•DITAROD PIONEER
i ___I
Published Every Saturday Morning at Idltarod, Alaska
Vol. 7 CHARLES A. DERRY. Editor and Publisher No. 3
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STATEHOOD FOR ALASKA
The Pioneer has been favored with a lengthy com
munication from Thomas B. Drayton, who designates
himself as a “special correspondent” of Seward, in
which he undertakes to arouse interest in a proposal
to hold a “convention of representative citizens
favorable to the idea of inaugurating a systematic
campaign in behalf of securing statehood for Alaska.
“If the agitation be not soon commenced,” he says,
“and maintained with vigor, it is inevitable that a
development board, administrative commission or
some similar contrivance will be foisted upon us, tne
adoption of which will most assuredly lighten t ie
claws of bureaucratic government upon our people
and thus postpone self-government indefinitely.
With reference to the statehood question, lhe
Pioneer is inclined to the belief that much good
newspaper space is being wasted. That the present
form of territorial government is inadequate will be
admitted generally; but that present conditions will
permit a further extension of authority to the terri
torial government, or that there is the remotest
chance for statehood seems preposterous. The two
sessions of the Alaska legislature which have been
held have demonstrated forcibly that there is little
chance of “self-government” for the people of
Alaska under present conditions. With a population
as small as ours, the influence of the gigantic corpor
ations operating in Alaska so far outweighs the in
fluence of the common people as to make the ses
sions of the law-making body a farce. To extend
further the powers of the territorial government is
but to confer more power and influence upon the
syndicates of capitalists.
There is little chance that the congress or me
United States will vote to give Alaska representation
in congress such as would be accorded by statehood.
Nor is there any reason why it should. With a popu
lation less than 40,000. statehood would give us two
members of the upper house of congress and one in
the lower house, or three representatives for a popu
lation less than one-fifth of the average congressional
district. Were it possible to secure statehood under
such conditions it would be anything but patriotic
to expect it. No lover of representative government
desires that his section of the country receive larger
representation than any other section.
Mr. Drayton is sadly misinformed, apparently, as
to the proposal to give Alaska a development
board,” which would have, according to Secretary
Lane’s carefully-prepared plan, nothing whatever to
do with the government of the territory, and should
not be confused with “commission forms of govern
ment.”
Our correspondent is informed that The Pioneer
will not interest itself in the proposed plan, and that
until there is a better chance for really “representa
tive government” in Alaska, we will view with sus
picion the attempts of polticians to secure enhanced
powers for the present territorial government.
SOCIALISTS IN NEW ROLE
The Alaska Sunday morning Post, a Socialist or
gan, recently has undergone a change of editorship,
and in one of the first issues under the new regime
there appeared an editorial which discouraged the
idea of organization of labor unions among the em
ployes of the big mining companies on Gastineau
channel. The statement was made that conditions
were such as not to call for organizations of work
men, on account of the “killing kindness” of the em
ployers. This attitude of the newspaper was rather
a stunner to its readers, and one of them indignantly
and sarcastically replied to the editorial, calling at
tention to conditions at the mines from the viewpoint
of the “roughneck.” Without entering too closely
into the merits of the points brought forth by its cor
respondent, the Post gives voice to some wholesome
advice which may have suggested itself to many who
have perused Socialist literature. The Post says:
Exaggeration, and a general spirit of unfairness in the ar
raignment of their opponents, and a manifestation of malice
where candor would serve a more useful purpose, have been and
arc the besetting sins of too many Socialists. But for these faults,
the Socialists and the Socialist party might, even under the exist
ing system, have far more influence in the revision of abuses from
which workers suffer. In Alaska there are too many cases of
actual oppression which can and ought to be immediately abol
ished to waste time unjustly accusing mine officials who have
done so much to improve the industrial conditions on the Gas
tineau channel.
The position of the rost seems to be that as the
workers in the big mines in the vicinity of Juneau
apparently are being treated with consideration by
their employers, they have no need of organization.
In other words, that conditions are such that collec
tive bargaining between employer and employe is
not necessary, and that the rich corporations will
deal quite as justly and fairly with the individual
miner as they would with a strong organization able
to enforce its demands by invoking the only weapon
labor has—the strike. Which is a mighty fine com
pliment to the big mining companies, especially com
ing from such a source.
But it will be something of a shock to the rank
and file of the workingmen that a newspaper oslen
sibly published in their interest should advocate in
dividualism instead of collectivism in industrial mat
ters. And besides, what becomes of the old trades
union slogan, that “the interest of one is the con
cern of all”? The labor union advocate will point
out that it is the duty of these men to join the trades
union army in order that they may assist others less
fortunately situated in attaining the ideal labor con
ditions which prevail at Juneau.
STOP IT, GENTLEMEN
The newspapers of Seward are engaged in a
rather undignified attempt to prove that Anchorage,
the port selected by the Alaska engineering commis
sion as the headquarters for the construction work
on the government railroad, is an ice-bound port, and
as such not available for the purposes of the com
mission. They were given ammunition for this cam
paign recently because of the fact that extraordinary
weather conditions prevented the docking of large
steamers unusually early in the winter. In what is
supposed to be a humorous vein the following is per
petrated by a Seward newspaper:
A gentleman now in Seward has hit on a plan by which
Anchorage can he made an open port all the year round. Coal
is being found in fair quantities down both sides of Cook inlet,
and this gentleman suggests to the Gateway that by placing live
thousand boilers on the west side, ten thousand boilers on the
east side, and hiring natives at six bits a day, the inlet can be
thawed out. Believing the scheme a good one, it is hereby recom
mended that this engineer get the contract on bedrock pay.
All of Alaska is interested in the speedy construc
tion of the government railroad, and anything wnich
tends to interfere with that desired end is the con
cern of the entire territory. Therefore we may be
pardoned if we suggest that the publication and cir
culation of literature derogatory to the commission
in charge, or the work it has undertaken will be
viewed with grave alarm. The money necessary for
the prosecution of the work has not yet been pro
vided, and there are many members of congress who
would be glad of an excuse to hold up the appropria
tions. The inference that the engineering commis
sion has made a serious blunder would furnish that
excuse. And besides, to the outside wor'd it will
appear that if Arctic conditions prevail at Anchor- j
age, the same must be true of Seward, which is but
a comparatively short distance away.
The administration’s selection of the members of
the engineering commission was universally com
mended, and nothing has yet appeared to change the
belief that they are competent engineers, fully able |
to carry out the plans for the government railway.
They have also inspired the belief that if they have
made a serious mistake they will be able to detect it
a: quickly at least as the Seward public, and to be
broad-minded enough to correct the error.
No good purpose possibly can be served through
a policy of carping criticism, and we suggest that
petty jealousies be relegated to the background and
hearty support be accorded to the administration and
to the commission in the effort to provide transporta
tion for Alaska.
-♦—
Von Bopp, the German consul general at San Francisco, who
has represented Germany in the Golden Gate city for many years,
and who is among the diplomats who have been invited to leave
the country, declared on December 11 that he was glad of the op
portunity to leave the United States. Von Bopp is very bitter
toward America and Americans, and says that the Germans have
been persecuted beyond the point of endurance in this country. He
says he knows of hundreds of naturalized German citizens of the
United States who propose to renounce their citizenship and return
to the fatherland. Possibly Von Bopp may know whereof he
speaks; but it is extremely doubtful whether many citizens of Ger
man extraction regard their citizenship so lightly. There are not
many even of the hyphenated ones who would care to again become
“subjects” instead of citizens merely because the land of their adop
tion is engaged in practices which were the particular province of
the land of their birth almost up to the hour that Germany’s com
merce was bottled up bv the allied fleets.
— 4.
Viscount Haldane, former lord high chancellor, discussing the
possibility of peace during a meeting in King’s hall, London, re
cently, declared that peace was more to be desired than any other
thing at the present moment. Nevertheless the speaker predicted
that no peace negotiations would be considered by Great Britain or
her allies until Emperor William and the German war party had
been thrown out of the saddle by the German democracy. “The
allies of a century ago,” said Viscount Haldane, “were quite ready
to make peace with France, but not with Napoleon; so today, until
we can deal with the real German people, whom we can trust an.:
whom we know as sane contributors of many good things to the
world’s civilization, but who have temporarily yielded their place to
false leaders, we do not care to talk peace.”
--*
Theodore Ro tfsveIt has wired the Republican state committee
at Lincoln, Neb., lo withdraw his name from the presidential pri
mary ticket in that state. This action was taken by him immedi
ately after the announcement by the Progressive national commit
tee that they will not amalgamate with the Republicans, and the
fact has caused some comment, although the friends of Roosevelt
declare that the announcement by the Progressives and his win
to Lincoln have not the slightest connection. It is beginning to be
felt that Roosevelt may again go forward as the candidate of the
Progressives if the party asks him to do so.
-4
The German government’s proposal to pay indemnity for the
loss of American lives in the Lusitania disaster is a complete vindi
cation of President Wilson’s interpretation of the rights of neutrals,
for which he wa.- fiercely asailed at the time the first note of pro
test was sent to the German government. Possibly President Wil
son is as well versed in international law as are some of his un
official critics. And also he has demonstrated that he will main
tain the rights of our citizens under all circumstances.
-♦
The attorney general of Colorado has announced that mince
meat, plum pudding, brandied peaches and other things containing
alcohol are prohibited under the prohibition law. It can safely be
predicted that there is going to be an immense slump in the con
sumption of such so-called edibles as plum pudding and mincemeat.
What else is there to recommend them to the palate after extract
ing the “kick”?
-♦
A new weekly newspaper has made its appearance at Anchorage,
known as the Weekly Alaskan, the first number of which has just
reached here. Aside from the fact that it was printed on wrapping
paper because of the failure of a freight shipment to arrive, it is
a creditable and newsy sheet. The names appearing at the head of
its editorial columns are: Hazel Hunter, owner; R. R. Hunter,
editor and manager.
-♦
The Juneau Dispatch says that all Republican postmasters in
Alaska must go, and that a postal inspector recently has been sent
to examine all offices presided over by members of the Republican
party and intimates that reasons will follow for the removal of
the officials so that there may be vacancies to be filled by Demo
crats.
-4
The desire of the Canadians to send the Terrible Teddy to the
front, says the Juneau Post, causes no dismay in this quarter. We
move for unanimous consent.
WHEN BABY PLAYED
(James Whitcomb Riley, in Collier’s)
When Baby played,
The very household tasks were stayed
To listen to her voice: Secrete,
We hear her lisping, low and sweet,
Among her many dolls and pets;
Or, at her window’s mignonettes,
Making some buttertly — arrayed
In tremulous gold—all unafraid
When Baby played.
When Baby played
Amidst the reapers—why, they laid
Iheir work aside, and with loud glee
Tossed her among them tenderly!
And they did single, from the blur
Of tousled grasses, blooms for her—
To wreathe about her throat and wrist,
While for the service each was kissed,
And on till evensong was made
So happier —when Baby played.
When Baby played,
The lilies down the everglade
Grew purer -where the waters leapt,
The willows laughed instead of wept;
And the glad winds went merrying
To sway the empty grapevine swing
She needs must leave, in answer to
Our call from home at fall of dew—
And mimicking the call we made—
When Baby played —when Baby played.
-A
ALASKA POLITICIANS
MAKING WILD GUESSES
Says Wickersham Is Republican
That Delegate James Wickersham of
Alaska has gone back unreservedly to the
Republican party is the statement made
here by prominent Alaskans, who declare
that the delegate himself made no secret
:)f the fact while he was in this city recently,
says a Seattle dispatch of December 4f and
it continues: These men say that he ex
pressed the intention of joining the old
party and supporting it in every way possi
ble, whether the organization in Alaska
recognizes him or not.
One Guess Which Was a Poor One
While his steamer was in Valdez Mr.
Wickersham visited with a number of his
friends and expressed regret that he could
not spare the time to remain between boats.
When asked by the Valdez Prospector con
cerning the report that he planned to be a
candidate for the governorship of Alaska
in the event that the Republicans should
win in the national election of 1910, Dele
gate Wickersham stated that lie was not a
candidate for the position.
Grigsby Would Be the Goat j
George B. Grigsby of Nome will almost j
certainly be the standard bearer of the
Democrats of the territory at the coming i
election for delegate to congress, and the J
Seward Gateway says it is in a position to I
make this statement after having received |
intelligence from different sources. It is ab- j
solutely in a position to say that Grigsby j
will accept the nomination if it is offered :
to him, and the chances are good that it i
will be.
Mr. Grigsby formerly was district attor- j
ney of the Second division under the Re- j
publican administration, but he claims to
lost his office he has been identified with the
Democratic party in Nome, and was one of
the strongest supporters of Robert Jennings
in the election of 1912. Indeed, Grigsby
was slated then for a place, and probably
would have received it were it not Ijor the
fact that the administration took it upon
itself to send in carpet-baggers.
Interesting Story Promised
(Juneau Post l
If Stub Irwin has succeeded in persuading
Judge Bunnell to give up a perfectly good
judgeship to run against Wickersham for
congress, Stub Irwin has accomplished some
thing wonderful, for even Judge Bunnell’s
opponents will concede that he has shown
in some instances an average intelligence.
When it transpires, the reasons why Stub
Irwin desires a change of judges at Fair
banks will make an interesting story.
-O
Mile. Marie Marvingt of France is consid
ered the greatest female athlete in the
world.
-♦
FOR SALE
Two horses, harness, two sets of blankets,
No. 4 sled with rough lock, pole, doubletree
and neckyoke, wood and freight racks. Price
for entire outfit, $550. Apply G. Wada.
Fresh Olympia and Eastern Oysters, $1.50
per can. Iditarod Meat Co.
CLEANING AND PRESSING
ALL KINDS OF FUR WORK
Suits Cleaned and Pressed, Fur Coats and
Robes Lined, and All Kinds of
Fur Work Done
MRS. CHAS. LARSON
Orders may be left with Mrs. Thornton
LARSON BROS.’
WOOD SAW
Any Length Handled
Any Part of City
Telephone
GENERAL
FREIGHTERS
DAILY STAGE SERViCE
OPEN DAY AND NIGHT
CAFE
FLAT CITY HCHBACK & D'JRAMD
Bet. the Grand and Bagoy's Bars
THE BEST ALL THE TIME
WE ARE HERE TO STAY
—
Best of Everything
ALL THE TIME AT THE
Arcade Cafe
FLA']' Cl'l'V
Open Day and Night
I_„_mz__!. .
Professional
Michigan, 1881 Alaska, 1910
Kentucky, 1891
George Woodruff Albrecht
COUNSELOR AND LAWYER
IDITAROD, ALASKA
The Pioneer Attorney of iditaroi!
E. M. STANTON
Attorney at Law
Office: Corner Willow and Second Sts.
Iditarod Pioneer Building
CM AS. E. TAYLOR
Attorney at Law
BANK BLOCK
First Avenue IdiUrod
Fred Harrison
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Room 1 Over Merchants Cafe
DR. MOORE
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
DRUG STORE
DR. H. E. AURINQER
Physician and Surgeon
Office: Flat City Hospital, Flat City
Consultation Hours in Forenoons and by
Appointment
DR. H. BEKLA
DENTIST
Appointments by Telephone
FLAT CITY
Fresh SVieats
Se=ondSt. SOITAROD MEAT CO- Ptiono 15
_ EJ Gold St, Flat City
fi'T' f i"”
'£$3 ai C^AaJ a H %srll Mrs. Geo. Mutchler, Prop.
Nicely Furnished Rooms Barn for Horses and Dogs Baths in Connection
MARRY DONNELLEY
eEEH general merchandise
D |SCOVER^y,OTTER_
THE BEST OF EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME
MERCHANTS9 CAFE
—
| FIRST AVE.
GOOD MEALS
SHORT ORDERS
OPEN DAY AND NIGHT
ROBT. SOU TAR
Prop.
WE ARE GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR
With a Well-Assorted Stock of
FRESH GROCERIES
AXES, SAWS, MAULS, WEDGES, GRIND
STONES,
POCKET BOOKS, MEMORANDUM BOOKS
BURLAP, OILCLOTH, RUGS, HEAVY
CANVAS
LOGGER SHIRTS, WOOLEN OVERSHIRTS
WOOL MITTS, CANVAS GLOVES
RUBBER BOOTS AND PACS
STOVES AND COOKING UTENSILS
FILES, AXE STONES, POCKET KNIVES
WRITING TABLETS, PENS, INK and PENCILS
STANFIELD AND MEDLICOTT UNDERWEAR
JUMPERS, OVERALLS, LEATHER GLOVES
AND MITTENS
MACKINAWS, SWEATER COATS
PIPES AND TOBACCOS
PAINTS, OILS AND VARNISH
Mg MAHON
FLAT CITY