The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-03-21

summoned to Washington for consultation with the Secretary of the Interior March g. i tTyii Y That will get him back to Washington by March 3o-that fatefu March 30 the Anchorage News calls it. on which the Senates Committee Territorial and Insular Affairs is to decide what to do about Governor Gruening's reappointment. In 1889 when Governor Gruening took office he WAS welcomed by Alaskans who knew him, with a wholehearted appreciation of his abilities.
 Alaskans have faith in people, expect the best of them expect them to justify that faith.
 It was not until the 194l Legislature was in session and the Governor attempted to force his will upon the legislators, that it first became evident that for all his charm and ability, here was a man who would brook opposition; who dealt ruthlessly with people who opposed him. who determined to have his way with the Territory
 Since then Alaska has become divided between proponents and opponents of Governor Gruening
 In 1s47 when the Governor delivered his message to the legislature he began, For the fifth time, and in all probability for the last time it is my privilege to address the Territorial Legislature
 He has exceeded even his own estimate of his term in office.
 However. here is the Ketchkan News fighting statement of the situation:
 Machine Splits Territory Wide-Open
 The fact that the Governor has split the Terri
 
 torv wide-open in political feud is another reason for his removal
 This is making an industrial chopping block out of Alaska.
 When the Governor first brought his carpet-bag appointment to Alaska, we were all for glVlng nm a show We liked his first orders in telling the Juneau staff that they would have to earn ther salaries We liked his visits about the Territory get ting acquainted and meeting unions and workingmen
 We even called some of the oldtimers who began to onnose some of his methods "hatchet-men
 Then why the change in our policy? Just where did the parting line begin?
 As time went even excused his dema- gogc tactics believing that his main obectves were really to benefit Alaska There were plenty of dry bones" that needed rattling
 Even after we became convinced of unethical acts in favoritism and purge for dictatoral machine we held off
 We worked and hoped for compromise so that bis excentional abilities could be utilized for the best interests of Alaska
 The only compromise he would consider, how ever was absolute dictatorship. He demanded uncon- dtional support. Otherwise that person business man. union or politician against him, to be punished by withholding patronage by other means
 The climax of his power is in the present puppet Legislature. This brought about by false pre- election promises. There good, capable and independent legislators in the present session but they are very much in the minority
 If the large appropriations and crazy-quilt tax pattern being turned by the present Legislature the revenge taxation by this tax-happy gang against the Canned Salmon Industry are aides for the de- velopment of Alaska, then must put it down as another one of our failures according to his mouth piece paper here.
 We shall fight to the last ditch against being controlled and socalized We have love for Alaska and it's welfare that goes beyond the personal for tunes of any man. There can be political peace in Alaska as long as the Governor remains Meantime residents should not be penalized by reason of the split which Is growing wider and which rises about party lines