University of South Carolina Libraries
WONDERFUL ALASKA Immence Wealth That Was .Sought ' For a Song. BIG AS HALF DOZEN LARGE STATES x- ' : Muth Ignorance of the Far off Territory?Most People Look Upon it as Boundless Fields of Ice?Country of Immense Resources, Splendid Climate and Luxurious Vegetation. Fifty-four years ago, on March 30, 18G7? was signed the treaty whereby the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7,oou,uuu. in me intervening half century, we have taken from the territory more than seventy times the seven millions of purchase money," says a bulletin from the "Washington, D. C., headquarters of the National Geographic Society. "Most Americans are^in the habit of thinking of Alaska as of insignificant area, yet it is as large as Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri put together, with sizable bit?" from Kansas, Nebraska, and the ltyo Gakotas added on. L "To most people, also, Alaska is visualized as a land of snow and ice, | of glaciers and scant vegetation. In point of fact the Alaskan climate is fairly diversified, and along the coast there are slight extremes of cold and heat. In the interior there is less rainfall, and the long Arctic day produces a very dry and warm climate. Alis:Well Located as Norway and SweV/. den. ^'Everywhere, except in the extreme north, the vegetation is luxuriant, its grotv^th is rapid, and fruits, vegetables and grazing grasses flourish. Located rio; less advantageously than the Scandinavian Peninsula and with an area almost twice as great as that of Norway and Sweden combined, Alaska, nevertheless, has a white population of little- more than 50,000 as against the eight Billion of Scandinavians. . "The three great sources of Alaska wealth arc minerals, fisheries and furs. Up to the end of 1915 the mines of-Alaska had produced more than 5300,000,000. In 1916 the fisheries produced nearly 520,000,000 and the peltries more than half a million. There aro.igreat deposits of coal as yet untouched and of low grade ores more precious which await only the development of the Territory's own water power to make them available at tremendous profit. Spruce Valuable in Airplane Making. ' "Forests, too, are extensive and suited for the production of both timber and wood pulp. The heaviest growth lies along the coast, where two nation'al.jeservations contain a combined area of about 21,000,000 acres with an existing stand of merchantable tim[ber exceeding eighty billion feet, board measure. These forests comprise the northwest extremity of the great northern belt of conifers which spans our continent and Alaskan spruce has been found valuable for the construction of the wooden frames of airplanes, for which use it commanded during the war the remarkable price of nearly $150 per thousand feet. "In recent years Alaska has attracted attention as a producer of meat for exportation to the United States. This meat is derived from reindeer herds which graze on the mosses and grasses of the far northern part of the territory which at one time iwerc considered worthless and unproductive. The Alaskan reindeer herds mow contain more than 200,000 of the animals, all derived from the 12S0 reindeer Imported into Alaska by the Federal government 2S years ago. In this period besides, many thousands of the animals have been slaughtered for food. It is established that the portions of Alaska unsuited for other industries will maintain four to five million head of reindeer. In the Scandinavian countries their meat is highly prized. The reindeer meat from Ala'ska is beginning to appear regularly now in many of the meat shops of the United States. Transportation Facilities Greatest Need. "The development of the lumber industry, like that of all other enterprise in Alaska, is largely dependent upon the extension of communications, especially by rail; and the Federal Government now has under construction a railroad, which is designed to open up the country for both travel and industry. There are 457 miles of this road in operation. Only S3 miles remain to bo constructed to give this road its total trackage of 510 miles. "Alaska was not taken in to the Federal domain without much criticism. None of it, however, reached the height of invective with which eastern statesmen had condemned the Oregon territory at an earlier period, though the later prophets of ill have been as deeply confounded as the others. The price paid seemed entirely out of proportion to the benefits as a means of demonstrating good will to Russia for her unswerving friendship during the Civil war found scanty argument in supporting the payment of what then appeared so huge a sum. None of them could foresee that in a single year?and that almost within a generation of the time of purchase ?Alaska would yield nearly one thousand per cent, upon the purchase price then paid?for in 1016 the value of exports of minerals and merchandise from the territory amounted to $68,618,656. "it is to Seward's foresight and persistence that the United States owes this opulent outpost. The final diplomatic action which consummated the bargain was as precipitous, almost. as that which gave to us later the title to the Panama Canal Zone? for the treaty was drafted, signed and submitted to the senate within but little more than twelve hours, and the preliminary negotiations, including the time occupied by the then Russian Minister from Washington to St. Petersburg and return, was not as many months. By its terms we took over an area equal to nearly one-fifth of the whole of the continental United States of today; an rrea which lay fallow for a full gem.ntion after it came into our hands and whose progress in the last twenty years has been from rugged primitiveness to bustling modernism in every locality where even slight energy has been'expended. What the next fifty years of American rule in Alaska may produce I i? limitpd nnlv bv the imagination which the progress of the last half century may call up." SWEET MAMA CLUB Broken tfp by P. O. Inspectors in Atlanta. x Organization of the "International Society of Sweet Mamas," designed as a sort of auxiliary to a similar society of "Sweet Daddies," -was nipped in the bud in Atlanta, Friday when United States postal inspectors arrested a young man who gave the name, of W. H. Little, his occupation as district manager of the Michelin Tire company, and his business address as 324 Marietta street, saya the Atlanta Journal of Tuesday. The news of Mr. Little's arrest may | bring deep sorrow to twenty-five Atlanta girls who are reported to have ; been "prospects" for the "International Society of Sweet Mamas." Likewise, there may be any number of young Atlanta men, already^ admitted to membership in the "Sweet Daddies," will trirtttr 1VTV T.5ttlp*? nrrpst" with alarm. . Mr. Little's arrest and the subsequent investigation postal inspectors are conducting to see whether or not he intended to use the mails to defraud, rill came about because one of the girls decided she'd let Uncle Sam investigate before she became a "Sweet Mama." Accordingly, she called on the government authorities, and exhibited a circular letter she received through theNmails. The letter was multigraphed and was headed "International Society of Sweet Mamas." ^This was the way it began: Escape From Boredom "Do you become rather bored sometimes with the ordinary, commonplace routine of the average daily life? A very rich and kindjy old gentleman -... 11-oir rtiorf Inst mnnth I UU L i cavtJuvv IT UJ M.vv. and left $2,000 in his will to found and J develop an organization as listed above and to be composed of 25 of the most attractive young Jadies of the city with a corresponding number of young men, providing 25 can be found who fulfill the exacting requirements laid down by the eccentric old gentleman whose kindness and whimsical fancy made this interesting organization possible." , "It is no flattery," continued the letter, "to say you should feel highly complimented in being chosen one of the 25 young ladies as it was extremely difficult to locate this number who could come up to the old gentleman's specification as to beauty, personality, etc. Nevertheless, 25 have been selected and you are one of-them. The letter then referred to an attached sheet which was enclosed, setting forth the requirements for "Sweet Daddies." "I can truthfully say," added the letter, "this organization should prove a wonderful source of romantic adventure to you, for no "Sweet Daddies" will be admitted except those who arc wealthy, of high social position ;ind canable of making life ex tremely interesting for the "Sweet Mamas." FRENCH PAPERS PLEASED Like the Reply of Secretary Hughes to Germans. Newspapers of Paris, France devoted much space yesterday to the correspondence between Charles E. Hughes, American secretary of state, and Dr. "Walter Simons, German foreign minister, relative to responsibility for the war and reparations. Most of them expressed great satisfaction with the reply of the American secretary, the only writer not taking this view being "Pertinax" political editor of the Echo de Paris, who found Secretary Hughes' remark regarding now German proposals to the allies not to be "very opportune." "Dr. Simons' memorandum," he continued "simply repeats the old German tactics, which consist in avoiding the general problem and dwelling upon methods of payment," "Germany has been given a lesson," declared the Figaro, "which she must perforce understand." L'Homme Libre said America's reply was peremptory and decisive America's'word brings us great consolation in the most difficult hour of our history." ,-. ... ...? <2|..lne I n*; 1T|)1J Ui liiv: *_ mivti Germany on the reparations question has given the greatest satisfaction to French official circles, where it is regarded as finally closing the door to all escape hy Germany from meeting her liabilities under the treaty of Versailles. Premier Briand is expected to make an allusion in a speech in Hie senate this afternoon to this and oilier matters of interest to the United Slates. From His Heart.?A young woman of rather.serjlous turn endeavored to involve her professor in theological discussion. "Professor," she asked, "do you no! believe in infant damnation?" "f believe in it," said the .professor, "only at night." SOUTH CAROLINA NEWS ? Rev. John Kershaw, D. D., 74, for 25 years rector of St. Michaels Episcopal church in Charleston, died at his home in Charleston Wednesday. ? The Cotton Acreage Committee, of Memphis, Tennessee, is offering one hundred dollars for the best single word, accurately descriptive of the tennant farmer, merchant, banker or landlord who, hoping to profit at the expense of others, but selfishly blind to his own best interests, plants cotton in defiance of warnings and the southwide appeal of his neighbors to reduce the acreage. The desired word must be entirely new, coined out of other words and clearly expressive of the idea described. Competent and impartial judges are to make the award after careful consideration of all the words submitted. \ I I ^ ? MERE MENTION Senator E. N. Cato, Republican member of the Tenn'essee state senate has been arrested on the charge of accepting a bribe of $300 to prevent the passage of a sales! tax in the Tennessee senate, and has been released on a bond of $300 Colonel Isaac Meekins, of Elizabeth City, N. C., has been appointed general counsel of the alien property custodians department. Mrs. Neel Goodman Rolander, was convicted of mayhem in Atlanta "Wednesday on account of throwing acid into the face of Mrs. Gladys Presnel, a ticket seller in a local moving picture show. Mrs. Rolander claims that Mrs. Presnel alienated the affections of her husband It is not expected that the trial of the 45 defendants who are accused of conspiracy to rob the American express company will be concluded at Macon, Ga? before tomorrow. Former Emperor Charles of Austro-Hungary, is back in Switzerland after his recent unsuccessful hunt for re-instantment as king of Hungary Plasterers and cement finishers of Jacksonville, Fla., have announced their willingness to consent to a reduction in\ their wages from $1 to'87 1-2 cents an hour. \ MMUIV/rtL l\IC/r\E.L? UU I Mexico Does Not Want Any American Bolsheviks. Linn A. E. Gale, an American radical, who was arrested in Mexico City, Friday night has been deported from Mexico by the way of Vera Cruz. There is a general impression in this citfy, however, that he has been'taken to' Iviredo to be turned over to the United States authorities. Government officials announced on Saturday'he would be turned over to American agents, but later declared he would go to Vera Cruz where he would take a steamer for an unnamed port, probably Havana. Although the authorities are silent as to the whereabouts of Gale, President Obregon has issued a formal statement asserting that Gale has been deported because of his activities against the present-Mexican administration and classing him as a "pernicious foreigner." MAD PUP BITES NINE. Dog Entered Church and Attacked Worshipers. Xine pcrsops, including one woman, three men and five small boys, went to Columbia on the early train Tuesday morning for the Pasteur treatment. These were bitten last Sunday by a puppy which developed rabies. At a Baptist church near Patrick, S. C., Easter Sunday during the afternoon service, a small puppy which had followed some one to church, went around among the congregation, biting the feet of a number of the small barefooted boys. Xo one paid any attention to it until it made quite a noise. Then it was put out by two men, who were also bitten by the animal. The dog acted so strangely that it was killed and its head sent to the state board of health in Columbia for examination. On examination it was found that the dog was afflicted with rabies, and the people here notified at once. SOLDIER BONUS APPROVED Michigan Voters Will Give MoViey to Ex-se^vijcr Men. Michigan vote.? appointed a soldiers' bonus and stive Republican canOYSTERS Spanish Mackerel FRIDAY AND SATURDAY OF THIS WEEK WE WILL HAVE CHOICE FRESH OYSTERS, FRESH FISHSPANISH MACKEREL. PHONE YOUR ORDERS. CASH ON DELIVERY. SANITARY MARKET LEWIS G. FERGUSON. Mgr. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND PATIENCE BY HAVING YOUR CAR WORK DONE AT THE Peoples Garage We Specialize on BUICK, HUDSON, STUDEBAKER AND ANDERSON CARS. j You will find us at LTPE'S OLD STAND?across the street from the City Market. Reasonable Charges, Prompt Service and Work Guaranteed. B. J. DEVOS, Manager, didates for minor stale offices the usual heavy majority in Tuesday's election, reports from approximately onefourth of the precincts of the state indicated early Wednesday. The Republican vote and that favoring the bonus was about three to one in the 700 precincts reporting. The traction problem was again be- 1 for Detroit voters. A service'-at-cost proposal, put forward by the privately owned system, received but 40 per. cent, of the vote in 300 of'the 573 precincts, while a proposal by the city council that the municipal inaction L system be enlarged by; purchase of eight lines now operated by private owners, received 65 per cent of the vote reported. Both issues required GO per cent, to carry. < SCAfi 9 c r aw O t /i * ! !: ~ Mrs. Georgette Mc1 s has instituted div against her husband orell and charges 3V bility. ? This well known cot married in the Cou] the presence of a bri Many of those who wedding ceremony h witnesses either for husband who is defe Tfhe case will be cal Courthouse, Friday Evenin Due to the fact that 1 .'f suit are well known trial will no doubt c tors. Ames Leg] Bens y Friday Evenin Admission: 2! r | New Steti J The Best Dressed Me J B. Stetson Hats?because f CORRECT IN STYLE, ? the Stetson Hat lias the Q ? Wc are showing new . h all the popular Spring sli ? Seal, Peip*l, Carbon, Blacl J a complete line of the sta] 2 , CLAPP OXFORI 3 You will be wanting i C lUUb Wlitll \ UlL U tlJ.il- JJA?M >> ?) the style you want?the 9 Clapp Oxfords for men in ^ lish lasts and in Tans and 5 . Prices are somewhat h ? price now is $12.50 pair. 5 WHEN YOU 1 ? To buy Shirts, Neckwear, ? Underwear, llandkereliiel I Come to. ST1 ? OUP \S?Yu d herc and you ?1 i got 111on i a 5 SHOES J* S ? Edmund D. Bigham, of Pamplico, Florence .county, who was recently tried nnd convicted of murder in the first decree, has been lodged in the state penitentiary pending the hearing by the supreme court of his case. Bigham was charged with the murder of five members of his family, including his mother, brother, sister and two of the latter's adopted children. Bigham was tried directly on the count alleging murder of his brother, Smiley Bigham. He was convicted and sentenced to die- in the electric chair on .April S, but bis sentence was stayed ponding the hearing by the nigncr court. jc was suiiea inai so many visitors wished to see Bigham in the Florence county jail that it became an annoyance and. he was therefore" brought here, after the Florence sheriff had conferred with Governor Cooper. . / Celvey Mackorell orce proceedings , Thedosius MackCental Incompati iple were recently ity Courthouse in lliant company.' 1 took partv in the % ave been called as the plaintiff or the mding the suit. \ led in the County - g, April 15th loth parties to this in this vicinity the Iraw many spectacle ican ion jfit g, April 15 th > and 50 cts. son Hats l - f n everywhere wear John ? Stetson i tats arc always ? Hid in addition to style ? nality to back it up. S lines of Stetson Hats in k ajies and shades??Mint, c and of course we have ? [do shapes in. Stetsons. ; CAD MCM I A3 rui\ mm % licm shortly-?bettor sc- 0 bile wo liavc your size? f last desired. We have ? l Conservative and Eug- ? 1Blacks. j \ss 1 han a year ago?the | IRE READY _ | Collars. Belts, Hosiery, ' Is, etc., just save time? ' S u will get quality goods ? t tl 10 right prices. c TROUP shoes i ? The average meat consumption of the world is 39 pounds a>head. The American and Australian eat about 180 pounds a head and the Englishman about 120 pounds . ' I nnHiiiiiiuiiMiguiiuifiiiuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiEi 1 ICE CREAM GLASS! 1 , BETS, GLASS PITC ~ BOTT | And various Dislies that ^ | warm weather season. I PYF = Yes, we ha^fe a complete -s | ?Call and see it NOW. I TO BE SURE Y | . NEED ATTENI | See us for Lawn Mowers | supplies and tools that yoi | Buy Your Hardware N | Store. We are waiting to I The Red 1 I Watch " I YORK HARI 'ui!ll!]J!]in3]|l!llllll]!I!llSiliKi{]IUHII!IIItl!l llMWfm* 8" anm^mai Story of a M; and Fon Unsurpassed by any of lift the reader out of realm of romantic,, bre; Rnll-Oncr Dnimmnnrl. r< ?*-?"" civilian life dull, flat ai him into a new scrap ? it, he begins to think tl 1918 was mere child's | and indeed every eler i I factory story. Love, ir [ that dovetail into chi s your breath between. Here is an amazing hei ! you will probably hear n | 1 as he is too good to be ) single novel. Be sure 1 I Will Soon Start Sei 0!cJ Friends.?Judge*?WFTave you ever seen the prisoner at the bar before?" ' Witness?'"Yes, your! honor, that's where I met him."?Bjtrv. 1 ^ Summer I ^ S * isities !; I . as , FOOTED SHER- /1 t jhers, thermos; I i 'LES, 1 ; K ^ . I tvill b<^ very useful iiirflie i / . J. , 1 l?X , : I I tock of this popular ^re OUR LAWN WILL - I TON - | 3, Lawn Hose 'and other . ?/ , , l will find at this stor&- -.? eeds at the u-RED W'5,. Serve you. "r f- J =' - 1 ' ? lor iL = DWARE CO, | iiiiiiifiiiiiiniiHiiiiiiniiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiimiT , ' n ~r~~. , [ventures of A ilized Officer wndPeaceWj by / ML M^NEItE/ "SAPPER" > If, ' 'V Husifatioms by / r j "*f JfiBD fcfrvc. confined to the pages o; a g to make his acquaintance. k ially in these Columns 1 Ill III I IHIi?m8 aBBB an Who Sought I nd Danger 9 those enchanting tales that ? a prosaic world into the 8 ath-taking adventure. tt ^turned from the war, finds | id unprofitable. Fate flings | md before he finishes with. . jj lat the little affair of 1914-- 5 i play. There's a girl, too? nent of a thoroughly satislystery, humor and thrills lis, with no time to catch ro and adventurer of whom t lore in succeeding volumes, J i . .1 r E