| ID6TAROB PSOitSEER |
Published Every Saturday Evening at Iditakod, Alaska.
ial 2 Cao. M. Arbuokla. Publisher No 4g
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POLITICS, Ol-TSIDE AND INSIDE
A few days ago there occurred in various Outside com
munities the election of officers for the administration of
public affairs, and our news columns indicate that consider
able changes have occurred in the personnel of different
local administrations. Prior to these elections there took
place primaries at which nominations were made and men
put in the field to lead their respective parties, either to
victory or defeat.
These respective steps in the orderly administration of
public affairs have been followed for many years. In Alaska
they have invariably proven a failure in every respect. The!
local primaries have been held behind closed doors, on many |
occasions; those who ought to have called them were afraid
to come out and look their opponents straight in the face, J
and they waited the publication of their call until only a!
few hours were left in which to make preparations for op
posing them. Such has been the usual course pursued, and
after such primaries were “pulled off” there were just as
many Democrats voting for Republican candidates as there
were Republicans voting for Democrats. The time seemed
to have arrived for a general, all-around swapping of horses.
From the standpoint of the political scholar such a
state of affairs must appear shocking. But it is not half as
bad as it looks. Politics make strange bedfellows, the poets
have sung; and they make still stranger combinations. But
while the politicians are busy these days the voters are not
sleeping. They have their ears open and one eye never
closes, and they have arrived at a period in the history of
their country when they believe the time has come to make
a little investigation of existing conditions on their own
account and not take for granted everything which they
may read in the Congressional Record or in the party news
paper. And what seems to be happening in the Outside
world is that which happened in Alaska years ago. Ever
since the election of Tom Cale and Frank Waskey as Alas
ka s first delegates it has been apparent to machine politi
cians that party lines are no lines in Alaska; that the every-i
day, ordinary man does not give a continental what political
affiliation one candidate or another belongs to; his only de
sire is to find out if the particular individual up for election
can fill the bill. And it seems to the Pioneer that tin
voters of Alaska have been hitting the nail on the head, j
Republicans have been busy, bringing to bear with them j
the administration in general and federal officials in Alaska
in particular. They have one way pointed out to them,
and that is the straight and narrow path, whether they
like it or not—and usually they say they like it. There art
exceptions to this rule, as there are to every rule, and there
aie a number of officials in Alaska who vote just as they
damned please. Bravo for them. There is still hope.
Other parties have chosen men little qualified for the posi
tion they aspired to. and such disqualification seems to have
been discovered bv the voters in due course of time.
It is yet too early to predict what is going to happen
in Alaska. Already leading Republicans and Democrat.
are looking forward to the call for holding primaries a1
which delegates will be elected—or perhaps appointed—to
attend the several conventions at Juneau at which cai di
dates for delegate to congress will be nominated and dt le
gates chosen to attend the national conventions to be In Id
next summer. Here we are anxiously waiting for the time
when we may send somebody from Iditarod to represent us
in Southeastern Alaska, and perhaps at the national con
vention next summer. Meantime voters are anxious to be
come acquainted with would-be candidates. They want to
apply the yardstick to them and discover how much avoir
dupois they encompass. Let them come out, so that we
may get ready.
_ UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
The Only First-Class House in Town
See Us for SPECiAL WINTER RATES
The
Famous OSd Quaker Haid Rye
DRAUGHT BEER, DOMESTIC CIGARS
Good Music Every Evening
- - Fiat City--■■■■■■■■ - -
Martin’s Cafe
FOOT OF WILLOW STREET. PHONE 76
A Place to Eat
Before Purchasing
LADIES’ GOODS
SEE GOLDSTEIN
We Guarantee to Save You Money.
C. J. Hurley, President J. P. Gleason, Vice President L Bruning, Cashier
Coiner First Ave, and Richmond St., Iditarod
CAPITAL $50,000.00, FULLY PAID IN CASH
General Banking Business Transacted Upon Liberal, But Conservative Lines
GOLD DUST PURCHASED UPON ASSAY VALUE
And we guarantee our assays against any of the government assay offices.
Clippings from your gold furnished you for the purpose
of obtaining check assays if desired.
We solicit your business, and assure you of our courteous, prompt and
careful attention combined with fair treatment, whether
your account may be large or small.
First Class in Fact First Ave., Iditarod
BEMTTIE HOUSE
Furnished Rooms, Gath Keens, Spring Cots Good Stables Adjacent
| For Fresh_ ~ 1
j 1PBTARQP MEAT CD.
| Iditarod, Phone 15 Flat City, Phone 20 |
j
: Fresh Mutton, Pork and Veal \
>
| FOR FRESH GOODS AND FAIR TREATMENT
!
j
LET HIM FIGURE ON YOUR OUTFIT
General Merchandise
The fiist business to come l efcie the city council last Wednesday
' night was the hearing of the report of the committee to which had
! been referred the charges preferred by Capt. Petersen against Mayor
Barnes. Ail members wete present. Following is the teport of the
committee as read by the clerk:
l’o the Common Council of the T own of Iditarod, Alaska:
Gentlemen'—We, the undersigned, duly appointed and selected by the
presiding officer of the common council of the town of Iditarod, to investigate
and report upon certain accusations and charges preferred by Councilman A. H.
Petersen against Councilman J. D. Barnes, the officer presiding over the delib
erations of said common council, which said charges and accusations have been
tiled with tlie clerk of the town of Iditarod and arc now on file in his office, do
hereby repoit as follows:
Answering charge numbered 1, we desire to stale t hat we find that the said
J. D. Barnes was duly elected presiding officer of the said common council at a
regular meeting held by the said common council, at which said meeting there
were present sufficient members to permit the election of a chairman of said
body and (ill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Frank Miller, there
tofore ex-officio mayor of said town of Iditarod; and further that the said J. L)
Barnes is entitled to remain in said office until lie voluntarih resigns or stand
impeached.
Answering charge numbered - we cannot find anything to support the
statement therein contained, except that the said J. D. Barnes on one occasion
ruled a motion out of order, which motion attempted to have the chair declared
vacant. There was no second to this motion, nor did any member of the coun
cil offer to second said motion and therefore the same was not entitled to any
consideration. If Captain Petersen, who proposed the motion, was dissatisfied
with the ruling of the chair he had a remedy by appealing to the entire coun
cl for a decision upon a point of order. Ho did not care to do so and conse
quently the matter died at its birth. We do find, however, that Mr. Barnes, at
times, seems to take too much personal interest in m itters that are up for con
sideration and that he discusses them more than is ordinarily considered good
parliamentary law on the part of a presiding officer of any deliberative body
and while we are cognizant oi the fact that the ex-officio mayor has the rights
and privileges of any ordinary member to take the fl tor and speak and vote
upon any measure, we would suggest that Mr. Barnes, in future, delay his re'
marks until other members have presented theirs or to temporarily vacate the
chair. Such conduct would be less subject to criticism and would promote a
more harmonious working of our body.
Answering charge numbered 3 we find that Captain Petersen is entirely in
the right when he claims that the provisions of Ordinance No. 13 have been
violated repeatedly; and that in that respect Mr. Petersen’s warnings ought to
have been heeded particularly in view of the fact that Mr. Barnes was for the
most part since the organization of the city, chairman of the street committee,
and as such had to O. K. bills due him and other people with whom he was
doing business. While we do not desire to in any way shield Mr. Batnes, we
cannot help but place the blame for the violation of said ordinance upon the
other members of the council to a considerable extent. The specific violations
of said ordinance mentioned in said charge numbered 3 were not committed
while Mr. Barnes was in the chair, and while lie was at that time chairman of
the street committee he did not exercise and had no right to exercise the gen
eral supervision of affairs which is solely the duty of the presiding officer. We
know from personal observation and from the opinion of many citizens that Mr.
Barnes has devoted a large amount of his time to the affairs of the city, with
out receiving any compensation in any shape whatever: and we do not now feel
justified to blame him any more for the violation of said ordinance than we do
the rest of the council, and while there have been violations of the provisions
of said Ordinance No. 13, we find that no moral guilt attaches to Mr. Barnes or
any other councilman, and that no evidence has been submitted to us by Cap
tain Petersen, or any other person, showing or tending to show any bad motive
on the part of Mr. Barnes or any other person. We would recommend that
the provisions of Ordinance No. 13 he hereafter strictly followed, and that the
clerk perform the duties of the offlce of auditor for the town as therein pro
vided.
In conclusion we desire to say that we consider it unfortunate that differ
ences have arisen concerning the affairs of the city in the common council,
particularly between Councilman Barnes and Councilman Petersen, and that
the entire council is suffering from the effect thereof. It is our earnest desire
that these contentions be dismissed and dropped, that every member proceed to
do his best while he remains in offlce and that the council act unanimously and
present a united and solid front to the outside and those who expect to protit
by its dissensions. Respectfully submitted,
Geo. M. Auten,
chas. Worden,
‘ David Mutchler,
Special Investigating Committee.
Dated at Iditurod, Alaska, Nov. 8, 1011.
When the report was read Mr. MtDouell moved that the report
lie received and filed. For a time there was no second, but finally the
motion was seconded and carried. For the time being that settled the
matter, but a little later on Mayor Barnes took advantage of an oppor
tunity to explain some of the transactions complained of in Capt
Petersen’s charges. The mayor said nothing in the meeting regarding
the reprimand contained in the committee’s report, but imuie'.iateh
upon adjournment he let it be known that be considered the reprimand
unjust, and he made no effort to conceal his anger.
Bills Ordered Paid.
The finance committee teported favorably the following hills, and
warrants were ordered drawn for the payment of same:
Riley & Beattie, water, $5; Smith’s Gun Store, nails and oil, $8 5 >;
Dan Hartnett, scavenger work, $3.50; Iditurod Telephone Co , set vice
to chief of police, §2 50.
The Cleveland Bill.
Chairman Auten of the finance committee made n verbal tepoit on
the claim of F. A. Cleveland, which has been pending for several
weeks. The committee found in the claim items aggregating $269.80
tor which lliete was nothing to show that material had been delivered
Items aggregating $8223) were found accompanied by propei
delivery slips. On behalf of the finance cominittte Mr. Auten
suggested that a warrant be ordered drawn for the $822 30 and that the
items for the $269.80 be turned over to the city attorney tor investiga
tion.
Capt. Petersen said he believes the whole transaction out of which
the Cleveland claim originated is illegal. In answer to a question
Attorney Roden said that whether the persons ordering the material in
question had lawful power to do so or not, the city' had accepted and
used the material and could legally be held responsible for it; the cit\
cannot escape responsibility for supplies it has benefited by merely be
cause its agent had exceeded his authority. The time for the city to
have repudiated the action of its agent was before it had accepted the
material and the conditions arranged for by him.
Capt. Petersen said he still failed to see the city’s liability, and Mr.
Roden went into further detail in the legal bearings of the case. Mr.
Auten asked the attorney if it was in accordance with law for the com
mittee to O K. the items accompanied by proper delivery checks, and
being answered affirmatively, a motion was put arrd carried ordering a
warrant drawn for $822 30. Six votes were yea, Capt. Petersen voting
no.
Explanation by Barnes.
Mayer Barnes, in answer to a question fiorn Mr. Worden, said the
whole council, with tbe exception of Capt. Petersen, had gone out and
viewed the street were the Cleveland material was used. The work
was urgent wagons were stalled and freight could not be moved.
While on the ground, the members atithoiized Barnes, as chan man of
the street committee, to go ahead and have the work done. Ollier
work—specified at length by Mayor Barnes in his answer to Mr.
Worden, had been ordered in the same way On one occasion oulv
had he, as chairman Jof the street committee, acted on his own responsi
bility. That was when a street was about to be taken from the city.
Then he engaged men, worked all night in laying walks, and saved the
street. On another occasion lie stopped bis team in the middle of a
street arid kept it there in order to keep the sheet from being ap
propriated as private property.
Other Business,
At the suggestion of Chairman Worden the fire committee was
authorized to equip the fire hall and pumping station and perform
other work urgent and necessary. It is proposed to buy a new stove
and sell the old one. Chairman Worden believes the saving in wood
will cover the cost ol the change in a few weeks.
Chief McGovern told of tests of the water supply, which will
probably be ample. Further tests will be made.
Chairman Worden repoited the receipt of 1,000 feet of fire hose
tud fittings, costing ^1,280. A few more fittings are necessary and
will be secured.
The wood question was discussed at length. A certain lot of
irst-class 4.foot wood could be had at $10 50 a cord undeliveied. It
was finally decided to advertise for bids for 40 cords of 4.foot wood,
delivered.
Mr. Worden suggested that there should be an agreement reached
whereby a percentage of fuel and other expenses should be charged to
lie school board. The only difference this will make will be to put ou
record the expenses legitimately pertaining to the school, as dis
tinguished from those of the city business proper. The suggestion
will be propelly acted upon.
Dr. Heinrich Wortmann,
Office at City Drug Store. Tel. 30
First Ave., I'et. Willow ami Richmond
Office Hours—n to 1, 3 to 4, 7 to 8
CHAS. D. CARTER,
Dentist
Offices, Pioneer Drug Stores,
Flat Creek
DR. F. W. HFRMS,
Dentist
Dr. Worlmamrs Office,
First Avenue arid Willuw Street
DR. H. EEHLA,
Dentist
Gold St., Flat City, Opp. Grand Huh ]
Phone 4
ALFRED E. MALT BY,
Attorney at Law
Notaky Public
Office Simpson Bldg, First and Willow
J. S. HARDING,
Attorney at Law
Room 1. fdilarod Hotel
ill:TAROD. ALASKA
CHAS. E. TAYLOR,
Attorney at Lav/,
Notary Public, Conveyancing,
Abstracts of Titles
flat City
Wickersham & Roden.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Idilarod, Alaska
E. COKE HILL,
Attorney at Law
M. & M. Bank Bldg. Iditarud, Alaska.
GEORGE WOODRUFF ALGRECHT,
Attorney at Law
Klfclifgsn, *2t Jhsks. ’10 Ksntuck*, 31
The Pioneer Attorney of this Camp
Frank E. Becker arrived in town
Sunday.
__
THE FALL GUY.
If you look upon me closely you
will see that 1'iu a wreck. I'm the
ultimate consumer and I get. it in
the neck. When 1 patronize the
! butcher I am filled with grief and
■ groan: I may ask for beef or mut
| ton, but lie always gave me bone.
■ When I ask tin; sm ing grocer for I
' a pound of salted fish, 1 get mostly
| wrapping paper an t a little wooden
dish. When I ask for woolen gar
i meats at the Jim Crow clothing
store, they are sure to hand me
i cotton, and it is no use to roar, for
tlie man who spends the money is
tlie chopping block of fate; lie's the
ultimate consumer, he's the mm
who pays the freight. Every month
I take a bundle to the stores that
have my trade, for I cannot rest in
comfort till my little bills are paid;
and I pay for shoddy raiment and
for bogus shoes, and for bones and
wrapping paper that no mortal man
could use, and I pay the bills of
deadbeats, for the merchant always
looks to the ultimate consumer for
the losses on his books. But it is no
use to murmur, or to wrangle or
repine; I’m the ultimate consumer
and the cleaver's always mine.
Walt Mason.
—
SUMMIT ROADHOUSE
BACK TO OLD LOCATION
Travel over the winter trail to Flat
recommencing this week, the Summit
roadhouse is back in its old location
on the top of the hill. The log build
ing has been made snug for the winter,
and there are plenty of accommoda
tions for travelers. Starr Ballard is
at the helm, and the choice things he
can produce when given the high sign
is surprising. Try him.
MAIL OUT WEDNESDAY MORNING
Frank Larson left on Wednesday
with mail for Dikeroan, Diskaket, Nu
lato, and other points. He drove a
team of seven dogs.
Owing to absence of snow the going
>s bad, says Larson, and those bring
ittg the mail will have a strenuous
time for the next few weeks.
Location blanks—Pioneer office.
GRAND HOTEL, FLAT CITY
Hlcaly Furnished raoms First-Class Cafe Llquurs and Cigars Pool aid Billiards
_ N. GLANTZ AND MRS. SWANSON
CTV ¥T) EE* W WST**’ Northern Conveniences
E21W A MJE*g\ MM %J? 4LJj£g Commodious Office
h LA1 CITY TeI. 7 Large Drying Room
Drink Eostorn Besr F”a“
Miner’s Home Saloon
THE HOME OF THE ‘ 'QUAKER MAID"
Foot of Willow St., Iditarod