The Daily Alaska empire., 1948-09-25

votes" as this man, who overnight switched from Democrat to Repub- lcan, is claiming in hs'political advertisement.)
 My first task as Territorial Highway En- glneer was to carry out the commitments to various communities made by my predecessor; this was in honor bound to do. With what moneys remained have constructed those roads and airfields which seemed most needed and what dockage and mooring facilities in the coastal communities my budget would allow. If you elect me October 12 pledge myself to serve the great est number of communities possible with the most careful use of public money.
 The golden dream of second highway, one that would link Southeast Alaska towns with the States should remain golden dream until such time as the prospector, the Alaska miner and the homtsteader have been given the roads they need within the Territory in order to afford them the chance to make an honest living. Ket- chikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Sitka all are on islands. This circumstance alone would neces- sitate many miles of extremely expensive road construction (much of which is in Canada) and extensive ferry systems in order to bring the wandering tourist to the door of the Southeastern communities; too large enterprise for the Ter ritory to handle at present and beyond the scope or authority of the Highway Engineer and the Territorial Board of Road Commissioners The road to the States that we now have, inspired by Adolf Hitler, promoted by Hirohito and built by the U. s. Army, 1900 miles through Canadian Territory, should serve Alaska well until that future date when he can really afford, in the light of our other road needs, to build toward the States
 My thought on program for the office of the Territorial Highway Engineer in the years immediately ahead can be summarized as follows:
 Roads = Smaller settlements in Alaska should be linked with the main highways and thus with the larger towns. Our present popula- ton, to say nothing of the increase we will ex- perience in the next few years, requires large numbers of secondary roads. Only by providing these roads can we build up our country and insure the sound development of Alaska.
 Airfieds-You all know that Alaska is the most air-mnded region on the gobe. We need and more landing fields throughout the Territory for reguar routes and for emergency landings. These I pledge myself to construct.
 Harbor Facilities-As have already dem onstrated during my year in office believe It an important part of the task of the Highway En- gineer to provide better harbor facilities for the coastal towns. In addition this was the expressed will and intent of the amended bill providing money for harbor and water facilities
 Highway Patrol = The Alaska Highway Patrol was established by act of the 1941 Legis- lature believe it has proven itself. During my incumbency it's chief, the force has been li- creased from four to fourteen officers an in- crease necessitated by the great growth in number of cars using our highways and also because the last Legislature gave the Patrol full police powers and responsibilities. More than 5000 automobiles passed through Tok Junction this summer to and from the States, bringing to Alaska all types and kinds of people, not all of them highly desirable. Alaska Highway Patromen chosen individu- ally for their integrity, their ability and their previous training in law enforcement. The need for added law enforcement is too well known. The need for additional law enforcement is so patiently obvious that am certain the people of the Territory approve my actions and hope for further activity along these lines. It is my con- sdered opinion that any efforts of the highway engineer, that will make more secure the lives and property of the people of Alaska is work that IS meritorious and worthy, and as sworn officer ot the law pledge a continuation of these efforts. My opponent by his own words is denying the very people he seeks to the protection and service that the Highway Patrol affords. No other con clusion can be reached if we take his own state ments at face value 1 am proud of the present force and of the splendid esprit de corps which exists in the organization. Their motto as long as am their chief will be courtesy always, help fulness and frmness in dealing with offenders.
 Funds for these functions of the office of Territorial Highway Engineer must be alocated where most needed in the light of constant study of overall interests of the Territory. If by your votes you continue me as Territorial Highway En- gineer pledge a sound sane and faithful ad- ministration of the responsibilities of office.
 FRANK. A METCALF