ALASKA EXPEKIMENT STATIONS. 341 



perous and sovereign state could be born of such conditions, it would 

 be the first instance in history. The argument has been advanced that 

 the devolopment of agriculture would prejudice the mining interests. 

 Such an argument is illogical and untenable. On the contrary, it 

 would be of the greatest possible advantage to mining; it would 

 reduce the cost of living, labor would be more plentiful, interior roads 

 would be built, transportation facilitated, the country would be better 

 known, and, therefore, capital for development would be more easily 

 obtained. Nor is mining the only industry which would be benefited. 

 The wants of the settlers would increase the business of the merchant, 

 there would be a greater demand for transportation, the larger the 

 population the greater would be the trade with the coast ports, the 

 resources would be developed, and a powerful state would be added to 

 the Union. 



WORK OF THE PIONEER. 



Alaska is settled by pioneers. It is the work of the pioneer which 

 has brought her resources to light and which enables her to help in 

 enriching the world. If Alaska ever becomes great and powerful, if 

 the constellation of the flag is enriched by the addition of a star 

 which shall represent Alaska, it will be due to the work of the pioneer. 

 And by pioneer I mean not only the prospector and miner, farmer and 

 fisherman, but also the merchant, the missionary, the mechanic, and 

 all who by their efforts assist in the great work of development. If 

 an agricultural industry worthy of the name is developed in the Terri- 

 tory, it will be due to the pioneer. His task is an arduous one. In 

 addition to the privations and hardships which are always incident to 

 the subduing of a new country, he has to battle with a climate which 

 is inhospitable during a large portion of the year; he is far from home 

 and kindred; the expenses which he has to meet for transportation and 

 supplies are excessive, and he has to face great personal hardships. 

 The Government has spent, and is spending, great sums in erecting 

 military establishments in various parts of the country, all of which, 

 of course, is an aid to its development, but the work of the pioneer is 

 of still greater value. The writer would respectfully submit that it 

 would be to the advantage of the Government to facilitate and assist 

 him in the work in every way possible. Whatever facilitates the work 

 of the pioneer goes to the benefit of the Government — it is returned 

 in the development of the Territory. From the standpoint of the 

 development of agriculture, I would respectfully submit that greater 

 forward strides would be made, more would be accomplished, and the 

 Government would, in the end, be the gainer, if the law permitted set- 

 tlers to go in, and, under proper restrictions, take up 320 acres, or 

 even only 160 acres, without cost and without the restrictions which 

 now make it impossible for the poor man to get title to land. 



