The Wrangell sentinel., 1948-11-19
THROUGH THE SENTINEL PERISCOPE

which may be expected to be CO., operative, promises early develop ment and industrial growth for the Territory of Alaska. It may mean statehood for the Territory within the next four years. MT. Truman, in a special message to the 80th Congress last May, pointed out the needs of Alaska and recommended to that body the steps necessary to attain those ends. That Con- gress. Republican-controlled and at loggerheads with the President particularly in a campaign year, failed to act. The new Congress the majority of both houses being of Mir. Truman's party, may be ex- pected to give more favorable con- sideration to the Presidents re- commentators.
 In his message the President spoke first of statehood for which the majority of the people of AL aska have expressed themselves in favor. He said at that time:
 Some 94,0O0 people now reside in the Territory, and the popula- tion is growing. Alaska residents deeply desire statehood. A large proportion of them are from the States and share our long tradi- tiOn of self-government. Alaska has larger population and stronger economic base than did many of our present States when oA nA fn ha TnfO It has had Territorial government for more than Is years, surely a sufficient period of preparation for its admission as a State. I believe therefore, that We should admit Alaska to statehood at the earliest possible date. and I urge Congress to enact the necessary Legislation"
 He called attention to the neces- sity of improving the transporta- tion system, recommending the ex- tension of present legislation per hitting nominal-rate charters of surplus government owned vessels to private operators. He recom- mended amendment of the mari time laws to permit Canadian yes sells to transport passengers and freight between Alaska ports in order to provide adequate service. He urged rapid development of air transportation; special arrange ments so that the Haines cutoff would be maintained, connecting the Southeast with the Interior and Westward Said the President on transportation:
 'The Federal government has a special responsibility to help in im- proving the transportation system. From the standpoint both of mili- tary and civilian development, much needs to be done immediate ly to improve transportation to All aska."
 President Truman urged the construction of housing and com munity facilities in Alaska, as an important factor in it's develop ment. He said:
 'I recommend that special finan- cial terms for home construction be provided under existing pro- grams of aid to private housing. The. need for such special treat ment of Alaska problems has all ready heen recognized in some of our present housing legislation. Furthermore, recommend that special development funds should be made available on a revolving fund basis, in order to encourage immediate construction"
 On the controversial native land problem the President had this to say:
 "The determination of native claims under existing law would require a considerable period of time In the interest of the deveI eft of all concerned, I recommend that the Congress authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant to the natives their village sites and burial grounds. and such lands and hunting and fishing rights as are necessary for their economic livelihood, with due regard for the integrity of the national forests, provided that the natives waive claims to any additional lands. At the same time, the natives who do rot accept such grants should, of course, be free to assert claims a. gainst the government in proper court with respect to any asserted rights lost by such extinguishment. These actions would clear title to the land granted and all other land and permit industrial and ag- ricultural development to go for ward. I believe that this will be the fairest and most expeditions method for settling this long standing problem"
 The President urged encourag- ing land settlement and recom- mended "that the Congress author ize appropriate technical and fin ancial assistance for settlement and deyelODment"