pass the nec- essary legislation to provide for ad- Indication of such claims and make | appropriations to pay in cash for the settlement of all claims.
 Liquor
 6. We condemn the past and 1 present policy of the Democratic party of approaching the liquor problem of Alaska purely from a standpoint of revenue, and with complete disregard of social and human welfare.
 Education
 T. We recognize the need for in- creased appropriations to our pub lie schools for adequate salaries, new buildings, replacements and modernization, essential supplies and equipment.
 We urgently request the Federal government to take cognizance that Alaska is spending a major share of it's annual income for educa- tional purposes, and that it is en- titled to more liberal Federal assis-