Nome is the Distributing Center and Gateway to Northern Alaska and Siberia
NOME TRI WEEKLY NUGGET
_ (qfl') MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
VOLUME XIX.. No^8. NOME, ALASKA FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1919. • TELEPHONE MAIN 114
BAMDUET TO HARBOR BUILDERS DISCLOSES DEER ERTRUSIASM
OVER FUTURE PROSPECTS OF SEWABB PEUMSUtS DISTRICT
Deep enthusiam regarding the future of Nome and the Seward Pcnin
i ilia district was the keynote of practically every speaker at the banquet given
by the Nome Chamber of Commerce in honor of the visiting War Department
engineers, Col. C. L. Sturdevant and Mr. E. L. Carpenter, at the Log Cabin
Wednesday evening. Almost without exception, each of the various speakers
were of the opinion that the industrial situation <>f the district is certain to im
prove, now that the war is ended and normal conditions are being restored
throughout the nation Even those among the attendants who are not residents
of the district and, therefore, not fully cognizant of local conditions, expressed
l!te opinion that the great latent resources visible in all parts of the district
justify the view that the near future is certain to witness a steady improve
ment and progress In local Industrial and development fields.
As was doubtless to be expected, the Snake River harbor construction,'
now in progress under the direction of the War Department, was the favorite
theme of the evening and the bulk of the discussion regarding local industries
r.nd their development possibilities centered around the improved means of
transportation afforded by that long sought and much needed aid to shipping.;
rradically every speaker declared that the completion of-the harbor construc
tion is certain to work a great Improvement in the industrial affairs of thi
district and not a few ventured the ppinion that it will be the forerunner of still
more extensive government improvements in tin* near future. A noticubli
feature of the addresses was that in a majority of instances the speakers picked
out the fishing resources and the reindeer industry as the most apparent and
highly potential fields »f future development and Industry, although conceding
that the diversified mineral resources represented in the district will continue
to he a source of great wealth production for many years to come.
Practically every avenue of industry and commerce was discussed and
several speakers figuratively opened the eyes of many of their hearers by
pointing out inherent development possibilities and wealth resources hardly
known to even the best Informed local residents. Senator Heckman, of Ket
chikan, in particular, caused many of ills auditors to assume a decidedly
heightened view of the Ashing possibilities by contrasting the 1 oral Held with
the development of the fishing resources of Ids own district, now the greatest
Ash producting section of the Territory. Jafet Lindeberg, President of t!u
Pioneer Mining Comimny and one of the original discoverers of the mineral
possibilities of this section of Alaska, also discussed the local Hsheries in a way
to enhance even the most, optimistic views of that budding industry.
In addition to reindeer raising, mining and Ashing; commerce, trans
portation, Siberian trade, the need for more roads, as well as a variety of less
important subjects were, discussed from every angle during the course of the
banquet, which was participated in by eighty six attendants, representing
practically every profession and industry of the district.
President Rowe of the Nome Chamber of Commerce acted as toastmas
ter and kept the ball of optimistic discourse rolling in lively manner from
f,;30 p. in., at which hour the diners were seated, until midnight. The inter
lor of the big Log Cabin was gaily decorated for the occasion with colored lights
j.nd bunting and Caterer fJeor^e Modini has exerted the most suldile knowledge
ol' his craft in preparing the following delectable ten course menu.
—M K N r
Combination Salad Ripe Olivos
California Grape Fruit
, Cream of Tomatoes on Tasso
King Salmon Steak ala Cardinal
Lamb Chops, Green Pons
Parisian Potatoes
Tin by Chicken sur Canape
Mashed Potatoes
Vanilla Ice Cream
Assorted Cakes
Cheese * Crackers
Coffee Noir
Col. Sturdevnnt and his assistant, Mr Carpenter, occupied seats on
cither side of the toastmaster and were flanked by a distinguished array of
\isiting notables, army officials and Judiciary and bar members. The remain
fug guests were seated at two long tables running at right angles to the board
ocoupled’by the leading participants, the formation presenting the appearance
of a large letter 1J.
The place of each guest was marked by a place card inscribed with bis
home and an efficient corps of attendants carried the banquet forward without
hitch or flaw. A two piece orchestra composed of Mrs Helen Lovcgrer.,
piano, and Miss Alice Brcdcsen, cornetist and a clever performer on the ac
cordion, provided delightful music during the course of the banquet and be
tween the remarks of the speakers. .
After the guests were seated, Toastmaster Rowe offered a few intro
ductory remarks in which he stated that'the banquet was in accord with the
usual custom of the Chamber of Commerce t<> offer an entertainment in honor
of distinguished visitors representing the government and concluded by intro
ducing the guests of honor.
After the wants of the inner man were appeased, Mr Rowe introduced
thq first speaker, District Attorney (J. J. Lomen, with a few well chosen'- re
marks regarding his honors and attributes.
Distinguished Quests Toasted
Judge Lomen responded to the toast: “Welcome to Our (iovernment
Engineers.** In cleverly turned phrases Mr. Lomen commended the visiting
engineers for their efforts and assistance in securing the harbor construction
tnd concluded by calling fqr a standing toast to the War Department repre
sentatives.
Senator Heckman, of Ketchikan, was netffc Introduced to the assemblage
as one of the most distinguished of Territorial legislators.
Prediets Great Future for Fisheries
In opening Senator Heckman touched on the harbor construction as at
rdjunst to commerce and stated that although he had heard of the project he
was not aware of the real need for a harbor at Nome until he arrived and saw
tho visible evidences of just what It means to commerce and Industry.
Senator Heckman said the need was so apparent that no on? could fail
to realize Its value after seeing, as he had personally seen, the dangers to whtet
shipping is subject by reason of the absence of shelter from the sudden storm:*
along the coast.
Senator Heckman told or seeing a dozen or more boats rocking at their
moorings in the evening in apparent safety and paid that on the following
morning all had been compelled to flee to escape the surf arising during the
night. The speaker stated that he is interested in fishing himself and no one
knows better than a fisherman the need of a safe haafepr in* time of storm.
Senator Heckman stated the opinion that the harbor construction will prove
of Immeasurable value to both fishing and commerce In the future, with re
sultant benefits to'the district and its people. The senator then told in inter
MUng and illuminating manner of tbs growth of the Ketchikan fishing industry.
stating that fifteen years ago it was in much the same condition as at Nome.
People, prophesied great things as a result of its development but no one an
pen red to possess the initiative to take up the task seriously. loiter they awoke
to the fact that work is the first step iu development and started in to build
up tlie industry, which at present constitutes the most important source of
wealth production of the Ketchikan district and the adjacent const. Ills re
marks on the growtli of the industry at Ketchikan contained a virile hint as
to what may he expected here if Jho Nome people but awake to a realization
of tho value of the local fisheries.
Senator Heckman, stated that he had heard a great ileal of the fish
resources during his stay .and believed that it would be only a short time before
the district would become one of the leading lish producing centers. He stated
thntot would assuredly not he a great while before the halibut fishers will
have to come here, both because of the great distances they have to go at pres
ent to reach fishing grounds anti also because it has been definitely established
that the halibut arc steadily migrating to thc.north and will probably soon be
found in great quantities in Bering Sea.
In conclusion Senator Heckman stated that lie has heard that Nome is
a dead town but that having personally seen its activities and resources thinks
t’.ic.t it is anything but "dead." He averred in complimentary manner that
before one can really say tliey have seen Alaska, they must first see Nome.
Mr. Lindeberg Discusses Fishing Outlook
Mr Jafet Lindeberg, who is not onh one of the original discoverers of
gold in this locality, hut also a pioneer in the fishing field and the leadingi
packed fish shipper of the district, succeeded sector Heckman.
Mr Lindeberg prefaced his remarks with tlit* statement that his intro-j
duction by the toastmaster as a fishcVman might seem a trifle odd to many, as!
he used to bo known principally as a mining man. He averred that even in
flint period lie used to go on fishing trips to (Smnd Central river and other
points, in days when fishing trips w^re different from what they are at present.
The fishing industry is prospering he said, and prophesied a great de-J
cvlopment when the possibilities are better recognized.
Mining is no longer the inuili ohjeet of interest, lie asserted, adding1
that lie had been here long enough to realize the value of the local fisheries'
and to get into the business. Referring to the vast quantities of herring
fuond along the Seward shores, Mr Lindeberg said their existence has been I
known for almut twenty years and that they are the finest quality found any- 1
where in the waters ot' the United States. They can he introduced in the j
world's markets with every assurance that they will he the best seller of that!
character of fish. Herring packing is proceeding in a comparatively small
way at present.
Mr. Lindeberg said that the first year's catch at the (Jolovln plant of his
company amounted to no more than a few hundred'barrels hut lie expects that
this year's catch will approximate SOOO barrels.
Continuing he said that lie expected that* lie present pack will double
v*r treble in a year or two. Tho main essential to the development of th«
Industry is lower transportation rates on both supples and the packed product.
Passenger ships cannot he expected to operate^ cheaply as freighters, con
sequently it will probably be necessary for the fishermen to operate their own
boats in oVder to secure a reduction In transportation charges which will en
able them to compete on equal terms with the fishermen of more favored,
localities.
Mr Lindeberg said the government should give us a premium on our]
fish pack or at least take some other action, which would make transporta
tion charges sufficiently low to enable the local fish packers to compete with
the pack of other and more favorable situated sections of Alaska.
Herring will not be the only fish product of the future, .he asserted,
milling that he believed that cod fish will he found in commercial quantities'
| near Nome. He also believed that halibut hanks will he discovered which
'•ill further increase the scope of the industry, Mr Lindeberg declared with
conviction that the king salmon is one of the most important of the food
fish of this section and said that more of this variety of fish can he found in
Bering sen than in any waters of the world.
Another industry of great potential value is white} whaling. The in
dustry Is still in an undeveloped stage, he said, hut its possibilities are immense.
"We are still experimenting in the fishing field at present", lie said, "but the
industry has been sufficiently developed that the engineers who are here
constructing the harbor will he able to say to the outside people that the
money expended on the Nome harbor will be well spent."
Mr Lindeberg prophesied that when the extent and value of the fish
eries Is understood by the men who guide national affairs they will give us
mi even greated harbor in the future which will provide safety not only to
the commerce of the district but also shelter the ocean commerce touching
on our shores.
The speaker further declared that the people are actually entitled to \
ten million dollar harbor Instead of one costing only a trifle over one hundred
thousand. This scetion, he said, has produced over one hundred million
dollars in gold and a ten percent return would not he more;than the dis
trict Is entitled to.
lanueoerg saui inn gom industry is still most important one nnclj
the mineral wealth of the district is still exceedingly groat. He ventured I
to prophesy that in time another generation of miners will add another hundred
million in gold to that already produced after wo have passen on. Develop
ment Is hindered at present but the industry will revive and prosper when
conditions are different. The value of practically every material has raised
except gold, he said, adding that the failure of the government to assist the
Rtnguishing gold industry suggested that the government jloes not want gold.
Mr. Undebcrg’s remarks on every topic were listened to with close attention
and provided considerable enllghtment to those present. •
Mayor Holt Declares Government Owes Nome Large Debt
Mayor E. E. Holt was the succeeding speaker and gave an interesting
tesume of the history of Nome from the time of Its foundation in 1898 to the
present, pointing out that the absence of harbor facilities was at all times
.the chief drawback to progress and development.
Mr Holt recalled the great rush and the feverish activity of 190ft; the
depression following the working out of the fabulously rich placers of the
ea-liest development period and traced the history of the camp through the
famous days of the third beach line. The great fire which practically de
stroyed the entire business section and the great storm of 1913 were touched
upon to show some of the many set backs the city has suffered during Its
brief existence. The spirit of the North was strong at all times, he averred
and we surmounted every difficulty natural and otherwise, regardless of
how severely felt, until the conditions bred by the great war. prohibitive prices
of commodities and the decrease in the purchasing power of the principal
commodity, gold, caused many to lose heart and leave the country. Following
this near disaster, the Influenza swept the district with disastrous effects,
killing many of our citizens and paralysing trade and industry for months.
Despite these setbacks the few people remaining in the district responded
loyally to the call of the government by sending Nome over the top in th
Victory loan, with a subscription of 1182,000—$14,000 more than was asked.
Mr Holt asserted that Nome’s answer to the earlier calls for war funds
were equally responsive. The government, he declared, is but paying ua
part of the largo debt It owes In building uo a harbor. Hut the city must
bi|ild and maintain a municipal dock In conjunction with the harbor, he
declared. This Is a new burden, he said but one that la- believes the citi
^trade, fishing and other industrial and commercial fields and declared that
* Dr Burson Praised For Heroic Services
who threw off his coat and gave all that human being could be expected
to give in aiding the stricken people during that distressing period. The hall
marks. Dr JJuhson of Ft Davis, was called to his feet.
The heroic physician, who carried, practically single handed, the burden
of caring for the stricken population during the epidemic period last year,
his ability and understanding. If he was instrumental in saving the lives
of our citizens lie was thankful for the privilege.
The banquet hall rang with cheers at the conclusion of his remarks,
the liberality of applause attesting the honor and regard in which the heroic
physician is held by those whose suffering he helped to relieve.
the
ovnaior rrawiey uiscusses Mining U«*. * loprneul.
S -nator James Fraley, of Hu- Second Divi-i,,, •!,-*.v,>red an inteiesiing
discourse on mining development, pointing out : t •' i u- hundred millions
in gold extracted up to the present. 93 per cent was i 1 -n from the .reeks
adjacent to Nome. The small range of prospecting . in n,, disti i, i
was well illustrated in the statement that the In.Ik of pr idu- ium has ocrure i
in a narrow strip extending four miles bn.-k from (! • ot and running IS
miles beyond the city in a westerly direction and tw.lv. miles to the east
ward. Senator Frawley asserted that- this was the ..niy .ir<-.i that could
really lie said to have been well prospected. The senator said wa*or p-.ui-r
plant located in the Sawtooth mountains and supplied hv some of tic lata,
water sources in that locality would be one of the most w.-l.-ly |„-,o ficid im
provements that could be effected in the Nome district. A plant ..it;, ihiw.t
capacity of from one hundred to two hundred thousand*horsepower could he
Installed by employing the waters of the mountain streams.
Cheap power, he said, is one >>r the main re<iui>ites and piloted data
regarding the Fairhaven. Council. Solomon Teller. Kougan.k and Nome
mining districts to show that the iMin ral resources of the various districts
mentioned warrant the installation of an electrical power plant along the
suggested lines. Senator Frawley maintained that such a plant would pro
vde cheap transportation and enable the opening of thousands of acres
of mining ground at present practically inaccessible owing to the absence
of means of transportation and resultant high costs of supplies.
His remarks were among tho most • interesting and instructive made
during the evening. 0
Attorney Orton Advocate* increased Road Building
Attorney Ira D. Orton proved an interesting advocate of good roads
and declared that tho we “have been here twenty yruys there is hardly a road
in the district more than twenty miles long- and most of the district has no
loads at all.
Mr Orton said that he was pleased to welcome the army engineers
engaged in the harbor'construction and believed that he expressed the opin
ion of the community that the harbor woul d he an immense benefit to com
merce and industry. Mr Orton said he thought the people of Nome arc well
entitled to the improvement.
About one twentieth part of the gold reserve of the United States is be
ing expended on it and the sum represented is only a trifle of what the dis
trict has itself contributed to the nation.
He declared that few communities showed greater public spirit during
the war period, contributing both men and money to the national assistance
during the months of trial. The community and district is, therefore, entitled
to some return for Its services and contributions through government im
provements.
• (Continued on Page Four.)