Digital Bob Archive

JUNE 6, 1889-Saturday evening there was a citizen?s meeting to consider a presentation that will be made to a Senatorial committee due to visit Alaska later this summer. A resolution was drafted by A. H. Gamel, John Olds, Frank Berry, C. W. Young and Frank F. Myers and was discussed by the gathering. The main points of the resolution are:

The people of Southeastern Alaska are denied the rights, privileges and immunities enjoyed by all other citizens of the United States.

The fishing industry is becoming established in Alaska and needs better protection.

Juneau and Douglas are growing and need local governments to regulate their affairs.

The capital is at Sitka, away from the center of population and at a place hard to access for a majority of the people of Southeastern Alaska. The District Court, located at Sitka is out of the reach of many and those who do avail themselves of it are put to great expense and inconvenience.

The education needs of Juneau, Douglas and other places are not being met.

The resolutions asks that:
1. Alaska be given its own judicial code.
2. That the general land laws of the United States be extended to Alaska.
3. That Alaska be allowed a Delegate in Congress.
4. That the capital be moved from Sitka to Juneau.
5. That government aid be given in opening up the Yukon country to prospectors.
6. That there be an appropriation for the erection of public buildings at Juneau.
7. That a local mail line be established between the towns, villages and canneries of Southeastern Alaska.

In the debate that followed the presentation of the resolution, many felt that a capital move is premature. It was pointed out that Sitka has nothing else to depend upon its existence, and it was the opinion of several that Juneau is better off without the capital as it has always been a quiet and peaceable town, free of the squabbles which have been principal events at Sitka the past few years.

No final action was taken upon the resolution, pending receipt of work as to just when the Senate party will arrive. It is understood the Senators will travel on the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries ship Albatross.