Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1928- [Front cover] opponent to join him in helping the canners to get a 1930 Private Diary bill through Congress giving them a lease on trap

of sites, and that the younger of those two politicians James Wickersham received $6,000.00 for the job. What the elder and Octo 1, 1928 to May 15, 1930 more valuable man received was not stated, but his fee is reported at $15,000.00, which sounds Primary Election for Delegate to reasonable enough. What is this but the sale of Congress in 1930 political influence? For certainly what else was the price paid? It [inside front cover] was certainly not for services as lawyers. The [political pamphlet] canners had all the jurists they needed both in Problems Alaska, in Seattle and in Washington. To Be Considered. Recently one of my opponent’s clackers A accosted a friend of mine on the wharf at Ketchikan SPEECH and whispered to him that Rustgard had stopped BY the Legislature from imposing a tax of fifty dollars JOHN RUSTGARD on non-resident fishermen. Said my friend: “Don’t Addressed by Him to Natives and Whites you know that is a falsehood circulated for Alike. campaign purposes.” Published and Circulated by the “Yes,” answered the clacker, “but I did not know Rustgard Campaign Committee. YOU knew it.” After discussing the various planks in his The fact is that it is due to my work as Attorney platform and calling attention to what he hoped to General that the Legislature has the power to levy accomplish, Mr. Rustgard continued as follows: such a tax. When the tax of five dollars per head Ever since I was first mentioned as possible was levied on non-resident fishermen the law was candidate for Delegate to Congress my opponent’s attacked as illegal. I fought the case through all chief lieutenant, Mr. Wm. Paul, has been busy the courts clear to the Supreme Court of the United explaining to the Natives that I am the candidate of States and won. The tax was held legal. In 1925, the cannery interests. when a bill was introduced into the Legislature to This is only the burglar’s old trick of trying to make the tax fifty dollars, the Court of Appeals in escape by running and shouting “stop thief.” San Francisco had just decided a case in such a As Delegate to Congress I hope to be of use manner that it became almost certain that that both to the canners and all others in Alaska. tribunal would hold the fifty dollar tax illegal unless Meanwhile, before I go farther, let me say this: meanwhile a stronger decision could be secured While I was United States Attorney I persistently from the Supreme Court in a case then on appeal prosecuted canneries for violation of fishing in that court. I then advised holding the pending regulations. Since I became Attorney General I tax bill till the power of the Legislature was settled have handled for the public thirty-eight different by the highest authority in the case on appeal. At cases in court against salmon canners and never that time he did not care whether the law was lost one. knocked out or not. All he wanted was to show he What is the record my accuser and his could put it over and redeem his election promises. candidate? We have it from the speech delivered I can say that I did soon thereafter secure a very by Wm. Paul at Ketchikan immediately before the strong decision from the Supreme Court which I 1928 election, that he was invited by my astute think will render the present tax of $250 on non- resident trollers valid. Without that decision by the connection with this project. The sum thus to be Supreme Court I feel certain that not even a fifty collected is estimated at from fifteen to twenty dollar tax would have been sustained by the Court thousand dollars. of Appeals, and we might not have got the chance I think I can show you why this contract is not to have such decision reviewed by the Supreme likely to be made public. Court. In that event the authority of the Legislature There is a statute of the United States which would have been lost forever, unless Congress provides as follows: should come to our rescue, which is doubtful. “Whoever, being elected or appointed a Senator, There is another feature of this campaign which I Member of, or Delegate to Congress, or a Resident want to discuss with you. Commissioner, shall, after his election or At the convention held by the Alaska Native appointment, and either before or after he has Brotherhood at Haines last November, that qualified, and during his continuance in office, organization entered into a written contract with practice in the Court of Claims, shall be fined not Judge Wickersham and Wm. Paul. I have more than $10,000 and imprisoned not more than endeavored to get a copy of that contract but have two years; and shall, moreover, thereafter be failed. Several Indian friends of mine who are incapable of holding any office of honor, trust, or members of the Brotherhood and who were profit under the Government of the United States. delegates to the convention have also endeavored This statute speaks for itself and you need no to get the copies but have failed, though they were lawyer to tell you what it means. A few years ago entitled to copies. The Grand Officers keep the two different Senators had to go to the penitentiary matter a profound secret, and I dare the gentleman for violating this law. interested to let the contract be made public. If you Natives want a man for attorney in your But several friends of mine who attended the cases against the Government you can’t at the convention have told me in substance what the same time have him as Delegate You will at least contract provides. It is typewritten and contains have to choose. My hunch is, that when you several pages. Natives contribute money to the violation of this In effect it provides that Judge Wickersham shall statute which I have just read you are getting your prepare and pass through Congress a bill legs pulled. You get no more for your money than authorizing the Haida and Thlinget tribes of the canners did for theirs. So much for that. Southeastern Alaska (none others, keep that in There is now pending before Congress a bill mind) to bring suits against the United States in the introduced on the 8th of January by Mr. Sutherland Court of Claims to recover damages for the which undertakes to carry out a part of the Haines appropriation by the Government of all the lands contract with the Brotherhood. It is designed to and minerals and all the fishing and hunting give the two tribes in question the right to sue the grounds of Southeastern Alaska and which my Government in the Court of Claims. But why opponent claims belong to the Indians and of which should not the other dozen or more tribes in Alaska he claims they have been robbed by the be given the same right? Why is it that our Government; that Wickersham and Paul are to act Delegate undertakes to look out only for the as attorneys for those two tribes in prosecuting interests of those natives who have in advance those claims before the Court of Claims, and are to agreed to divide their spoils with Paul and receive a percentage of the money thereby Wickersham/ recovered, and that the Brotherhood is to collect Answer that if you can. the sum of ten dollars from each of its members for Is it for the purpose of compelling the other tribes the purpose of defraying the expenses in to rush into the arms of certain lawyers before they Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 can get recognition by their representative in permission to ship saw logs from the National Congress? Is the Delegate’s office to be used as a forests to Japan to be there sawed into lumber by collection bureau for political mercenaries? cheap foreign labor. The Forestry Bureau takes Of course not. the position that all the timber in Alaska must be No one who knows Mr. Sutherland will believe worked up into lumber or pulp in Alaska by Alaska that he intended to lend his aid to any dishonest labor. In this stand I thoroughly agree, and so I say act. Whatever else he may be he is absolutely on in my platform. the square. He evidently did not take the trouble to On this subject Canada has the right system. In read the bill. He has got into such a state of mind that country, in order to encourage home that he does not read a document unless you industries, it is required that all timber be worked smear it with fish oil. up into merchandise, whether lumber or pulp, One thing I can assure you of, -if elected I shall before it leaves the country. To encourage paper endeavor to represent all the people at all the times manufacturing they have an export duty to pulp; to irrespective of whether they have agreed to pay encourage smelting and refining of metals they tribute to any particular lawyer or not. have an export duty on ores, at least on nickel On the title page of the Alaska Fisherman for last ores. November Mr. Paul publishes a signed article We have no pulp or paper mills in Alaska as yet, wherein he is making an attack upon the “Forestry but there are several men of means who are Department,” and his charge is that it is the looking forward to investing many millions of “creature of the Pulp Mills.” dollars to start such industries in Alaska. Let them Do you realize what this means? come, let them come. They are the men who can It is a charge that the men of the Forestry help build up the country and restore the vanishing Bureau, though on the payroll of the Government, population. are really the hirelings of private interests at work By Paul and his pals we are now put in a position robbing the public. where the first thing to confront these people when It has the ring of the battle cry we heard so they land on the wharves of the “First City” is the persistently twenty years ago when the sure way to threatening attitude of men who bluster about get votes was to help save the country from the having five thousand votes at their command. investor. It was saved all right, and that’s what’s They are threatening to start the same kind of the trouble with it. warfare which drove investors out of the coal fields, Our Delegate to Congress is charging the and oil fields, and forests twenty years ago. Bureau of Fisheries with being the cause of What is the purpose? It is to levy the same Alaska’s diminishing population. With all due tribute upon all the other industries as was levied respects for my friend Sutherland, it is evident that upon the canners? he is barking up the wrong tree. It was the Any man who undertakes to use his political muckrakers of twenty years ago and their lingering following to obstruct or discourage men of means echos who stopped suddenly the development of in the building up of our industries is a menace to the Territory. The Government was by those the public and should be driven out of politics so people forced to place such restrictions of the effectively that he will never again be able to attract country that investors were driven away. Fishing is any attention. You Indians owe it to yourselves to the only industry that has been able to withstand show the country that you will not be parties to the the assault of that class of politicians. methods pursued by those who claim to be your The only excuse Paul assigns for his charge leaders. You, more than anybody else, will profit against the Forestry Bureau is that he was refused by the establishment of new industries. Do not let anybody make you think he is the friend of labor water. simply because he stands on the wharf and barks at approaching investors. [next diary page] Now, let us look the present situation fairly in the [political pamphlet] face: Paul and the Salmon Canners Paul boasts in his paper that he has five (Paul’s Own Explanation.) thousand votes at his command. What was Wm. Paul paid the $6,000.00 for? Was His opposition to the canners made it expedient it for legal advice or was it for work as a lobbyist? for them to come to him with at least $6,000.00 Is it true, as Paul argues, that because a man which we know of. His friend, received even more has been admitted to the bar he has a moral right for similar service. to take money any time for anything? Or to do any- The tow have already succeeded in having our thing at any time so long as he is paid for it? Or to Delegate urge a bill having the tendency to compel take fees on both sides of the case? all tribes of Indians to come to them and agree to “ABOLITION OF ALL FIST TRAPS” is the slogan divide before they can have equal rights with those Paul has carried at the head of the editorial column Indians who have entered into such contract. of his “ALASKA FISHERMAN” for the last four or This naturally leads us to wonder what is the five years. purpose of this new attack launched against the His explanation of his on page of front is that he prospective pulp mills. wanted to help the canners to get such a title to the Finally, let me say this, and I say it with regrets: trap that they could borrow money on it. Why then Many of us in Alaska have for years been abolish the trap? burning candles before the picture of the candidate As a politician he is against the trap; as a paid who heads the Paul ticket. A very few individuals lobbyist he is for it. have been blessed with the faculty of stirring public PAUL’S SPEECH imagination with enthusiasm and devotion towards The following is from Paul’s speech delivered at themselves. My opponent has been one of those Ketchikan, Alaska, Nov 3rd, 1928, as reported by favored few. Out of that enthusiasm and devotion Lawrence Kerr, Stenographer: the people of Alaska placed him in imagination Oh, George Grigsby, candidate for Delegate to upon a beautiful pedestal before which they the United States Congress from Alaska, he has performed their rites of patriotism, homage and been going up and down the Territory telling how I devotion. I confess to have myself performed their was bought by the canneries. Now listen to me - rites of patriotism, homage and devotion. I confess this great Democrat, the head of the ticket, went to have myself performed priestly duties at those down to Seattle within two months and asked the ceremonies. canneries to put up his expense money; then he What has recently been exposed convinces came up to a prominent attorney and asked him to many of us that our idol is made of ordinary clay- use his good influence to collect some campaign very ordinary, and we are wondering whether his money from the cannery interests, and then enemies of old may not, after all, have been right in because he failed in both instances, he went up to their contention. Fairbanks and this is the story he told at Fairbanks: We are lead to wonder whether, after all, the “I do not want to be under obligations to the Indian leader is any more than an understudy? We cannery interests, therefore I have refused all have it from that gentleman himself that it was his “cannery money.” I am going to depend upon my present candidate for Delegate who first showed friends - on small amounts from my friends - so him how to smite the rock that gives forth the sweet Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 that I will not be under obligations to the cannery season, each year, to carry on their cannery trusts.” You know George Grigsby (Applause) business; the banks nave to lean them sometimes George Grigsby has got four mortgages on his as much as five hundred thousand dollars. When it little home over here, and everyone that took a comes to obtaining the money the banks are not mortgage thought they were getting a first willing to loan this money without proper security mortgage. I could tell you about - more about having no assurance that any fish will be delivered George Grigsby, this good Democrat, and the the cannery. At the present time every single trap reason why he wants to represent the people as site location is open to be jumped and the Delegate to Congress; he is well known to the cannerymen know this very well; I can go on the people of Alaska. * * * * Why don’t the Democrats ground and take Stevens (?) trap site away from tell about the fees that lawyers on the opposition him merely by going out there first, and, you know ticket get? It is all right for them to get money - very well that is the law, and every canneryman there is only one lawyer that ought to starve to knows it and because - the reason we have not death - it is William L. Paul (Applause.) Now we had trouble is because there is a gentlemen’s will pass on to A.H. Zeigler - who is Zeigler? Mr. agreement between the various trap owners that Zeigler and I are very good friends, but Zeigler you they will not jump another’s location, that is the take money, you get your fees wherever you can reason. Therefore the banks require the canneries get them, I know your record - your record as an to give them the assurance that the traps will be Attorney. * * * * Zeigler is only doing what every operated the succeeding year - the year for which other lawyer does, he takes his fees from every the money is borrowed to carry on the business. source from which he can yet them. Therefore they made their proposition - that a bill Now I come to the specific charges made against be passed through Congress giving the trap me, that is, that I am in the pay of the canneries. In owners the right to lease their trap sites, and on the first place, there isn’t a person here but will that point I was called into consultation. * * * * admit that a lawyer having a general practice has When I came down there I was asked how much the right to accept fees from any source he can get pay I anticipated; I was sure that Judge them. My work as a private attorney and my work Wickersham or myself would have to go back to as a legislator is a different thing. Washington; I had a consultation with Bob I was called to Seattle, Washington by JUDGE (Heckman) and he told me that I ought to get at WICKERSHAM - oh those friends of Judge least five thousand for it; I thanked him very much Wickersham don’t mention his name, always mine, for the information and I made it six thousand he can take his fees where he finds them - they (Laughter). I therefore think I have answered the take care they don’t mention Wickersham’s name question propounded by the Democratic because he has got their number. (Applause.) I Committee. was called to Seattle, Washington, to consider the Now when I went back to Washington to find out question of a certain bill that certain cannery intere- whether or not such a bill could pass Congress, sts wished to introduce in Congress; among the one of the first things I done was to go to Dan cannery interests were the Nakat, Sunny Point an Sutherland’s office; he had seen the bill and we d Deep Sea, represented by Mr. Friele, Mr. Skinner entered into a discussion; Dan Sutherland at the and Mr. Buschmann; it seems that these men had time said I am utterly opposed to that kind of bill; I been in conference with cannerymen, Judge don’t want any bill introduced in Congress that is Wickersham and Bob Heckman. The question going to legalize traps or give preferments - he came up in this way: These cannery interests are answered my question. I then went to other obliged to borrow money at the beginning of each members of Congress and asked them what was the chance of getting the passage of the bill leasing and its several agencies in Alaska, while at the trap sites from year to year and they told me that same time I urge upon all these what I conceive to they did not feel that a bill could be gotten through be the majority of the people of the Territory. Congress over the opposition of Dan Sutherland. At the earliest opportunity I shall seek such So it was about a week or ten days later I got a amendment of the Organic Act as will not only give long distance call from Seattle, Washington; Judge us as much home rule as was invariably granted Wickersham was at one end talking at the rate of other Territories, but which will enable us to about fifty dollars per minute, and over the gradually assume more and more of the functions telephone and demanded that I see Mr. Sutherland of government until full Statehood is attained. and ask him to introduce the bill. From my end I I propose to cooperate with the Bureau of said, “Wickersham, I shall do no such thing as that Fisheries in securing the best possible fishing because Dan is opposed to the bill.” regulations, and intend to do all in my power to secure such legislation as will leave the fisheries of {Memo: The last two sentences above are Alaska open only to leave the fisheries of Alaska incorrect. He did have a talk with Friele, Mgr. of open only to the bona fide residents of the Territory the Nakat Pk. Co. but not with me & no such wherever that is practical and where, by such language was used. policy, the settlement of the Territory wherever that James Wickersham is practical and where, by such policy, the May 2, 1930.} settlement of the Territory can be materially stimulated. [political pamphlet] I shall also recommend that the residents along PLATFORM OF the Yukon River be authorized to engage in such JOHN RUSTGARD limited commercial fishing in the river as will not In obedience to custom and in response to the appreciably interfere with the propagation of demands of intelligent electors to be informed as to salmon. the policies which each candidate for office intends I commend the Bureau of Forestry for its to pursue if elected, I submit to the people of determination to have the timber within its keeping Alaska the following manufactured into articles of commerce within the DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES. Territory instead of shipped to foreign countries in It would seem obvious that the peace, progress the raw state to be there prepared for the market and prosperity of Alaska demands the closest and by foreign labor. friendliest possible cooperation between the All who have made substantial improvement on Territorial and Federal agencies within the land for residence purposes should be given a Territory. Wit all the navigable waters, 99% of the deed to whatever they improve, occupy and use. land, the fish, the game and the wild fur bearing The quasi communistic system at present practiced animals under the jurisdiction and control of the by the Government is bad in principle and should Federal Government, and with Territorial be abandoned. development dependent on that Government for Farming is an inevitable prerequisite to the financial assistance amounting to several million stability of the population and the permanence of dollars per annum, it would be unwise for the industries. Every effort should, therefore, be made people of Alaska to enter into acrimonious disputes to assist experienced farmers in settling on and in with the authorities at the National Capital. It shall, starting the utilization of our agricultural ands therefore be my aim to establish and maintain the grazing land. friendliest relations with the Federal Government The construction of the International Highway, so Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 called, is a worthy project which promises much for sites for a fixed period, subject always to the country and should be given ample support as revocation and whatever rules and regulations the soon as definite steps are taken by the Canadians Government may see fit to impose. to meet us at the boundary line. I believe in eliminating form the public life of the The fullest cooperation will be given the Alaska Territory all those individuals who make a business Road Commission in its effort to secure the largest of stirring up antagonism against industrial possible appropriation for roads and trails. The institutions for the sake of getting a hand-out. Bureau of Forestry and Bureau of Public Roads In addition to the foregoing I shall advocate: should be given full authority to use the funds at 1. Repeal of all laws and revocation of all their disposal to build trails instead of roads regulations protecting useless sea fowls or aquatic wherever such course seems the wiser. animals which are destructive of fish and fish eggs. Every fair and humanitarian reason speaks for 2. Salary for United States Commissioners. the native Indian population the kindliest and most 3. Establishment of radio stations in all isolated helpful consideration by the public and the communities of importance. Government. The opportunity of those races for 4. Regular and more frequent mail facilities for acquiring a practical education and for earning a the settlements west of Cook Inlet. living is of foremost importance and must be 5. Additional Coast Guard ships fully equipped supplied whenever and wherever it is reasonably to give aid to the fishing population during fishing possible to do so. I shall urge increased season. appropriations for the establishment and 6. Increased force for the Federal Mining maintenance of industrial schools and medical Engineer’s office to enable him to examine and attention for the native population. Both report on mining prospects and advise prospectors. governmental and private employers should be 7. Improvement of harbors for the fishing fleets induced to give these people employment. at convenient points. I believe that the people of Alaska, when entitled 8. Erection of public buildings at the several to litigate any questions in dispute with any of the places where now urgently needed. departments at Washington, should be authorized 9. Erection of bridge connecting Juneau and to institute the legal proceedings for that purpose in Douglas Island if the same can be done at such the courts of Alaska instead of being compelled, as cost as will render the undertaking practical. now, to go to the Capital to do so. The present 10. Establishment of naval air ports and all order is tantamount to a denial of the right to strategic points, and to have army and naval submit such disputes to the courts and tends to airplanes stationed in the Territory and all times for encourage autocratic attitudes by the various use in emergencies. bureaus. 11. Acceptance of and support for the various In consonance with this view I also believe that recommendations made by the Governor in his last the War Department should be relieved of the report. burden of adjudicating private rights to the water 12. Right of appeal in all criminal cases. front or to navigable waters, a function which does JOHN RUSTGARD, not belong to it, but which the peculiar conditions Republican Candidate for prevailing in Alaska have forced it to assume. Delegate to Congress. I also believe that owners of fish traps and trap Diary 39, 1928 October 1, 1928. sites should be protected in such ownership October 1 Grace Elizabeth Wickersham, my Wife to whom I against all interference except by the Government, was married on June 26th 1926, and I moved into and to that end should receive leases for their trap our new home at 7th and Seward St. Juneau, today. I have lived at the Zynda hotel since 1921, Diary 39, 1928 -7th – and it seems quite an adventure to move into a October 7-10 Sunday. Worked most all day at the house new house at the summit of Chicken Ridge - We arranging my library etc. have been repairing & putting the house in shape -8th – since early in August, and are now about finished: Drew instructions in case of Assault with The place has cost me $10,000, and is not yet Dangerous Weapon. U.S. v Malmberg. finished! But I am impatient to get a home with my L. M. Sullivan, clerk in my office, will occupy a library and other comfortable surroundings - hence room in our new home on Chicken Ridge. He is a the expenditures. fine young man, and I think will make a good Diary 39, 1928 Octo. 1, continued. lawyer. October 1-4 Court in regular session today for the first time -9th – since Judge Reed died some months ago. Cases Same as usual in the office. being set for trial. -10th - Receive copy of my Copyright Notice on act. “A Dinner last night at J.A. Hellenthals, present Mr. & Bibliography of Alaskan Literature.” Mrs. Walstein G. Smith, Major and Mrs. Elliott, -Octo. 2nd- U.S.A. Grace & I and the Hellenthals - fine dinner. Engaged in trial of Gallwas, et. al. v Reide, a jury Diary 39, 1928 10th continued. case. Henry Roden assisting me. It’s a doubtful October 10 Delegate Sutherland, M.C. arrived in town last case at best on the facts, though it seemed good night on SS. Yukon, to begin his campaign in S.E. on the law. Alaska. He took dinner with us tonight. Our big new house seems empty for we have little The Empire is very kind to boost the mine & Lerch furniture yet, and no rugs. is surely a good publicity man: -3rd – Trial ended & goes to the jury tomorrow. [clipping] -4th - THE ADMIRALTY ISLAND COAL Jury decided case Gallwas V Reid against us. COMPANY. Diary 39, 1928 -4th continued. The interview given to the empire by Howard October 4-6 Am busy paying bills on my house - bills for Lerch of the Admiralty Island Coal Company tells a laborers, carpenters, painters, etc. remarkable story of efficiency in the development Had to borrow $500. for 30 days to finish of the coal mine at Harkrader, and one that makes payments. Tried divorce case of Snyder v Snyder - it quite evident that the company has a large second divorce for my client. quantity of excellent coal. It was only last April that We are getting the house habitable slowly - There the Admiralty Island Coal Company began are 14 developing the property it had acquired. It started rooms, etc. etc. - quite enough it seems for two shipping coal in small quantities to Juneau in an people. incredibly short time there after, and the shipments -5th – have continued regularly. Mr. Lerch says by about Mrs. Dr. L.P. Dawes is giving Grace a luncheon October 20th the mine will be producing 100 tons of party today. coal daily, and that this figure will be increased to -6th - 200 tons within three months. At this rate, within Motion calendar in court today. Argued exemption less than a year from the opening of the property, question on gas boat before court - nice points. the production will cut a wide swath in the coal Moving private books etc. from office to house. consumption of this section. That sort of work speaks for itself. The record Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 shows competency in management and it would him to marry the lady - which he did with the Dept. seem to a layman to be proof that the property Dist. Atty. & a lady member of the Grand jury as his contains coal in quantities that will make a mine supporters! Anyway I had collected my fees in with a continuation of the sort of management that advance! it has had. All the indications are that this section -13th - has acquired a new industry, one that will Call of the motion calendar. Argued several cases. contribute a great deal toward the growth of demurrers etc. Everything as usual in the office. population and business. A steady stream of 200 Diary 39, 1928 -14th – tons of coal a day, and that will in the course of October 14-17 Wet Sunday. Cleaned & polished furniture all day! time be increased - will keep a lot of money in this at home, & enjoyed it very much. Am reading region that heretofore has heretofore has been “Catherine Paris, by Bebisco. sent away for fuel. -15- The Admiralty Island Coal Company is Same as usual in office - & house. apparently becoming one of the leading industrial -16th – and business institutions in Juneau, and one that Preparing notes for talk tomorrow to School deserves the well wishes and Company operation children on 61st Anniversary of raising the of the entire community. From the beginning, it American flag at Sitka. Oct. 18. 1967 proceeded to work and it has kept at it. Without Sutherland is back from Sitka. ostentation or hot air of any sort, it appears to be -17th - driving its way to success. Sutherland, Paul, Otis & other politicians in the office this forenoon - they are on their way to My clerk, L.M. Sullivan is trying his first case in the Skagway to speak in the Dist. Ct. – U.S. v Malmberg. Diary 39, 1928 17 Diary 39, 1928 -11th - October 17 campaign. I took Sutherlands affidavit to his October 1 Roy Sullivan, from my office was asked by Judge Report of Political Expenditures & sent it by mail to Hill to defend one Malmberg, who is indicted for Page, Clerk House Representatives. Assault with Dangerous Weapon - Case began Delivered a “talk” to the Juneau High School at 130 yesterday and went over until this morning to p.m. half an hour long. Anniversary tomorrow, 61st instruct the jury. I would not assist in the trial. I occupation Alaska 1867, & the raising of the want Roy to begin to stand alone in trying cases & American flag at Sitka. I enjoyed the talk & the this is his first “stand alone” case. Of course, the children seemed to. defendant is technically “Guilty,” but if he should Many persons compliment me about my secure a conviction on a lesser crime it would be Bibliography, and ask for autographed copies. quite a victory for him. But I do not expect that, Letter from Darrell. He has been sick. Jane is even. East and I think he gets downhearted when she is Jury found Malmberg - Guilty. away. He is not strong as I am notwithstanding his Dinner with Mrs. Hooker. Grace & I also it & Mrs. size and superior weight. DeVigne & Dan Sutherland. Diary 39, 1928 -18th – Diary 39, 1928 -12th – October 18-20 Working in office notwithstanding it is a Territorial October 12-13 I was employed to defend Innocent Herman, Holiday. accused of having seduced a Russian creole at -19th – Sitka, under promise of marriage. We had proof Same as usual in the office. that other men had prior favors, etc. but they got -20th - innocent before the Grand Jury today & persuaded Same as usual in the office. Sutherland rally at the “Palace Theater” Brass honest, intelligent man, and has had the support band, torches, speeches. and confidence of the people of the territory for all For the first time in 20 years I was not on the stage, that time, because of those high qualities. His

nor a party to the proceedings - publicly. place will be Sutherland, Paul, Winn, McCormack & Benjamin & Diary 39, 1928 24 Olts - the first a candidate for Delegate - the others October 24 hard to fill. I feel that I have lost an invaluable candidates for the Legislature. It was a good, quiet member of the Republican party in Alaska, an old & respectable meeting - present a large crowd, and active prospector and miner, one who worked earnest & friendly. in the fishing of halibut, a first class boatman, and Diary 39, 1928 21st all round fine character and good citizen. He has October 21-22 Sunday. Mail, recd. a letter from Darrell urging that been, always, an active supporter of good I make an earnest effort to sell my mining claims American ideals in the creation of government in on Cleary Creek to the Fairbanks Exploration Co. this territory, and his retirement will be a distinct Judge Bunnell sends me a copy (of an original loss to the Territory. My relations with him for all copy) of “The Fairbanks Gazette,” a type written those years have been of the closest and kindliest newspaper issued at Fairbanks on July 17, 1903, character. I greatly regret to contemplate his editor Alfred L. Smith, No. 5077, “Bibliography of going. Alaskan Literature,” etc. etc. Diary 39, 1928 -25th – -22nd - October 5-28 Trial case of Wheeler v Harvie, equity case before As usual in office. In court trying to get Whaler v Judge Hill. adjourned. Harvie set for trial Agreed with Roden to try case -26th – 24th. Casa Wheeler v Harvie continued but not finished. Diary 39, 1928 -23rd – Roden for Plaintiff. case goes over until Saturday October 23-24 Had Paul, McCormack, Olts & Benjamin to dinner. or Monday, for witnesses from Wrangell. A beautiful dinner, a pleasant visit from four friends -27th – & an enjoyable evening for us. & our friends seem Grace & I went to the Coliseum Theatre last night, to have a pleasant hour also. Grace put the whole to see moving picture “Sparrows,” by Mary function over in a very friendly way! Pickford. Not bad. -24th - In court today. - call motion calendar. More work Hon. Dan Sutherland, Delegate from Alaska left on house, but finally finished, I hope. Juneau, I suspect, for the last time this forenoon - -28th - going to Petersburg, Wrangell & other towns south Sunday. Worked at home. Dinner at the to finish his campaign. The last thing before he Gastineau “Tavern” - went to Palace to see “The left he came to tell me, that he would not be a Overland Stage” th candidate Diary 39, 1928 -29 – Diary 39, 1928 24 October 29-30 Same as usual in the office. October 24 for delegate again. That he would permanently Grace & I both wrote good long letters to Darrell & retire from political, life in Alaska with this term. I Jane. She is just home from the East & wrote to understand he will remain in Pennsylvania, in some me from Chicago. relation to the Ogontz Girls School, at Philadelphia -30th - - which is owned by his sister, so he may never Sold B.M. Behrends $1500.00 of my McKinnon come back to Alaska! He has been one of the Investment Co. bonds at par and accrued interest = strongest items of force in the political history of $1519.30 Alaska for 20 years and more. He is a brave, Paid a note I gave them Sept. 1. 503.10 Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Bal. dep. in bank = 1016.20 Juneau, Alaska. Bal. in bank prior = 184.20 September 3, 1928 Present Bal. in Bank $1200.40 Hon. W.H. Holmes, Concluded trial of Wheeler v Harvie, before Judge Amarillo, Texas. Hill tried “from time to time” a very unsatisfactory My Dear Sir: way to try cases. The press dispatches announce that the Some time ago I wrote a “political” letter to my Republican in Teas have nominated you as their friend W.H. Holmes, who is a candidate for candidate for Governor of that great state, and I Governor of Texas hasten to send you my congratulations. Your Diary 39, 1928 30 many friends among the pioneer prospectors and October 30 on the Republican ticket, “boosting” him so that he miners in Alaska are greatly pleased at this might use it in his campaign for Governor. I am recognition of your manly and courageous just in receipt of a letter from him thanking me for it character by the Texans. There are, as you know, and saying his campaign manager had it published always a scattering of hardy Texans in very Alaska - he sends me copy. He also says Texas will cast mining camp, from the Klondike to Nome, and all 75,000 majority - for Hoover! which I cannot these are highly delighted at your nomination by believe! Following is clipping from Texas paper, the Republicans of their home state, and all hope you will be elected. [clipping] Diary 39, 1928 30 AMARILLO SUNDAY NEWS AND GLOBE October 30 Personally I have admired your high character SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 14, 1928. and fine courage ever since our earliest HOLMES IS acquaintance in the Nome camp years ago. There PRAISED BY you bore a man’s part in bringing order into a wild NOTED JUDGE frontier mining camp, and giving the people safety WICKERSHAM COMMENDS AM- and law and order. As United States District Judge ARILLO MAN FOR WORK in that region in those hectic days I well remember IN ALASKA. your firm support of the law and the courage with Friends of W.H. Holmes, Republican nominee for which you gave that support to the court and its Governor of Texas, are elated over the splendid officials. Later in the Yukon mining camps your letter he has received form Judge James example and courage did much to establish law Wickersham, formerly Federal judge in Alaska. and order in that hostile wilderness and give the Judge Wickersham lives at Juneau and is the people peace and safety. judge who sent the entire Federal court personnel We Alaskans have continually heard the same at Nome to penitentiary. This incident was covered approval of your public support of law and order by by Rex Beach in his novel “The Spoilers.” the people among whom you cast your lot since Judge Wickersham served Alaska eight years as you left us years ago. The people of the Oklahoma a Republican delegate to congress; was delegate oil regions, and now in Texas, seem to find you the to the last Republican convention at Kansas City same fine citizen that we say in you in Alaska. We and was the author of a bill creating the Alaska are pleased to have our judgment about your high railroad, which was secured by him under a character so fully approved by the people of those Democratic administration. two great states. The letter from Judge Wickersham follows: We cordially recommend you to the vigorous and Law Offices of loyal men and women of Texas, as an able and JAMES WICKERSHAM faithful citizen in Alaska, and we are sure the thousands of friends you made in Oklahoma will (either Albrecht or Irwin) who must try join us in the statement that you are entirely worthy the case. Mr. Sullivan, my asst. is doing much of the highest confidence and support of the people better work & will make a good lawyer! of Texas, and will make them a loyal and Diary 39, 1928 -Nov. 3rd - courageous governor if you shall be elected to that November 3 Things as usual in the office. high office. Mr. Lerch, Treas. Admiralty Island Coal Co. has We wish you a success in the campaign, and a been having “hard sledding,” this week to get happy and successful term as governor of the old money enough to keep the Coal Co. going, but Lone Star State. John Reck, Pres. of the First Nat. Bank, came to Sincerely your friend, the rescue - doubled his subscription for stock & (Signed): JAMES WICKERSHAM others assisted, & the shape is moving along easier. Judge Hill decided a case against me today which I We are to have Mr. & Mrs. Walstein G. Smith, think was very unjust & I am consequently as mad (Ter. Treas). & Mr. & Mrs. Lerch to dinner this at him as the usual “poor loser” ever is! evening. Grace is getting in shape finally to pay We reached an agreement tonight on the our social debts - they are not numerous but need accounting & saved something for Harvie: it is not attention - no carpets far from right. etc yet, but our friends know the situation - will have them soon. [clipping] Diary 39, 1928 -4th - Swindler of 2 Women November 4 A good dinner - with bridge - last night with the Sentenced to Quentin Smiths and Lerch’s. The Empire had an ugly Los Angeles, Oct. 18 (AP).-Samuel Wickersham, attack against Paul - put out by Hunt, of to have posed as a “man of millions,” today was Petersburg, charging Paul with having sold out to sentenced to San Quentin, penitentiary for a term the cannery interests on the trap site matter! Poor of from two to 20 years. Wickersham was found Hunt is bitter and a hard loser! guilty of defrauding Mrs. Frank Newmann, aged Sunday - at office concluding statement, widow, and her daughter, Mrs. Frances Fay, out of instructions, etc. to my client, Mrs. C.J. Peterson, $70,000. of Fairbanks in the case of First Nat. Bank v. Peterson - a contest over a placer mining claim No A rose by any other name would smell as sweet: 1. above discovery on Gilmore Creek at Fairbanks. he was some worker! I may have to go there and try the case. Diary 39, 1928 -31st – Diary 39, 1928 -5th – October 31- Same as usual – nothing new. November 5-6 November 2 Concluded examining facts in two cases from Nov. 1st Fairbanks. I think Mrs. C.J. Peterson has good Paid all my bills! Recd. letter from Darrell defense to suit in adverse patent proceeding for cautioning me about my extravaganza in building, placer claim No. 1. above Discovery on Gilmore etc.!! Creek & so advised her by letter & telegram. -Nov. 2nd - Advised Mrs. Mary E. Pedro that I would not take Working on opinion etc. in the case of First Nat. over case for think she has lost her rights by Bank v Mrs. C.J. Peterson, Fairbanks: she wants laches[?] & returned her papers. me to come & defend her claim to mining ground, -Nov. 6th - Election Day. but I am trying to get out of trip by preparing a Hunt at Ketchikan & the Democrats are making statement, opinion & instructions to the attorney supreme efforts to defeat Wm L. Paul for election to Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 the Legislature on account of charge that he For Divisional Road Commissioner received $6000. to go to Washington Vote for Two X ADKINS, ALEX Republican Diary 39, 1928 6 AVEY, CLARENCE T. Independent November 6 this summer and support my Bill providing for X GILMORE, PETER F. Republican leasing trap sites!

Democrats are fighting Indian voters - who are The names marked with a cross are the supporting Paul - trying to prevent them from Republican candidates! voting! th Diary 39, 1928 -7 - This is a sample ballot & contains all the names November 7 Hoover is elected by a veritable “landslide” of the voted for in that Div. voters, probably by the greatest relative majority

ever given in a really contested election. Locally, [ballot page] however, the Republican ticket seems to be in Sample Ballot trouble. Always we are in doubt for some days - FIRST JUDICIAL DIVISION until we can hear from the Indian and outside Mark “X” in the square at the left of the name of the districts. Grigsby ran strong - and is giving candidate for whom you desire to vote. If the Sutherland a closer race than he has ever had. names for whom you desire to vote do not appear The Legislative ticket seems to be in such doubt on the ballot, insert with pencil in blank spaces. that only the final returns will settle question of who For Governor is elected. [blank] Texas & some southern States reported to have For Delegate to Congress gone for Hoover!! Vote for One Diary 39, 1928 -7th continued- GRIGSBY, GEORGE B. Democratic November 7-8 Grace gave a dinner to Mrs. Tupper, one of her X SUTHERLAND, DAN A. Republican school teacher friends. whose birthday happens For Territorial Senator today: Present Mrs. Tupper, Mrs. Tilden, Stabler, Vote for One Roy H. Sullivan, Grace & myself. X BENJAMIN, CHAS. Republican A nice birthday cake please “Tupps”. WALKER, NORMAN R. Democratic -8th - Diary 39, 1928 6 Everything as usual. Hellenthal & I interviewed November 6 For Territorial Representative Judge Hill & consented to a trial of Goldstein v Vote for Four Pond, et. al. before the judge, but he did not fix ANDERSON, NELS, Democratic date. The great “landslide” for Hoover continues to X McCORMACK, P.C. Republican slaughter Democratic candidates! They lost Texas, X OLTS, A.L. Republican Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New York, etc. but X PAUL, WILLIAM L. Republican the Empire boosts that they defeated Paul!! BEAM, J.S. Democratic Diary 39, 1928 -9th – SHATTUCK, ALLEN Democratic November 9-11 The Indian precincts are helping those Republican X WINN, GROVER C. Republican candidates who ran behind. But may not help quite ZIEGLER, A.H. Democratic enough. It now looks as if Paul and Otis may be For Attorney General for Territory of Alaska defeated. Sutherland is again elected by a Vote for One substantial majority. X RUSTGARD, JOHN Republican -10th – TRUIT, JAMES S. Democratic Case of Goldstein v Pond set for trial Monday morning Legislature - both he and Olts (Olts), he “licked” -11th - Grigsby one day this week. It seems Paul Sunday. Spent afternoon in office with witnesses Diary 39, 1928 16 in Winter & Pond case getting ready for trial. November 16 wrote a letter to Marsden, Metlakatla, in which he Invited Dr. Chase & Williams to dinner tomorrow used some mean phrases about Grigsby, called evening. th him a “crook, gambler, wife beater, etc. and Diary 39, 1928 -12 - Marsden sent it on to Grigsby. The latter & his wife November 12 Conducted defense in Goldstein v Pond today. went to Pauls law office where he found Paul & The plaintiff made a formal proof case. We then Mrs. Paul. He assaulted Paul & the two families put on our witnesses. Pond did not make a good fought! Paul succeeded in beating Grigsby at the witness. Was easily led into wrong admissions. assaulting game, blackened his eyes, cut his face Had Dr Chase and Williams two with his fists, nearly broke a leg for him & members of the U.S. Alaska Game Commission to otherwise, etc. Paul went off to Sitka to attend the dinner with us. They are long time friends of mine A.N.B. Convention. Grigsby is confined to his & after dinner we talked the “inside” from ‘98 to the house & all their cases today are “passed” to await present & had both an excellent dinner and an their appearance in court. enjoyable evening & visit. Williams lives at St. Diary 39, 1928 16 Michael where I have visited him many times. November 16-18 th Saw “Eddie Cantor” in the “Postman” at the movies Diary 39, 1928 -13 – tonight. I am trying to get my Lynch case ready for November 13-15 Concluded taking testimony in Goldstein v Pond. trial. All others will go over - I fear - until the next Court took case under advisement. We are to file term on account of the absence of my witness and briefs – 30 & 15 days. Court & officials will go to Paul! Ketchikan to hold court tomorrow. I will go & try -17th – Lynch case if possible. th Court set my Lynch case for trial Monday. My -14 – other cases must go over this term because Paul is Leave for Ketchikan on SS. “Northwestern” at not here! noon, -boat late left 3 p.m. th th -18 - -15 - Sunday. Getting Lynch case ready talking with Petersburg early this morning. Arrived at Wrangell witnesses etc. Mrs. Gartley from Wrangell came at noon. John G. Grant is in Nova Scotia & Judge today to consult me about her interest in Wrangell Thomas goes on this boat to Seattle, and I hear Lumber Co etc. Out walking. Paul is in Sitka - so I Diary 39, 1928 18 Diary 39, 1928 15 November 18-19 Saw Adolph Menjon at the movies in skit called November 15-16 cannot hope to try the case of Grant v Patenaude “Evening Clothes!” nor the case of Lewis v Lewis. in both of which -19th - Paul is an attorney. Saw Benjamin & McCormack. Tried case of U.S. v. Lynch, ejectment from tide Both are safely elected. Benjamin by a very small lands today before Judge Hill. Indian claim to tide majority, to the Legislature. Arrived in Ketchikan, lands. Missed my chance to go home on the boat Sunny Point Cannery. at 9 p.m. Took a “taxi” up at noon & cannot tell when I can go now. Sent town & went to the “Gilmore Hotel.” th Grace a night letter explaining the matter. -16 - Interviewed by one Simon Hanson, who was badly Call of cases etc. I think I can get my case of U.S. burned nearly two years ago in the Virginia, while v Lynch, involving title to land in Ketchikan set for tarring the interior of the hold - tar took fire etc. Monday or Tuesday. While Paul is defeated for the Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 First boat toward home goes next Friday, tough except by act of congress. for I have nothing worth while to do in the 3. It must be decided if Mrs. Lynch will interfere meantime. Recd. letter - copy of - from Paul with navigable waters, and if so, if she has the right Diary 39, 1928 19 to do so. November 19 addressed to Senator Curtis, urging him (Curtis) to A.J. Ela, engineer, and George L. Sterner, renewed effort to secure my appointment as pioneer resident of Ketchikan were called as District Judge. I think Paul is pressing the Senator witnesses this morning by Mr. Stabler. Both too hard! Sent telegram to Grace tonight saying I testified regarding the location of the land in would come home on the Friday’s boat! This question. Mr. Wickersham introduced official evening “Chronicle” Morriseys paper contains this decisions in an effort to show that the reservation unfair statement. of 1903 was invalid and has no bearing on the present case. [clipping] Diary 39, 1928 -20th – COURT HEARING November 20-22 Nothing much for me to do today so I visited with THOMAS BASIN the lawyers. Some of them talked about the TIDELAND CASE Judgeship to me, etc. Roden is back from Seattle. Government Starts Action to his eyes are better and he feels quite brave again. Oust Jennie Lynch From -21st – Tide Flats Attending trials in court - & waiting for the boat on Can Jennie Lynch and her scow defeat the Friday or Saturday to go home. government in its efforts to obtain Thomas basin -22nd - tide-land necessary to the Ketchikan harbor project Fine day. Rape case in court - the girl is about 17 scheduled to be started in the summer of 1930? years old and a natural born prostitute - also a That is the question which is to be decided by clever actress & will probably convict the fool man: Judge E. Coke Hill in a case which came to trial in Dinner tonight with Mr. & Mrs. F.J. Hunt. a good district court here today, after hanging fire for four home dinner & attended meeting of the Pioneers of years. Alaska. It was worthwhile! Claiming that she made use of the property in Diary 39, 1928 -23rd- 1900, the Indian woman, through her attorney, November 23-25 Listening to trial of slander case in court today. James Wickersham, is resisting efforts made by The defendant repeated the alleged slanders & the government to out her from the tide land and swore to them! Dinner tonight with Jim Vedin & seeks permanent title to a 150x150 plot. In 1924, Frank Aldrich. Nothing - just waiting. Mrs. Lynch was enjoined from building on the land -24th – until the present case is decided. A beautiful sunshiny day! Through H.D. Stabler, assistant district attorney, Leave Ketchikan for home today. the government is basing its case to out Mrs. SS. “Queen,” Atty. Genl. & Mrs. John Rustgard on Lynch on three main contentions, as follows. board returning home. 1. That by a reservation passed by congress in -25th 1905, the land in question was reserved for the Reached Juneau 10 a.m. & am glad to get home. landing of Indian craft and that therefore Mrs. Good mail. Lynch could not have permanent title to any portion Skinner suggests I come to Seattle by Dec. 1, in re of it. trap site matter - will go, of course. 2. It must be decided whether or not any one person has the right permanently to own tidelands, Diary 39, 1928 -26th - the Republicans of their home State, and all hope November 26 Catching up correspondence. you will be elected. [clipping] “Personally I have admired your high character {Nov. 1928} and fine courage ever since our earliest [photograph of W.H. Holmes of Amarillo] acquaintance in the Nome camp years ago. There Diary 39, 1928 26 you bore a man’s part in bringing order into a wild November 26 [clipping continued] frontier mining camp, and giving the people safety DISTINGUISNED ALASKAN LAUDS and law and order. As United States District Judge PARTY NOMINEE FOR GOVERNOR in that region in those hectic days I well remember Texans in Alaska, who knew W.H. Holmes during your firm support of the law and the courage with the twelve years he lived in that northernmost which you gave that support to the court and its territory, are “highly delighted” over his nomination officials. Later in the Yukon mining camps your by the Republicans of their native State for the example and courage did much to establish law office of Governor, according to word received by and order in that hostile wilderness and give the Mr. Holmes at his home in Amarillo from Judge people peace and safety. James Wickersham, of Juneau, Alaska. “We Alaskans have continually heard the same Judge Wickersham served seven years as a approval of your public support of law and order by federal judge at Nome under the Roosevelt the people among whom you cast your lot since administration, and is best remembered as the you left us years ago. The people of the Oklahoma judge who sent the entire federal court personnel oil regions, and now in Texas, seem to find you the there to the penitentiary. This incident is preserved same fine citizen that we say in you in Alaska. We in Rex Beach’s novel, “The Spoilers.” are pleased to have our judgment about your high During his residence in Alaska, Mr. Holmes and character so fully approved by the people of those a fellow-worker established the four northernmost two great states. precincts in the world, by dividing up the territory of “We cordially recommend you to the vigorous Alaska north of the Arctic Circle and which is and loyal men and women of Texas, as an able bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean. and faithful citizen in Alaska, and we are sure the Previously, in Oklahoma, he had started in politics thousands of friends you made in Oklahoma will by managing a successful congressional campaign join us in the statement that you are entirely worthy for a friend at the age of twenty-before he himself of the highest confidence and support of the people was old enough to vote. of Texas, and will make them a loyal and Judge Wickersham’s letter follows: courageous governor if you shall be elected to that “My Dear Holmes: high office. “The press dispatches announce that the “We wish you a success in the campaign, and a Republicans in Texas have nominated you as their happy and successful term as governor of the old candidate for Governor of that great State, and I Lone Star State. hasten to send you my congratulations. Your “Sincerely yours, many friends among the pioneer prospectors and JAMES WICKERSHAM miners in Alaska are greatly pleased at this recognition of your manly and courageous The Admiralty Island Coal Co. is “on the rocks” - character by the Texans. There are, as you know, they are out of money and do not seem able to get always a scattering of hardy Texans in very Alaska more. mining camp, from the Klondike to Nome, and all these are highly delighted at your nomination by Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1928 26 departments; with general index. November 26 Personally I have lost confidence in Donaldson. 1.Alaska-Bibl. 2. U. S.-Government He does not give us - the Board of Directors, and publications-Bibl. Stockholders frank statements and accurate Library of Congress Z1255.W63 28-20975 information. He is not dependable. I feel that I am ------Copy 2. lucky, though, for I have refrained from making any Copyright A 1053253 representations about the project to the public or to -28th – private persons, for I fear Donaldson has not been Above is card Cong. Lib. of my Biblio. so careful. Have just purchased my tickets for “Queen” He now wants to go to Seattle with authority from tomorrow evening for our trip to Seattle. Took the Board of Directors & Stockholders to sell the more insurance on my house & contents - now property!! I am not in favor of giving him any such amounts to $7,000.00 power & will vote against it! -29th - Diary 39, 1928 -27th - Thanksgiving Day. Had Mr. & Mrs. Howard Lerch November 27 Have just completed a ten page letter to Hon. Dan & Roy Sullivan to dinner - & the usual Turkey. An Sutherland, the Delegate form Alaska, exploring excellent dinner & we left a great quantity - with my reasons why he should introduce a “bill to instruction to Roy to help himself - when amend Sec. 8, of the Act of Congress of June 6, Diary 39, 1928 29 1924, entitled“ An Act for the protection of the November 29- we came away from Juneau on the S.S. “Queen” at December 2 fisheries of Alaska, and for other purposes.” 8 oclock p.m. I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. D.E. Skinner, Donaldson left two days before to go to Seattle to Seattle, asking me to come down for a discussion sell the Ad. Is. Coal Co’s mines. I refused to sign concerning this proposed bill, and I have written papers authorizing him to act as agent for the this letter of explanation to Don in anticipation of Company. such an interview with the cannery men. I approve -30th – the proposed bill and give my reasons therefore at Petersburg, Wrangell & Ketchikan. length. -Dec 1st- Diary 39, 1928 27 Dixons Entrance & Millbank. November 27-29 Wickersham, James, 1857- -Dec 2nd - ...A bibliography of Alaskan literature, 1724- Seymour Narrows. at dinner time the vessel lost 1924; containing the titles of all histories, travels, one of the blades to her propellor - we were going voyages, newspapers, periodicals, public into Ladysmith for coal but this changed the plan & documents, etc., printed in English, Russian, we are ordered to go into Seattle. I had a cold German, French, Spanish, etc., relating to, coming on when we took the boat at Juneau - and descriptive of, or published in Russian America or it has been rapidly Alaska, from 1724 to and including 1924, by James Diary 39, 1928 2 Wickersham. Cordova, Alaska, Cordova daily December 2-4 growing worse. I am miserable - though it is good times print, 1927. weather and the boat is not crowded. xxvii, 635 p. 24cm. (Miscellaneous publications -Dec. 3rd- of the Alaska agricultural college and school of We reached Seattle this morning at 8 a.m. - we mines, Fairbanks ... vol. 1) went to the Frye hotel & both of us to bed - we are In two sections: (1) General publications, afflicted with “flu,” or a bad cold of the worst kind. arranged alphabetically under subjects; (2) United I wrote a letter to Mr. D.S. Skinner & sent him States public documents, arranged under with it a copy of the letter I wrote to Dan. He telephoned me this afternoon that he had received Diary 39, 1928 -5th - it, etc. My cold is better tonight & Grace is not bad. December 5 Conference with D.E. Skinner, & other cannery Mike Sullivan at hotel & a lot of other Alaskans. Representatives at Mr. S. office. They were all -4th - very much pleased with my letter to Sutherland - Remained in the Hotel most of the day act. my bad which they had all read, but we can do but little cold & flue. more, the concluded, until I hear from him in Diary 39, 1928 4 answer to my letter of Nov. 27. We are to have December 4 Had long talk with Wm A. Steel, senator from another meeting soon & they wished me to get an Juneau. He had letter from Sutherland - asking to answer from him as soon as possible. assist in securing endorsements for me for the Will Steel is to write to Dan at once - tonight in Judgeship = I read my letter to Dan, to Will, and support of my view. gave him the full explanation - he does not think I am very much relieved that Skinner & associates Paul ever explained the bill to Dan when he went to are satisfied - for there is quite a sum of money Washington or at any other time. Gave the P.I. an due on my contract of employment & I can now get interview on the fishing situation last night. in a liberal advance on it. todays paper = Diary 39, 1928 -6th - December 6 Went over to Tacoma this morning - to the Hist. [clipping] Soc. rooms & began the work of packing my PROTECTION OF Alaskan library in boxes to take it to Alaska. We SALMON URGED got some six great boxes packed - when I came {P.I. - 3rd) back to Seattle in time for dinner. Grace is much Commercial fishing in Washington faces better & tonight we went to the theater - the “Music extinction unless the government takes some such Box” - where we saw the play “The Trial” - all parts drastic action as the federal government has done are shown by the vitagraph - “movie talkies” as to save salmon in Alaskan waters, according to they are commonly called. It was a marvelous former Federal Judge James Wickersham of exhibition - the movements by the camera - Juneau, now in Seattle on business. pictures, while the dialogues are by the - both so Wickersham said if state authorities continue to exactly acting together to be really talking pictures. neglect the matter, it will be up to the people to Diary 39, 1928 -7th – pass some such drastic measure as was proposed December 7-9 Grace & I went over to Tacoma on the 9 a.m. last summer to ban seines and traps altogether. interurban - she got a few Attu baskets out of my “It is drastic, of course, but drastic action is cases in the Ferry Museum & came back. I essential,” he said. Fishing should be mane the remained until 4 p.m. boxing Alaska books for first industry of Wash- and could be maintained shipment to Juneau permanently with proper regulation. Came home on the 4 oclock car. Ruth Coffin, “In no case should the annual catch exceed the Grace’s niece took dinner with us, & we then went annual increase. In that way the industry lives on to the new Seattle Theater - it is a beautiful & new the surplus and the capital remains untouched. one - we enjoyed the play, etc. In a few years Alaska fishing will be restored -8th – which will benefit this state, he said. Over to Tacoma packing books - big job. We went “But no benefit from that source will profit you to Pantages Theater. without regulation here.” -9th - Sunday. Letters from Darrell etc. A great day. nothing to record. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1928 -10th – via Pacific SS. Co. boat from Tacoma to Juneau. December 10-11 Over to Tacoma & finished packing books - cost Wrote instructions, etc. My “flu” is getting worse boxes, carpenter etc. 1235 lumber $1800 packers again! $1000 [clipping] [clipping] Justin W. Harding WICKERSHAM Is Nominated For COMES SOUTH Alaskan Judgeship Says Had President Harding By Associated Press Lived, Would Have Made WASHINGTON, Monday, Dec. 10. State Out of Southeast- -Justin W. Harding of Juneau was nominated by ern Alaska President Coolidge today to be federal judge of the Judge James Wickersham, outstanding citizen of First Division of Alaska. Samuel H. West of Ohio Alaska, a former federal judge and a former was nominated to be federal judge for the Northern delegate to congress from Alaska, is a Seattle District of Ohio. visitor this week, a guest of the Hotel Frye. In a reminiscent mood, Judge Wickersham Coliseum tonight to sec “Smoke Bellow”. Jack declared, “If President Harding had lived, another London - staged badly!! bum - n.g. etc. state would have been carved out of the -11th - Southeastern and Southern part of the Territory, In Seattle today - eyes examined - good, & glasses the boundary line going north to the Copper river repaired. Many errands. Helen & Harold came - district. The presidents mind was made up after gave them a nice dinner & took them to the 9th his visit and favorable action by congress would Ave. Theater - they went home. We will go up have been assured. He would have omitted the Saturday. northern unsettled part, leaving it as a territory to Diary 39, 1928 -12th - become a state later or to be annexed to the first December 12 Wrote letter to P.A. Knowlton, Editor Educa. Dept. part.” The Macmillan Company, 60 Fifth Ave. N.Y. & sent -14th – him my Ms. “Old Yukon Trails,” Recd. letter from Dan & saw Mr. Skinner. Dan He is an old Alaskan - and will, I think, be refuses to do anything “just now.” interested in its character. -15th - Also wrote long letter in answer to telegraphic My flu is growing worse again. request from Dan Sutherland to send him the facts I have telephoned to Dr. 0. A. Nelson, whom Dr. justifying the Dept of Justice to dismiss the DeVighne says is an expert remaining indictment against Neil McGregor. Diary 39, 1928 15 Grace has been sick in bed, all day, & is still December 15-17 on prostate gland & urinal obstruction cases. He there tonight. The “flu” is widely epidemic. I am came to see me & at once urged me to go to the almost well, but she gains but slowly. She must Hospital. Finally he and Grace persuaded me to remain indoors until she gets permanently well! go – and I concluded to take the Swedish Hospital Diary 39, 1928 -13th – - for the “flu”. I am really sick tonight. December 13-15 Went over to Tacoma: Hopping & Co had more -16th – than $600. balance due me, so I put enough to Sick with flu in Swedish hospital. makeup my balance with the Tacoma Loan & Sav. 17th Co $3250.00 & got check for $490.87 & came home. Same: Also arranged to ship my library in 32 large boxes, Dictated letters to Grace - one to D.E. Skinner recommending sending Will A. Steel, to Wash. to I am getting better - slowly. press Dan on acceptance my bill about trap sites, -25th - and one to Jack Hellenthal, Juneau, asking more We went out to Kent & had Christmas dinner with time on Brief in Goldstein v Pond, also letter to Roy Mr. & Mrs. Fancier. She is Graces sister. Other Sullivan about business matters in the office. members of her family there - good dinner. back to Diary 39, 1928 -18th -20th – bed. my cold is still bad! December 18-21 Sick with flu in Swedish hospital. So much better Diary 39, 1928 -26th - today that I am sent back to my hotel - but “woozy” December 26 I am yet annoyed by a cough - a bronchial irritation yet! - which gives me much trouble. Dr. Nelson Recd. letter from D.L. Skinner declining to send examined my prostate gland - location. Says I any one to Wash. to ruse Dan! And I am now must have an operation - but not before June next inclined to think he may be right about it. Asked to year. Dr. Samuels throat specialist examined see me as soon as I can come to his office. those past says cannot find anything seriously the -21st - matter. Says I can smoke if I want to etc. So Went to see Mr. D.E. Skinner - good conference - altogether I feel better - for the want of any disease but he will not consent to have Will A. Steel to feel bad about! Anyway I am still coughing like employed to go to Wash. D.C. & talk to Dan as I an old cow who is choked on a turnip. Grace suggested in my note to him. Says Dan will not bought carpets & furniture today. $670.00 or

approve etc. etc. so that is off. Bob Donaldson thereabouts! -21- Harold, Helen & Ginger called - & want us to go up came to see me. He has nothing to report except & visit them at Enumclaw on Friday. hopes - & a nebulous scheme to get some Seattle Diary 39, 1928 -27th – promoters to take the Ad. Is. Coal Co. off our December 27-28 Arranged our SS. Tickets & we will go north on hands at an additional loss! Will not tell me who Jan. 2, on the “Queen” the promoters are, and I think his talk is mostly talk. Grace bought more furniture today. Twin beds, etc. I have no confidence in anything he does or says. She had bought about all the carpets, rugs, -22nd – furniture, etc. she wants. I do not bother for I do Grace went over to Kent to visit with her sister. I not know values so she has had entire charge of remained in my room all day to prevent a relapse buying. I bought lumber for bookcases, from after the “flu”. Wrote letters & caught up with my Farrell Lumber Co. it will go on Saturday’s boat. correspondence. Letters to Sutherland etc. -28th - -23rd – Nothing new - sent telegram to Sullivan, Juneau Remained in doors all day with flu. office, saying will start home on next Wednesday Sunday. Ruth called & she & Grace out walking: Same as usual. Letter from Darrell. Diary 39, 1928 -29th - Diary 39, 1928 -24- December 29 Dr. Nelson gave me another examination for my December 24-25 Remained in all day. Cold & cough stick like a prostate gland trouble & a slight operation & thinks cocklebur. I am in pretty good condition for the present. Mr. Elfendahl, assistant to Mr. Skinner called & Because of these operations and the hang-over of talked about his trip to Wash. - about the chances my cough I am obliged to remain pretty closely in of trap site bill at this short session. - expects a the hotel. Grace had an old time girl friend from special session as soon as Hoover is seated etc. Juneau to dinner with us tonight & they went to the and will telegraph me conditions from Wash. D.C. theater to see or rather to hear and see “Arizona”, and advise about my coming on there! a full movie, talkie” a natural play. Nothing new, Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 and I will certainly be happy when we can start 5th - home on Wednesday evening. Arrived Juneau this evening at Diary 39, 1928 -30th – Diary 39, 1929 5 December 30-31 Sunday. Remained at home all day. January 5-7 8 p.m. - snow on the ground but mild & raining Spent the evening at Seattle Theater listening to gently. Home looked like the best place on Earth. good music. Mail. but nothing important -31st- -6th Sunday. Nothing today. My flu hangs on like cockle burs - Gentle rain - snow disappearing. Roy Sullivan , remained in the house - except went to have Dr. who lived in our house while we were away, had Nelson give me the last look. I am very much the “flu” but everything o.k. better so far as my prostate gland difficulty is -7th - concerned - as well as ever At the office at work - drawing checks & paying my it seems, but my flu cough is persistent. bills - also getting the lumber etc. to the house for We went to the “Blue Mouse” theater, good play & shelves in my library. The lumber came with us on good music. Big crowd gathering on the street to the “Queen” from Farrell Lum. Co. Seattle. Berg & greet the New Year! Larson are at-work erecting the shelves, etc. Diary 39, 1929 Jan. 1, 1929 Diary 39, 1929 -8th – January 1-2 Grace went out to Kent to pay her sister a last call. January 8-9 My library shelves are going up & soon the books I am in the room at the hotel so as not to will be on them. encourage the “flu,” also writing letters - to Harry, Am busy preparing law brief in the case of Yancey, Waiden, about Buckley lots, etc. Goldstein v. Pond, et. al. We went to the Metropolitan Theater to see -9th - “Simba” the Johnson African moving pictures of Same as yesterday. Donaldson & Lerch have lions, elephants, & other big game! It was a rare made a miserable failure in financing the Admiralty treat Island Coal Company, and the stockholders are -Jan 2nd - complaining. A meeting called for the 14th to Confirmed with Mr. D.E. Skinner this morning consider matters & elect new officials for the year. about trap site bill. I had suggested some I shall favor appointment of a Com. of Stockholders amendments & he some - corrected bill accordingly to rearrange the financial basis of the Co. Too & his stenographer copied bill as Much Promotion! Diary 39, 1929 2 Diary 39, 1929 -10- January 2-5 amended. Seems satisfactory to both of us. Had January 10-12 Finishing up Brief in Goldstein V Pond. talk with Senator Will A. Steel of Juneau, about the Working in office as usual, & arranging to put my coming session of Legislature & its organization. Alaskan Library on the shelves in my home library! We will try to elect Steel, Pres. of the Senate. -11th – Bought office supplies at Lowman & Hanfords, new Same as yesterday. Brief finished & served. shoes, etc. We will leave for home on the S.S. -12th - “Queen” at 9 p.m. Working on last months private accounts etc. -3rd – Grace got our new rugs & carpets on the floors last Gulf of Georgia. Seymour Narrows. week - new beds up, etc. and now has two boys -4th – carrying my library books up to their quarters. Ketchikan late this evening. We saw the Hunts at We ought to be moved in another week. after 4 or their store, but it was too late to see others. 5 months! The home now looks comfortable & we must enjoy it! Reorganization of the Admiralty Island Coal Company in my office this afternoon. It was an exciting meeting but finally we adopted a motion Diary 39, 1929 -13th – which I offered to buy Donaldson’s stock for $500, January 13-14 A beautiful spring day. Rested at home. Palace but the stock first to pay the two notes at the bank, Theater movies. & the purchase price of $500, -14th - Diary 39, 1929 18 Annual Meting of Admiralty Island Coal Company January 18-20 and the stock not needed for the payment of at office near City dock. Donaldson’s obligations & the costs to be turned Almost every stockholder present. Reck, Lerch, into the Treasury of the Company, etc. Cash Cole George Gallwas and Wickersham elected Directors fought the matter - but finally voted for the motion! for coming year. A committee of 3 appointed to After the meeting Gallwas sent Donaldson a audit books, and a Committee of 5 on telegram in accordance with my motion offering to Reorganization will meet with the Board of take over his stock & pay his debts to the bank! & Directors & the Stockholders on Jan. 25. with the pay him $500. additional. hope that a plan of reorganizing the Company can th -19 – be approved. There is general condemnation of Am at work on brief in case of U.S. v. Lynch, Bob Donaldson’s management, some of which is tideland case of interest. fair & justifiable. th -20 - Diary 39, 1929 -15th – Sunday - at home working on arranging and January 15 Wrote letters to Hon. J.W. Good, a former marking my library in accordance with the numbers Congressman and member of Com. on Ter etc. in my Bibliography. while I was in Congress - & just now one of the st Diary 39, 1929 -21 – most powerful supporters of Hoover - also to January 21-23 Same as usual in the office. Senator (Vice President elect) Curtis. Both of them nd -22 – have written letters and spoken to the Coolidge Same as usual in the office. administration in favor of my appointment as judge, Dinner tonight with Mr. & Mrs. Wallstein G. Smith, and I am thanking them for that friendly act. (Territorial Treasurer). Judge Hardings appointment was confirmed today Dr & Mrs. DeVighne and Mrs. Elliott. An excellent by the Senate, and we have a judge again in this dinner - the ladies played whist - while we men Division after nearly a year delay. I will be talked Lincoln! interested to know whom he will appoint for his rd -23 - court officials, but I assume he will retain the As usual in office - working on Brief in U.S. v Lynch present clerks etc. tideland case. Diary 39, 1929 -16- Grace is having friends for dinner tonight, Dr & January 16-18 Working office correspondence as usual. Mrs. Kazer & Mrs. Tupper & Mike Sullivan present -17th – & we all enjoyed both the dinner & the visit. Working in office as usual. th Diary 39, 1929 -24 – Dr & Mrs. DeVighne & Jack & Mrs. Hellenthal are January 24-25 Gallwas, Pres. Admiralty Is. Coal Co. has telegram to take dinner with us tonight. We had a find from Donaldson agreeing to take $500. for his full dinner & an enjoyable hour in my library. equity in stock etc. in Co. We will send him money -18th - & Bill of Sale on first boat. He is a fool for it is the We had a meeting - a joint meeting - of the Board best chance he will ever have to make a good bit of of Directors and the Special Committee on money & he is deliberately throwing it away. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Dinner tonight at Newmarkers – the Simpson me & we did a big days work. Grace & I went to McKinnons, Mrs. Tupper, Mrs. Tilden, Grace & *, the movie theater to see the Jack London play Stabler – were the guests. A fine dinner, cards “Burning Daylight.” radio music, & a nice visit with Jack – gave me a -28th – pleasant evening. Snowing & wind threatening. As usual in the office. Wrote a letter to Darrell. -25th - -29th - As usual in the office. I am getting Same as yesterday. Dr. Jenne refused to pay his Diary 39, 1929 25 subscription of $50. to purchase the Donaldson January 25 interested in my own argument in my brief in U.S. v stock - & I paid it! Lynch, a tideland case involving the title to the Diary 39, 1929 -30- reservation at Ketchikan for landing places for January 30 Same as usual. The minority stockholders in the Indian canoes, etc. Temporarily I have convinced Admiralty Is. Coal. Co. are now trying to get Lerch myself as to the main law points in the case - but. to surrender part o f his stock as excessive & unfair A meeting of the Stockholders of the Admiralty toward the cash subscription stock buyers. Lerch Is. Coal Co. at my office tonight. Moved, by Cash came over & wanted me to turn in part of my stock Cole to adjourn meeting for a week because books also - as excessive on organization. I gave a 1/2 were not audited & ready. Carried - but they then interest in the patented land - real value & full value gave an hour to open criticism cussing Lurch & - he gave nothing for his stock & drew a salary Donaldson - with a few intonations against me. It besides from the stock buyers! I criticized him for is so much easier to burn a house and destroy it presuming to ask me to give up my stock & pointed than to repair it - and Cash & John Peck are ready out the difference in our positions – but he is blind to burn destroy - and not repair. when such views are presented to his mental Diary 39, 1929 25th continued. vision. January 25 I prepared & had typed in my office a form of Bill of X Sale & Power of attorney to be sent to Donaldson Diary 39, 1929 -31st- to sign, upon his agreement to sell his $24,500 of January 31- Same as usual in the office. February 1 stock in the Company to Gallwas, for $500. & the Finished and served brief & argument in United payment of $3,000 of his debts out of the sales of States v. Lynch - tide land case. his stock - & the donation of the balance of his -Febry. 1st- stock to the Company. I gave Reck my check for Meeting of Stockholders Admiralty Is. Coal Co. to $250. as my share of the $500. to be paid to quarrel about Donaldson, Lerch stock. Meeting Donaldson & Gallwas gave his for $100. Mifs Todd was not so bad - for we all agree that something is to put up another $100 & Dr Jenne $50. must be done to put the Co. on its financial feet. The meetings of the Stockholders are held in my We talked - & then adjourned till next Tuesday office & have to furnish lights, chairs, etc. etc. all of evening. In the meantime we are to work out a which I do - & hear Cash Cole & Dr. Jenne “cuss” plan of reorganizing our finances - or rather, me for it - but I am patient – waiting. reviewing them, - or else Reck promised us the Diary 39, 1929 -26th – First Nat. Bk. would attach the property of the January 26-29 Same as usual. busy on Brief in the case of U.S. v Company & close up the corporation. I think I can Lynch, tidelands. see a way to reorganize. It is a very interesting question. Diary 39, 1929 -Feb. 2nd - -27th – February 2 I have this day made this offer to the Admiralty Sunday. I worked all day in my library, arranging, Island Coal Co. in my effort to assist in reviewing numbering etc. Grace and Roy Sullivan assisted its capital and credit: Juneau, Alaska, Feb 4, 1929 anxious to dispose of his promotion stock without a To the President, officers and stockholders of the lawsuit - though I fear they cannot get him to act Admiralty Island Coal Company, a corporation. except under compulsion. Gentlemen: In response to your request that I aid Diary 39, 1929 -3rd – in rehabilitating the financial condition of the February 3-5 Sunday. Read & visited. Company, in which I am a stockholder, and in -4th – consideration of your financially reorganizing the Roden got Leech to reduce his promotion stock to business of the Company so as thereby to save $16,000, but matter is to come before a meeting of our investment therein, I agree with you as such Board of Directors & Com of 5 on reorganization - stockholders as follows: at my office tonight. 1. I agree to use my best efforts to reduce the Meeting tonight insisted on reducing Lerch $3000. financial condition of the Company to a cash basis more, & he will agree with Roden tomorrow, so he by eliminating all watered Stock, or stock says. outstanding which has not been fairly paid for at -5th - par; and I further agree to surrender to the Roden got Lerch to reduce his promotion stock to Company for cancellation the sum of $7,500.00 $16,000, but matter is to come before a meeting of preferred stock of the Company on the basis of my Board of Directors & Com of 5 on reorganization - offer to sell my property in the Harkrader Coal at my office tonight. Claim to Donaldson and Lerch and their Seattle Meeting tonight insisted on reducing Lerch $3000. associates, on September 1, 1927. This will leave more, & he will agree with Roden tomorrow, so he me the owner of $17,500. of the common stock of says. the Company in addition for the sum mentioned in Diary 39, 1929 5 the following paragraph. February 5 and the majority (in numbers and Stock both) were II. I further agree to accept common stock of the present. Lerch refused to yield. He demanded his Co. at par for the sum of $325. which I loaned the stock & salary, etc. After much loud talk & Company. $300.00 to buy the Donaldson stock, threatened legal proceedings, Biggs asked Lerch and $25.00 to pay the to come out in another room as he would like to Diary 39, 1929 2 talk to him privately - they went out & in about ten February 2 Standard Oil Co. bill against the boat? minutes returned, and Lerch had changed. he Very truly yours, addressed the angry meeting in a gentle & James Wickersham pleasant manner & offered to retain $12,000 of his I am persuaded to do this because I am in doubt promotion stock & accept $500. as a compromise! about the ?[] liability of my increased price for the - thus returning to the Company about $10,000. in sale of my 1/2 interest in he Harkrader Coal Claim, stock and yielding more than $500. in back claim and 2, we must get relief from the debts of the for salary. His offer-was accepted by a unanimous Company either by turning in and cancelling vote of the Stockholders - & I hope order and doubtful stock, or by issuing new and additional peace & square dealing are stock. Both reduce values, but I prefer the Diary 39, 1929 5 cancellation method, since it clears the records of February 5-6 once again restored to the Company’s affairs. doubtful stock and gives those who bought stock at Lerch was voted a salary of $200. per month for his par a sense of fair treatment and increases the services as Sec & Treas. from Feb. 1. and he gives value of their stock by throwing out the doubtful. up all back claims except the $500. & will be This action on my part may afford a fair precedent permitted to retain the $12,000 stock. So that’s for Lerch to follow - for the stockholders are ended! Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 -6th - Wm L. Paul, also Curtis reply. Paul wrote asking Grace invited the Rustgards to dinner tonight - this permission to print in the “Fisherman” my letter to afternoon Mrs. R. called me up & said R- was sick Sutherland asking him to support my draft of bill & they could not come! leasing trap site locations etc. We are working industriously - Grace, Roy Recd. long political letter from Sutherland & Sullivan, my secretary, & I, preparing the books in answered it. Sent him copies of my my Library for the shelves, and placing them in correspondence with Solicitor Genl. Mitchell about order as they are numbered in my Bibliography. it charge that I was too blind to act as judge, etc. - a is slow but sure, & we are getting along nicely - if story said to come from Faulkner. I want Dan to slowly. ascertain facts about charges to prevent my Diary 39, 1929 -7th - appointment though I am quite sure that I cannot February 7 When the Rustgards could not come to dinner last have any recognition from the Hoover night on account of his sudden sickness Grace administration - except V.P. Curtis. invited Jimmy & Harriet Barragar, and their friend Diary 39, 1929 -12- Ann Elliott, the daughter of Col. Elliott, and Roy February 12-14 One of the coal miners from Admiralty Is. Coal Co. Sullivan, of my office diggins came in yesterday & reports better & we had a delightful evening with the young folks. conditions, enlarged vein of coal, etc. which helps I am making a comparison between the some. corporation laws of Delaware, Nevada and Alaska, Lincoln’s Birthday, brings back the years I spent in for the purpose of determining which law offers Springfield, Illinois in association with men who corporations the most liberal provisions for knew him & how often I walked his roads. business purposes - the greatest freedom and the -13th – least burden in carrying on its business in the Worked on my Income Tax report all day yesterday Territory of Alaska. I am doing this on inquiry from - have it blocked out & ready for a bookkeeper to Mr. D.G. Skinner. reduce to an expert shape. Diary 39, 1929 -8th – -14th - February 8-10 As usual in the office. I am working on a Valentine’s Day. Grace got one! Comparison corporation laws of Delaware, Nevada Working on Comparison of Corporation laws of and Alaska, to determine if the Alaska law is quite Nev. Del. & Alaska. as liberal as the others. Diary 39, 1929 -15th - -9th – February 15 My stock account with the Admiralty Island Coal Court called motion docket! Working on Company has been rearranged and settled in Corporation Law Comparison. accordance with my offer heretofore made to it: -10th - I now own in Common Stock, Received letter from MacMillan & Co. N.Y. Febry 1, 1928. - 1500 Shares declining to accept Old Yukon Trails - Febry 13, 1929 - 225 “ complimenting me on its qualities, suggesting that Febry 13 1929 - 50 “ some other publishing house might publish it for 1775 Shares of the par value of me, etc. just what my friend in Lawman & Hanfords $17,75000 said! I surrendered 750 shares of Preferred Stock and Diary 39, 1929 -11th - took 225 Shares of Common in its place, and February 11 Sent Paul copy of my letter of Jan 15th addressed bought the 50 shares of Common for cash! so as to to Senator Curtis - asking him to secure help out the Company. Everything looks good in recognition from the incoming administration for the mine at this time - it looks like a winner! Diary 39, 1929 -16- Income Tax Report. February 16 Working on comparison of corporation laws of Naghel assisting me. Alaska, Nevada and Delaware. John Reck, Diary 39, 1929 -20th – president of First National Bank, has had a row February 20-22 Completed signed & mailed my Income Tax Return with Cash Cole, over the attempts Cole is making today. to “reorganize” the Admiralty Island Coal Co. Cash -21st – has taken his account out of Recks bank etc. & Busy with office work - correspondence etc. A Reck seems happy to be rid of him. Reck is to foolish woman client in Fairbanks. Sent her finance Lerch to go south - to Seattle & San vigorous telegram to sit down and keep still. She is Francisco to look for funds to finance the Coal Co. annoying Albrecht & Taylor & will ruin her case - My young office assistant, L.M. Sullivan has been am trying to make her keep her seat & let her offered an appointment by Judge Harding as lawyers run the lawsuit. Commissioner at Hyder. I am trying to persuade -22nd - him not to accept it. The opportunities are better Washington’s Birthday. for him here in Juneau!! th Calm, mild and snowing. Remained at home all Diary 39, 1929 -17 - day and worked on arranging & numbering my February 17 A snowy Sunday! We had Lockie & Mrs. Alaskan library in accordance with arrangement & McKinnon & Walstein & Mrs. Smith (Ter. Tr). to numbers in my Bibliography. dinner last night. Among other unimportant things Diary 39, 1929 23 Mrs. S. disclosed was that my political opponents February 23 Received this telegram from Sutherland: had secured a photographic copy of my Check Washington, Feb. 23, 1929 donating $50.00 to the La Follette Presidential Hon. James Wickersham. Juneau. Campaign Fund. 1924, and filed it against me in Mailed you by air mail today copy of an opinion by the matter of my proposed appointment as Judge! Solicitor of Interior Dept. on Controller bill of last They evidently procured it from my office files by territorial legislative session which holds some theft - any way they got it!! Faulkner with his features of bill illegal, evidently prepared for Parks cunning, etc. probably secured it. I will investigate. to guide him in veto power stop. Bill for this I may find out where it came from. Anyway it was session should not be drafted until you have read his kind of politics. Still I shall not regret aiding the opinion stop Only thing solicitor seems to be honest old LaFollette that much, though I knew he dead sure about is illegality of appointment would not be elected! th notaries public although he almost raises question Diary 39, 1929 -18 – of right to select territorial officials by popular vote February 18-19 Recd. my Ms. Old Yukon Trails back from of the people stop MacMillan with a beautiful letter - but declining - on Diary 39, 1929 23 account of other manuscripts, etc. to publish it. Of February 23-25 he seems to think that the Governor should be the coarse I am disappointed but I will send it to Joel E. whole show. Erickson, manager book Dept. Lowman & Hanford, Dan Sutherland. Seattle and see if he can persuade some Coast My! How the bureau officials fear an organized Publisher to put it in type. Clark, Cleveland, 0. government by the people! Even when it is only a would publish it if I would help out some, but I beginning. How they do hate to give up a little cannot make up my mind to do that. th graft! This makes it all the more interesting, and 19 - will give Senator Steel and our friends in the Sent my Ms. Old Yukon Trails to Joel E. Erickson, Legislature something to do worthwhile. Lowman & Hanford Seattle, with letter. Preparing Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 -24th – Got stipulation signed by Hellenthal and by Sunday. Thawing & pleasant. Rustgard - & myself - to dismiss my suit against We had to dinner tonight Mrs. Hooker & Mildred & Smith, Treas. on account of the above matter, for Mrs. Lerch. the Act of Congress validates the appropriations & -25th - I have no case left!! Recd. letter from C.C. Dowell, member Filed motion to dismiss & stipulation in the court & Diary 39, 1929 25 cause & that ends that phase of the contest for an February 25 of Congress, & House Com. on Territories sending American form of government in Alaska. me Senate & House Reports on Senate Bill 4257 Things in the office as usual! “An Act to Authorize the Payment of Certain Diary 39, 1929 -27th – salaries or compensation to Federal officials and February 27-28 Same as usual in the office. Employees by the Treasurer of the Territory of I am working on comparing the corporation laws of Alaska,” which is a bill approved by Sutherland to Alaska and Delaware. pay Karl Thieles backpay as Sec. after Judge Reed -28th - held the treasurer had no authority to pay it out of The empire reports that Paul is having trouble with Territorial funds. Judge Harding, who is threatening to find him guilty Also a letter from Dan about the same bill, which of contempt of court because the Indian passed the House and became a law on Feb. 13 - Brotherhood at its meeting a month or so ago also copy Cong. Record of Feb 13, with the full declared that certain Indian boatmen were being proceedings in the House on the passage of the threatened with the seizure of their boats unfairly bill. S. 4257. I am greatly pleased with the wording for alleged violations of the fishery laws, by of the Act - which is now a law - because of Harding and Stabler. These new officials are now Diary 39, 1929 25 giving Paul trouble because of his assertion in that February 25 proviso attached thereto which reads as follows: matter in a proceeding in court. Paul has filed an “provided that subsequent to March 31, 1929, all affidavit of prejudice. appropriations by the Alaska Territorial Legislature Diary 39, 1929 -March 1st 1929. shall be in conformity with the provisions of the act March 1 The SS. “Aleutian” is going north. My friend James of Congress approved August 24, 1912, entitled Barrack, of Fairbanks, came up to inquire if I would “An Act sell my lots in Fairbanks & at what price? to Create a Legislative Assembly in the Territory of Finally said he would write to me about them from Alaska, to confer legislative power thereon, and for Fairbanks. Also said he would inquire about my other purposes” and amendments hereto.” interest in the nine quartz claims on Goessman Hill It seems to me that a member of the Alaska - as to assessment work etc. Guy B. Erwin is very Legislature ought to understand that kind of sick in the hospital at Seattle. Barrack tells me he language. I have written a letter to Sutherland is taking mind treatment from Christian Science approving this bill and congratulating him on its Practitioner for shrinking of prostate gland!! and passage. It strengthens the controller bill! suffering from excess urine in the meantime. Its Diary 39, 1929 -25th continued too bad they cant mix common sense with science. February 25-26 Rustgard came in to talk about the Bill which has Diary 39, 1929 Mch. 1, continued. just passed Congress & speaks very strongly March 1-4 Charlie Goodell, from Cordova also came up from against it to Dan. I defended both. Also sent the the boat to say “howdy do.” Most of the members bill, Reports etc. to Smith, Treasurer for of the legislature are in on this boat. Legislature examination. meets Monday. Will Steel in - and thinks the -26th - Senate O.K. an organization, Controller Bill, etc. -2nd – and its thoughts on the Controller bill & other Same as usual in the office. matters. In his message Gov. Parks -3rd – recommended that some official should be Sunday. Worked around the house, but also 2 provided - to be elected by the people, to take over hours at the office on the Comparison of the duties heretofore performed by the Sec. of the Corporation Laws of Alaska and Deleware. Territory. He informs the Legislature that the court -4th - held in my case that Theile was ineligible to hold Legislature meets today. Senate met & appointed both the Federal and the Territorial jobs! There is its officials & Clerks. My office man L.M. Sullivan a better spirit evinced toward some form of a was elected Territorial Organization than I expected - though Diary 39, 1929 4 there will be formidable opposition to the proper March 4 Engrossing Clerk. He will be a good Eng. Clerk. but form. I will be out of a lawyer - he is a first class young Diary 39, 1929 -8th – man. Wm. A. Steel was elected Pres. of the March 8-9 Grace is having the Bridge Club with her today. Senate - a bitter dose for the Empire & the She is a member & enjoys their games. Her party Faulkner crowd. They hate the very ground he was a success. We work in the library in the walks on - & his friends fill all Senate Offices. The evenings numbering the various volumes, House did not organize, but adjourned until pamphlets, etc. to agree with the numbers of the tomorrow to wait the arrival of two of its members - same title in the Bibliography of Alaskan Literature. Zeigler from Ketchikan has a law suit on there, & -9th - McDonald a sick wife in Seattle. McCain of The members of the Legislature are now yielding in Anchorage, also, who was not declared elected the matter of reorganizing the Territorial until too late to catch the boat, but will be here Government on the general plan of the Controller soon. Bill of 2 years ago. I think it will result in laws for There is now a chance for the controller bill to the Election of a Ter. Treas. Ter. Auditor and Ter. pass! Engineer, and always the Governor. Diary 39, 1929 -5th – but the other officials are to be elected and not, as March 5-6 Same as usual in the office. Sullivan has gone to now, appointed by work for the Senate as Engrossing Clerk. Attorney Diary 39, 1929 9 Genl. & Mrs. Rustgard & Senators Steel and Flame March 9 the Governor. These officials will constitute the will take dinner with us tonight. Board or Boards of Control - but in each the -6th - Governor will be the power! Still its a great gain Received today, from Sutherland, copy of an over having the Governor the more than power in opinion by the Solicitor of the Interior Dept. in Boards appointed by the Governor. The people of which he forwards to the Governor the data for a the Territory are not yet interested in the veto of the Controller Bill, if the Legislature shall organization of a real Territorial Government pass it. Passed it along to the Attorney General for responsible only to the People of the Territory. his examination. I shall read and study it carefully But a long step in that direction can now be taken, a little later, for it is an important attempt to prevent and I hope it will be done. The Senate is now the People of Alaska from forming an American friendly - though not enthusiastic, to the idea, which type of Government in this Territory. drives the Federal officials to a point of getting the Diary 39, 1929 -7th - best they can out of the situation. In other words March 7 Same as usual in the office. the Jones To[?] are yet powerful! The legislature is slowly organizing its business, Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1929 10- as Wash. State Indians are now securing through March 10-11 Stormy Sunday. Remained in the house all day acts of Congress. working in library marking, numbering & arranging Diary 39, 1929 -13- books. March 13-15 th We had a very pleasant party with the two Nome -11 - th senators, and Representatives Nylen and Zeigler, Case set for trial at Ketchikan on Mch. 20 - which last evening. After a good dinner, we smoked in will compel me to be there on that date. Some my library which greatly interested them. They interest in Legislature over electing Supt. of Edu- went to the Governors Reception at 9 oclock. We cation by Governor and 4 senior Senators. did not go - neither Grace nor I seem to care for Senators Steel, Frame & Anderson have majority receptions. of the Board & threaten to elect a man from As usual in the office. Snow is gone again, and I California & defeat Henderson, who has held the hope it does not fall again, for I am tired of the office for years - & has made it a political power - sloppy stuff! and always against our side, so I hope he is -14th – defeated, but I do not Same as usual - working on Comparison of Diary 39, 1929 11 Delaware & Alaska Corporation Laws. March 11 favor electing a man from California. I favor -15th - electing Keller, Supt. Juneau Schools. Steel does Finished my work of comparing the Corporation not care who it is so he defeats Henderson, but Laws of Alaska and Frame was the California one & without his vote Diary 39, 1929 15 they cannot defeat Henderson so Steel stands by March 15-16 Deleware ready for typing. with Frame! I shall be interested to learn who gets Consulted by Brown about organizing Alaska it. Investment Company. Promised attention on my Later. Kellar withdrew - think the Governor told him return from Ketchikan court - in 10 days. to do so - that Henderson still has a chance - to Also read new Controller Bill, prepared by Atty Kellar laid down - the election was then adjourned Genl Rustgard & Senator Steel. It is a pretty good for a week - on the motion of Senator Dunn law - satisfactory if we can get it passed and seconded by Senator Anderson. Steel still thinks approved. Substantially the same as that Anderson is loyal - but there is strong pressure introduced two years ago, except the Governor is being brought by members of the Nome delegation left on the Board of Control! - & he might lay down.” th th -16 - Diary 39, 1929 -12 - I am greatly pleased at the final result of the two March 12 Working on Alaska - Delaware corporation laws. suits I brought to enjoin the Territorial Treasurer Comparing them etc. from paring out Territorial Appropriations Have invited Senators Sundquist and Anderson, Diary 39, 1929 16 from Nome, also Nylen and Zeigler from Ketchikan March 16 to Federal Bureau Officials, and in addition to to dinner this evening. I am incubating a scheme Federal Appropriations. of organizing the Tlingit Indians & having them The first of these suits was begun the day after the apply to Congress for compensation for their lands, Legislature adjoined in 1927, against the fishing rights etc. etc. in connection with Paul when Treasurer, and on May 28, 1927 Judge Reed I go down to Ketchikan next week. Many of them rendered his lengthy opinion (7th Alaska Reports, have complained to me about the U.S. taking their 522-555, in which he sustained my principal garden sites, fishery places, hunting grounds, etc. contention that the attempt by the Legislature to and I think they are entitled to compensation - such pay a salary message to the Legislature, 9th Sess. 1929, he in addition to that paid by the United States to the frankly called their attention to the law applicable to Federal Secretary of the Territory was illegal and both cases, as follows: void. For political reasons and being influenced by the Governor and other Federal officials and the [clipping] Juneau Empire Judge Reed refused - or openly AUDITOR’S OFFICE neglected to enter final judgment in the case so I The District Court for the First Judicial Division, just could never appeal the case to the after the close of the last legislative session, held Diary 39, 1929 16 that the Secretary of Alaska is ineligible to perform March 16 U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, which I the many duties that have been conferred on his wished to do. Judge Reed died later and the case office for the past fifteen years by the Legislature. stood - until I dismissed it, accepting his favorable The Court stated that the present incumbent in opinion on the law as far as it was favorable performing these duties as a defacto officer and instead of what I thought to have received. may continue to act in that capacity until removed To hurry up matters and to keep the Federal or other arrangements are made to meet the officials awake I brought the second suit on June situation. The suit was later withdrawn, but it is not 29, 1927, to restrain the Treasurer from paying out proper that this question should remain subject to of the Territorial Treasury certain additional attack. It is suggested that this matter be given salaries etc. to the appropriations made by immediate consideration and I recommend the Congress for Federal Employees and expenses of creation of a department of audit with provisions for repairs etc. to Federal buildings. These suits the election of a Territorial Auditor authorized to caused the Federal Departments in Wash. to take assume all of the Territorial duties now performed notice of the litigation and a bill was introduced by the Secretary of Alaska. Since it is necessary to Diary 39, 1929 16 reorganize the office of the Secretary it is advisable March 16 in Congress by Sutherland, Delegate from Alaska, for you to consider whether or not certain functions, to pay those Federal officers who actually which were assigned to that office at a time when performed services under the illegal Acts of the there was no other place for them, should be taken Territorial Legislature, cut concluding with this out and assigned to the proper department. The significant proviso, That subsequent to March 3, recording of vital statistics and all matters 1929, all appropriations by the Alaska Territorial pertaining to health and sanitation should be under Legislature shall be in conformity with the supervision of the Commissioner of Health. provisions of the Act of Congress approved August However, until the new capitol building is 24, 1912, entitled “An Act to Create a legislative completed the records and clerk in charge should assembly in the Territory of Alaska, to confer remain in their present location. If this change is legislative powers thereon, and for other purposes, made a saving of $1200 to $1500 per year can be amendments thereto.” This bill passed the U.S. made because it will not be necessary to make an Senate May 3-10, 1928 and the House on Feb. 13, appropriation for additional stenographic services 1929, and was signed by the President later. for the Commissioner of Health or the Boards of This opinion of Judge Reed and Medical and Dental Examiners. Diary 39, 1929 16 March 16 the Act of Congress compelled the Federal officials This suggestion applies to the decision of Judge to consider the matters involved from the Reed in the Alaska, 522-555, standpoint of the Law. I assume the Governor was instructed to pay attention to the law, for in his Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1929 16 -18th - March 16 against the Secretarys salary: Further over in his Senator Luther C. Hess, from Fairbanks came in Message the Governor also said: office to call - we talked old times in Fairbanks & The last appropriation bill carried certain items finally the Colleges & remains of mammoth etc. in aggregating $6,450 to supplement the Federal Fairbanks mines. I suggested to him the appropriations, including personal services at the importance of preserving the bones of the Governor’s House, traveling expenses of the mammoth, horse, buffalo, etc. being & to be Governor, entertainment of representatives of the uncovered in the mining on Cleary & other creeks United States and foreign nations, and repairs to by the College; it struck him as a good idea and he the executive Mansion. There is some doubt as to asked me to prepare a bill for the Legislature to the validity of these items and they have not been accomplish that result. expended. The justification for the appropriations Diary 39, 1929 18 is not material here, but the reasons for March 18-19 The Board of Education consisting of the Governor questioning their validity are of the utmost and the four Senior Senators met today to elect a importance in considering future appropriations Commissioner of Education. The Gov & Dunn, of bills. It is contended that all items in a general Ruby, voted to retain Henderson, but Steel, appropriation bill are invalid unless they are made Anderson and Frame voted for Brower of Cordova. pursuant to the authorization contained in a & elected him, provided the 4 senior senators are specific law. In other words, an item in the general competent to constitute a perpetual board of appropriation bill, to cover the rent for a building for education, & still remain members of the Senate. example, is not valid unless there is a specific law -19th - authorizing someone to rent the property. Past I have prepared a bill for Senator Hess providing appropriation bills have contained numerous items an appropriation of $10,000 for preserving remains which were subject to attack for the reason stated of mammoth etc. while the heavy mining is going and the matter is submitted at this time so that we on in the Cleary & Goldstream Creeks. may avoid similar mistakes in our next Diary 39, 1929 -20th - appropriation bill. March 20 Am going to Ketchikan on tonights boat - to try the case of Matheson Heirs v Patenaude, to recover This is an admission of the legal correctness of my on an endorsement on a note made by Russell & contention in the second case against the endorsed by Patenaude, etc. also two other small Treasurer to prevent him from paying the items case, & I hope to get a scheme established with mentioned by the Governor in the above quotation Wm. L. Pauls assistance to recover from the U.S. from his Message. He is now willing & his faction the tribal values for the Tlingit Indians of their lands is forced to accept amendments to the law creating and properties taken by the U.S. and its citizens an officer, a Territorial official, to take the place of without Treaty or any other rights but just by force! the Secretary and to cut out Territorial If I can get Paul interested we will act as the appropriations for Federal purposes - a complete attorneys for the Tlingit’s, as a tribe - through victory for my two suits & Sutherlands Bill. Congress etc. Diary 39, 1929 -17th – Mrs. Tupper will stay at the house with Grace while March 17-18 Sunday - Worked in library arranging & numbering I am away. my Alaskan books to agree with arrangement & Diary 39, 1929 -21st – numbers in Bibliography. Grace & I went to picture March 21-22 Left Juneau last night on the Yukon. We passed show in evening. Friends to Sunday lunch etc. Petersburg without stopping & reached Wrangell Read an interesting book. afternoon. Judge Thomas & John G. Grant came with me as witnesses in the Patenaude case & the Made a contract with Wm L. Paul & his wife to join Patenaudes came also. Reached Ketchikan at 8 with them in the plan of securing compensation for oclock in the evening & went to the Gilmore Hotel. the Tlingit & Haida Indians. Olts came to urge my -22- attention to the Asbestos mines & our interest with Our case cannot be reached today but the court De Roux therein. He is trying to crowd us out! He agreed to permit us to take our testimony by is taking money from other people & promising to referee if he cannot hear us tomorrow. Am convey title to them etc when we (Olts & I) own 1/2 advising with Paul about an appeal in the case interest by deed from him, properly recorded!! when Judge Harding fined him $17500 for contempt Yukon left Ketchikan at noon. Mrs. Luther C. Hess of court. is on board and many others from Fairbanks, also Diary 39, 1929 -23rd - my Fairbanks friend Mrs. “Jennie O’Brien” - with March 23 I am old and tired tonight & I will go to bed early. whom I passed some interesting hours some ten Attended court all day listening to the trial of Harry years ago. She ran when she Nixon & his son for having in possession Diary 39, 1929 25 intoxicating liquor. Also tried my own case of March 25-26 saw me & has kept in her room. Verily conscience Matheson v Patenaude to set aside a deed from makes cowards of us all. Of course she married husband to wife for fraudulent conveyance to after our Fairbanks acquaintance - but she ought to defraud creditors. Concluded taking the testimony know I never forget to be a discreet gentleman - & have 2 weeks to file brief for the plaintiff. I am to even to my diary. Jennie is a very competent take dinner tomorrow – Sunday - with Wm L. Paul business woman and has made a fortune even in and his family. Also have an engagement with him Fairbanks. She is a fine pioneer character and has at 10 a.m. in the morning to talk over the plan of the respect of the people of the Tanana, and well getting Congress to pass an Act permitting the deserves it. Tlingit Nation to present its claims to the Courts for -26th - their lands etc. taken by the United States without Our ship remained last night at the mouth of the Treaty. Wrangell Narrows in a snowstorm. J. O’B. came Diary 39, 1929 -24- out of retirement this evening and I had a pleasant March 24 Sunday - Dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Wm L. Paul. interview with her & Mrs. Bess in the main Spent some time at his office in consultation with reception room. him about an appeal in the case when Judge Diary 39, 1929 -27th - Harding fined him in two cases - $100 in one & $75 March 27 We landed in Petersburg late yesterday afternoon. in the other. I saw the Arctic Blue Fox Co. Officials but nothing Also I proposed to him the project of attempting to was done about Wheeler suit. Also McGregor - secure the passage of an Act of Congress to who promises to pay me the $250. he owes me - permit the Tlingit & Haida Indians to bring suit in as soon as he can! Went by Kake & arrived in the Court of Claims to recover the value of the Juneau this morning at 230 & found Grace in bed homelands, fishing sites, etc. taken by the U.S. sound asleep and glad to see me! without compensation. We agreed to join as The struggle is on in the Legislature about the attorneys & work together as attorneys for the Controller Bill - the Senate for it by a vote of 5 in Indians. I wrote out the agreement & he is favor and 3 against the House is apparently considering it. opposed by an equal majority, so the battle stands. Diary 39, 1929 -25- Letter – copy - from Sutherland addressed to March 25 The SS. Yukon came in this morning at 7 a.m. & I Senator Borah, stating that he cannot support on am going home on her. Capt. A.D. Williams for Governor of Alaska since Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 his choice is Judge James Wickersham - he is just elect an Auditor. But before the vote was taken, making me an excuse for I am not a candidate. Senator Dunn, its author, urged the Senate to defeat the motion to kill it. Diary 39, 1929 27 Recognize Futility March 27 Yesterdays Empire says: But he, himself, recognized the futility of such a

plea. “Even if an angel from Heaven came down [clipping] and defended the measure, I know it wouldn’t SENATE PASSES make any difference to,” the majority, he asserted. CONTROL BOARD The purpose of the bill, he added, was to give the MEASURE TODAY people of Alaska a needed office to be filled in the Steel Controller Bill Passed only American manner, by election, to have its Five to Three Without duties imposed on the officer occupying it directly. Word of Debate The Steel Controller Bill, he said, was an effort to The Senate this afternoon by a vote of five to mix up several offices, to create an arbitrary board three passed Steel’s new Controller Bill, Senate Bill with extensive powers. No. 35, creating a board of Control to be the “If you believe in the principles of American executive branch of the Territorial Government, Government, there is no reason why you cannot establishing the office of auditor and providing for support this measure,” he asserted. He charged his election and the election of the Territorial that the majority members were saddling the Treasurer by popular vote. Territory with an experiment in government, and no The bill was read by title only. There was no one knew where it might lead to. “We have had a debate of any kind. Not a single word was spoken very efficient system of Government up to now, but in either defense or condemnation. The God knows where it might lead to. “We have had a emergency clause, however, failed to pass, being very efficient system of Government up to now, but one vote short of the necessary two-thirds of the God knows where we will go under this Control membership. Senators Frame, Anderson Board,” he concluded. Sundquist, Benjamin and Steel voted both for the The vote of the Senate remained unchanged. bill and the emergency, while Senators Dimond, Anderson, Benjamin, Frame, Sundquist and Steel Dunn and Hess voted against both. voted for indefinite postponement and Dimond, Kill Other Measures Dunn and Hess against it. The majority machine then moved on to wipe off th Diary 39, 1929 -28 – its calendar the other two measures for March 28-29 Same as usual in the office. governmental re-organization. It took off the table Busy on appeal of Wm L. Paul, fined by Judge the bill providing for the popular election of Harding for contempt of court; also in preparation Treasurer and another creating the office of Auditor of Brief in Patenaude case. and providing for his popular election. Both were -29- read for the second time. Same as usual in the office. The treasurer measure was first to get the axe. Senator Dimond has introduced a new school bill, Mr. Sundquist, seconded by Mr. Frame, moved its to codify the school laws - but particularly to repeal indefinite postponement. For the second time the present law & enable a new Board of Education during the day’s session, the Senate voted without to reelect Henderson as superintendent debate, and the kill was killed by the same vote notwithstanding his defeat by Bruer two weeks and division as the Controller Bill carried. ago. The 5 Senators are not asleep and Tony’s bill The same procedure was followed on the bill to will be carefully pruned before its passage. Since Judge Bunnells arrival here to secure Diary 39, 1929 -5th – appropriations for the Agri. College, the opposition April 5-6 Working on brief of Acts of Congress authorizing of the Controller Bill has softened, for he has been submission of Indian tribes to sue U.S. for legal notified that if his 4th Div. friends fight the and equitable rights in U.S. Court of Claims. Controller Bill there will be reprisal. Dinner tonight at home. Senator and Mrs. Hess, Diary 39, 1929 -30th – Major and Mrs. Elliott, Mrs. Tupper and Judge March 30-31 Holiday - Treaty Day - but I am working on brief in Bunnell, of the Alaska Agri. College, the men Matheson v Patenaude. Roy Sullivan is also enjoyed my library - the women Bridge. Mrs. working typing my Comparison of the Corporation Holbrook came in after dinner to play cards with Laws of Alaska and Delaware. the ladies. -31st - -6th - As usual in the Office. Writing letter to Senator Diary 39, 1929 -April 1st 1929- Jones asking for reports on Indian Claims bills etc. April 1-3 Same as usual in the office. -7th- -April 2nd – Sunday. Home all day - dinner down to town with Darrells 47th Birthday. I wrote him a nice loving Grace & we went to theater. letter, and one also to Harold, at Enumclaw. Busy Diary 39, 1929 -7th – on Patenaude Brief. Received letter from Darrell April 7-10 Sunday – worked in my library – went to Club Café saying he cannot visit us in June! I am very much for dinner with Grace – not so good as her own disappointed. home cooking but a change for her & a Sunday Court is in session beginning yesterday. Luckily I rest! have no case for trial before the new Judge - -8th – Harding – but have three pending before Judge Hill Same as usual in office. Judge Harding is trying a who will be here to hold court tomorrow. long mining case. Roden is in case - can do -3rd – nothing in Pauls Appeal until that case is ended. Same as usual in the office. Finished -9th – Diary 39, 1929 3 Busy in office, nothing extraordinary. April 3-4 writing my Brief in Matheson - Grant Guardian v -10- Patenauds - a case brought by me for plaintiff to Same as usual in the office. set aside a series of deeds made by a husband to Judge Bunnell & Mrs. Tupper paid their dinner calls his wife to hinder, delay & defraud his creditors. this evening and remained until midnight talking. -4th - He talked “college and its opportunities” We have had a “Taku wind” blowing over the Diary 39, 1929 10 mountains for three days, but it is bright & warmer April 10 and invited me to attend his Commencement today. I am assisting in preparing an “8 hour law” exercises the last of June and deliver the address! bill to be introduced by Representative Fisher of I promised to answer his invitation in ample time. Fairbanks. Some new business coming into the My acceptance will depend on things not yet office & I am kept very busy - especially that I am certain - but I hope to go. now alone - my former assistant Leroy Sullivan Capt. A.D. Williams, of Kokrines, called. He is a being engaged as Enrolling Clerk in the Senate. candidate for Governor but I declined to give him The Senate & house seem to be hopelessly in an endorsement because it would do him more opposition on the Controller Bill & other legislation! harm than good! He assured me that Holmes stands no chance of appointment, and quotes Senator Borah to that effect. He thinks Parks will Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 be reappointed! I wrote a letter to Sutherland it as their statement of the facts and principles, & today saying I would not be a candidate & urged then drop the subject. If the Governor & the House him to suggest to the President that he appoint us accept the challenge & do not pass any a Stinson, a Wood or a Taft! satisfactory law to take the place of those which Diary 39, 1929 10 are conceded to be deficient – void - they the April 10-21 and not a Pollyanna! Territorial government may just have to take a rest That Alaska needed a man of high executive until Congress intervenes. ability, experience and Eastern influence! But Dan Diary 39, 1929 -15th - wont do it - and neither will Hoover! April 15 Same in office. -11th – Had the five senators, Steel, Frame, Sundquist, Working in the office. Benjamin and Anderson up at my house tonight: I We had to dinner tonight: Mr. & Mrs. Harry had prepared a Senate Memorial No. I for them, in Donnelly, of the 4th Div. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Foster of the matter of the Senate Bill No. 35, Controller bill: the 3rd and Mr. & Mrs. Lomen of the 2nd. We had it was read by me discussed & the senators agreed an excellent dinner & a very pleasant after dinner on their course of action: they will amend the party. memorial in some particulars & introduce it at -12th - proper time, and thereby place the responsibility for The House Committee having in charge Senator failure of the Governor & the House to act to Steels Senate Bill No. 35, made its report amend the well know defects in the laws creating a yesterday. It strikes out of the Senate bill about Territorial Executive Department on the Governor everything that was good, especially all its pro- & House, and also refer the whole matter to Diary 39, 1929 12 Congress! April 12-13 visions creating a Board of Control consisting of Diary 39, 1929 -16th – the Governor, Auditor and Treasurer, and leaves April 16-17 I sent a copy of my Comparison of the Corporation all political powers of appointment and control in Laws of Alaska with those of Delaware this day to the hands of the Governor! It even proposes to Hon. E.D. Skinner, canneryman & capitalist, punish the Senate by taking away its power of Skinner Bldg. Seattle. confirming appointive offices, and giving that to the Invited Rothenburg, Speaker House, and Fisher, Senate & House combined! It is the basis for a McDonald, Members House, Senator Dimond & his contest that may yet cause charges to be filed wife, to dinner tomorrow evening, also Mr. & Mrs. against Park’s confirmation in case he is Newmarker, neighbors. Invited Bishop Rowe, but reappointed. he leaves town on the boat today & could not -13th - come. There will be no politics talked because all Will Steel was just in and told me that his enemies these gentlemen oppose the Controller Bill. were at work before the Grand Jury trying to indict -17th - him for voting in Juneau at the city election!! The Controller Bill, with every feature of Territorial Diary 39, 1929 -14th - Government cut out April 14 The situation in respect to the Controller Bill has Diary 39, 1929 17 become a stalemate. The House has set its face April 17 by amendments, passed the house today & it will against the Board of Control feature in that bill - the now go to the Senate. Senate takes a Strong stand the other way - so I We had a very nice dinner tonight Rothenburg, am drawing a Memorial to the President, to Fisher, McDonald, from the 4th Div. & Diamond & Congress & to Sutherland setting up the Senate his wife from the 3rd, but Murray, from the 3rd, was View, & will ask Steel & the five Senators to adopt so “sick” he could not come! - in other words, Joe, was drunk! Mr. & Mrs. Newmarker & Mrs. Lerch -22nd - made up the party & we had a pleasant evening, Wrote Mrs. Patton, Hoquiam, and thanked her for the ladies played bridge & we men smoked and sending me a beautiful library table - bless her kind talked about early days in the Tanana. Also just as heart! dinner was over Mr. & Mrs. Hutchinson, from Senators Anderson, Benjamin, Frame, Steel and Fairbanks called. their boat was at the wharf & they Sundquist introduced the Senate Memorial No went on home. They are always nice & friendly. today: it is an arrangement of the Governor & those Diary 39, 1929 -18th - who oppose creating an American Form of April 18 As usual in the office. I am just now preparing an Territorial Government in Alaska, and may yet form Agreement between myself and Wm L. Paul & his a basis for charges against the confirmation of wife, Frances L. Paul, as parties of the first part, Gov. Parks in case and the Tlinket and Haida Indians, providing for our Diary 39, 1929 22 services in collecting the claims of the Tlingit and April 22 is reappointed Gov. of this Territory. I wrote this Haida Indians for fisheries, lands hunting grounds, Memorial & the Senators agreed to introduce it - etc. taken by the United States at the time of this is the 50th day & the last one on which they making the Treaty of Session, Mch. 30, 1867, and could introduce the same, for no measure can be for which no compensation whatever has been introduced under the Rules, after this date, without made to these Indians by treaty or otherwise. It will suspending the Rules, & that requires a two thirds be a big task and I am very careful in the pre- vote - or 6 out of 8 votes of the Senators - & that paration of our Contract with the Indians, hoping they could not get - secure, for Hess, Dimond and thereby to impress Congress & the courts, if we Dunn oppose! ever reach either with our entire good faith. Henry Roden & I are preparing the Assignment of Diary 39, 1929 -19th – Errors today in the Contempt case against Paul, for April 19-20 The Legislature is unable to agree on the whom we are to appear. It is a pretty close case - Controller Bill & especially the Board of Control we fear, though we think the facts & the law are in feature of it. Senator Frame, representing a his favor, and we are certain Judge Harding ought majority of the Senate, is just now engaged in never to have had the case! studying the legal aspects of the situation & I have Diary 39, 1929 -23rd – loaned him my brief and authorities, used in the April 23-24 O.D. Cochran, prominent attorney from Nome, & cases which I brought in the District Court, so he “Teddy“ Kettleson, Supt. of the Pioneers Home, may familiarize himself with the principles involved, Sitka, called today. Invited Cochran & his wife to and with the decisions of the Courts in relation take dinner with us this week Thursday - 25th. thereto. -24th - -20th - Busy closing up ay letters etc. A man occupying a Same in office. Nothing in court except briefs in room on the same floor as my office had small pox pending cases. Wrote a letter to Darrell about our and was removed from the room this morning & declining income in Price Co, Tacoma, property & taken to the jail - as a pesthouse! Meeting of the asked him to attend to matter if he can. Stockholders of the Admiralty Is. Coal Co. in my Diary 39, 1929 -21st – offices tonight - to hear Lerch’s report of his failure April 21-22 Sunday - remained in library nearly all day. Grace to get financial aid for the Co. in Seattle or S.F. & I took dinner down town at Mary’s Restaurant - without a Report from a Coal Expert! not as good as cooking as at home. We then Meeting was without Explosions - it attended the Palace Moving Pictures. Beautiful day - robins sang all night. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1929 24 to the people of Alaska. Steel, Anderson, April 24 now transpires that Reck & Cann. are deeply Benjamin, Fame & Sundquist, the majority interested in trying to get the property of the Senators are standing firm as a rock wall, & Admiralty Is. Coal Co. transferred to another holding up many bills much wanted. Corporation under such conditions as will give the Diary 39, 1929 -27th - new Co. great advantages etc. and they hope to be April 27 Senator Steel tells me that the opponents of the in on the “advantages” – as promoters. With the Peoples Control in the Territorial Government in notes etc. in his bank & his control of our financial the House are weakening. The conferees on the affairs Reck may be able to destroy us, etc. Free Conference Committee on the Steel Cann proposed a plan last night of taking the Controller Bill exhibit signs of yielding. The A.I.C.Co. into a million dollar scheme at a reduction members of the house from the South Division, of our stock price 50% - which I openly opposed. who had led the fight against the Steel Bill, are We finally agreed to sell our property for $250,000 exceedingly anxious about the Appropriations bill if a buyer can be had, but the buzzards on the for the College & the Senators turn all appeals in fence are waiting for the old Cow to die –so they favor of that bill to a discussion of the Steel Bill. may eat! Bully for Bill Steel! he has shown courage and Diary 39, 1929 -25- American patriotism and will deserve the credit for April 25 In office as usual. At the meeting of the what they get - if the opponents of his bill do yield - Stockholders of the Admiralty Is. Coal Co. last as I hope they will. night a Committee of 5 - Reck, Cann, Lerch, Briggs Diary 39, 1929 -28th – and myself was appointed to call on Messrs Harris April 28-30 Sunday. In the Library most of the day. and Elfendahl - 2 representatives of the wealthy -29th – Alaska Cannerymen to discuss the future & Steel tells me there is a chance that the House will finances of the Mine. We called - & talked - but recede from its opposition to the Board of Control without point or result. They did halfway promise to feature, and agree to it in a modified form. stop in the Inlet & look at the mine, but promised -30th - nothing else. Meeting of Board of Directors Admiralty Island Coal Dinner tonight at home. D.D. Cochran & wife, Mr. Co. in my office to raise $300.00 to pay the coal & Mrs. Eggleston - Supt. of Fairbanks Exploration miners at work on our Mine. I agreed to put in Co, & Harry Pratt, Cochran & Pratt attorneys for $300.00 more for that purpose and take stock in the the Fairbanks Co. engaged in Mining on Cleary & Co. for it. Am working on form of a Bill to be Gold Stream etc. Just a social occasion. introduced in Congress authorizing the Tlingit & Diary 39, 1929 -26th - Haida Indians of Alaska to bring suit in the Court of April 26 As usual in the office. Claims to recover for their lands etc. in The Senate Memorial No 1. introduced but not Southeastern Alaska. passed yet, has caused the opponents of the Diary 39, 1929 -30th – continued. Controller Bill features in the Senate Bill introduced April 30 Grace gave a party tonight - a bridge card party - to by Senator Steel to stop, and look & listen! The the schoolteachers with whom she taught, and it Governor and his friends are now afraid of the was a very gaudy one. They all seemed to enjoy it possible results, both in his reappointment as - but Senator Anderson from Nome, Mrs. Tupper, Governor, and in the appeal to Congress for teacher and I seemed out of place - we “holed up” assistance to combat their efforts to make the in the Library & talked books etc. Governor the sole, automatic Authority in Alaska. I think they may weaken & concede something fair [clipping] E.W. SAWYER get everything they wanted, they finally got enough IS PLANNING to put the Government of the Territory on the road ALASKA TRIP to development, for which they are to be highly Administrative Assistant to congratulated, and the Territory also. The final Wilbur Is Coming- result of their courage and Americanism is: the

Purposes of Tour election by the People of the Territory Diary 39, 1929 3 WASHINGTON, April 30.-Ernest W. Sawyer, May 3 of Four major officials: Treasurer, Auditor, Supt. of Administrative Assistant to Secretary of Interior Schools and Highway Commissioner. These four Wilbur, will leave May 20, for an inspection tour of will be hereafter elected by Alaskans, and they will, several western states and Alaska. naturally, in good time, be jealous of Federal Sawyer plans to go first to Chicago to confer with appointive power, and around them, and this officials of the Alaska Railroad, then after investi- prejudice, will gather that sentiment of a few people gation of western reclamation projects, will proceed which will soon strip Federal officials of the power to Alaska and study in detail the administration of to control the Territorial Government. These five that territory. Senators, also, reduced the appropriations for the Agri. College & School of Mines some $30,000 Now I just wonder what this means? Another in remembrance of the efforts of Pres. Bunnell of hunting trip like that Mitchell, Atty. Genl. had last that institution, to defeat their efforts to free our summer? Territorial Government from Federal Control. Diary 39, 1929 -May 1st - Diary 39, 1929 3 May 1 The Admiralty Island Coal Co. has raised almost May 3 Yesterday was the last day freed by the Organic enough money to pay its coal miners their wages, Act for legislation, but these 5 held up the General and an Expert Coal man is coming to examine the Appropriations Bill & the bills creating the Auditors property - there are rumors of sale etc. & things are office etc. and compelled their opponents to agree looking up. We had a meeting of the Board of to elect Cash Cole, Auditor, before they would Directors today. Reck & all of us agreed to take yield, & won that also. more stock & pay in the money for the purpose of They defeated Henderson, Supt. Education, one of paying the miners, - from $200 to $2000. I put in the worst enemies they had to contend with & in $300. & told Reck I would not pay the note for his place elected Bauer, who is at least a stranger $2500. in his bank until he and the bank replaced to the Governor’s forces - the Gov. and Senator the Donaldson & Lerch stock which was attached Dunn voted for Henderson & lost. These 5 also to it as security when I signed the note. He was eased Senate Memorial No. 1. in strong criticism of rather nasty about the matter - but he is on the the Governors attitude - altogether a fine record for wrong side legally. Freedom in a legislature overwhelming against Diary 39, 1929 -May 2nd – them. May 2-3 The Legislature will adjourn [?] tonight: things there Diary 39, 1929 3 are in a jam and no one can quite tell what they May 3 The House passed a House Resolution in answer have done until a survey is made tomorrow. to Senate Memorial No 1. as follows: It looks now as if they have defeated the Controller Board feature finally. [clipping] -May 3rd - HOUSE PRAISES Well, its all over, and while the 5 senators - Steel, GOV. PARKS FOR Anderson, Benjamin, Frame and Sundquist did not HIS ATTITUDE Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Passes Resolution Endors- Ten to Delegate ing His Administration “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of by Vote of 14 to 1 this Resolution be sent to the President, a copy to The House this morning by a vote of 14 to one, the United States Senate, and ten copies to the the remaining member being absent, passed a Honorable Dan A. Sutherland, Delegate to House Resolution unreservedly endorsing the Congress from Alaska, for distribution among the administration of Gov. George A. Parks and heads of the departments of the Government.” praising him unqualifiedly. While it does not refer The resolution was introduced by Messrs. Lomen directly to Senate Memorial No. 1, attacking the and Foster by unanimous consent. Governor and alleging him to have been politically active, it makes reference to it indirectly. The members of the House who fought the plan of Mr. Winn, First Division, was the only member to reinforcing Territorial Government are greatly vote against it. He assigned no reason for his vote. disappointed at the gains our friends made & from Mr. McCain was absent, having left last night for their talk one [?] Ketchikan to visit his son H.G. McCain and family. Diary 39, 1929 -May 4th – Text of Resolution May 4-5 Members of the Legislature cannot get away, on The text of the resolution follows: account of the way the boats run, for several days, “BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of and are yet quarreling over the recent struggles. Representatives of the I am working on Wm L. Pauls contempt case. It is Alaska Territorial Legislature in Ninth regular on appeal to U.S. Ct. Ct. of Appeals - but I am session assembled: preparing a statement of the facts & may send it to “That we commend, without reservation, the the Atty. Genl. & ask him to dismiss the case - if he honorable George A. Parks, Governor of Alaska, will. But he wont! as a true and loyal Alaskan, an honorable and Grace is quite sick. Dr. DeVighne attends her. It upright man, and an excellent administrator, of seems to be intestinal trouble. I think it is a slight whom Alaskans may well be proud. We comment attack of ptomaine poisoning. Governor Parks for the marked ability with which -5- he has performed the duties of his office; we Sunday - attending Grace & working in the office. commend him for his fairness and impartiality; we Good walk in the sun. commend him for the labor he has taken to Diary 39, 1929 -6th – acquaint himself with the needs of the various May 6-7 At work in the office as usual. regions of Alaska, and the thoughtful consideration Lerch & John Reck went over yesterday to he has given to the many problems which confront examine the Coal Mine & pay the men. Also they him; we commend him for his scrupulous care in expect to meet the Coal Expert who is coming up. confining his activities to the proper performance of from Seattle to make a report on the mind & his own duties, and in never invading the field of surrounding prospects. If his report is favorable it action reserved for the Alaska Territorial is their intention to try to sell the mine. Legislature by the provisions of the Organic Act of -7th - Alaska; we commend him for his good temper and Boat north and south today carrying members of sanity when he has been (and that lately) vilified the Legislature home. and traduced by men who in their eagerness to Grace does not seem to be recovering as quickly obtain political jobs at public expense have passed as expected. Sent Paul copy of the proposed Bill far beyond the bounds of truth and decency; we for the relief of the Alaska Indians - claims for their commend him because he is a gentleman. lands, etc. Working on Pauls Contempt Case. Diary 39, 1929 -8th - by Legislature to Governors Sec. Clerk & May 8 Letter from Darrell who is quite exercised over my Stenographer, & also salary Highway Engineer - financial condition: He thinks I put too much warning them appropriations illegal & not to pay money into my new home, and urges me to quit them. I shall bring another suit to restrain payment paying Nan & Harry, etc. I am impressed with his but think it fair to give warning. objections & will do just about as he suggests in Diary 39, 1929 -13th – continued. those matters. May 13-14 Recd. telegram from Ketchikan asking me to bring The last member of the Legislature has gone home suit about school matter. Judge Harding left on & peace reigns once more. Will Steel, Senator steamer yesterday for Yakutat -”bear hunting” - from Juneau, sent south with the rest of them. to again, so nothing can be done! Seattle - and says he will attempt to get money – Served copies of objections to paying capital - to start a Republican newspaper in appropriations for Governors secretary, Clerk and Juneau! With four major Territorial officials to be Stenographer - & salary Highway Engineer & elected by the people we may now be able to really Auditor & Treasurer. organize a Territorial Government & a Republican -14th - newspaper is greatly needed. The more I study Chap. 114, 118 & other laws Diary 39, 1929 -9th – recently enacted by the legislature the more May 9-12 Wrote Darrell - sent him statement of my assets & satisfied I am with what we obtained thereby in the copy of my Income Tax Return for last year, etc. organization of a Territorial Form of Government. Grace is better and the Doctor, DeVighne says she Am working in the office as usual - though there is is cured, but weak. She will be as usual in a few not much business in the law work these days. days etc. Cash Cole, Auditor, took possession of Diary 39, 1929 14 his office the day after the Legislature adjourned & May 14 [clipping] is “carrying on.” DAILY ALASKA EMPIRE, TUESDAY, MAY 14, -10th – 1929. As usual in the office. Wickersham Warns Auditor -11th – and Treasurer Not to Pay Same as yesterday. Salaries, Clerks, Sommers -12th - Reviving his two-year old fight against the Yesterday Lockie McKinnon asked me to prepare Governor’s office and starting one on the Territorial papers in Butterbaugh Est. am doing it today - Highway Engineer, R.J. Sommers, Judge James Sunday. Wickersham has started a movement designed to Also received telegram from three prevent the payment of Territorial funds to clerks in Diary 39, 1929 12 Gov. Parks’ office and Mr. Sommers for salaries. May 12-13 High School girls at Ketchikan complaining that His first step was to write a letter to Treasurer School Board had forbidden outside residents Walstein G. Smith and Auditor Cash Cole warning children to come to school in Ketchikan & asking them they would violate the law if they paid out advice. I interviewed Henderson, Com. of moneys for that purpose. Education & Rustgard, Atty. Genl. - both say the Wickersham cited the penal provisions of the so- law is against us. I do not think so & telegraphed called Controller Bill, warning the Auditor he would girls to that effect. be guilty of a felony and the Treasurer that he -13th - would be guilty of embezzlement if they made such Am preparing letter to Cole, Auditor & Smith, payments. Treasurer, about payment of appropriations made Claims Items Overlooked Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 The letter to the two officials follows in part: will violate the law by allowing them; they are not “. . . In the excitement of the last two hours of the made “in pursuance of laws authorizing the session the members of the Legislature overlooked payment thereof,” and the Treasurer will violate the two of the most important mandatory provisions of law by paying them.” the Steel Bill, and violated their provisions in two Appropriations covering these identical items were instances, and your attention is now called to these attacked two years ago by Wickersham in a suit two violators of the law. filed to enjoin their payment. The case was heard “The two mandatory provisions mentioned are on demurrer before the late Judge T.M. Reed in Section 8 of the Act, contained in Article I, relating the local Federal district court. On May 28, 1927, particularly to the Auditor, and the other is in a lengthy decision covering these and other subdivision (d) in Section 16, relating particularly to points, Judge Reed upheld the validity of the items, the Treasurer, though both are in the same Act, concluding: and control the actions of both Auditor and Diary 39, 1929 14 Treasurer. May 14 “I am of the opinion that the appropriation for the “Section 8, Article I, provides (italics mine): salary of the Secretary to the Governor and the ‘Section 8. If the Auditor shall allow a claim appropriations for the Governor’s office for an extra against the Territory which he knows to be false or clerk and a stenographer are valid.” fraudulent or for which there is not an existing Engineer New Issue appropriation against which a warrant may be The question of payment of the salary of drawn, except where otherwise provided by law, or Highway Engineer Sommers was not raised in the knows to be not a just, true or legal charge against Wickersham suit of 1927. It presents a new issue. the Territory he shall be guilty of a felony and, upon Judge Wickersham contends that there is no conviction, shall be punished’ as provided. authority anywhere for payment of a salary for that “Section 16, subdivision (d) of Article II, provides office; that although the Legislature passed a (italics mine): measure creating it, making it elective, it refused to “ ‘He shall pay no monies or funds out of the appropriate money for a salary, and that, lacking Treasury except in pursuance of laws authorizing an emergency clause, it does not become a law for the payment thereof, and whenever any moneys 90 days after the Legislature adjourned. are paid they shall be paid from the appropriation The office of Highway Engineer was created in provided therefore and from no other fund.’ 1923 by the Legislature and the Territorial Road “Section 19, Article II, makes it the crime of Commission authorized to fill it by appointment. It embezzlement for the Treasurer to pay out money has been held since that time by Mr. Sommers, in his possession as Treasurer in violation of this and the salary and contingent expenses have been Act.” paid out of the appropriation for roads and trails Attacks Governor’s Office made at each succeeding session of the Continuing Wickersham’s letter declared: Legislature. Wickersham asserts there is no direct “In view of these drastic provisions of the law appropriation for the office, no salary can be paid your attention is directed to the first three items in to Engineer Sommers. Chapter 120, Session Laws of 1929, being the Cole Seeks Ruling general appropriation bill. These items attempt to Auditor Cole submitted the Wickersham letter to appropriate the funds of the Territory for the Attorney General Rustgard for an official opinion. additional salary to the Secretary of Governor, and The latter said today he had not been able to for his clerk and stenographer. These are not a consider the matter in all of its phases. “legal charge against the Territory,” and the Auditor Treasurer Smith had no comment to make. Since all salary warrants are drawn up and issued -18th - by the Auditor, the question of their payment will As usual - quiet about the office. not confront the Treasurer until the Auditor has The Empire is happy this evening for the Attorney taken action. General has spread his opinion against my efforts Gov. Parks declined to do more than to point to to secure information about the Auditors duties all the decision of Judge Reed in the former case over its front which he apparently considers guiding. Engineer Diary 39, 1929 18 Sommers was inclined to regard the attack on his May 18 page in a political speech. It is a combination of own official status as a joke. Pegues & Rustgard & John gets publicity etc. Anyway it is a satisfaction to know that he has an Auditor Cole tells me he want into the Atty. opinion which he can make public even if it is a General’s office - as he went in Pegues, the borrowed one - Judge Reed’s. Empire reporter came out - his empty chair sat in front of Rustgards desk, & on the desk - lying DAILY ALASKA EMPIRE, SATURDAY, MAY 18, facing Pegues empty chair was my letter & Coles - Rustgard Riddles Protests showing that Pegues had been reading & copying Of Wickersham on Payment both. Cole is mad as March hare - while I am not. of Salaries by Territory Rustgard is making friends! In an exhaustive opinion rendered yesterday to Diary 39, 1929 -15th - Auditor Cash Cole, Attorney General John May 15 I have given much careful consideration to the Rustgard upheld the legality and validity of salaries Chap. 118, Sess. L. 1929, creating the office of paid from Territorial funds to the Highway Auditor, etc. also Chap. 97, codifying the School Engineer, and to the Secretary to the Governor and Laws & providing for the election of Com. of Clerks in the Governor’s office. In his opinion the Education, and I am of the opinion that so far as Auditor and Treasurer have nothing to fear from these Chapters provide for the election of these prosecutions for misfeasance and malfeasance in officers by the Legislature they are unconstitutional office-although he did not use those terms- in as in Conflict with the other laws of Congress approving for payment and paying vouchers for creating the Executive Department in Alaska. such services. I have written a statement and Brief for The opinion is an answer to a letter addressed to Sutherland. Cash Cole is having his clerk & typist Auditor Cole and Treasurer Walstein G. Smith copy if for me - and I will forward it on the first boat recently by Judge James Wickersham in which it asking Sutherland to secure the passage of a was charged that appropriations for the clerical curative act validating both these important laws. staff in the Governor’s office were illegal, and that Diary 39, 1929 -16th – as there was no specific appropriation for that May 16-18 Finished my statement & brief on the law of purpose no salary could be paid to the Highway Chapters 97 - and 118 and will send the whole Engineer. matter - with copies of the laws etc. to Sutherland Without Foundation on the boat tonight. Attorney General Rustgard’s opinion takes up the -17th – Wickersham protests in the order they were made, As usual in the office – quiet. deals with them conclusively in seriatim and finds Recd. card from Helen & Geo. McGovern them to be wholely without foundation. “Judge announcing the birth of Charles Hanson Wickersham asserts,” said the Attorney General’s McGovern. a baby boy. April 27th. Must send the opinion, “that the three items (citing them) “tike” a cup or something babylike. appropriated for the Governor’s office are illegal, Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 but he does not state wherein the illegality exists. follow Judge Reed in all his reasoning, “it would not “The appropriation Act of 1929, so far as these seem justifiable by this office in a case of this items are concerned, is identical with the Act of character at this time to hold that he is so clearly in 1927. Immediately after that act was passed and error that this office cannot accept the decisions as approved Judge Wickersham instituted authoritative. proceedings in the district court against the Legislature Accepted It Treasurer of the Territory to enjoin him from paying “The questions involved have been argued pro the appropriation made for the Governor’s office, and con during a period of several years and has the Secretary’s office and various other agitated the public during several pre-election appropriations, including those here in question. campaigns. The recent Legislature evidently As to some of the items the plaintiff was sustained accepted Judge Reed’s ruling as legally correct, by the district court, but the items here in question and unless it appeared clearly that the Legislative were held by the court to be legal and valid. The branch of our Government were in error in doing so suit was then dismissed and a new proceeding it would seem presumptuous for this office to say started solely for the purpose of enjoining the they were so obviously mistaken that their decision payment of the appropriations for the Governor’s should be disregarded.” office,” Saying there was no need for repeating the Diary 39, 1929 18 arguments of Judge Reed’s rulings, Mr. Rustgard May 18 which suit was later dismissed after the makes a “few reflections” on the same subject appropriations involved had been disbursed. matter. Discusses Objections He points out “from the very beginning of our The Attorney General then entered into a moiety of home rule every session of the discussion of the Wickersham objections as set Legislature has insisted upon imposing upon the forth in the 1927 cases. These were two, first, “that Governor’s office a large number of new duties, the Governor is a federal official discharging and no session went farther in this respect that the federal functions and the legislature cannot lawfully recent one . . . “ some of them may be in conflict appropriate funds to operate a federal office, and with Section 11 of the Organic Act, he admits, but second, that there is no law providing for salaries adds that the “great majority of them are germane for the Governor’s clerks and appropriation for to the functions of the chief executive and of a these is therefore improperly included in the character that the Legislature believed could General Appropriation Act. naturally be best discharged by his office. Nearly Continuing, he said: “It is to be assumed that all of those duties involve the disbursement of these were the objections in Judge Wickersham’s territorial funds. If the Acts imposing those duties mind when he made his protest to you that the and appropriating those funds had provided that appropriations here in question were illegal and the clerical, postage and telegraphic expenses should not be paid.” He points out that “the legal connected with the Governor’s end of the work problems involved receive a most careful study by should be paid out of the appropriation the same His Honor Judge T.M. Reed in the first of the as other incidental expenses connected therewith, Wickersham cases, and this learned jurist, after it is not likely any reasonable objection could be discussing at length and eruditely each proposition interposed. advanced, reached the conclusion that the System Is Simplified appropriation here in question were legitimate “But instead of providing in each act carrying an though others were not found to be so.” appropriation that the office expenses of the He added although he had not been able to administration thereof shall be paid out of the appropriation itself, the Legislature has abbreviated office) are legitimate.” and simplified the system by making one separate No Highway Engineer appropriation for the office and administrative There is no such office as “Highway Engineer,” expenses of all such acts. That this system is and will not be until March 1, 1931, under the terms illegal I am not prepared to say. Especially will this of the Act recently passed by the Legislature, Mr. office be loath to pronounce illegal any system Rustgard held. In fact, that law, while in effective adopted by the Territory, which has received the on August 2, next, cannot by its very terms become tacit approval of Congress during the last fifteen operative until the election of a Highway Engineer years . . . While inaction on the part of Congress at the general election of November, 1930 who cannot be construed as approval of a legislative does not enter upon his duties until the following violation of an express inhibition, tacitness in the March. face of the assumption There is an “engineer” in the employ of the of a right which is doubtful will be construed as Territorial Board of Road Commissioners now consent.” composed of the Governor, Treasurer and Auditor, He holds there is no such office as Secretary to employed by it under the authority of the general the Governor ands that Congress does not road act of 1919 as amended. By statute enacted appropriate any specific sum for payment to such by the Legislature in 1923 that engineer is also a an officer, but does appropriate funds for incidental member of the Board. and contingent expenses and clerk hire. No doubt can be entertained as to the right of the Can Impose Duties Board to hire, or if so desired by it, to discharge There can be no doubt, declared the opinion, that “such engineer,” he said. This right is in no way the Legislature can impose additional duties on abridged by the newest act creating the office of Federal officials in the Territory as long as such Highway Engineer since no conflict can exist until duties are germane to the offices of those officers. the latter becomes operative, and “until there is a If conflict there is no constructive repeal” of the Diary 39, 1929 18 provisions of the general act. May 18 they are duties of that class and not in effect new Salary is Valid offices, the Legislature has the power to impose The general act as amended in 1923 empowers them and that without the express authority the Board to employ an engineer who shall be a granted it in the amendment of August 29, 1914 to member of the Board at a salary not to exceed the Organic Act. In support of this contention Mr. $5,000 per annum. Mr. Rustgard points out there Rustgard cited a Montana case coming up before never has been made any special or separate the Territorial Supreme Court of that Jurisdiction appropriation for that engineer’s salary, traveling where the same question had been raised, and in and incidental expenses. Even without the which the court held that Territories generally were amendment of 1923, the Board had “full authority empowered by Congress to impose additional to employ the servants or agents, and purchase duties on Federal officers where those duties were the machinery and equipment they needed in germane to their respective offices. building roads.” This position, Mr. Rustgard believes, cannot be Continuing he said: “. . . the Board of Road gainsaid, saying: In absence of any authorities to Commissioners may employ as many engineers as the contrary I am constrained to accept the they find poper and for such a time as they find judgment of the Supreme Court of Montana as necessary, and may pay these men out of the correctly stating the law. It follows in my opinion appropriation placed at the disposal of the the appropriations in question (for the Governor’s Territorial Board of Road Commissioners. . . . The Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 fact that one of the engineers, while serving, is Diary 39, 1929 -22nd – supervisor and a member of” the Board does not May 22-23 John Reck, Pres. 1st Nat. Bank & a member of the change his legal status nor the method for payment Ed. of Directors of the Admiralty Island Coal Co. of salary and expenses. He has no fixed term of tells me he has just received a letter from the office and he has no fixed salary, nor a fixed place mines saying that our expert has discovered 4 of residence established by law. other veins of coal as thick as the one we are Approved By Legislature working on. Two weeks ago - on the 6th - our The practice of the Board in hiring such an expert met Lerch & others at the mines & he and engineer and paying his salary and expenses out Lerch & the men there have been prospecting & of the general road fund is well established. Since preparing a “Report” on the property. No report has 1923 it has been done and “this has not been come yet, except this note to Reck from one of the objected to by the Legislature. On the contrary, men. each Legislature in succession has made the same -23rd - appropriation in the same manner with full I am in trouble over discovering some way to knowledge of the facts, and the system must be handle the question of the rights of the slaves held considered to have received the approval of the by the Tlingits & Haidas in 1867,when the U.S. lawmakers, and, when all is said, the whole purchased Alaska, in our proposed suit for the problem reduces itself to the question of what was Indians the intent of the Legislature.” Diary 39, 1929 23 Summing up, Mr. Rustgard said: May 23-24 to recover the value of their property taken by the “I am forced to the conclusion that the Territorial U.S. without compensation. The “slaves” were not Board of Road Commissioners have full control Tlingit or Haida Indians. - Can over the expenditures of the general road we leave them out safely - or can we include them appropriation, and may order salaries, traveling legally? Have written to Paul about it, for it is a expenses or incidental expenses for engineers or serious problem. others in their employ necessarily connected with -24th - road work paid out of such appropriation.” Recd. telegram from Charles T. Petterson, attorney Diary 39, 1929 -19th – for Foshay & Co. residence Tacoma, saying: will May 19-21 Sunday - worked all day in my library numbering probably require your services at Petersburg and books, pamphlets, etc. to agree with the numbers Juneau our Company about June tenth will you be of the same titles in my Bibliography. available answer collect. Charles T. Peterson.” -20th – I shall, of course, answer in the affirmative. Also Am working on case of Martin, Deed on claim for received copies of agreement with Tlingit & Haida accidental death v. Alaska Consolidated Indians, signed by Wm L & Mrs. Frances L. Paul & Canneries. Have secured compromise, but it must will now prepare same for Indian signatures. go through the Probate Court, to be effectual. Diary 39, 1929 -25th - -21st - May 25 Same as usual in the office. Same as yesterday in office. Lerch is back this morning with Amos Slater, the Bob Hurley, democrat, is out in tonights Empire coal expert, and his report is not enthusiastic! He wits a letter denouncing Cash Coles election by the says we do not have but 20 acres of coal on our Legislature as illegal! Probably no attention will be patented 132+ acres, and that coal does not cover paid to his attack, though I fear he is correct on the the 2400+ acres we have under permit from the law. United States; that it will be necessary to fix new boundaries to the permit and take in other lands: that the coal lies in several basins - separated from telegraphic application to change boundaries of our other basins by dikes - that he and the expert will permit area - and it was sent on to Washington by go to work at once to arrange the boundaries of the telegraph tonight. The effect is to head off the coal carrying areas, - that the situation is not as Hudson application, etc. Staleys report is much

promising as we hoped, etc. better that I expected it would be & is quite Diary 39, 1929 25th continued. satisfactory. May 25-26 & that the whole area is badly broken by faults - Diary 39, 1929 -28th – this all sounds bad to me! and will probably end our May 28-30 Same as usual in the office. local enthusiasm! Lerch also says that it will be -29th – impossible for our small company to work the mine Same as yesterday. - that is a “big interest project! He still thinks, -30th - however, that he and he only, can get a big interest Decoration Day - sunny & bright. to buy and develop the-mines!! I was amused – I recd. letter this week from Mr. -26th - E.D. Skinner, Seattle canneryman in answer to one Sunday - We had Mr. & Mrs. Lerch & Amos Slater, I wrote to him concerning Dan Sutherland attitude coal mining engineer for examination Admiralty Is. on the trap site leasing bill - in which he criticised Coal Co. to dinner tonight. We had a good dinner what I said - in the letter to Dan. He did not read it and a pleasant evening visiting & getting right - this morning August Buschman, his brother acquainted. Eagle, and Friele, Supt. Canneries came in to Diary 39, 1929 -27th - explain to me that Mr. Skinner had not understood May 27 We are informed today that Mike Hudson, while when he criticised & now acknowledged that he pretending to work for the Admiralty Island Coal was wrong, etc. Co. at the Harkrader mines was really spying on us I am glad he saw it, - for it wont & gathering information. That last week he Diary 39, 1929 30 prepared and forwarded to Washington, D.C. May 30-31 be necessary to say anything more! In my letter to application for permit on coal lands alongside of Mr. Skinner I told him my judgment was that the our permit - including the lands being surveyed by rule against traps - on “abandonment” between the Admiralty Is. Coal Co. surveyors & expert - seasons was incorrect & ought to be tested by his which the Co. intended to take into its boundaries. company etc. that cases, 5 Alaska 538, and 6 I am now preparing telegraphic application and we Alaska 277, are too broad and the rule established will send it tonight by telegraph asking for is not unusual. I advised him to bring a suit to test amendment our boundaries & asking Hudson it, etc. application be held up until our formal application & I also prepared our application for the Admiralty affidavits are received. Island Coal Co. to correct and amend the Diary 39, 1929 -27th – boundaries of their coal lands. May 27 (continued) -31st - Board of Directors of Admiralty Island Coal Finished up the Application to amend the Company had meeting tonight my office with Mr. description of lands in the U.S. Permit to prospect Amos Staley, our boat expert. He talked frankly Ad. Is. Coal Co. lands on Admiralty Island. Mr. and freely to us & advised about future plans etc. Slater, He will write a full report when he gets back to Diary 39, 1929 30 Seattle. Mike Hudson has attempted to locate part May 30- engineer and expert coal man goes home to June 2 of the lands we must have - worked for Ad. Is. Coal Seattle tonight. His examination & report is very Co. & watched & waited for a chance. I prepared a satisfactory & will tend to put us on a sane basis for Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 we now know the limitations of the coal areas Diary 39, 1929 -7th - surrounding the Harkrader Coal Claim & our mines. June 7 Same as usual in office. I am preparing a It is not a bad situation though not as good as I communication - statement of conditions & law in hoped for. relation to W.B. Foshay Co. creating an extension -June 1st – of its American corporation providing for a shipping As usual in the office. business at Ketchikan, so as to include an -June 2nd - organization with the Canadian National Railway at Spent the day in writing an article for the 4th of July Prince Rupert whereby freight coming to that Editions of the Ketchikan Chronicle on the activities terminal from Eastern U.S. may be carried on of Thos. G. Murphy, at Sitka, in 1867 - 8, in through rates into Alaska. Intend to send it through organizing government, & issuing the Alaska Chas. T. Peterson, Atty. Tacoma, to the Foshay Co Times. 1st newspaper, etc. hoping to induce - or encourage that Co. to extend Diary 39, 1929 -June 3rd – to Alaska the benefits of this through business to June 3-4 Busy in office. Van Orsdel, for the Foshay Co. in the merchants of Alaska. purchasing public utilities is here & I am interested Diary 39, 1929 -8th – in whether I am to assist in negotiating for June 8-13 Same as yesterday in the office. purchases of electric light & power plants, etc. -9th – -4th - Sunday. Recd. letter from Peterson asking me to About a year ago I met a rather poorly dressed take charge of Petersburg Utility project, & make young man in the hall opposite my office door arrangements for submitting Foshay proposition to looking for work. On talking to him I found that he purchase Petersburg Light , Water & Power to a had been admitted to the bar as a lawyer in Texas, vote of the people of that town. Also letter from etc. so I employed him at $75. per month as clerk Sutherland about trap site bill - he declines to in my office. He is now clerk in the Auditors office introduce the bill - but is not inclined to serious at a salary of $175.00 per month & is ex officio Ter. opposition! Auditor! 11th 12th 13th Diary 39, 1929 -5th – Working on opinion in Petersburg Electric Light & June 5-6 We had a dinner last night at home for Mr. John P. Power sale to Foshay Co. letter to Peterson, atty. Van Orsdel, engineer here in the interest of Foshay Tacoma Wash. & Co in purchasing public utilities - the water, Diary 39, 1929 -13th – electric light & Cold Storage plants: Present Mr. & June 13-14 Grace giving luncheon etc. to Goldstein friends. Mrs. W.G. Smith & Mr. & Mrs. Harland, Mr. Van In office as usual, working on opinion for W.B. Orsdel & ourselves. It was a real home dinner & Foshay - Petersburg utilities. we men enjoyed looking at my Alaska books - so Sent telegram Gustafson, Fairbanks, extending did the ladies later on. option to sell quartz claims. 6 mo. on consideration -6th - that his Co. do this years assessment work. Same as usual - busy in office. -14- Am writing to Wm Hopping etc. trying to arrange for Working on Petersburg opinion - am forced to Nan and Harry to secure life support in a Home, conclude that that town has no power to sell its with their own property - sent Darrell a copy - for he electric Light & Power plants to Foshay Co. and will is getting excised about my supporting them at my give that opinion. own expense while they have property. We are to have Mr. & Mrs. Roy G. Lyle and his wife, Mrs. Maloney & Mr. Ragan. Mr. Lyles assistant, to dinner with us this evening. Diary 39, 1929 -15- race came to an end today - the boats arrived in June 15-17 Concluded work on my opinion for the Foshay Co. Juneau in a bunch! letter to Charles T. Peterson, Atty. Tacoma, Wash, Working on Paul brief. advising that the town of Petersburg had no power -22.- or authority to sell its light & power plant! & asking Evidently Peterson, Foshay Attorney, Tacoma, for instructions. concedes that my opinion is correct, for he has Fred Rhind called: He tells me that he assisted in telegraphed Van Orsdel, their buyer, to cutting the lines & setting the corners, etc. on the Diary 39, 1929 22 survey of Juneau - he is a relative of Garside, the June 22-24 go to Petersburg & take an option based on surveyor who did the surveying. passage of Congress of an Act empowering the I knew Fred in Fairbanks - 20 years ago, & town to sell! Van Orsdel gave me copy of telegram greatly enjoy his call. & asked me to go to Petersburg and assist in -16th – arranging the matter on first boat after Monday. Sunday at home - in library. I am working today on Pauls case. -17th - -23d – Same as usual in the office. Sunday - In the library all day. Sent Paul bound copies of our agreement with the Also working on Pauls brief - there. Indians for Signatures. -24th - Diary 39, 1929 -17th – Consultation with Van Orsdel about the Foshay June 17-19 Recd. telegram from Sutherland asking me to matters and the necessity for going to Petersburg telegraph him the names of the cannery to arrange for an option etc. as soon as Congress corporations represented by Faulkner, as agent or can be persuaded to authorize the town to sell the attorney: Sent it from files of Secretary (auditors) electric Light & power plants. office. Diary 39, 1929 -25th – -18th – June 25-26 Having trouble to get to Petersburg. No boat till the Sent letter to E.D. Skinner, Seattle, about trap site last of the week and Van Orsdel suggests that we bill, and also copy of Sutherlands letter to me go on an airplane, but I hesitate to do that - its giving his reasons for not supporting the bill: asked something new and I do not care to trust one! him to keep it confidential, although Sutherland Van Orsdel thinks it safe and I think I will be brave sent me a copy for that purpose. and go! In the meantime I am working on Pauls -19th - case. Hear that Foshay Co. has purchased the Goldstein -26th - Building! You can hear most anything - Van Orsdel Grace and I have been married one year today. says it is just a rumor – nothing. She is a good wife, agreeable, active, a persistent Diary 39, 1929 -20- worker, a good housekeeper & cook - and I am June 20-22 The printed Record from the U.S. Ct. Court of very happy and comfortable. Appeals, in the case against Wm L. Paul, came I will go to Petersburg tomorrow morning with Van today, and I am prepared to begin writing the Brief. Orsdel, the It is to be an interesting case - if we can only stay Diary 39, 1929 26 in court - the U.S. Atty. will June 26-29 buyer of Public utilities for W.B. Foshay Co. to try move to dismiss the appeal, and that matter is in and cure up the lack of authority in the town grave doubt.! officials to sell the town electric light & power plant -21st – to the Foshay Co. We will go by air-plane - a new The “Capital-to-Capital” - Olympia to Juneau - boat experience for me. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 -27th – Minn. who is making so many large investments in The aeroplane did not come this morning & this Alaska - in the way of public utilities, etc. This in evening I am at home hoping it wont! answer to my letter of June 11th: Working on Pauls Brief! “W.B. Foshay Co. -28. -incorporated- On Rogers to Petersburg at 5 p.m. Foshay Tower -29th - Minneapolis, June 25, 1929. At Petersburg this morning: Met Van Orsdel, Mr. James Wickersham, Juneau, Alaska Faulkner, Mayor and City Council. Drew franchise Dear Mr. Wickersham: Your letter of June 11, for Light, Power, & Water for Foshay Co. forwarded on June Diary 39, 1929 29 18 to me by Charles T. Peterson, reached her just June 29-30 Council agreed on franchise without much trouble - Friday. but much outside opposition. We all went to hear Over the weekend, I have had a little time to give the Westminster Soprano boys - it was excellent this the deep thought and attention it deserves, as music & enjoyable. you have but us into thinking. Are we correct in -Sunday – 30th - assuming that we can build a boat or take one of Worked all day with Van Orsdel arranging our present agreement with Mayor & Council about sale of Diary 39, 1929 3 Electric Light & Power plant & water to Foshay & July 3 boats and operate it from Prince Rupert to Alaska Co. Preparing letter in connection with Van Orsdel, points with through freight made jointly with the for his signature accepting offer of city to sell &, Canadian National Railway without chance of any conditioned upon securing power from Congress. legal entanglements? If this is the correct Finished & Faulkner - city representative - and I left conclusion that we draw from your letter, have you for Juneau at 8 p.m. on the SS. Queen. everything any idea of the volume of freight that might agreed on. possibly be obtained? Diary 39, 1929 July 1, 1929 Am taking up this matter with our various execu- July 1-2 We arrived at Juneau 8:30 a.m. Grace was at the tives who would be interested in this situation, and dock waiting for me. - the home looked very good you will hear from us again at an early date. In the to me. meantime we would be pleased to hear from you in -2- reference to the above questions. Same as usual in the office. I am preparing a Sincerely complaint in the case of Ames v Ames, for divorce. William B. Foshay My client married Marie - a French woman 8 years President his senior at Bordeaux, while he was a soldier in Diary 39, 1929 -July 3rd continued - the U.S. Army - later he got acquainted with her - July 3 Mr. Ernest Walker Sawyer, Executive Assistant to and ran away to Alaska. She stayed with his father the Secretary of the Interior called & I had a very & mother & got all their property - about $10,000. in friendly talk with him - about Fairbanks,. resources value & - & now wants my clients property, also! - timber etc. but before he left I took up the subject Am paying my monthly accounts today - and of the appointment of a Governor. I told him that groaning over the way they increase - though Gov. Parks was a good man, honest, etc. but not of Grace is careful & a good housekeeper. the kind that ought to be Governor of Alaska. That Diary 39, 1929 -3rd - it was of more importance to give us a man like July 3 I was greatly pleased this morning to receive the Taft-Wood-Stimson - a big man competent to do following letter from Wm. B. Foshay, Minneapolis, big things in the development of Alaska! I asked him not to appoint an Alaskan - but a successful water so work may be resumed at any moment. business man from the –East - who could rise Letter from Lerch - but nothing has been done yet above the better things political & assist in toward leasing or selling. organizing the development of the great resources -11th - of Alaska. He took the suggestion kindly - but non- Wrote to Darrell - also for book by Voltaire. Life of committally!! Peter the Great. Diary 39, 1929 4th of July- Working on the Paul Brief. We go to dinner this July 4-6 Got off my answer to Mr. W.B. Foshay about evening with Mrs. John Maloney. She and Grace steamship line from Prince Rupert, B.C. to Alaskan went to the theater. ports. Sent him some data on extent of imports & Diary 39, 1929 -12th – exports & etc. Remained at home most of the day. July 12-15 Business correspondence - and at work on Paul’s Mrs. John B. Maloney to dinner. long brief! -5th – -13- Same as usual in the office. Same as yesterday. -6th - -14th – Am writing a letter t o Sutherland in reply to one Sunday - cleaned the flower beds of weeds and from him asking me to assist him in opposing the gathered a large pan of strawberries from our own nomination of hart, for U.S. Dist. Atty. at Nome. I vines. I am getting deeply interested in the law of am telling him the reasons why I will not do it - contempt as applied in the Paul Contempt Case. among them that this Administration – Hoovers - is -15- not friendly to him & will appoint his enemies We buried Fred Harrison, former U.S. Dist. Atty. anyway. So let them do it and appoint the worst from Nome here today. possible. He died here while enroute to the Pioneers Home. Diary 39, 1929 -7th – he was July 7-9 Sunday - at home in library. given a respectable funeral - the Nome bar Assoc. -8th – sent flowers. Catching up with office correspondence. Diary 39, 1929 -16th – -9th - July 16-19 Finished preparation of my brief in U.S. v William L. Working again on the Paul Contempt case. Paul, - for Paul, and I feel that I have presented it Meeting of Admiralty Is. Coal Company officers - fairly and I hope successfully. Have sent the copy with miners here from mine. Foreman is having to Paul to be typed - at Ketchikan. It is a trouble with the men, & wants to quit. We offered remarkable case of arbitrary power - run mad! Jenk Williams the job & will settle matters tomor- -17th – row. John Reck, president First Nat. Bank is Same as usual in office. I am again reading managing matters & I am standing by him - we McCauleys Hist. of England. Grace has completed hear nothing from Lerch, Sec. who is in Seattle & reading to me, The Royal Road to Romance, by S.F. attempting to finance the project. but I fear he Haliburton - we enjoyed it very much. is not succeeding - it is a valuable property. -18th – Diary 39, 1929 -10- Same as usual in the office – busy. July 10-11 Learned that the miners for the Admiralty Co. will -19th - not go back to work because the Co. is behind in Busy with bringing the Matheson cases their wages - they will file liens as security and quit. Diary 39, 1929 19 I fear this may close the mine, though Reck says July 19-20 up to date - they have been postponed by the he will keep a watchman there & the mine free of failure of Judge Reed to try them awaiting Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Hellenthals effort to get the Probate Judge at about Petersburg Public Utilities. repudiating Van Wrangell to find in his favor. I am now determined Orsdales contract in their name - & submitting new to press them & get an end to the long drawn out contract. Evidently Van 0. was straining on the litigation. leash. -20th - x x x Same as usual in office. Also writing letters - one Diary 39, 1929 -23d – to the Russian Chief Librarian & asking him to July 23-26 Same as usual in the office. hand my letter offering to buy Russian books -24th – concerning Alaska to some good book sellers etc. After much telegraphing & writing letters - just in Another to the Librarian of the University of Uppala, receipt of telegram from Chas. T. Peterson, Atty. Sweden, who wrote for a copy of my Bibliography: for Foshay Co. saying he is coming north within a in reply I am asking him for some data about week & not to do anything in Petersburg Cold Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great: Also letters Storage plant purchase to until he arrives here. I am glad he is coming it may Diary 39, 1929 20 enable me to get a better knowledge of what the July 20-21 Rev. Edward Masden, Metlakatla, about Co. intends to do & when & why - and if I am go be Tsimpsean blanket making, to Rev. Sam C. Davis, a party to it, etc. Kasaan, about Haida blanket making & to Mrs. -25th – Lillie Paul. Lamaree (Wm L. Paul’s mother) about Giving the Paul Brief the final “once over.” the Tlingit blanket making, etc. -26th - -21st - Same as usual in the office. Sunday: In last nights mail I received another letter Diary 39, 1929 -27th – from Mr. W.B. Foshay, about the transportation July 27-29 Motions in case put over until next Thursday. project, as follows: Rainy - but warm. Minneapolis, July 13, 1929 I am now commencing the work of preparing cards Mr. James Wickersham Juneau, Alaska. - a card index - for the outline of a Hist. of Alaska. Dear Mr. Wickersham your letter of July 3rd -28th – received, and I am sending copies of this to my Sunday - nothing unusual. associates, all of whom are giving your -29th - suggestions serious consideration. Some We were greatly shocked this afternoon to hear vacations are interfering with the consideration of that Gov. J.F. A. Strong had suddenly passed this matter, but as soon as the opportunity away in Seattle. We sent Mrs. Strong this Diary 39, 1929 21 telegram: July 21-22 presents itself we will exchange our ideas and “We have just heard of your great loss and send arrive at some conclusion in the matter, and then you our sincerest sympathy stop Governor Strong you will hear from me. With kindest personal was one of the finest characters that ever came to regards, Sincerely, Wilbur B. Foshay, President. Alaska. A good Citizen, a great executive Also recd. letters from Mr. E.D. Skinner, and Diary 39, 1929 29 Darrell. Nothing of importance. July 29- and a lovable old sourdough stop All Alaska August 3 Grace & I will go out to Auk Bay this evening with mourns with you for we have lost a friend whom we Dr. Dawes & Mrs. Dawes & take dinner with Mr. & loved. Mrs. Post - a most excellent dinner. James & Grace Wickersham” -22nd - -30-31- More papers, etc. from Peterson, Atty. for Foshay. Ruth Coffin, Graces niece came to visit. Same as usual in office. Argued demurrer in Matheson matter. August 1-2nd Court overruled my demurrers etc. Same as usual. -3rd – Motions in Matheson matter overruled - case set for trial Monday. Dinner tonight. Prof. Phil Smith, U.S. Geol. & Mr. Sargent of same dept. Mr. & Mrs. B.D. Stewart - & Ruth at our dinner. We then went to the Governor’s Reception to four members of Congress - members of the Com. of Agriculture. House - slow but pleasant at that. [inside back cover – photograph of an earlier James Wickersham]

Diary 39, 1929 -Aug. 4th - Sunday August 4 Mr. Charles T. Peterson, of Tacoma, & his daughter around on the boat early this morning. We went out with them to Mendenhall glacier & along the Eagle River road. Peterson & I had a long talk in my office. Foshay matters. He brought my bill for June services back - he thought my charges were too small & raised them $200.00 Told me I was expected to do such work here as they had to do, etc. We had dinner with them at the Arcade Restaurant & then Grace took Mifs Peterson & Ruth to the movie picture show. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1929 -5th - the case, though I think the Motion cannot prevail. August 5 Peterson in the office - conference with Faulkner & Sent Paul copy. they agreed on remodeled (?) contract between the Diary 39, 1929 -9th – town of Petersburg & the Foshay Co. former August 9-10 Am preparing Motion to compel the Admixt. and contract made by Van Orsdel set aside upon the Surety in Matheson Case to try the case on ground that V.O. had no power or authority to testimony in support of the Amended Final Account conclude same - & the new one made generally on - & another Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings the same terms. “Polly” Peterson. C.T. P’s if they do not do so. Its a mean case - long drawn daughter - at our house & C.T.P. had dinner with out. us this evening. Conference about Foshay matters -10th - - & general instructions to me. Concluded index & title page of the Brief in the Trial of Estate of J. Matheson - due before Judge case of Paul, on appeal to U.S. Circuit Court of Harding. Roden for Admixt. Hellenthal for National Appeals. Contempt. Surety Co & I for the minor heirs. Ruth - Graces nice, on excursion on the “Gannet,” Peterson & daughter bid us goodbye. th to Taku Glacier etc. Diary 39, 1929 -6 - The girls are giving a party tonight at our house - August 6 Trial in Matheson Est. concluded. and will go out to Auk lake & the beach later - for Harding decides the case against the minor heirs - midnight lunch - I do not attend any of the we cannot appeal. I am greatly dissatisfied - but festivities. cannot change the result, & must make the best Diary 39, 1929 -11th – settlement I can - & let it go. August 11-12 Grace had a nice party last night. I enjoyed Yesterday I called C.T. Petersons attention to the meeting the people, and the music, but I did not go Admiralty Island Coal Co’s property & secured his out to the Barrager cabin on the Auk Bay Beach - interest - he read the Slater Report, & also talked where they went for midnight lunch & dancing. with John Reck - to whom I introduced him & Four automobiles carried 20 of them out - about 11 arranged conference between them. oc. when they got back I was asleep. Chamber of Commerce. or Ex. Com. will today -12th - consider the proposition of assisting the Ad. Is. Argued motion in Matheson Est. before Judge Coal Co. - Com. of Ad. Is. Coal Co. stockholders Harding - did not convince him! are to present the matter & ask for subscriptions to Final reading & correction of Paul Brief in stock etc. th Contempt Case. Diary 39, 1929 -7 – Sent copy with letter of instructions to Paul. August 7-8 Prepared & served & filed a motion to require the Taku miners in - have located some wild cat claims Am. Final Act. in the Matheson case to be set & at mouth of Tulsequah - 2 1/2 miles up from Taku. tried on the issues raised by Answer - Exceptions I get an interest. & Objections filed in the Probate Court by the Diary 39, 1929 -13th – Guardian for the minor heirs - the only defense August 13 Chick Ashby, Charlie Erickson & J.E. Kelley - they can make is that we did not appeal, but I think located the “Vista,” “Little Bob” and “James” Lode the appeal of the National Surety Co. presents the mining claims at Tulsequah. 2 1/2 miles up that whole case. th stream from the Taku. -I grubstaked Ashby & I get -8 - one third of his interest. 1/9 in the 3 claims. U.S. Atty. served motion to dismiss Appeal in the Agreement in writing signed & witnessed today. Paul case, now on appeal to the Ct. Court of Location notices filed. I paid for 1. $3.50. Appeals, San Francisco. This is the crucial point in Also the boys located four claims up the Crow?? University of Washington in June - is a bright, Creek, on the Anklin, intelligent girl & we love her very much. Grace an upper tributary of the Taku - & will come in gave her this journey to Alaska - & she is enjoying tomorrow & fix papers for them. I get a claim there it. - the “Anklin” I am just in receipt of a copy of an enlarged Rock from adjoining claim on the Tulsequah - to photograph of Leutze’s painting of the “Signing of the “Vista,” “Little Bob,” and “James” assayed the Treaty for the Purchase of Alaska,” from Hon. $65.00 to the ton. Dan Sutherland, Delegate. It seems the original Diary 39, 1929 -14th – painting has been lost & this is a photographic August 14-15 Nan has broke out again. Just received - collect copy of a lithograph copy. 4 times enlarged of $2.08, telegram demanding $2558.40!! another photograph of the painting. Made agreement with eight other owners of I will hang it in my Library. Tulsequah river claims to pool them - 9 claims - on Diary 39, 1929 -19- an agreed division -9 claims recorded today August 19-20 We are just waiting for Lerch to get through including my claim. – “Inklen” “grouching” & threatening to sue the Admiralty -15th - Island Coal Co. - we may then be able to do Judge Harding ruled against me in the Matheson something toward reorganizing. Reck thinks he case -& I will appeal –if the appeal looks good on may take $200 or $300, and quit after the 21st further examination. My friend Sargent, geologist, when his note at the bank comes due & his stock is & the “Gannett” officers give a dinner tonight - taken over by the Bank. Grace & I are invited - & will attend. -20th - Diary 39, 1929 -16- Barrett Willoughby - Alaska writer passed today - August 16-17 The dinner last night was enjoyable. Probably stopped off the Yukon for 4 hours: met her at wharf 50 persons. ladies & gentlemen were gathered on – took her & Mrs. Maloney to my library, where she the “Gannetts” barge - & the dinner was good, the spent 2 hours, etc. She seemed pleased - is on company better and the pictures brought down her way to Fairbanks to write an article on Aviation from the aeroplanes - of mountains, lakes, forests, & Aviators in Alaska. roads, towns etc. interesting. Diary 39, 1929 -21st – Busy in the office. August 21-24 As usual in the office. -17th - -22nd – Same as usual in the office. Ruth - Grace’s niece - is very much excited - The Board of Directors of the Admiralty Is. Coal packing to go home today on the SS. “Alameda.” Co. had a meeting in my office this evening - She has been with us three weeks & has enjoyed present Gallwas, Pres. Lerch, Reck & I. Tom her visit very much & we have enjoyed it too. She George did not attend. Henry Roden was also goes home to teach school. present. Nothing accomplished except that Reck & Recd. copy of Judge Hills Opinion - against my Lerch quarreled - things in bad shape & it looks as client - in Goldstein v. Pond. decided Aug. 19th. if the project is a failure - for want of intelligence & -23rd - business management. Same as usual in the office. Diary 39, 1929 -18th - -August 24th, 1929 – August 18 Ruth Coffin. Grace’s niece is having a gay time My 72 Birthday: I am well and strong - and work with us for the month of Aug. She will go home every day in the office and in my home library soon to begin to teach as musical director in Washington schools. She graduated from Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1929 Aug. 24th continued Getting Goldstein v Pond in shape for Appeal. August 24 My client Pond has asked me to appeal the case of Pond has determined to appeal the case. I am just Goldstein v Pond to the U.S. Circuit Court of now deep in the Asbestos mine. Have had Appeals. conference today with Mr. Sheidley, Mr. Crooks & R.E. Robertson their attorney about compromise [birthday greeting card] over the Olts interest in the Asbestos Mine on Birthday Greetings Admiralty Island. I will look into the matter carefully to the with them & attempt to secure fair interest for Olts Organic Act and in Settlement. Its Author. Diary 39, 1929 -28- 1912-1929 August 28 Conference with Sheidley, Crooks & Robertson in “Let me write the the DeRoux asbestos mines. I am to telegraph laws of a nation Olts tonight suggesting basis of settlement or and you can have compromise with DeRoux & make proposition to its gold.” Sheidley tomorrow. Sent night letter to Olts asking to come to Juneau I was both surprised and pleased to find on my at once. We have a decidedly better position as to dinner table this evening a beautiful birthday case title of the asbestos mines than the Sheidley from our friends the Hermans, with the above card people, but he is a good man - a wealthy man - - the Organic Act of Aug. 24, 1912 was signed by one who can do the Co. great good & I am anxious President Taft on my birthday 1912. Hence the to keep him in the Co. so he can get the money to double birthday cake! put the mines at work etc. Diary 39, 1929 -25th – De Roux has defrauded him badly & ought to be August 25 My client A.L - or L.A. Olts & I had a long punished for it. conference this day (Sunday) in my office in regard Diary 39, 1929 -29th – to our interests in the Admiralty Island Asbestos August 29-31 As usual in the office. mines - on Bear Creek. It seems that DeRoux, the -30th – locator sold Olts a large interest in the claims & I cannot hear from Olts - but in the meantime I made a deed to him which was recorded, etc. that have prepared a written proposal to be submitted he has also sold the claims to one Sheidley, of to Sheidley & DeRoux & their friends for a Kansas City. I tried to get Sheidley - who is in reorganization of the Asbestos project. Juneau - to meet Olts so we might talk the matter The Admiralty Is. Coal Co. directors held a meeting over with a view of compromising the matters & - Lerch resigned, etc. and I sincerely hope we are adjusting same so that no one might lose & so we through with him. I am reserving rooms on the could also add other claims & finance the project, boats for Sept. 5th to go to Seattle. but Sheidley & his attorney, R.I. Robertson refuse I am pretty busy in the office. to meet us - well, let them worry! -31st - Diary 39, 1929 -26- Olts is here on Asbestos Co. matters. Agrees with August 26-27 Hellenthal served findings of Fact Conclusions of me on our proposal to reorganize the Co. and will Law & Decree, proposed. Diary 39, 1929 31 I think Pond will appeal case of Goldstein V Pond, August 31- submit our proposal as soon as he can fully September 2 Winter & Pond, etc. understand it. Working on case today! Sunday, Sept. 1. -27th - Olts & I went out riding with Lockie McKinnon - to Eagle River & on all the roads in that direction - the our first proposal of settlement to Dec. 1st & will let Glacier, etc. Olts had dinner with us. Mrs. it sand there. Maloney present. We have our trunks packed - our bills paid - our -2nd - tickets on the SS. Alaska & will go to Seattle Olts & I signed a proposal dated Aug. 31st 1929, & tonight. Grace & I. gave copies today to Sheidley, Crooks & Atty. Later. Olts & I wrote a letter to the Alaska Asbestos Robertson offering to accept 425 shares of the Co. Sheidley, et al. accepting their proposals to sell Asbestos - Alaska Asbestos, Inc. out of 4000 our interest & take 425 shares of Stock. shares for our interest in our deed etc. dated Oct. Diary 39, 1929 -5th – 31, 1927, as a compromise & reorganization of the September 5-6 Left Juneau on S.S. Alaska. rounded Cape Company etc. See Proposal Decision, Shakan & Wrangell Diary 39, 1929 -3rd - -6th - September 3 Sheidley, Crooks, Robertson met Olts & me in my Ketchikan for 4 hours today. Saw Duggan - sour & office & presented their counter proposal - which insurgelet[?] Hunts were on the jury - did not see on our subsequent examination has proved either of them. Long talk with Mr. & Mrs. Wm L. unsatisfactory & tonight we have answered by Paul. Brief in Paul Contempt Case will be printed writing declining to accept it. & offering in addition first of next week - will send me copy to Hotel Frye, to our former offer to accept $10,000 for our Seattle. Paul has a letter from Sutherland saying interest under the deed we recd. from Olts of Oct. he may not wish to be a candidate for reelection to 31, 1927, & we will deliver our letter in the morning. Congress. Paul is of opinion he cannot be elected Jimmie Fox, Douglas Indian, came to see me & anyway & urges told me that he staked the - ora - rich sulphide me to consider becoming a candidate. Says he will body of quartz on the Tulsequah - where Eaton or write to the Alaska Juneau Mining Co has Sutherland saying he cannot be reelected & Diary 39, 1929 3 suggesting me in his place. September 3 recently purchased a great body of such property - Diary 39, 1929 6 He is not sure if it is the same body - but said his September 6 I frankly told him I would not be a candidate against father was going up tomorrow to “look-see”, & Dan. and did not consent to become a candidate would come back & let us know - if not Jimmie will even if Dan requested me to be. Paul is very bitter go up & stake it - when I come back from Seattle. against Rustgard as a candidate and declares he He also told me of placer ground on Ad. Is & will go will not support him even if nominated. He gave there in a day or two & I am to grub stake him etc. me Dan’s letter to take to Will Steel - for Olts is also going to secure an option & agreement information. Paul suggested also, that if Will Steel on Dolomi quartz Claims & stake surrounding does not return to Alaska soon & enter into a claims - across lake, & we are to be in on same candidacy for Ter. Senator - he must not run & in equally. This may seem like crazy - but they may that event he will support Henry Roden for that be sensible too. place. Henry & Paul have reread & corrected my Diary 39, 1929 -4th - Brief in the Paul Contempt Case. Called on September 4 We have been unable to secure an agreement with McClain but he was not in his office. Sheidley about the asbestos mines owing to the Diary 39, 1929 -7th - 8th technical & slippery methods of their attorney. If he September 7-10 Queen Charlotte St. - in a fog. anchored, for 17 was not in the way we could get a settlement hours. without trouble, but he is in the way - so we do not -9th – get it. We have written a letter to them extending Arrived Seattle at 8 a.m. went to Frye Hotel. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Darrell & Jane here. Arrived last evening. called a doctor - but it was a part of my heavy cold! -10th - In spite of this I insisted on continuing our trip. Saw Dr Nelson with Darrell Mrs. Patton joined us and this morning we went Dr. made a careful examination & says I will not from Hoquiam to the Quinault Lake - where we had need the operation for months - maybe a year, all lunch, and then on over the new road to the Quuts of which relieved me very much. River - roads good but not paved. Back to Ordered suit of clothes. Light gray. We are Hoquiam for the night. Spent the evening in Mrs. preparing to go to Tacoma tomorrow - en route to Pattons library - she has a good many interesting Grays Harbor. old Oregon (Wash) books - and is herself a piece Out to see our lots etc. of N.W. History. We greatly enjoyed our visit to her Diary 39, 1929 -11th - home. September 11 Left Frye Hotel this morning with Darrell & Jane, & Diary 39, 1929 -14th - Grace, in Darrells new Automobile – Packard - September 14 After calling on Mrs. P. & thanking her for came over the great new highway from Seattle to entertaining us, & a nice visit to Quinault & the Tacoma. We stopped at Graces old home place & Quuts we left for Seattle - through Olympia & visited with Mrs. Miles & Peggy half an hour - they Tacoma without stopping - rested a while at the had some friends there also - when we came near Frye Hotel & then we went on to see Harold at Tacoma we went out on the Puyallup road to our Enumclaw. That is the way we have been traveling Dairy farm - looked it over & then to Tacoma. for four days - at 40 miles an hour and I am just Stopped at the Winthrop Hotel - After lunch we about worn to pieces! Grace stands the pace drove out to Point Defiance Park. We also better than I do while Darrell & Jane, who are used inspected our house 230 C. St. Long talk with to it, think it affords them plenty of time to observe Hopping & Winden about Nan. They will assist me & enjoy the country. I even go at that rate of speed in getting a sale of her Buckley land & a life place in my sleep - and will be glad when I can stop & in the Old Ladies Home rest for a while. Diary 39, 1929 -12th - Diary 39, 1929 -15th - September 12 Interview in this mornings Tacoma Ledger. September 15 I am informed that Mrs. A.J. Brooks, the widow of We spent the night at the “Winthrop Hotel,” our old time Alaska friend - the geologist of Alaska Tacoma, & left there in the morning for a visit to - will be in from Alaska at noon today on the Mrs. Sarah WcM. Patton at Hoquiam. My cold is Alameda, so Darrell is taking Grace & me down to growing worse. Stopped for an hour at Olympia meet her. Also Mrs. Strong is there & other and had a good visit with Uncle Jont Crouch, who Alaskans - and we will return to Enumclaw later to is now 86 years old but in good health - happy & visit with Harold - again. Our information was not strong. Iva & her husband. Geo. Zeren were there correct. Mrs. Brooks is coming next Sunday - but I & I delivered to Iva a gold pin with coral ornament am glad to be able to rest at the Frye - for an which was left for her specially by Debbie. afternoon. Graces niece, Ruth - came to see us & We also saw “Jimmy” Sauls, & family - our old remained to dinner & we spent the evening resting Juneau friends. - listening to the radio and visiting with Ruth. The road from Seattle via Tacoma and Olympia to Diary 39, 1929 -16th - Hoquiam is a well paved concrete highway- very September 16 We went over to Tacoma this morning. Called on different from the mud roads of former days. Charlie Peterson (Foshay Atty) but there was Diary 39, 1929 -13th - nothing new - not even my check. Darrell & I September 13 I had a real chill yesterday after leaving Olympia. talked at some length with Hopping & Winden and a fever & they - Darrell & Jane & Grace - about selling Nan’s 24 acres at Buckley & buying her a life support in the Old Ladies Home in Ruth came to lunch with me. Had Will Steel to Tacoma - at the Point Defiance Park. Hopping dinner with me - am persuading him to assist me in agreed to look after the matter if Harold & I can get preparing an interview for one of the Seattle papers a buyer for the land. She is willing to do what she in relation to the International Aero-Auto Highway - can to assist in the matter. Drew $418.00 from my from Seattle through British Columbia to Fairbanks. Assoc. Deposits. No one has yet suggested the construction of the We went out to my collection of Alaska curious at highway underneath the airway! and that plan I State Hist. Soc. and I gave Jane an old Russian hope to make prominent etc. Grace is at the Kettle. Grace a samovar & Kettle. Back to Seattle Swedish hospital tonight with a very sore throat, for the night. but OK. Diary 39, 1929 -17th - Diary 39, 1929 -22- September 17 Darrell & Jane are obliged to leave us at noon to September 22- Went up to see Grace. Swedish Hospital - she is 23 go back home to San Francisco. Mr. Sargent of much better than she was last evening and wishes U.S. Geol. Sur. showed us (Mrs. Strong, Darrell & to come to the Frye Hotel this afternoon. Jane, Senator Snodgrass, Grace & I) a large Brought her to the Hotel - she is getting well fast. number of beautiful aerial photographs - made by -23rd - the navy planes this summer in S.E. Alaska. Called on Col. Perkins, who wrote to me about Snodgrass has promised me he will go to keeping a good feeling in the Admiralty Island Coal Enumclaw a week from tomorrow & give a lecture Co. but he is at Hyder, and wont be back for a to the Farmers Banquet. Harold asked me to go - week. Had lunch with Wm H. Parsons, Pres. about the Agri. conditions in Alaska. Dexter Horton Nat. Bank. He was very kind & Darrell & Jane left us at 1 a.m. for S. F. & Home. offered to assist me in securing business etc. and Mrs. Gov. Strong is here & we see her often - she asked me to write to him if I saw any place where looks lost & lonesome. he could help. Diary 39, 1929 -18th – Finished a statement September 18- Busy with errands - saw Ames father of Jesse Diary 39, 1929 23 20 Ames, of Petersburg, about his sons divorce September 23- in relation to the proposed British Columbia - 25 matters. Alaska Airplane and Automobile Highway - to serve -19th – as an interview - gave it to Will A. Steel, who will Same as yesterday. We went to theater - prepare an interview for one of the Seattle papers, Barrymore & also publish it in the Cordova Times Annual. Mr. -20th - & Mrs. Faucher, from Kent, took dinner with us. Called on Skinner’s. father out of town saw She is Grace’s oldest sister & a fine good woman. Elfendahl who thinks I ought to go to Wash. D.C. in -24th – aid of passage of Trap Site Bill. but I told him I Went of Tacoma to see Hopping and Winden. ought not to go, etc. It will be settled later. Saw received $418. from my moneys with Tac. L. & S. Freide, Miller etc. Parson’s Dexter Horton Nat bank Assoc. Grace is not recovering from her operation invited me to lunch on Monday. Dr. Tolmie, B.C. as rapidly as I hoped she would. Premier, spoke today at Chamber of Com. in favor -25th - of Int. highway - to Alaska, etc. Went to the “Blue Harold sent automobile to take Mouse”. Vitaphone – talkies. Diary 39, 1929 25 Diary 39, 1929 -21st - September 25 us to Enumclaw. Grace & Mrs. Strong could not go September 21 Grace had her tonsils removed by Dr. Samuels because each has a sore throat. Mr. Snodgrass of today - & must go to the hospital for a day or two. U.S. Experiment Stations –Agricultural, & I went, Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 early in the day. We had lunch with Harold at his suggestion under advisement! home. In the afternoon I went to Buckley. Called on Harry, my brother - he is not well balanced - told [clipping] me he could not pay taxes etc. & would not sell any AUTO-PLANE ALASKA ROUTE IS APPROVED property to pay his debts & a judgment against him Judge Wickersham Favors New Project - that they might put him out, etc. He is partly PROSPERITY FOR | GREAT BENEFITS demented. Called on good old Aunt Kate. She is GREAT DISTRICTS | POINTED OUT BY having her house enlarged & Lake France & SEEN AS RESULT | JUNEAU VISITOR Minnie (and Kates Daughter) are moving in with Settlement of Rich Areas | Delegate to her. Also called & visited with Maude & Nellie - Congress for 12 they are in great trouble because and Development of Nat- | Years Visualizes Diary 39, 1929 25 Interna- September 25 Dick, their brother, has disappeared & They cannot ural Resources Cited as | tional Pathway hear from him - not for 18 months - they fear he is Across dead. I gave Maude some money & told her if she Factors of Highway. | Forests Into North got to a point where she had to have more to call (For map and photographs along the route of the on me & I would assist her. proposed international highway, see Page 1, of the Back to Enumclaw & Harold took Snodgrass & me Automobile Section of The Times today.) to a Kiwanis banquet. Music etc. I was called on - ADVOCACY by Premier S.F. Tolmie of British talked for 5 minutes about Alaska. Snodgrass Columbia, on a recent visit to Seattle, of the project talked half an hour & showed a lot of pictures of for an automobile-airplane international highway Alaska farm scenes - & talked on Alaska farms & between Vancouver, B.C., and Fairbanks, Alaska, farming. drew approval from the rugged hills of Alaska. At 11 oclock we returned to Seattle, arriving at Judge James Wickersham of Juneau, here on a Hotel Frye about midnight. Met several Alaskans at brief visit, spoke enthusiastically of the benefits to the banquet. accrue to both nations through completion of the Diary 39, 1929 -26th – visualized project. September 26- Over to Tacoma - lunch with Hopping & Winden – As Alaska’s delegate to Congress for twelve 27 nothing - must go back tomorrow & arrange for years after serving the territory as federal judge for new lease on my dairy farm. Called to see seven, Judge Wickersham is secretary of an Peterson. Foshay attorney - but he was in Seattle. organization with headquarters at Fairbanks which Returned to Seattle. telephoned to Peterson - he seeks financial aid from both the United States and wanted me to lunch with him & other Foshay Canadian governments to make the highway officials Saturday – 28th. Grace is slowly getting project a reality. well. I am glad of her recovery. Sees Great Benefit -27th - “A combined airplane and automobile highway Went over to Tacoma - the tenant on my dairy from Seattle through British Columbia and Yukon ranch wants me to build a new cow-barn - but does Territory to Alaska,” said Judge Wickersham, not want to pay any more rent - so I took the “would be of far greater benefit in securing the suggestion under advisement! further settlement of these territories and the Diary 39, 1929 28 development of their great natural resources than September 28- Went over to Tacoma - the tenant on my dairy would the construction of a much more expensive 29 ranch wants me to build a new cow-barn - but does railroad along the same route. It would bring not want to pay any more rent - so I took the population into the central parts of those regions, give close personal contact and create a feeling of the Western wilderness, the government of the friendship and common interest which no other United States has in the past three years project could do. It would establish towns along its constructed a good graded highway from Juneau, line, and give settlers and prospectors an the capital of Alaska, for forty miles north of that opportunity to develop the agricultural and mining town, and during the progress of the work more resources of the regions opened, better than any than a hundred settlers have built homes along the other possible plan. line and new homes are being built as the road “The extension of the automobile highway idea to progress and reaches new good locations. This include combination with an airplane route ought to road crosses two small valleys and the one nearest strengthen public support for both projects town has a dozen dairy farms and many garden and insure official recognition and appropriations and farming patches and fields. from both the United States and Canadian “The main line of this proposed airplane and governments. Such a combined highway, the automobile highway will cut British Columbia, airplane route above the automobile road, both to Yukon Territory and Alaska through the center, in follow a common course, with common supply the great valleys between the Coast Range and the bases, landing fields, roadhouses and hotels, will main chain of the Rocky Mountains, and will extend make travel by airplanes and automobiles safe and from Vancouver, B.C., to Dawson and Fairbanks. more interesting to travelers, and double the Shielded from excessive rain and snowfall along benefits to the regions traversed by the great the Coast by the great barrier of the Coast Range, highway. it will pass through a comparatively dry region, cold “The region to be traversed is an untracked in winter and hot in summer. The snowfall is light wilderness, covered by dark forests and and the winter road will be hard and passable mountains, while unbridged rivers add danger to every day, both winter and summer. To secure the airplane service. A plane forced down in such a best development from the great main road, country would be lost, and its occupants would run however, it will be necessary to construct several great risks of suffering or death before they could branch lines from the main road to favored sea be reduced, even if they should land in safety. If, coast terminals. however, the right of way along such a highway Such an airplane and automobile international through the forested areas should be cut Highway with branch lines across the Alaskan a hundred feet wide, a plane following its general boundary line to the sea coast, will require some course would be enabled to land safely on the legislation, probably, by both the Canadian and roadway at any point along its thousand miles of United States governments, to modify some of the length. Even if it were forced to land off the present customs rules and regulations. roadway, its nearness to the highway and fixed Present Rules Stringent bases of supplies would enable aviators to secure “These laws should be so liberalized as to give assistance quickly and also to repair any damage the utmost freedom in travel over these highways to their plane and continue their journey with little with both airplanes and automobiles. At present delay or danger. stringent regulations prevent the free flying of Homes Would be Built airplanes across the borders; these must bf course “Settlers will quickly erect homes along such a be modified, and the highways made free. road and every valley would be opened to “Alaska and Klondike pioneers have always sub- agriculture and every mineral region to scribed to the Arctic brotherhood motto, “There is prospecting. As an example of what always has no boundary line between us,” and that sentiment followed and naturally will follow road building in should be extended by law to this great Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 international highway and its branches. -29th - Some point on the Canadian side and Fairbanks, I have sent clippings of the fine interview from the in Alaska, are to be made great landing stations on Times to the Alaska and B.C. papers - & Darrell. the intercontinental route from the United States Diary 39, 1929 -30th - and Canada to Asia, via Bering Strait, to connect September 30 The Times has a nice follow-up Editorial: with the Old World lines of aviation. This British Columbia - Alaska airplane and automobile [clipping] highway should be so planned, constructed and The Seattle Daily Times managed as to be of the utmost benefit in the C.B. Blethen, Editor and Publisher organization of the intercontinental route. HIGHWAY TO TAP RICH EMPIRE. “The aviation and automobile interests of the JUDGE WICKERSHAM”S suggestion that an air United States and Canada are interested in the route be established along the proposed extension proposed highway, and will give their earnest of the Pacific Highway from British Columbia to support.” Alaska is sound. It would be practicable to develop landing fields as the automobile road is extended HIGHWAY VISIONS through the wilderness. Whether the air route OF OLD ALASKANS should be established first is a debatable question. MAY BE REALIZED At present, seaplanes, using the inside passage, The vision of old-time residents of the North – parallel the proposed route over land. Alaska, Yukon Territory and northern British The course of the new highway will be through Columbia-a trunk highway connecting the district forests now trackless, across mountains and steep with the United States, may be realized within a canyons and generally through the wildest and few years. Sentiment has been crystallizing on most picturesque region on the continent. On both sides of the boundary line among officials some of its unbridged steams trappers and miners ands business men, and the project is now seen, have established feeble outposts. Moose, grizzly not only as a possibility but as a probability. The bear and mountain sheep are present in great proposed highway would connect with roads in the numbers. Its rushing rivers have enormous Peace River district of central British Columbia and potential water power. Its mineral resources are so run northward through Atlin and upper Yukon areas great that their extent can be merely conjectured. to Circle City on the American side and thence to The combination of air route and automobile Fairbanks, where it would connect with the highway, using the same bases of supplies, Richardson Highway to Valdez on the Gulf of roadhouses and hotels, would be singularly Alaska. Indorsements are being received from attractive to tourists. It requires no special prominent persons all along the Pacific Coast and prescience to predict that it would be thronged with the movement is gaining momentum. sightseers and with travelers with a more serious purpose from the day of its opening. Gov. Parks was reappointed Gov. of Alaska Judge Wickersham, who knows Alaska and the yesterday! Sorry, for it prevents Will A. Steel from Yukon Territory, does not exaggerate when he starting his proposed Republican newspaper at says that settlements with their industries and their Juneau! which he would have established if farms soon would he established along that Holmes, of Texas, has been appointed. magnificent highway. Such a development always Todays Seattle Times has a fine interview - with has followed roadbuilding in the wilderness. The my picture, etc. on the proposed Auto-Airplane road would open up an empire enormously rich to Highway through British Columbia into Alaska the uses of man. arouse a bitter prejudice in Alaska & both he and My friend Will A. Steel seems to be busy, for I think Skinner thought it better to have White introduce I aught to thank him for this long line of publicity! the bill. Diary 39, 1929 30 We had dinner tonight with Mr. & Mrs. Lyle at the September 30- [clipping] Arctic Club. Very foggy & a pall of smoke obscures October 2 Sutherland Asks the sky. Study of Highway Diary 39, 1929 -3rd – Into North Country October 3-4 Had long conference with Van Orsdel who tells me (For Editorial Comment See Page 6.) he has been employed by Foshay Co. to go to By Associated Press. Alaska as their representative, that he will reside in WASHINGTON, Monday, Sept. 30.-A study of the Juneau - and will come to my office, and probably feasibility of constructing a highway to connect the use one of my rooms as his office, & will give me northwestern part of the United States with British employment etc. He also talks favorably about Columbia, Yukon Territory and Alaska, in cooper- purchasing the Admiralty Is. Coal Mine etc. Mr. ation with Canada, was proposed today in a bill Faucher, Grace’s brother-in-law, residing at Kent introduced by Delegate Sutherland, Alaska. The had another “stroke” – apopleptic - today. measure would authorize the President to desig- -4th - nate two special commissioners to cooperate with Some days ago I had lunch with Mr. Parsons, Pres. Canadian representatives in making a study of the Dexter Horton Nat Bank proposal and to determine if it were economically Diary 39, 1929 4 practicable. October 4 who suggested that if he could assist me in any One of the commissioners would be an official of business way he would be glad to do it. I told him the Department of Interior and the other president the Foshay interests were coming into Alaska & of the Road Commissioners for Alaska. that if he would interest himself enough to present such a request it would do some good, etc. Today Sutherland is busy also! I am sending out the I had a conference with Van Orsdel at his office - foregoing editorial & this Assoc. telegram to the he told me he was to go to Juneau in a few weeks Alaska Newspapers. hope they will “boost” also. as their representative, - that might care to have There is much discussion, favorable, of the project. one of my office rooms, -that he was friendly to me, -Oct 1st – etc. I told these items to Parsons - & he said he Calling on friends and attending to small matters. knew Van Orsdel, that Stacy knew him better etc. About ready to go home. Bot my tickets on Alaska He had Stacy call up Van 0. - & have a talk with SS. Co. boat for Saturday. him. I did not learn what they did or said - but feel -2nd - sure P. & S. said enough - and its now up to Van Saw D.E. Skinner & Elfendahl today - about the Orsdel! Trap Site bill. Elfendahl will go to Washington Diary 39, 1929 -5th – Diary 39, 1929 2 October 5-7 We left Seattle this morning at 9. a.m. for Juneau. October 2 about the last of the month to see Dan, & if he A beautiful day. Small number on the boat, but opposes the bill Elfendahl will probably get White. among them are Ralph Lomen, reindeer man - & of Maine, to introduce it. He suggested Free, of Dave Dunbar, traveling man, both of whom I have California, but I strongly opposed that, and he known for many years. Lomen is going to Juneau. agreed to get someone not so objectionable to Dunbar to Fairbanks. Grace & I are both glad to be Alaskans. Told him Free attacked the Alaska going home. railroad 2 or 3 years ago - & his sponsorship would -6th – Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Sunday. Queen Charlottes & Mill bank - heavy paid for my recording & I’ve paid him. When the fogs delay our boat. specimens were sent in to the A.J. assayer & he -7th - had finished assaying them - that Company Ketchikan late this evening. Delayed by fogs. immediately sent its best miner and one of its Long visit with Paul, who has a letter from Diary 39, 1929 10 Sutherland in which October 10 assayers up the Taku to the claims and Erickson Diary 39, 1929 7 went with them to the claims for samples. They got October 7-8 he announces positively that “I will not be a a number of bags of samples & brought them in for candidate for reelection as Delegate to Congress their own information. What the result is I have not from Alaska.” learned, but their interest is such that we hope for He writes Paul that either Rustgard or I ought to be good assays. I await the return of Ashby and nominated & rather gives me the preference. Paul Erickson to Juneau next week with much says he, too, prefers me & will not support impatience, for full reports. Hendrickson who was Rustgard, etc. Paul & his wife came down to the so excited at the Frye Hotel in Seattle last week is boat & called on Grace & assured her also, & read located with us in the group. Dan’s letter to her. Wrote Sutherland a good letter today about the -8th - political situation. Also to Charlie Taylor, at We reached Juneau this evening o.k. A letter from Diary 39, 1929 10 Sutherland came on our boat - in which he informs October 10-13 Fairbanks. Many of my friends are interested, and me he will not be a candidate for Congress again, urge me to go into the April primary - Rustgard has and says returned from his trip to the Interior to Fairbanks - Diary 39, 1929 8 today and had a long conference in the street with October 8-9 “I have decided that I will not be a candidate for re- Pegues, the Democratic schemer, who is boosting election to Congress next year,” and in a second Rustgard. letter of the same date he says: “1st it goes without -11th – saying that if our friends decide that you shall run Same as usual in office. Answered for the delegateship, I shall come to Alaska and do correspondence. Consultation with Roden about everything in my power to elect you. I would prefer Matheson appeal - he suggested compromise! seeing you in this office above any other man in -12th – Alaska.” Same as usual in the office. -9th 13th - Busy in the office getting work in shape again. Sunday - at home. reading about Catherine I. of Several of my friends came in to talk politics. I do Russia. not intend to make Dan’s announcement public Diary 39, 1929 13 until I write to him quite fully about it. October 13-16 The Empire copied the Times (Seattle) Editorial Diary 39, 1929 -10th - commending my stand on Airplane & Automobile October 10 Working trying to catch up in the office. While I road, see page 240. Letter from Wm M. Steel, was in Seattle “Chick” Ashby & Charlie Erickson, Seattle, saying he has letter from Dan saying he prospectors sent out by a group of my friends in will not run again & giving me encouragement. He which I was one of the nine parties - located a is boosting among Alaskans in Seattle. group of 9 claims on the mountain side across the -14th – Tulsequah river from the Alaska Juneau Group. on Letter from Forest J. Hunt, Ketchikan urging me to the Taku river. The locations were sent in and be a candidate for Delegate - working in he office recorded - the Rev. Allen, of the Lutheran Church as usual. -15th – claims with drills & powder & do enough work to Getting business in the office in shape once more. see what we really have - & then sell after giving -16th - other persons a chance to examine the property! Same as usual in office: sold my lot in Fairbanks to Diary 39, 1929 -19th - Barrack for $500.00 October 19 Rev Harry R. Allen is one of the group of 9 Diary 39, 1929 -17th - interested in the location and ownership of the October 17 I am pleased that so many of my old friends are quartz mining claims located for us by Erickson inclined to urge me to become a candidate again and Ashby just above the junction of the Tulsequah for Delegate to Congress. While I have made no & the Taku rivers: he - and others of our members announcement the story is getting out that are very much exercised at the thought that if Sutherland will not run again, and these old young Ashby. or any one of us shall sell our political friends hearing that come & express the interest to one of the great mining companies it hope that I will stand in his stead. I do not agree to would give that Co. practical power to prevent any run, but do not refuse: I just talk to them & ask other company from purchasing our interests, etc. them to talk with their friends and tell me what they and thereby spoil our sale & reduce the price ho think about the advisability of my doing so - that I just what the company first purchasing an interest do not wish to become a candidate without some may choose to give. So they - Allen, especially, to considerable support – generally, so far, it seems prepare favorable. Diary 39, 1929 19 Diary 39, 1929 17th – continued. October 19 an agreement for the signatures of each and all the October 17-18 Appointed Notary Public this day. My former members of our group of nine, by which we bind commission expired Sept. 14th. Ashby, Erickson, ourselves not to sell any interest - but to hold for & Kelly at my office this evening - discussed & sale the whole group of claims as a single mapped Taku mining claims. transaction. It seems a wise thing to do, and I am -18th - tonight preparing such a form of agreement. Tom Alaska Day. At Darrells request I have this day Ashby, the father of “Chick” - one of our group, rewritten his will and ford. it to him. to be completed came to see me this afternoon and urged the same by him. proposition. He also complains that his son did not Our Taku mining crowd met at my office tonight & act fairly in not letting him in on the Taku group - signed 12 copies of an agreement to pool our 12 and denounces both Jim Kelly and Erickson for claims on the mountain above the junction of the urging “Chick” to sell with them a small Taku & Tulsequah rivers. Kelly, Erickson & Ashby Diary 39, 1929 19 take a half interest in the 12 claims; Harry October 19-20 group of 3 claims in the Alaska-Juneau, or Manville Stonehouse, Olaf Forkelson, James Wickersham, Group, at the forks of the Tulsequah & Taku for Diary 39, 1929 18 only $700. [Manville Group is across the Tulsequah October 18 Harry R. Allen, Wyatt Kingham, and J.H. River from the Tulsequah Mine] Tom is quite right Henrichsen, own the other half interest in the 12 about this latter sale. I was interested in a small claims - undivided. The Alaska Juneau Mining Co. way in this group and did not know of the sale until Juneau, has already made us an offer to buy the it was concluded & the boys came to give me my group. $25,000. in four yearly payments, and letter share, but I said nothing & took what they $200,000 out of the first profits. We unanimously gave me - only $78.00! Allen will try to get the men agreed not to accept the offer, but to wait till spring in our group to sign the agreement mentioned on when the snow is off and send the boys, Monday. prospectors Erickson, Ashby & Kelly up to the -20th - Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 At office & prepared a further agreement for Taku month to pay the watchman at the mines in mining claimants to sign. meantime. Sullivan is copying for me. -26th - Diary 39, 1929 -21st – Same as usual in the office. October 21-22 Major Gillette of the U.S. Alaska Road Commission Busy work of excavating for the new capital has prepared for me an outline map showing the building is progressing nicely - to my quiet proposed Pacific -Yukon International Highway, satisfaction. and I am sending it to Will A. Steel in Seattle to be Diary 39, 1929 -27th – included in the All-Alaska Review, the Annual of October 27-28 Rainy Sunday. I am reading Ludwigs Life of the Cordova Times - with my interview Statement Bismarck - it is very interestingly written and I am in support of that project. thoroughly enjoying it. Also I am carefully studying -22.- Catherine 1st of Russia. To me she is one of the Busy in the office on preparing cases for appeal! most interesting characters in Russian History. Lynn Smith, U.S. Marshal from Fairbanks, Andy -28th - Dieringer, from Valdez & “Doc”, Caswell, Dep. U.S. Had a “political” photograph made of myself for use Marshal had lunch with me at the Gastineau Cafe in cuts for newspapers in the coming campaign for today - a good lunch & visit with my old sourdough Delegate. Many letters & visits from my friends & friends. former supporter urging me to become a candidate Diary 39, 1929 -22nd – continued for delegate - one today from Sutherland & Paul & October 22-24 Meeting of Taku group & we signed up new – Hunt. My old friends will evidently support me as additional agreement not to sell separate interests - loyally as ever - are there enough of them? is the but hold to sell as a unit. question. -23d – Diary 39, 1929 -29th - Last man. Ashby - today signed Taku agreement - October 29 The SS. Yukon is in at the dock. “Bob” Lavery of puts the matter in good shape. Admiralty Is. Coal Fairbanks came up to see me & to assure me of Co. meeting stockholders called for Friday evening. the friendly support of my old time friends at that Busy in the office. place. Also Frank Foster of Cordova came in -24th - again - and tells me he had interviewed many of Judge Hill has decided Lynch case against us. I the Federal officials here - and they say they will think he does not understand the case, or has support me etc. etc. Frank is going on to forgotten the facts. I have not yet studied his Washington and will see the President. I asked decision to see how far it will affect other settlers him to say to the President that if I am elected on tide lands in Ketchikan. Delegate it will be my purpose to work with the Diary 39, 1929 -25th – Administration - that will come as a friend of his October 25-26 Busy on office work - getting ready to appeal nearly efforts to do constructive work in Alaska & will every case I have! assist him in every way I can. Foster thinks Dan My friends keep assuring me of support for can do me more good by writing letters etc. than by Delegate! I am about persuaded! touring the Territory in a speaking campaign. Meeting of stockholders of Admiralty Island Coal Diary 39, 1929 29 Co. tonight: October 29-30 My friend Dr. Chase came to town today also, and John Reck agreed to go to Seattle & try to raise in to see me. I showed him Sutherlands letter necessary money from the cannery men interested speaking highly of Wallstein G. Smith, Ter. Treas. in S.E. Alaska Co to pay his expenses: I and because I knew no one had yet broached his own several others agreed to pay $25.00 each per (Chases) candidacy for the office & I wanted to cause him to stop & think before Cole or some over the Petersburg, Juneau and other public other impetuous friend should get him committed - utilities! I send Charlie Peterson, Tacoma, a he answered by saying that he was a candidate for telegram saying “evening paper here announces U.S. Marshal, etc. Anyway he will not “jump” into Foshay receivership to our surprise and the matter without taking counsel. disappointment stop if there is anything I can to do -Oct. 30th - assist in Alaska matters it will be readily done.” Reck threatens to sell the sum of $12,000 Lerch Incidentally, I suppose my account for June work stock in the Admiralty Is. Coal Co. & leave my amounting to more than $500. will be lost! I endorsement on Lerchs former note unpaid - and wondered why Peterson raised the bill $200. and worse held it up so long - I also wonder if he lost his! Diary 39, 1929 30 Diary 39, 1929 -Nov. 2nd - October 30-31 he proposes to sell it for 50 cents on the dollar - November 2 Busy preparing papers on the appeal of the pay himself & let me go! I shall notify him in the Matheson Estate - but I am having trouble to get morning not to do it, or I will hold him and the Bank John G Grant to agree to appeal the case: I sent responsible for their action. him telegram to come to Juneau and assist in the I think I am to have the usual combination against appeal - a day message and a night letter - but he me in Juneau. The Empire crowed, Faulkner, answers saying he has no money belonging to the Robertson, McBride, et. al. - Rustgard is active and Estate, and, also, that he is opposed to the appeal. has strong support here in Juneau, and I will know But I intend to urge him further by letter - sending that l have had a fight if I win in the primary. him the papers etc. to sign - and if he will sign the -Oct 31st - papers I will undertake to finance the appeal - for I Gave John Reck & 1st Nat. Bank notice to pay think it very necessary to have the matters passed note of $2500 out of Lerch’s stock. Gave the on by the Appellate Court. We may then win the notice to H.H. Post in the bank. case for the minor heirs! Diary 39, 1929 -Oct. 31st continued. Diary 39, 1929 -Nov. 3- October 31 Reck came in this afternoon & assured me that he November 3-5 Rainy Sunday, arranging books etc. in my private had arranged that he a Gallwas & had library. Grace is assisting me. agreed to buy Lerch’s stock for 50% on the dollar, -4th – to pay Lerchs $2000. note at the bank - the $2500 Recd. telegram from Grant, Wrangell, saying he note which I endorsed & something on the Gallwas will come on “Alameda” today. Working on appeal note! Of course if the $2500 note on which I in Pond Case. appear as indorser is paid I have no further interest Nov. 5th in the matter. Sutherland sent out a public W.U. dispatch today, Grace had a “dinner” this evening. Smiths - Breurs printed in the Juneau Daily Empire tonight, saying and Dunbars. Being Halloween the boys carried he would not be a candidate again: Pegues the the neighbors cans etc. and put them on our Empire reporter, who is a Rustgard supporter, got porch - soaped our windows & otherwise an announcement from Rustgard herein following. comported themselves as boys. I am sending Have been reading Ludwigs life of Bismarck. Diary 39, 1929 5 Capital building excavations progressing. November 5 the following telegram to all the Alaska papers Diary 39, 1929 November 1st tonight - and the race is on! November 1 The Evening Empire announces that Foshay & Co. Minneapolis have gone into the receivers hands: [clipping] This will, I assume, destroy their project of taking SUTHERLAND TO Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 RETIRE AT END John Rustgard, Attorney General of Alaska, OF NEXT TERM since 1920, late today announced his candidacy for Says Is Through when His the Republican nomination for Delegate to Fifth Term is Over- Congress. This means he will enter the No Reason Given Republican primary lists next April as an aspirant to The retirement of Delegate Dan Sutherland from succeed Delegate Sutherland, whose retirement at that office at the end of his term that begins with the end of his fifth term was announced from the regular session of Congress next month was Washington today. announced today in an Associated Press dispatch “I have been in correspondence with friends in all received by The Empire. No cause for this action parts of Alaska for some time regarding the matter, was given. and have received many letters urging me to be a The dispatch, under a Washington, D.C., date candidate for the office,” said Mr. Rustgard. “Since line said: the Delegate has positively declared his intention “Dan Sutherland said the biographical sketch of retiring, I am taking this opportunity of declaring appearing in the next Congressional Record would my own candidacy to succeed him.” read: Mr. Rustgard was elected to office as Attorney ‘Fifth and last term.’ General of Alaska in 1920. He was re-elected in “He added: ‘I think that is plain enough. I am 1924, and again in 1928. His present term would retiring when my term is over’.” expire in 1933. Sutherland was first elected to Congress in 1920, He did not undertake today to outline the issues defeating George B. Grigsby, Democrat. He has of his primary campaign. “At the proper time, I been reelected four times since, 1922, ’24, ’26, and shall make public in detail the platform upon which ’28, defeating E. J. White. F.A. Boyle and George I expect to make the race,” he said. B. Grigsby a second time. Almost since he first took office, Sutherland has Pegues throws a brick at Dan & boosts his friend been, embroiled in a bitter fight over Alaskan John. fisheries policies with Herbert Hoover, who entered Diary 39, 1929 5 the Harding cabinet as Secretary of Commerce at November 5 The following is a copy of the telegrams I sent to the same time Southerland was seated as every Alaska newspaper tonight: Delegate. The two most important matters of general [clipping] legislation enacted during his tenure were the Juneau, Alaska, November 5, 1929 White Fisheries Act, giving the Department of Editor Fairbanks News Miner, Commerce absolute and arbitrary power of Fairbanks, Alaska, administration over the Territory’s fisheries Delegate Dan Sutherland publicly announced industries and the Alaska Game Act. today he will not run again. stop At request of many friends through territory I will be candidate before [clipping] the Republican primary in April for that nomination RUSTGARD WILL stop Will issue statement giving my stand on MAKE RACE FOR constructive legislation needed in Alaska at later DELEGATE POST date Announces Candidacy for James Wickersham Republican Nomination in April Primary This will enliven the campaign, and make John run his best gait. Cash Cole cooperated with me in the In Two Contests arrangement of the above telegram. The most notable Delegate elections, 1916 and 1918, had him apparently defeated. His Diary 39, 1929 -Nov. 6th - Democratic opponent, the late Charles A. Sulzer, November 6 The Empire gave publicity to my telegram: went to Congress on both occasions. The

elections were both contested and Judge [clipping] Wickersham was seated eventually after the terms WICKERSHAM TO had almost expired. RUN AGAIN FOR In the second contest Mr. Sulzer died before the DELEGATESHIP case could be heard. George B. Grigsby, Former Delegate Will Op- Democrat, was chosen to succeed him in a special pose Rustgard for RE- election, and defended the contest. publican Nomination In 1921 Judge Wickersham was not a candidate Judge Wickersham, former Delegate to to succeed himself, retiring and making way for Congress from Alaska, late yesterday announced Dan Sutherland who has occupied the office since his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the that time. same office, following the public statement of

Delegate Sutherland that he would not be a I am amused and interested in that Mrs. Josephine candidate to succeed himself. Rustgard is flooding the town today - with He is the second aspirant to appear in the field personally written cards in an addressed envelop for the Republican nomination in the primary next stamped in big blue letters: April. Attorney General John Rustgard was the Diary 39, 1929 6 first in the field, his candidacy being announced as November 6-7 I have seen several and the run about like mine - soon as it was learned that Mr. Sutherland had for she honored me with one: made known his intentions of retiring. “Dear Judge, We find ourselves suddenly in the Sent To Newspapers race for Delegate and since I feel that Mr. Rustgard In telegrams sent out to all Alaska newspapers has you to thank for the inspiration I am sure you last night, Judge Wickersham declared his wish us well. Sincerely, Josephine Rustgard.” candidacy as follows: I shall be interested to see the reaction to that kind “Delegate Dan Sutherland publicly announced of campaigning. It is quite unique in this Territory today he will not run again. At the request of many and may add to the interest of the campaign. friends throughout the Territory I will be a th -7 - candidate before the Republican primary in April Working on appeal in Matheson case. Served Bill for that nomination. I will issue a statement giving of Exceptions & filed same. my stand on constructive legislation needed in We are to have a dinner party tonight - the Alaska at a later date.” members of the Game Commission. Judge Wickersham held office in Alaska for a Diary 39, 1929 7 score of years before his retirement in 1921. He November 7-8 We had a most enjoyable party - first a good was appointed Federal district judge by President chicken dinner - a good smoke around the big fire McKinley in 1900, serving in that capacity until in the fire place & then an hour or two in the library 1908. In that year he actively entered the political going over rare Alaskan books the best - arena and until his retirement he continued so, examining my great books of Alaskan pictures - some of the hottest campaigns centering around photographs of the Stampede to Dawson - the him. public men - mines & miners - saloons & the dance Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 halls, the “girls” the gamblers etc. Dr. Chase was in the case of Goldstein v Pond, so I shall go to one of those who went to Dawson in ‘97, his Haines to attend the meeting of the Alaska Native remarks on the photographs etc. kept the company (Indian) Brotherhood which meets there next week. in a happy mood & greatly interested them. I will present the matter of organizing the suit of the -8th - Tlingit and Haida Indians in S.E. Alaska, to recover Same as usual in the office. from the united states the value of the lands taken Friends came in to assure me of potential support. from these Indians by the U.S. without any Diary 39, 1929 -9th – payment or compensation therefore. I shall ask November 9-11 Grace & I had chicken dinner at the Methodist them to appoint a Committee to assist in the matter Church last evening - a darned good chicken & sign a contract to pay myself & Paul as their dinner for a church dinner, at that. attorney a fee of fifteen per cent upon what we can Trial of Weyland v Weyland, divorce. recover. Concluded appeal in the case of “In re estate of F. Diary 39, 1929 -16- Matheson, deceased.” November 16-17 Trial Brown V Territory: Rustgard for Ter- civil -10th – case. Sunday - at home. Politics is (are) warming up. I am told Rustgard will -11th - go to Washington, D.C. soon to organize support Armistice Day. Another Sunday. from the Hoover administration. But I cannot credit Answering correspondence. Am now getting the report. However I shall write to Dan to keep an letters from supporters for my nomination for eye on him while there & try to discover of anything Delegate - rather early but am glad to have them. like that is attempted. Recd 5 bundles of Russian books from Petroff, Left Juneau about midnight on the SS. “Queen” to Chief Intimation Ex. Bureau, Moscow, Soviet attend the grand camp convention of the Alaska R.S.S.A. Native Brotherhood at Haines. Diary 39, 1929 -12th – -17th - November 12-14 Paid my note at Behrends Bank. $61055. I am Our boat has 100 or more S.E. Alaska Indians on pleased at the books I received yesterday from the board bound for Haines, where we arrived at noon Academy of Sciences, Leningrad - an Academy today. established by Catherine 1 - the wife of Peter the Diary 39, 1929 -17th continued - Great. November 17 Much trouble to get a room, but finally got a good They help to fill my list, which is still poorly filled, bed in a good room at the Presbyterian Orphans but getting better slowly. Home, presided over by a good woman - an aged -13th – maiden lady - Mifs Jackson. In my room are two Same as usual in the office. good beds; one of which I occupy and the other is -14th - occupied by Rev. Sam. G. Davis, Indian, Same as usual in office - preparing the Appeal in missionary, and a fine good man: the Paul the Pond Case. brothers, Wm L. and Louis, occupy the two beds in Frank Afric assignee of laborers employed in the the adjoining - connected room. We are well Admiralty Is. Coal Co. mines, brought suit today to satisfied. I have my meals with the house staff - foreclose liens amounting to nearly $4000, served and am greatly pleased! Attended church – Complaint on me as V.P. of Company. Presbyterian - tonight. It was conducted by the Diary 39, 1929 -15th - Native Brotherhood Mr. Davis [?] - Paul presided - November 15 Same as usual in office. the Indian choir gave excellent music to a large I have a month yet in which to complete the appeal audience of Indians. Diary 39, 1929 -18th - proceedings tomorrow. November 18 Rev Bromley and Rev. Wagoner escorted me (Presbyterian Ministers) to the ancient Chilkat town Diary 39, 1929 -20th - of Klukwan, 22-1/2 miles north of Haines today. It November 20 The Committee of 5, from the Brotherhood is the ancient home of the old Chilkats, and has yet Convention and I had a session this forenoon and some old houses of the ancient type - and some after asking many more questions, and rare interior carvings & paintings, and the old chief explanations, they asked me to assist them in has the fine collection of rare knives, etc. which preparing a report for them to present to the have been handed down from one chief to another. convention - which I did. They seem greatly The old town is decaying and falling down. On the interested and exhibit a shrewdness and careful street I noticed three small iron cannon which once attention to their own best interest that is gratifying belonged to some Russian gunboat. Rusted & to me. I assume their report will be adopted and if disreputable. I got very cold on our return trip and so myself and Wm L. Paul will act as their attorneys am still suffering with a chill tonight. th - and I, at least, appreciate that it will be a long Diary 39, 1929 -19 - m hard job. The cannon at the post has fired every November 19 A telegraphic dispatch has been received at Ft. W half hour all day - and is now firing the final salute H. Seward today announcing the death of the of 19 guns in honor of the dead Secretary of the Secretary of War, my friend James W. Good, War Department. formerly Representative from Iowa, with whom I Diary 39, 1929 -20-continued. served on the Com. of Ter. He was always a good November 20 I was asked to act as one of the Judges at the friend of Alaska and aided me in securing oratorical contest tonight at the Brotherhood legislation for this Territory. I am sorry to hear of Convention - 7 boys and girls competed. They his death. He was a good, active man & his death were from 14 to 18 years of age - 3 girls and 4 will be a loss to the country. boys. One girl from the home did very well & she I spoke to the Brotherhood convention tonight for recited “The Rebel” - the story of a patriots cow 2 hours on the project of requesting Congress to stolen by Lord Cornwallis soldiers - and she did pass an Act authorizing the Tlingit & Haida Indians very well but fell into a monologue manner of of Alaska to bring a suit against the U.S. in the speaking though she had a wonderful memory. Court of Claims to recover the value of their lands, These boys won the prize - their voices were hunting grounds, fishery rights strong - clear and well modulated. The boy who Diary 39, 1929 19 won the first prize was from Klawock. I find they November 19 taken by the United States after the sale of the are very much interested in Education & I think Wm Russian dominion over Alaska in 1867, and sold. L. Pauls ready manner of speaking etc has No Treaty was ever made by Alaska Indians with powerfully impressed the scholars in the Indian the U.S. and no transfer of their title to the U.S. schools. The Indian title was never extinguished. The great Diary 39, 1929 -21st - audience of Indians listened most attentively as I November 21 The Alaska Native Brotherhood had the matter of explained the situation - young Johnson, an Indian contract, etc. and appointment of a Committee of from Klawock acted as interpreter & translated my five as Trustees to act with the Attorneys, etc. English into Tlingit rapidly - and Paul says most Much inquiry & some controversy has arisen over accurately. After my talk was over the natives the terms of my proposed contract and this talked & asked me for many explanations, which I afternoon I was called before the Convention and gave them. The Convention then elected a asked to explain the terms of the agreement. My Committee of 5 to consult with me about further Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 explanation was satisfactory, though two from friends in Fairbanks & Anchorage - all helpful amendments were suggested, which I accepted: and friendly. Also letter from Will Steel, from with these agreed to, the Convention, on a Seattle. He sends me copies of my picture. I look personal roll call, unanimously approved the as old & hooked nosed as the Pharaoh-of the- contract and agreed to sign it when rewritten with Exodus. see copy on the next page the amendments included. They had a “Sisterhood Diary 39, 1929 24 Evening” tonight - a big chicken dinner & a swell November 24-25 ladies function Diary 39, 1929 21 November 21 in the Hall - signing, speaking etc. all conducted by Wm L. Paul as master of ceremonies! “Billie” is a hale [half?] fellow well met with them. He is quick at action, thought and organization - he keeps them moving, singing, talking - always interested. He is a young, handsome, energetic graceful - and flatters them to the limit. He is a real politician & the old folks are never neglected. He talks the Tlingit tongue - his mother tongue, fluently, and is never at a loss for something to say - or to do. The Army boat, the “Fornance,” belonging to Ft. Wm H. Seward , will go to Juneau early in the morning & I have permission to go on her. Diary 39, 1929 -22nd – November 22-23 The SS. “Fornance” blew her whistle at 130 a.m. and I caught the boat at the Army post wharf, and left Haines for Juneau. The boat ran into Barlow cove, on the East side of Admiralty Island, and put off a hunting party of officers from the Post - to hunt duck - and we arrived in Juneau at 1 oclock. When I got home I found Grace was giving a party - an afternoon at home - & playing bridge - 28 ladies present & having a high time. -23rd - Worked in the office as usual. th Everything ok – mail - political news satisfactory. -25 - Diary 39, 1929 -24th - Busy in the office - law & politics. Nothing of great November 24 Sunday: In my mail is a copy of a letter which importance. th Sutherland sent me of a letter he wrote to Mrs. Diary 39, 1929 -26 - m John Rustgard in answer to one of her letters November 26 W L. Paul was reelected President of the Alaska announcing “our” candidacy”. Dan told her he Native Brotherhood - thus breaking up the would support me because the Empire & its friends Rustgard scheme of electing Frank Peratrovich. were supporting John. I think her personal letter The plan was to oust Paul and turn the Indian campaign was - or is - a failure. Several letters votes to Rustgard, etc. The vote was four to one for Paul. with me. Had a good visit with Paul at our dinner - Busy in the office with law work. Also wrote we talked politics, etc. etc. He wants to be a letters to political friends in Fairbanks. The candidate for the Legislature but is doubtful “Northwestern” went into Haines and brought away whether he can win out in the election or not. He the delegates from the A.N.B: Wm L. Paul went to promises to support me strongly for delegate, with Sitka on one of the Indian boats. Louis J. his his Indian voters. brother came into see me. Says everything went Diary 39, 1929 -Dec. 3rd - very satisfactory. Rev. Waggoner brought my December 3 Paul went to the Empire with the story of the suit to forgotten razor shop. recover value for the Indian land & they gave him a Diary 39, 1929 -27th - fine story! November 27 Charles E. Taylor, my brother in law, an attorney at Fairbanks, writes that Rustgard & Bunnell claim to [clipping] have a photostat copy of a check signed by INDIANS PLAN canneryman purporting to pay me $15,000. for SUITS AGAINST services in the matter of trap site leasing bill, etc. UNITES STATES and will make a great and thunderous noise about A.N.B. Employs Judge it at the last moment of the campaign. Well! Of Wickersham and Others course they have no such check - but I think I will to Initiate Actions tell the truth about that matter & tell it first - so there Suits against the Federal Government are will be no chance for their “roorback” to make a contemplated by the Alaska Native Brotherhood noise like thunder! seeking to recover compensation for certain rights Diary 39, 1929 -28th - claimed to have been held at one time by Alaska November 28 Thanksgiving Day. Worked in the office preparing Indians but which have passed into other hands. Assignment of Errors in Pond Case. Millions of dollars are understood to be at stake in Dinner - Mike Sullivan, Wolland the tailor, & “Larry” the proposed actions which involve lands, fishing Sullivan with us. Finished reading biography of streams and waters, hunting and trapping grounds, Queen Elizabeth of England. forests and mineral lands. My opponents are threatening to make a big This was made known here officially today by attack, politically, on me because of my William L. Paul, President of the Brotherhood, who employment by the Cannery interests to draft the with Mrs. Paul and Judge James Wickersham, Fish trap site law, & now they are trembling with local attorney, former delegate to Congress and anger because I have been employed by the candidate for the Republican nomination to Indians to recover from the U.S. the value of the succeed the present Delegate, has been retained Indian Lands in Alaska! I just wonder what they to conduct the legal battle it is intended to wage. will discover against me next. Must Get Permission Diary 39, 1929 -29th – Before any suit can be initiated against the November 29- Same as usual in the office. United States, however, it will be necessary for December 2 -30th – Congress to grant legislative authority for such Court called the docket today. Setting cases for action. This is fully realized by the Indian leaders, trial, etc. Mr. Paul said. In order to obtain it, a measure has -Dec. 1st – been prepared authorizing the Brotherhood to file Sunday. at home all day. the suits. It is planned to have Delegate -Dec. 2.- Sutherland introduce this bill at the current session Paying my bills. Wm L. Paul in town - take dinner of Congress. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 At its convention at Haines, recently, the Indian COURT APPEALS organization adopted a resolution authorizing the SAYS PAUL WAS employment of the three individuals mentioned and NOT IN CONTEMPT agreeing to finance the necessary costs including Circuit Judges Reverse certain traveling expenses. It is understood the Judge Harding in Famous money will be raised by assessments against the Ketchikan Contempt Case individual members of the Brotherhood. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 3.- The United States Claims are Dispossessed Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the order of the It is contended by the Brotherhood, through its District Court of the First Division of Alaska for leaders, that the Indians were in possession, adjudging William L. Paul, Ketchikan attorney, during the days of Russian ownership of Alaska, of guilty of contempt of court on two counts. The vast fishing, hunting trapping, mineral and other court was acting on an appeal of Paul from the rights. And that the lands occupied by them District Court. Paul had represented to the Court in including tidelands as well as forested areas, were behalf of a client that the latter had been deprived recognized as theirs by right by the Russian of his property in the Commissioner’s Court at Government. Craig, without due process of law, representing The acquisition of the Territory by the United that he had been arrested for illegal fishing and States, it is held by them, merely transferred that the District Attorney had threatened that if he sovereignty and ownership of unoccupied or did not plead guilty and pay a fine his boat and unappropriated lands and resources, but did not other equipment would be confiscated. deprive the Indians of any right they had held Judge Justin W. Harding, who had been the under Russian rule. They further content that District Attorney complained of, charged that Paul Congress, itself, has upon occasion, recognized had made untrue statements in behalf of his client, these rights, but that in the passage of years most, in his petition for a writ of review in the case, and if in fact not all, of them have been taken away and was guilty of contempt therefore. Paul was are now held by others with the consent and sentenced to serve 35 days in jail or pay a fine of support of the Government. Payment for those so $75. The second count involved statements, lost will be sought in the suits. alleging to be untrue in an affidavit of prejudice Appoint Political Committee filed by Paul in seeking trial before another Judge in the same case. Judge Harding held Paul to be At the Haines convention a political committee, in contempt composed of six Grand Presidents and the present and ordered that he pay a fine of $100 or serve 50 head of the Brotherhood, was created. Its days in jail. purpose, in diplomatic phraseology, is to peruse “It would certainly be an innovation of law, the the platforms, study the credentials and records of Circuit Court pointed out, in an opinion handed the several candidates for office of both political down, “if an attorney could be summarily punished parties, and advise the members of the for contempt whenever a statement made by him in organization for whom to vote. behalf of his client after investigation turned out Diary 39, 1929 3 untrue.” December 3-4 The Circuit Court of Appeals, S.F. has reversed -4th - Judge Harding in the Contempt Case, to the great Appealed the case of Goldstein & Simpson v E.P. delight of Paul, Roden & myself. Pond, et al. this day. Filed my appeal papers & the case is enroute. It is [clipping] a close case but I think ought to be reversed on the facts - & probably on the law points involved. - 11th continued - Meeting of Admiralty Is. Coal Co. stockholders in my office tonight to hear Recks report on his visit to Diary 39, 1929 -5th – December 5-6 Seattle for money - he did not get it! Busy getting cases appealed and in rewriting the th th Diary 39, 1929 12 [11 ] – continued. Contract with the Indians for brining the suit against December John Reck, Pres. 1st Nat. Bank and Treasurer of the U.S. Admiralty Is. Coal Company made a general report -6th - about his visit to Seattle & Tacoma trying to finance Same as yesterday - receiving many letters about or sell the Ad. Is. Coal Co. - said prospect of selling politics. Sutherland also writes that he is receiving to Perkins of Tacoma, - may be to some Seattle many - that all are favorable to me - & that he will Cannerymen - nothing definite. soon begin writing to his particular friends in the Joe Care & others objected to selling & wanted to most distant precincts urging them to support me. gather up $15,000 & work the property. $8,000 was Have just read “Mottleys Life of Catherine I,” in offered. I to take $500 of it. Reck stated publicly whom I am greatly interested. Sutherland sent me that all the note I once indorsed was paid but Mottley from the Library of Congress - borrowed it 00 $700. . General talk & stockholders adjourned. for me for a month. th -12 - Diary 39, 1929 -7th – Same as usual in the office – busy. December 7-9 A beautiful clear morning - snow on the ground, no Will have Father & Mrs. Kashevaroff to dinner this clouds in the sky - truly a Tanana day. Same as evening. Good dinner & a pleasant evening in the usual in the office. th library. -8 – th Diary 39, 1929 -13 – Read Voltaires “Candide,” - illustrated by Rockwell December 13-14 Busy as usual in the office. Kent. Copying notes & body from Mettleys Life of My political opponents are beginning a war of Catherine I. The volumes were sent to me by extermination! - but I will get around to the matter Sutherland, from the Congressional Library, Wash. soon. D.C. and must be returned immediately. th -14 -9th - Busy in office - other matters quiet. Grace sending Taku wind blowing - clear & cold. In the office as out Christmas cards & presents to the family. usual. Am writing fully to Sutherland about Act to On Friday evening - the 13th, Messrs. Allen, permit the S. Alaska Indians to bring suit in Henrichsen, Kingman, Torkelson & myself met in Diary 39, 1929 9 my office to arrange for loaning C.H. Ashley, one of December 9-11 the Court of Claims to recover value of their fishing our co-owners in the group of quartz mining claims places, homes, hunting grounds and other at the Taku river - across the Taku [Tulsequah} properties taken by the U.S. river from the Alaska-Juneau group: we agreed to -10- deposit a note for $300. in the First National Bank, Taku wind blowing - clear and cold. signed by us and Harry Stonehouse, & permit Sent night-letter to Paul asking him to send me by Diary 39, 1929 14 first mail his ideas of what we need in Republican 00 December 14 Ashby to draw $50. per month for six months: we platform on Alaska fisheries. prepared the note & all six of us signed it.- Today -11- Allen and Ashby took the note to the Bank. Reck, Same damned Taku wind blowing - blew two president, started to carry out the loan - but Post, window lights out of my house. Otherwise the cashier, objected & said that Metzger, Supt. of the world seems as good as ever. Alaska Juneau mines, and a director in the bank Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 had instructed not to lend any money for the Ashby Paul Contempt case getting the whole record - use - saying “Let him come to the office of the brief, etc. Harding is scared stiff! Its a good thing, Mining Company where he can get money if he for he was mean & deserves to be scared. wants it.” Poor Ashby is weak & easily “worked,” -19th - and it is evident to all of us that Metzgers plan is to Am advised that Pegues, assistant Editor for years loan Ashby small sums on his interest in the mines of the Juneau Empire, the most vicious Democrat we own & merely acquire his interest - or a lien on in Alaska, is to go to Fairbanks to run Capt. it - whereby to run our joint Lothrop’s paper the News-Miner - he goes Jany 1, Diary 39, 1929 14 at $5000. a year. Another Bi-Partisan newspaper December 14-15 opportunity to sell the mines as a whole - & enable owned by a Republican - edited by a Democrat. the Alaska-Juneau to get into possession, even on Diary 39, 1929 -20th – Ashbys interest & prevent us from selling to any December 20-21 A busy day in the Office. other purchaser in the spring at an advanced price. Stroller White asked me to write a statement of Of course we will not secure a lone from the explanation of the Indian Suit to recover the value Behrends bank - or put up the money personally. of their properties taken by the U.S. in S.E. Alaska, Evidently the A-J. & Metzger must think our group &I have done so. is a valuable one! -21st - -15th - Busy in office - also sending out copies of todays Sunday - mail in this morning. Recd. a copy of the Strollers Weekly which contains my interview about opinion of the Circuit Court of Appeals in the Paul the Indian Suit, etc. Writing letter to Dan about his Contempt Case. It is written by Judge Wilbur, the idea of what a platform should contain - also same new Circuit Court Judge & is fairly well done - & to Paul. fully in our favor on every point. I am more than Auditor Cash Cole is having a row with Rustgard ever pleased with about Agri. College which will not make any report Diary 39, 1929 15 to Cole as Auditor about how the Terri. December 15-17 my Brief in that case. The Court followed my Appropriations are expended. argument on every point! Diary 39, 1929 21 -16th – December 21 [clipping] Sunday – readin, writin & restin. WICKERSHAM EXPLAINS -17th - INDIAN SUIT FILED Busy in office: nothing exciting. Leading Attorney For Plaintiffs I am writing a letter to Steward Edward White, Tells of Early Conditions on author of Burlingame, Cal. in commendation of his Which Suit is Based article entitled “Kidding Ourselves Along, printed in Realizing that considerable interest is being the Saturday Evening Post, of Dec 14, 1927, & manifested in the late suit filed by Attorney James sending him copy of a Resolution adopted by the Wickersham and W.L. Paul in behalf of the Indians Alaska Native Brotherhood at its Convention at residing in Southeastern Alaska, the object of the Haines, on Nov. 25, expressing the same idea for suit being to recover from the United States saving the Alaska salmon, as that in Whites article. government for dispossessing of the Indians of Diary 39, 1929 -18th – rights to which, it is alleged they were entitled to December 18-19 Busy in the office. nothing exciting. We have had a hold under the Russian regime, which rights were beautiful week of clear & cold weather moderating denied them when America secured possession of today - fine winter. I am advised the Dept. of Alaska, Judge Wickersham was requested to give Justice is looking into Judge Hardings action in the a statement of the case and cause of the suit being filed which he did as follows: from them by the government, but only ask for just “The Tlingit and Haida Indians, residing in payment for them by the United States, as they Southeastern Alaska, when the Russians first actually owned and occupied them when our settled here to trade in furs, owned homes, government took such properties from them for fisheries, hunting grounds and other properties and sale to our white people. maintained a system of rules and customs for their “To secure payment for such property rights, the protection and government. Their villages of great Indians must, first persuade congress to pass a law community houses, before which stood high, permitting them to bring a suit against the United carved and painted totem poles, extended from States in the Court of Claims, in Washington, D.C. Yakutat and Klukwan to those along Dixon’s Second, bringing such suit and prove their Entrance on the south. ownership and the value of their property rights so “There were about 7,000 Indians in that area; taken, and, third, thereupon the United States they lived in permanent villages; were fishermen, Court of Claims will give such a judgment as to the boat builders, carvers, blanket makers; had fixed law and the facts will warrant for the value of the properly rights, well understood by all, and property taken. respected by the tribes as well as individuals. The “Congress passed several acts within the last Russian fur traders always respected and two years authorizing similar suits from California , protected these Indian property rights, and were Oregon, Washington and Idaho - and such suits forbidden by Russian law to interfere with or are now pending in the Court of Claims. destroy them. When the United States purchased Application will be made to congress to pass an act Alaska in 1867, it agreed with Russia to authorizing the Southeastern Alaska Indians to acknowledge and protect the Indians in their rights bring such a suit to recover from the United States of property. No treaty or agreement of any kind the value of their properties so taken from them by had ever been made by the Russians to quiet or the United States without condescension. If that purchase the Indian properties, and none has since act is passed and becomes a law, and been made by the United States. Our government if they gain a judgment in their favor for these just assumed to own the lands and properties of properties, the government will pay these the Indians in Alaska, and has gone on as an Southeastern Alaska Indians the amount of that assumed owner to sell the same to its citizens. judgment, and the money will be spent in Alaska. Their homes, fisheries, hunting grounds, etc. have Such a suit and been either reserved for sale in forest reserve, or Diary 39, 1929 21 sold to white settlers for salmon cannery sites, December 21-24 [clipping continued] townsites, homesteads, mines, or such other uses judgment will not affect in any way any title to as the government wished. The Indians have not property held by the United States or its white been consulted in any way about these sales. citizens in Alaska, for the Indians can only recover, “It has been the universal and just rule of the if anything, a money judgment against the United United States from the date of the establishment of States for the value of their property. The bigger our government in 1776, to make treaties with all that judgment is, the more money the Indians will the Indian tribes in the west, and pay them a fair have to spend in Alaska stores.” price for their Indian titles and lands. But no such treaty or settlement was ever made with Alaska [clipping] Indians. From the statement made elsewhere in this paper “Our Alaska Indians, cannot, and do not desire to by Judge James Wickersham, the claims of the recover these lands and property rights, so taken Indians of Southeastern Alaska against the United Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 States government for being dispossessed of their suggestion in publishing and distribution. inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are well founded. th nd Diary 39, 1929 28 continued. -22 – December 28-29 Grace & I had dinner with Mrs. Tilden & Mrs. The shortest day of the year - and now the days Tupper this evening, also Mr. & Mrs. Stevens & a will begin to lengthen. Spent the day quietly – Mifs Heath, the Governors assistant Secretary. Sunday - writing letters etc. rd I am just now concluding the book “Henry VIII,” -23 – by Hackett and am enjoying the beheadings, As usual in the Office - am about caught up with murders, marriages, divorces, heart aches, my correspondence. Nothing unusual - just busy at religious discussion, etc. etc. of old degenerate work. th Henry! What a moron to be a King of England. -24 - -29th - Busy working on my political Announcement & Sunday. We had Mr. & Mrs. Ganty, of Skagway, to Platform as a candidate for Delegate to Congress. dinner. They enjoyed an hour in my library. I think. I think I have it thought out to suit and I now desire Diary 39, 1929 th to write it so carefully that there will be but one -30 – December 30-31 Working in the office. I feel that I must go to Diary 39, 1929 24 Seattle soon & have an operation for the removal December 24-25 meaning in each phrase. I think the best way, of my prostate gland - it is squeezing the canal always in such papers is to make them clear in from my bladder so the flow of urine is slow, and phraseology so my opponents may not find a the urine content is breaking down, and I fear evil hidden meaning which I did not intend. th consequences will result if the opening is not free -25 - soon. It is my only weak spot, physically - but just Christmas Day - and a real white Christmas day at one too many at that. that. Six inches of snow and the trees all -31st - festooned with white – its a typically beautiful day Recd. $500.00 from the Cleary Hill Alaska Mining for Christmas. We had a beautiful dinner table - a Co. for extension of lease & option to buy my 1/4 small tree lit by small electric bulbs & trimmings of interest in 9 quartz mining claims on the Goessman holly with red berries everywhere. Grace’s sister & Group at Fairbanks. Lucille Hunt both send us the holly leaves and Diary 39, 1929 berries, also a splendid turkey dinner. 31 December 31 Charley Taylor made the option for me, and Diary 39, 1929 -26- retained $50.00 for his services - leaving me $450. December 26-28 Finished my Announcement and Platform - but I net. The option is for $4000. in I year. shall now submit it to a few friends for criticism & Will Steel came home last night & we have been suggestions, - though I shall probably not accept talking politics most of the day. In the event of my either! election as Delegate to Congress he has agreed to -27- go with me as Secretary! Rewrote some features of my Platform & made Senator Steel took dinner with me & after dinner new copy. we discussed my platform. He thought my plank -28- No. 3 in my tentative platform, would not be readily Same as usual in the office. Letter from Paul understood, & urged him to make it more general saying Will Steel is in Ketchikan - will probably be so as not to create a mistaken idea. I will think it here on next boat - am glad for I want his over carefully. assistance in relation to my Platform - first, his approval - or suggestion & second his assistance & Diary 39, 1930 January 1st 1930. January 1-2 A beautiful sunny day! Writing to Darrell & Jane. Also rewriting part of my political platform trying to meet the objections of Senator Steel. Grace is to have some friends to dinner - including Mr. W. G. Smith. Mrs. Martin, Miss Ann Coleman, Miss Sallie Shafer & W.G.S. A good dinner & a jollie evening listening to Ann talk. If she could any write as animatedly as she can talk - it would be a “best seller,” for she is a wonder to talk. -Jan. 2nd - Paying monthly & other bills - talking politics with my friends, and answering correspondence. Diary 39, 1930 -3rd – January 3-7 [pamphlet]

Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 The whole modern world is on wheels. In the Opening a New Country United States and Canada there are at least —along the Logical Air Route to Asia 20,000,000 car owners. Utility and pleasure, seated ALASKA and the Yukon have long wanted to share side by side, are only one turn of the wheels behind their scenic wonders and beauties, their delightful the construction crew. Having crisscrossed the summer climate, their winter sports, their fishing United States and Canada, east, west, north, and and wild game, their opportunities and even their south. they scan the horizon for a "newhere" to go. wealth with the people "outside." They have now The great "newhere" is British Columbia, Yukon caught the vision and have seen the logical way Territory and Alaska. within the means of the great motoring public in the In round numbers it is 2000 miles from Seattle, two other countries, to the south and even Mexico Washington, to Fairbanks, Alaska. From Seattle to and beyond farther southward. Vancouver generally paralleling the shores of This vision is the proposed International Highway Puget Sound, with an industrial city every forty connecting United States, Canada, and Alaska — a miles or so, you would travel through wonderful project that will give to millions a new playground forests of fir and cedar. Over highways already and will serve as the logical airplane route between constructed, northward the course of travel would America and Asia. take you through the impressive canyon of the Thus the organization of the International Fraser River. Bearing westerly through a country Highway Association, with headquarters at splashed with lakes and fed by streams alive with Fairbanks, heart of Alaska. This association was trout, Lillooet and Prince George fade in the formed to secure cooperative governmental action distance, and Hazelton, the ancient camp site of a from the United States and Canada in order that savage tribe of Indians whose totem poles still the frontier territories of these countries may have stand, would register you 1000 miles on the way. an opportunity to give to the motoring millions of Of the next thousand miles there is required a their countrymen, who throng the congested total of only seven hundred miles of new highways of travel, a glimpse of the grandeur of the construction work to reach Fairbanks. Match the great "outdoors" of the North, and the scenic sights original cost of Alaska dollar for dollar and the feat of these. will be accomplished! Road materials are right at We have recently witnessed the passage of the hand — thus, a lower cost per mile for construction. first vehicle over the future course of the The road- will probably follow near the line of the International Highway. Those valiant fliers, Cramer old Telegraph Trail, a line of historic interest for it and Gamble, have blazed the air trail over the marks the path of those valiant pioneers who International Airway. More planes will follow soon. attempted in the late sixties to build a telegraph line Within a brief space of time a mail route is certain to Asia and Europe and were defeated only by the to be in operation. The ribbon of the Highway will success of the Great Eastern in laying the Atlantic be an essential guide. The necessary gas, oil and cable. equipment must come over an automobile road. At Telegraph Creek, 1200 miles from Seattle, the There must be emergency landing fields. motorist would reach the head of navigation on the The International Highway lies on the inevitable Stikine River and find a thriving outpost of hunters, air route to Asia. Certainly these traders, and trappers, who flourish in one of the Page One world's greatest game regions. Atlin, on beautiful Lake Atlin, one of the principal sources of are great days, and great are those things that are Page Two to come. the mighty Yukon, already a notable resort reached this great northern by steamer from Carcross, would next extend Page Three hospitality to those who would find themselves 1350 miles from the metropolis of Puget Sound. frontier and on your return trip you will have even a After leaving Whitehorse, famed for its new perspective on life. treacherous rapids which took the lives and outfits The canyons of the northern Rockies, the main of so many prospectors during the gold rush, Alaska range and Mt. McKinley, the highest Dawson would be reached. This city, the capital of mountain on the north America] continent, the great the Yukon Territory, is the center of the Klondike bands of migratory caribou, the hunting, the fishing, Gold Fields rich in story of the days of '98. the charm o a pioneer country can hardly be Here the Yukon would be seen and crossed by described Words are inadequate. All these are to bi ferry. Across the Forty-mile section to the seen and experienced. We are trying to place them International Boundary and down the Tanana within your reach, to let you feel the charm and the Valley through the very heart of Alaska, the way will lure of the Yukon and Alaska. lead to the Richardson Highway. At this point one If the governments of the United States and would be 70 miles from Fairbanks, the metropolis Canada will appropriate an amount equal to ten of Interior Alaska. Two hours more and the journey cents for every individual resident therein, the of 2000 miles would be completed. International Highway will be a boulevard to and You would not have come to the end of the trail through the world's greatest unexploited auto play- but to the point of departure for Circle on the Yukon ground. The amount suggested will build and over the Steese Highway, a distance of 162 miles, maintain it for a period of ten years and will equip it or for Chitina on the Richardson Highway, 328 with convenient and modern lodges. miles, to connect with the Copper River and North- What transportation facilities have done for western Railroad, or for Valdez on Prince William development of natural resources needs no Sound, the terminus of the Alaska Railroad which explanation and what it will do for Alaska, Yukon has Seward on Resurrection Bay, a distance of 471 Territory, and British Columbia can be illustrated miles, for its ocean terminus. (But Fairbanks does better than it can be told. If men with packs on not depend upon auto and train alone for their backs can: toil through vast swamps, across transportation. From its flying field, you can take endless plains to the summits of unnamed passage to any center of population in the mountain ranges and on and on, and with primitive Territory). methods of working, dig up and bring back Fairbanks will hold you not for a day or two but millions— what will transportation do? for a fortnight. In an hour's drive you could see half This Highway will give to more of the people of a dozen monster dredges digging out the gold for the United States and Canada a - chance to visit which this section has been famous since the days and learn to know the North, and it will mean a new of 1904. You could visit the "Fathest North College" outlet for closer contact and a greater expansion in the world. You would take a few days for a trip for the people of Alaska. The International High- by rail to McKinley National Park and eventually a way will be the key unlocking a mighty empire. connecting road will be built direct to the park; It should be kept in mind that, so far as the British other roads to the Alaska cities and mining camps Columbia end of the project is concerned, this would certainly follow. You will see a country with proposed highway is no new thing. The route it its farms, its mines, and its schools making good. follows has already been incorporated in the Imbibing the spirit of youth and the freedom of the construction program of the Province. It is a part of great "outdoors," you will get a new perspective on the proposed provincial highway which is to extend Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 from Vancouver to the Yukon Territory. About 800 won't you please study this project and give us your miles of road, from Vancouver to a point about 30 personal support and backing? More or specific miles north of Hazelton, has al- information will gladly be furnished. Page Four In order to defray the actual expenses of the International Highway Association (strictly a non- ready been constructed. This construction, profit organization) and to tell our story to the world, occurring practically entirely within the last 10 or 12 stock is being years, will undoubtedly continue. The ordinary Page Five processes of economic evolution causing the construction of roads from one developing resource sold at $5.00 a share. A stock certificate is to another will assure that. However, this is a slow furnished all shareholders and will prove your process which will undoubtedly consume many interest in your Northern brothers and help your years. own countrymen enjoy this new playground. There And so the International Highway Association is is no limit as to the number of shares you may merely trying to speed the development of a project purchase! that has already been conceived—to awaken our Men of great influence in Alaska and Canada are Canadian cousins to the importance of immediate among the officers of the parent organization and construction, to inform them that we are quite will- each town in Alaska and Canada interested in the ing to bear a part of the cost of this construction project may have a branch organization with local and maintenance in any suitable way. officers. The proposed Highway has already been We shall be highly appreciative of your moral and endorsed by all the chambers of commerce of the financial support. Alaska towns, by the Seattle Chamber of ______Commerce, the British Columbia Board of Trade, and has the active support of the Automobile Club “* * The Pacific Highway, extending from Tia of Washington. A Highway Association has been Juana, Mexico to the forty-ninth parallel, is proving incorporated at Dawson, Y.T., and similar forward to be a tremendous asset to the Pacific Coast action is proposed in other Canadian towns along states. I have been wondering how we could take the proposed route. The Alaska Delegate, Dan A. advantage of this immense traffic to a greater Sutherland. is vigorously behind the project. Major extent in British Columbia, and I think the solution Malcolm Elliott. president of the Alaska Road lies in the extension of our roads in the north Commission, has given it his unqualified approval. through the most suitable valleys to the Alaska A memorial, requesting that Congress appoint a boundary. commission to confer with the Canadian govern- “If our roads in Northern British Columbia were ment to secure international cooperation was connected up with the Alaska boundary at a unanimously passed by both houses of the Alaska suitable point, this would not only open up a vast Legislature, as was a bill appropriating $1500 to area to settlement in our country, but would greatly present this project to the world. increase our tourist traffic through British Columbia. Please get behind your local motor and aviation We have 120,000,000 people south of the line and clubs, the national organizations with which they a large number of these spend their holidays cm are affiliated and your Congressman or Members of wheel, traveling about this continent. They have Parliament asking them to endorse this proposed become somewhat surfeited with what there is to highway and airway. see, but to connect up Alaska with United States If you are a member of Congress or Parliament, roads through British Columbia would open a vast new field for tourist traffic, and thousands of Amer- fueling will prove too expensive and hazardous to icans would take advantage of the opportunity to make the proposition attractive from the standpoint drive to Alaska to visit that interesting part of their of commercial aviation. country. Traveling through British Columbia back “In conclusion, it is my firm belief that your and forth, and they would prove to be a large proposed highway-airway project is both feasible source of revenue to this province. and practical and it will be of great benefit to Alaska “In addition to that we would vastly increase our and the entire territory thru which it passes. I hope tourist traffic, and as an extra attraction. could you are successful in your work of impressing the advertise this as a trip to the 'Land of the Midnight peoples of both Canada and the United States with Sun,' where they have nearly twenty-four hours of the importance of this undertaking, and that it may daylight during the tourist season. This advantage be hurried to completion." —Carl Ben Eielson of is not offered on any other tourist route on the the International Highway Association, May 9, whole of this continent and would be a special fea- 1929. ture that would prove a great attraction.”—Premier ADVISORY BOARD Tolmie, quoted in The Vancouver Province. HON. GEO. A. PARKS "I have just checked over your proposed Governor of Alaska highway-airway route between Hazelton. B. C. and HON. DAN, A. SUTHERLAND Fairbanks. Alaska, and it is my opinion that if a Delegate to Congress highway is constructed according to your map with CAPT. GEORGE BLACK, M.P. airports situated at convenient intervals along its Yukon Territory course, the matter a safe, year-around airway COL. OTTO OHLSON between the United States and Alaska will have Mgr. Alaska Railroad been solved. CHAS. D. GARFIELD "Your proposed route, as outlined, will follow a Seattle C. of C. northwesterly course from Hazelton, east of the W. E. PAYNE Coast Ranger and will be protected from coastal Vancouver B. of T. Page Six HON. JAMES WICKERSHAM Juneau, Alaska storms and fogs which complicate flying conditions MAJ. MALCOLM ELLIOTT along the seacoast. Pres. Alaska R. Comm. With your present airway between Fairbanks and ENGINEERING Name, it remains but to connect Fairbanks with the GEN. JAMES G. STEESE United States as suggested by your association, MAJ. MALCOLM ELLIOT when the American portion of the American-Asiatic ROBERT J. SOMMERS Air Route will have been completed, after which AERONAUTICS only the selection of the best air route from the SIR HUBERT WILKINS Bering strait to China and Japan is necessary to COL. CARL B. EIELSON establish an air mail service between the two NOEL WIEN continents. A. A. BENNETT "While there will undoubtedly be attempts made to R. H. MERRILL fly from Hazelton to Fairbanks before completion of -3rd – your highway project, still, I believe that any A Taku wind raging. everything else is quiet - at attempt to establish regular service between these least by comparison. places without established fields for landing and re- -4th – Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Busy in office. nothing exciting. just the usual Legislature!! number of friends to talk politics & letters from This may be very important later. others - looks alright. th th Diary 39, 1930 -12 – -5 – January 12-14 Sunday - but did a good day’s work in the office Sunday. At home all day reading th studying important law points. No one around to -6 – bother! Busy in the office - nothing exciting. -13th – Grace is addressing envelopes for carrying my Big mail on last nights boat. Letters from Darrell - Platform to voters in 2nd Division. th he sent me $200. for my campaign fund! but I will -7 - pay our taxes with it & use my own money for I have this day written & mailed to Ed. H. political purposes! Am getting my platform finished Stroecker, in charge of the First National Bank, at Stroller’s Weekly office. Fairbanks, -14th - Diary 39, 1930 7 While the SS. Alameda was at the wharf today - January 7 with copies to Senator Hess, to H.H. Ross, Chas. going south. Harry Cribb, Doussac & other E. Taylor, Andrew Nerland - a letter urging him to Anchorage men came up to see me & promised appeal to the officials of the College to accept and me that majority etc. comply with the Act of the last Legislature Am getting my platform printed. Boner will file as authorizing the Territorial Auditor to audit and allow Republican and will work with our political forces. claims & draw warrants for the expenses of the Busy getting ready to go to Ketchikan. College, as he does for all other public institutions, Diary 39, 1930 -15th – & claims. I waive the matter of the technical law January 15-16 [Candidate for Delegate to Congress filing fee points & put it on the sole ground that the failure to receipt] do so will cause prejudice & suspicion - that there

is something to hide, some graft that they are Filed my declaration of candidacy for the afraid will be exposed. Nomination for Delegate to Congress at the I have asked Charlie Taylor to write to me & give Primary Election April 29th. their reaction to the letter. th Opposition to my candidacy is showing up. Bob & Diary 39, 1930 -8 – Frank Peratovich Klawock natives are traveling at January 8-11 Busy in the office. Rustgard filed his declaratory the expense of some one – Rustgard - boosting for statement as candidate for nomination at the him & trying to break up the Indian solidarity in primary election. Received 36 copies of letters voting. written by Sutherland to his friends near Nome, -16th - asking them to support me! 66 th Pd. for stamped envelopes $172. and paid -9 – Stroller White for printing 12000 platforms - $72.50. Busy in the office & in court today. Grace & Will Steel will send them out. Those for -10- Nome country ready & will be mailed tomorrow. Same as yesterday. th th Diary 39, 1930 -17 - -11 - January 17 [clipping] In court today - nothing important JUDGE WICKERSHAM ON SELF-GOVERNMENT Have looked up Statute of Alaska in re filing Judge Wickersham’s “Platform Pledges” and declaratory statement by candidates for office: Am “Part of Former Record” which make up a little satisfied that no one can run for office as pamphlet that he is circulating in the interest of his “Independent,” except Delegate & members of candidacy for the Republican nomination for the premises. If we should get that the elected Delegate to Congress are disappointing insofar as representatives of the people in the Territorial they relate to the question of a full Territorial form Legislature would enact all the further legislation of government or home rule. The Empire has had that would be necessary. That would be far better a lot to say during the last fifteen or sixteen years than to have one man, even though he be the about Judge Wickersham’s record and what he Delegate to Congress, to decide upon the details of was written and said on this question. It has fisheries legislation and beg Congress to put the contended that he has either not been at heart a decisions in the National statutes out of reach of supporter of self-government or that he does not the Territorial Legislature. To make this point plain, think clearly on the subject. The pamphlet seems we reprint the platform pledge regarding this to support that position. subject: The Empire has always insisted that the powers 5. To support self-government in Alaska game, given the people of Alaska in the government fur and fisheries; the better seeding of salmon provided by Judge Wickersham’s Organic Act were streams; a more equal distribution of the burdens so meager, so much less than those given the of conservation on all forms of fishing gear; that people of the other Territories, that we have not bona-fide residents of Alaska shall be allowed to real Home Rule, have not had it, and will not have take fish at all times and places for their own family it until Congress can be induced to give us what use; that non-resident fishermen, their boats and President Taft and President Wilson called the “full gear, shall pay a higher license tax than resident Territorial form of government.” fishermen; and the continuation of Government In the Judge’s resume of his record he declares investigations of halibut, herring and other food fish that he drew bills and secured their enactment into in aid of their preservation and increase. laws, among which was: This criticism does not apply, of course, to the 2. The Organic Act of August 24, 1912, creating proposed “investigation of the halibut, herring and the Alaska Legislature and giving Home Rule to the other food fish in the aid of preservation and people of Alaska. increase.” Investigation in these matters is a In the same list he claims credit for the proper function of the Federal Government, and we enactment by Congress of: agree in that respect most heartily with Judge 9. The Alaska Bone Dry Law, in response to a Wickersham. large majority of the electors of Alaska. If the Organic Act had provided real Home Rule Left on SS. “Queen” for Ketchikan to attend court. for the people of Alaska it would not have been My platform - envelopes, lists of Voters, etc. are left necessary to go to Congress to get a law with Grace and Will Steel - who will address the regulating the liquor traffic. The Territorial envelopes, enclose a printed Platform in each & Legislature could have attended to it without the put them in the Post Office. Those for the 2nd intervention of the National Legislature. Nome division are in the P.O. before I left & the 4th Further, if we had got real Home Rule with the Division will go next then the 3rd & lastly the First - Organic Act it would not have been necessary for or S.E. Alaska - home country. the Judge to promise “to support self-government We left Juneau at 10 a.m. and came into Kake - to in Alaska game, fur and fisheries.” We would have load canned Salmon tonight. Doctor Borland is self-government in that respect. aboard - spends his time telling Alaska stories And that suggests that the “platform pledge” about Bristol Bay - Kuskokwim & the Nushagak - regarding the fisheries would be stronger if it had he has a wonderful been limited to the support of self-government in Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1930 17 Lunch with Mr. & Mrs. Wm L. Paul. January 17-18 memory - a keen sense of humor & a steady flow Visiting around talking politics etc. of words - fine descriptive talent - & keeps the -23rd - smoking room in a gale of merriment. I envy him Busy in court - also “visiting around” in politics. his great gift as a story teller. Attended Pioneers Lodge. Eulogy on an old - 90 -18th - years old. Joe King, who is leaving Alaska for the When we woke this morning we were at anchor in Walla Scow Bay - Petersburg. The tide was too low & the Diary 39, 1930 23 fog too heavy to enable us to go through last night. January 24-25 Walla Wash Old Fellows Home. At Wrangell at noon. Saw some of my clients & The Pioneers gave a good bye Smoker. friends - for an hour. We came into Ketchikan at 8 -24th – oclock in the evening & I took a room Attended court. Today was the date fixed for at the Ingersoll Hotel. Visited around a while. taking testimony in the Land Contest between Court meets Monday morning - court officials all Vivian V. Walters vs. Frank A. Cloudy - land at here - ready. Prince of Wales Is. wanted by Gov. Bill Sulzer for Diary 39, 1930 -19th – mining town, etc. Case was postponed until Mch January 19-20 Sunday - clear and cold. Slept late - long talk with 14th on stipulation. Cloudy not notified & is in Senator Hunt - Duggan & others. Had dinner with Washington. Cloudy is my client. Wrote letter to Wm L. Paul and his nice family. The town is Grace - it will go on “Queen” tonight. unusually quiet. Read the late papers & two -25- Lincoln articles in the Cosmopolitan Magazine - Argued motion in Edwards v Monroe etc. Long also a Dawson idyll, “The Ice Worm Cocktail,” by conference with my friend Olts who thinks I will get Robert W. Service. a good support here. Bum poetry - but a fair Service effort. Will go home on Monday. -20th - Diary 39, 1930 -26th – Regular term of District Court convened. I have January 26-27 Sunday. Dinner with Senator Hunt. Sleeping, some matters in court & also the Cloudy Hd. resting, smoking, waiting for tomorrows SS. contest for the 24th. Cloudy is not here & I am “Alameda”. making a showing for continuance of hearing until -27th - he can get here from Seattle. McCain will look after Lewis case. I asked Judge Diary 39, 1930 -21st – Harding to postpone the argument on Motion to January 21-23 In court assisting trial Berger v Binkley. Dismiss the appeal in the Devinney v N.W. Mill Co Filed affidavits & motion for continuance Cloudy case until his return to Juneau, but gave him my case - Land Office matter. brief & left copy for Faulkner. Paid my bills & left Had Senator & Mrs. Hunt to dinner. Ketchikan for Juneau on “SS. Alameda” at 3. p.m. Gave a copy of my platform to Wm L. Paul. who The boat went into Kasaan cannery with freight. read it carefully and then assured me that he Arrived at Wrangell about 2 oclock & remained approved it fully. there until 3 a.m. waiting for the tide in Wrangell He is the editor of the “Alaska Fisherman”. Narrows. President of Alaska Native Brotherhood & all round Diary 39, 1930 -28th - political boss! January 28 Interviewed Neil McGregor, Petersburg - says he -22- cannot pay me the $200. he owes me - that he is At court all forenoon. Berger v Brinley decided in bankrupt - that his movie show is overshadowed by favor of my client. the competing House, etc. broke! Reached Juneau at 9:30 p.m. and found Grace at Allen, Stonehouse, “Chick” Ashby, Kelley, Kingman the dock waiting for me. Also Bishop Cremont was & myself - getting ready to send men up the Taku there to welcome good old Father Monroe, & he to our mines as soon as Charlie Erickson comes whispered his interest in my campaign, etc. Father over from the Tenakee hot springs. All the papers Monroe took Christmas dinner with me at Eagle put in my safe. Like all impecunious miners we City, Christmas Day, 1900! talked about a Million Dollars for our group of 12 Grace has nearly finished sending out 12,000 claims, on the mountain side apposite the copies of my platform to voters in the Territory. It Tulsequah. seemed good to be at home with her. -6th - Diary 39, 1930 -29th – Same as yesterday in office. January 29-31 At work on my mail - nothing new or exciting. Diary 39, 1930 -7th – -30th – February 7-9 Nothing unusual - am getting some promises of In my mail I had a very satisfactory letter from support here in Juneau that I did not expect, and it Senator Borah in re support of Dr. Chase, of may be I will run up with the ticket here. Cordova, for U.S. Marshal. Sent the Dr. a copy Rustgard has some bitter enemies here - they do “Confidential.” not like me but hate Rustgard more. -31st - -8th – Same as usual in the office. On last pages of Matheson Brief. We had dinner this evening with Major & Mrs. Grace is giving the young folks a party at our Elliott: He is Chairman of the Alaska Road Com: house tonight. Major & Mrs. Gillette & Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hellenthal -9th - were also present. Jack talked Prohibition. He is Graces party last night was a success. It was a bitterly against all Prohibition laws - talks about beautiful display of beautiful girls, handsome boys - nothing else. & they had a gay time - music, lights, dancing, Diary 39, 1930 -Feb. 1st 1930- cards - fortune telling. etc. February 1-4 Working in the office, preparing Brief on Appeal in Diary 39, 1930 -10th – the Matheson Estate case. February 10-12 Completed Brief in Matheson Case & took it to -Feb. 2.- Strollers Weekly for printing when the west bound Sunday - but worked all day in the office preparing boat “Northwestern” came in Bob Lavery & wife & Matheson brief. Vanhousen & wife. Harry Watson & wife & -3rd – “Stroller” White & wife came up to my house & Same as usual. spent the evening talking, telling old time stories, -4th - smoking etc. Last day for filing declaratory statements for -11th – candidacy for Territorial Offices. Dinner tonight at As usual in the office. my home: invited Will Steel, Jack Renner and Rustgard went to the U.S. Marshals office & Perkins, the buffaloman - last two are old protested against the deputies supporting me for plainsmen - buffalo hunters, etc. before they came delegate. It had no effect - the deputies resent his to Alaska in the 80’s - here they are prospectors & action & will work all the harder. hunters of bear, etc. -12th - Diary 39, 1930 -5th – Completed my Ms. Brief in the February 5-6 Working on Matheson Brief. Had a meeting of the Diary 39, 1930 12 miners interested in our Taku mining claims in the February 12-14 Matheson case & it is in the hands of “Stroller” office tonight. Present, Henrichson, Torkelson, White - printer Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 We are having some very cold weather. HIS PLATFORM -13th – Candidate for G.O.P. Dele- In office as usual - busy with my belated gate Nomination Makes correspondence. Received printed Record in the Platform Public Pond case & must get to work immediately on the Close and friendly co-operation between Brief in that matter. Territorial and Federal agencies and an Frank Mercer, Juneau Indian, just back from Sitka - amendment to the Organic Act such “as will not says that some of the Indians there are supporting only give us as much home rule as was invariably Rustgard & opposing me. granted other Territories but which will enable us to -14th gradually assume more and more of the functions Will Steel has written Wm L. Paul a letter urging the of government until full Statehood is attained,” are Ketchikan - “Alaska Fisherman” & the Petersburg the first two of 26 specific planks in the platform of “Alaskan,” both run by the Paul Brothers – Indians - Attorney General John Rustgard, on which he is to take up the local campaign - discussing making the race for the Republican nomination for candidates etc. Delegate to Congress. Working in office Diary 39, 1930 14 {Empire “boost.” February 14-16 on the Brief in the case of Goldstein et al. v Pond, They will xx John if he is nominated.} et al. - a hard case. pending on appeal before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, San Francisco. [clipping cont] Nothing new today in politics. -15- Reports that Haley, halfbreed is working hard with Indian voters at Sitka for Rustgard - also Wm Chuck at Klawock. They are fighting Paul - jealous. As usual in the office. 16th Sunday - working in office making Index to Matheson Brief & also on Pond Brief. “Northwestern” in from westward. My friend Cochran, from Nome on board - good reports from him about politics at Nome & Valdez divisions. Diary 39, 1930 17th - February 17 Grace & I attended dinner at the Holbrooks - present Mrs. H.H. Post, The Terhune’s, & others - 13 in all. It was a good dinner and a pleasant party. Rustgard’s Platform is in the Empire - with his picture - tonight.

[clipping] RUSTGARD FOR HOME RULE IN Not content with a mere general pledge of support to the Hoover administration, he sets up The Forest Service, which has been attacked by specifically the matters in which co-operation will the Paul faction and its allies for its pulp be given, and with unusual frankness pledges development policy, is defended by Mr. Rustgard. himself definitely on several subjects of The recommendations made by Gov. George A. importance. Parks in his last annual report are unreservedly Favors Trap Leases endorsed. Eleven requests made of Congress, or There is no more dangerous – Executive departments, by the last Alaska Diary 39, 1930 17 Legislature are specifically supported. February 17 politically - issue in Alaska than fish traps. In the The last Judiciary Act of Congress deprived past, candidates for Delegate have not been Alaskans of the right of appeal in misdemeanor unmindful of the dynamite in it and let it rest criminal cases. The Virgin Islands is the only other altogether in their platforms or treated it with unit under the American flag so treated. Mr. generalities. Rustgard advocates a change and declares he will Not so Mr. Rustgard. There is no hedging in his work to obtain legislation to cure the defect. declaration that: Platform In Full “I also believe that owners of fish traps and trap His platform in full is as follows: sites should be protected in such ownership “It would seem obvious that the peace, progress against all interference except by the Government, and prosperity of Alaska demands the closest and and to that end should receive leases for their trap friendliest possible cooperation between the sites for a fixed period, subject always to Territorial and Federal agencies within the revocation and what-ever rules and regulations the Territory. with all the navigable waters, 99% of the Government may see fit to impose.” land, the fish, the game and the wild fur bearing Co-operate With O’Malley animals under the jurisdiction and control of the Nor does his platform end there in dealing with Federal Government, and with Territorial “loaded” questions. For some ten years, Alaska’s development dependent on that Government for representative in Congress has devoted most of financial assistance amounting to several million his time to attacking the United States Bureau of dollars per annum, it would be unwise for the Fisheries, substituting that Government agency as people of Alaska to enter into acrimonious disputes a main political issue for the “Guggenheims” which with the authorities at the National Capital. It shall, was the war cry of his predecessor. “O’Malley and therefore, be my aim to establish and maintain the “Hoover” took the place of “Steve Birch” and the friendliest relations with the Federal Government “Guggenheim Trust.” Evidently Mr. Rustgard is and its several agencies in Alaska, while at the convinced that such a policy is not only futile but same time I urge upon all these what I conceive to costly to Alaska. He proposes a change and be the wishes of as well as for the benefit of the declares: majority of the people of the Territory. “I proposed to cooperate with the Bureau of Seek Home Rule Fisheries in securing the best possible fishing “At the earliest possible opportunity I shall seek regulations, and intend to do all in my power to such amendment of the Organic Act as will not only secure such legislation as will leave the fisheries of give us as much home rule as was invariably Alaska open only to bona fide residents of the granted other Territories, but which will enable us Territory wherever that is practical and where, by to gradually assume more and more of the such policy, the settlement of the Territory can be functions of government until full Statehood is materially stimulated.” attained. Defends Forest Service “I propose to cooperate with the Bureau of Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Fisheries in securing the best possible fishing Aid for Indians regulations, and intend to do all in my power to “Every fair and humanitarian reason bespeaks secure such legislation as will leave the fisheries of for the native Indian population the kindliest and Alaska open only to the bona fide residents of the most helpful consideration by the public and the Territory wherever that is practical and where, by Government. The opportunity of those races for such policy, the settlement of the Territory can be acquiring a practical education and for earning a materially stimulated. living is of foremost importance and must be “I shall also recommend that the residents along supplied whenever and wherever it is reasonably the Yukon River be authorized to engage in such possible to do so. I shall urge increased limited commercial fishing in the river as will not appropriations for the establishment and appreciably interfere with the propagation of maintenance of industrial schools and medical salmon. attention for the native population. Both “I commend the Bureau of Forestry for its governmental and private employers should be determination to have the timber within its keeping induced to give these people employment. manufactured into articles of commerce within the “I believe that the people of Alaska, when entitled Territory instead of shipped to foreign countries in to litigate any questions in dispute with any of the the raw state to be there prepared for the market departments at Washington, should be authorized by foreign labor. to institute the legal proceedings for that purpose in Diary 39, 1930 17 the courts of Alaska in stead of being compelled, February 17 Title to Lands as now, to go the Capital to do so. The present “All who have made substantial improvement on order is tantamount to a denial of the right to land for residence purposes should be given a submit such disputes to the courts and tends to deed to whatever they improve, occupy and use. encourage autocratic attitudes by the various The quasi communistic system at present practiced bureaus. by the Government is bad in principle and should “In consonance with this view I also believe that be abandoned. the War Department should be relieved of the “Farming is an inevitable prerequisite to the burden of adjudicating private rights to the water stability of the population and the permanence of front or to navigable waters, a function which does industries. Every effort should, therefore, be made not belong to it, but which the peculiar conditions to assist experienced farmers in settling on and in prevailing in Alaska have forced it to assume. starting the utilization of our agricultural and Leases for Traps grazing land. “I also believe that owners of fish traps and trap “The construction of the International Highway, sites should be all interference except by the so called, is a worthy project which promises much Government, ands to that end should receive for the country and should be given ample support leases for their trap sites for a fixed period, subject as soon as definite steps are taken by the always to revocation and whatever rules and Canadians to meet us at the boundary line. regulations the Government may see fit to impose. “The fullest cooperation will be given the Alaska “I believe in eliminating from the public life of the Road Commission in its effort to secure the largest Territory all those individuals who make a business possible appropriation for roads and trails. The of stirring up antagonism against industrial Bureau of Forestry and Bureau of Public Roads institutions for the sake of getting a hand-out. should be given full authority to use the funds at Other Aims Enumerated their disposal to build trails instead of roads “In addition to the foregoing I shall advocated: wherever such course seems the wiser. “1. Repeal of all laws and revocation of all regulations protecting useless sea fowls or aquatic Diary 39, 1930 -20- animals which are destructive of fish and fish eggs. February 20-22 Working on Pond Brief. “2. Salary for United States Commissioners. Attended “Old Indian Custom and Costume “3. Establishment of radio stations in all isolated Dance,” of Auk (Juneau Indians at Elk hall - with communities of importance. Grace and Mrs. Martin – a friend. “4. Regular and more frequent mail facilities for -21- the settlements west of Cook Inlet. Same as usual in the office. “5. Additional Coast Guard ships fully equipped -22- to give aid to the fishing population during fishing Washington’s Birthday. Working in the office on season. Pond Brief. Dispatch in this evenings Empire “6. Increased force for the Federal Mining reports that the Committee on Claims, Congress, Engineer’s office to enable him to examine and has reported unfavorably on our Bill to give the report on mining prospects and advise prospectors. S.E. Alaska Indians the right to bring a suit to “7. Improvement of harbor for the fishing fleets at recover for their homes, fishing grounds, etc. taken convenient points. away from them by the U.S. without compensation. “8. Erection of public buildings at the several This places where now urgently needed. Diary 39, 1930 22 “9. Erection of bridge connecting Juneau and February 22 action of the Committee will hurt my candidacy for Douglas Island if the same can be done at such Delegate & also Pauls for representative in the cost as will render the undertaking practical. Legislature Diary 39, 1930 17 February 17-19 “10. Establishment of naval air ports at all [clipping] strategic points, and to have army and naval INDIANS LOSE airplanes stationed in the Territory at all times for IN EFFORT TO use in emergencies. BRING SUITS “11. Acceptance of and support for the various House Committee Kills recommendations made by the Governor in his last Measure Backed by report. Wickersham “12. Right of appeal in all criminal cases.” (Special to the Empire) WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 22.-The Claims We think Pegues, Asst. Ed. Empire “assisted” in Committee of the house of Representatives furnishing ideas for Rustgards platform. yesterday killed House Bill 8,301, introduced -18th – January 8 by Delegate Sutherland permitting As usual in the office. The opposition has put out Alaska Indians to bring suit against the an anonymous folder giving a part of Wm L. Pauls Government in the Court of Claims for loss of lands speech of two years ago in relation to the bill I drew and other alleged rights. authorizing the leasing of trap site locations, - The measure, which was introduced at the which Rustgard now distinctly approves! instance of Judge James Wickersham, candidate -19th - for the Republican nomination for Delegate to Working on Pond Brief. Congress and with W.L. Paul employed as attorney The Matheson Brief finished and served on to prosecute the suits, was designed to authorize Hellenthal and 20 copies sent to Clerk U.S. Ct. the Indians to sue the Government for rights Court Appeals. claimed to have been acquired under Russian rule Very busy in the office this week. in Alaska and alienated since Alaska became a Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 part of the United States. The Rustgards are busy also. Open Wide Field Two tribes – the Tlingit and Haidas – were Diary 39, 1930 -25- involved. Their claims embraced hunting, trapping February 25- Same as usual – politics & law. and fishing rights, timber lands, minerals, March 1 -26- developed waterfront property, etc., all located in Working in the office on the Pond case. Southeastern Alaska. Claiming that these rights Rustgard is sending out his platform and the copy had been taken from them without their consent, of Pauls speech in regard to the trap site bill, which the Indians sought permission from Congress to really is an attack on me. The public may discover sue for compensation. that in his platform he has specifically approved the The Alaska Native Brotherhood, speaking for the bill. tribes, at its 1929 convention held a Haines, -27th – entered into a contract with Judge Wickersham and At work on Pond Brief - & politics. W.L. Paul to represent the claimant Indians. -28th Seeks to Clear Way Same as usual in the Office - Politics & working on Endeavoring to clear the way for the legal battle, Pond Brief. Both look “fair to middling.” the Delegate introduced the measure early last March 1 month and it was promptly referred Paying monthly bills! & working on the long winded to the Committee on Claims. It would have Pond brief. authorized the two tribes to sue jointly or Diary 39, 1930 -Mch 2d- separately in one or more actions at anytime within March 2-3 five years from the date of the passage and Working on Pond Brief - Sunday. approval of the measure. Laps of time, the statute Called on Frank Knight, Rep. candidate for Ter. of limitations, failure to present claims to some Treas., Mr. Mozee Supt. Reindeer Service, from other tribunal, and the fact that the Indians in the Nome, Mr. Minor & Jackson, residents of the upper interim may have become citizens of the United country & invited them to dinner Tuesday evening. States by Acts of Congress, it was provided should They will come - provided their boat does not go north before that time! constitute no bar to prosecution of the suits. rd -3 - Evidently some of the opposition got to the Com. Paid my taxes & monthly bills. on Claims - they acted very hurriedly. As usual in the office. rd The political rumor today is that Harry Watson, Diary 39, 1930 -23 – recently the Governors private secretary is to be an February 23-24 Working in the office on the Pond Brief. It is independent candidate for Delegate to Congress - interesting as the two new books I have just supported by Faulkner & those Representatives received “Life of Peter the Great.” who cannot run the party! I received a nice letter from my friend and the old Diary 39, 1930 -4th - Alaskan, W.H. Holmes, of Amarillo, Texas, where March 4 he has made a million or so in oil, congratulating - As usual in the office - reached the end of my Ms. on becoming a candidate for delegate & sending Pond’s Brief. I hope. $250.00 as a contribution to my campaign fund. It We had Mr. Frank Knight, Republican candidate for will pay my expenses on the trip to Fairbanks! Ter. Treas. - Mr. Mozee, Supt. Reindeer Service -24th - under Gov. Parks, & Mr. Ramsay, special agent, Same - working on Pond Brief. & writing letters on U.S. Land office - to dinner tonight - also Senator political matters to some of my supporters. Wm A. Steel. A good dinner. Grace is an excellent cook - and a most enjoyable evening Court of Claims Stop Secretary Interior been asked talking Alaska and Alaskans. I found out that for report which has not yet been made stop am Mozee married the daughter of Wm H. Elliott. She assured full hearing on this measure before was here in Juneau some four years ago - a nurse Subcommittee of Com on Claims Stop - & went to Anchorage & Fairbanks - nurse, Wire me official collect name of paper date and text teacher - bright girl. Married Mozee - they live in and press source in Washington of dispatch Nome published in Juneau stop Cannot understand Diary 39, 1930 4 purpose of press organization in sending out such March 4-5 and have a son. Elliott Mozee, one year old. Gave stuff an am sure Alaska newspapers doing Mozee a copy of my Biblio. with the name of his considerable faking stop will trace matter this end if son & mine on the fly leaf. The Gentlemen all you will wire me exact data seemed to enjoy the evening. Dan Sutherland -5th - Diary 39, 1930 6 Same in office, - correspondence. March 6-7 I sent copy Sutherlands telegram to Louis F. Paul, Tonight those interested in the Erickson-Ashby Petersburg to be Published in the “Alaskan” the group of Quartz claims on the mountain between Indian paper with request for prominence. the Taku river & South Fork met in my office. Will Steel went to see Troy, Ed. Empire. Troy said Erickson and Ashby authorized to go to the claims the telegram he published came from Tom at once - morning of the 6th on boat & take $400. Marquam, in Washington & he thought, of course, in grub, etc. establish camp on property and begin it was correct. work on the -7th - Diary 39, 1930 5 Same as usual in office. finishing up belated March 5-6 claims - prospecting, at once. Six of us will provide correspondence. the $400.00 Hendrickson, Stonehouse, Allen, Two Indians from Auk Village came in to find out Stonehouse, Torkelson & Wickersham - probably why their bill was thrown out of Congress - they on note at Behrends Bank. Allen & Hendrickson were greatly relieved when they read Sutherlands are to attend to getting the money & Erickson will telegram saying the Empire dispatch of Feb. 22 buy the grub at the Behrends Store. was false and untrue - they wont believe reports in -6th - Empire any more. Turn back to page 337, this book a you will find a Diary 39, 1930 -7th - telegraphic dispatch “Special to the Empire,” March 7 Received telegram from Sutherland asking me to saying the Com. on Claims, House of send him two copies of Empire of Feb. 22. - he is Representatives had killed the bill to enable the after Tom Marquam for sending out false Indians of S.E. Alaska to bring suit to recover from telegrams. I hope they give Tom an unhappy hour U.S. for their lands, hunting rights, etc. etc. for he is all the kinds of a liar mentioned in Roget’s Thesaurus of English words. We seem to have Diary 39, 1930 6 more words to describe a liar than any other March 6 I sent copy to Sutherland, and today received the language - and Tom is all of them. following reply: Am getting my Income Tax Statement prepared - its a nuisance - but this last year it will not be [telegram] interesting to the Government. I do not think I will James Wickersham, Juneau have to pay a tax - for my income was too small. Referring yours February twenty fifth there has been no Action on Bill to Enable Indians Bring Suit Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Diary 39, 1930 -8th - Diary 39, 1930 -9th - continued March 8 The Paul brothers are trying to convince the public March 9 Recd. telegram from Sutherland saying through editorials in the Petersburg Alaskan, of “Washington, D.C. Mar 8-9 – 1930. which Louis F. Paul is editor, that William L. was Hon James Wickersham, Juneau. I find that bill for induced by me to support the Trap-site Leasing relief of Tlingit and Haida Indians in court of Claims Bill, and to go to Washington to persuade Dan was referred to Governor of Alaska by Interior Sutherland to introduce it in Congress, etc. & that Department February nineteenth stop Treat this as poor Billy was entirely misled & innocent. I will not, confidential for present. of course, say anything in my own defense, but just Dan Sutherland.” take whatever burden they pile on - for the more Marquams telegram to the Empire came Feb. 22nd Billy explains the deeper he sinks into the mud & I - 3 days later! Gov. Parks has not said anything intend to sit quietly on the bank and let him do all publicly - and I just wonder what he will do in the the futile struggling he pleases. matter? and whom he will consult. Rustgard? or Diary 39, 1930 8 will he go it alone. March 8 If he would just keep his mouth shut - it would not Its getting interesting! amount to anything - but his loud cries & struggles Diary 39, 1930 -10- attract attention to his situation & people are now March 10-11 Recd. copy of this weeks “Alaskan” - Paul paper. It growing to wonder if he is not guilty of something - is now in proper line. and has quit talking about they do not Paul’s trip to Washington & attempting to hold me know what - but something bad, anyway. responsible for his seduction by the cannery With Cash Cole I pay $50.- the two of us $100. a companies on the Trap Site leasing question - month to assist their paper - the Alaskan. & they which Rustgard has approved in his platform! are giving me the hot end of the paper to hold. We -11th - lay the papers away & do not distribute them to the Will go to Ketchikan tomorrow to try the Cloudy public. Billy did nothing bad - but he thinks people case on the 14th. think so - hence his loud cries and silly struggles. Recd. telegram yesterday from H. Warman, Wash. If he would only either D.C. asking me to attend to his claims against the Diary 39, 1930 8 Charles Williams Mining Claims at Hawk Inlet. March 8-9 keep still or just tell the truth - neither of which he Answered fully by telegram & letter saying I would has the courage to do. Even if he would turn the attend to matters for him. conversation - in the Editorials - to the Tom Diary 39, 1930 -12th - Marquam telegram! But he lacks political March 12 Politics is gathering warmth -Rustgards friends - or judgment, and also loyalty to his friends. A little rather his friend, N.G. Nelson, is offering to be on power over the Indian vote, which he thinks he can Johns nomination & my friends are anxious to and control - has spoiled him! He is not even a fairly are taking the chance with him. Henry Roden bet good political “boss.” - him $500. that I would win & others tried to get in - Maybe he will get hoarse & quit crying soon! but failed to get the money. Dinner with Dr & Mrs. DeVighne tonight. I am informed that my friend Lynn Smith, U.S. -9th - Marshal at Fairbanks, is supporting Rustgard - that Sunday - Am gathering up my papers & getting Bunnell is forming a compact to defeat Clegg judge ready to go to Ketchikan to try the Cloudy Hd. at Fairbanks etc. and that that combine is contest case! Will Steel & Mrs. are to take dinner “boosting” Stabler, Dist. Atty. here, for his place, with us this evening. etc. Rumors of this kind are now going the rounds. I leave for Ketchikan at 7 oclock p.m. Will be gone 4 or 5 days only. Company wants Cloudy’s ground in connection with its mining plans. -16th - Diary 39, 1930 -13th – Sunday. Am asked by “Doc.” Walker to go to a March 13-14 Enroute to Ketchikan on SS. Northwestern. John meeting of the Ketchikan Rotary Club tomorrow at W. Troy, Ed. Juneau Empire on board & we talked noon luncheon & will be asked to talk. Am for 2 hours - politics, Alaska, etc. John is very preparing my impromptu remarks in writing. One is friendly - but of course he will not support me for not allowed to talk on politics Delegate - being a Democrat. My friend Lowe, Diary 39, 1930 16 from Bristol Bay - was on board & thinks I will run March 16-17 so I will write out my talk & then ask Morrisey, Ed. well to the westward - if they hold a primary there. “Chronicle” to print them, while I will talk enough Advises me to send a telegram to Tom Gardner, at only to call their attention to the written statement Kanatak - asking him to get my friends out to vote, in the “Chronicle.” etc. Arrived at Ketchikan at 1 oclock a.m. went to th -17 - Ingersoll Hotel. Did my stunt - at the meeting of the Rotary Club. -14th - Morrisey promised to print. I appeal to he Hearing in my Cloudy Had, contest put off until businessmen of Ketchikan to support Paul & his tomorrow. ticket because they will thereby assist the resident Long talk with Paul, who read me a long letter he Alaska fishermen etc. Had a pleasant luncheon. has written to the officers of the local camps of the The SS. “Yukon” left Ketchikan at 6 oclock - on my Alaska Native way home. John A. Clark - of Fairbanks, & many Diary 39, 1930 14 other Alaska friends aboard. Lynn Smith, U.S. March 14 Brotherhood against Rustgard. He urges the Marshal, Fairbanks is aboard but shuns me like the Indians to vote for me against Rustgard - there is plague. much bad blood between the two & Paul will leave Diary 39, 1930 -18- no stone unturned to defeat Rustgard. The March 18-20 Reached Juneau tonight at 8 p.m. tired & home to business men in Ketchikan are suffering from the bed. breakdown of the fishery trade, and many of them -19- are now declaring that Paul is right in his At work in the office gathering up the ends - opposition to the cannery interests. They say answering correspondence, etc. Ms. of Brief in these interests are taking all the trade away from Goldstein v Pond is finished & ready for the Ketchikan - to Seattle etc. to their great injury - and printers. many of them will support Paul & our ticket – which Politics is getting warm, & many friends assure me they have never done before. However, they are - & I suppose an equal number assure Rustgard - not united - and merely feel resentful toward the of support. cannery interests - but to not act & I think will not -20- except in a poor disjointed way - they are sad! Very busy with office Business & Politics. Diary 39, 1930 -15th – The Alaska Juneau Mining Co. is trying to buy our March 15-16 Tried Case of Watters v. Cloudy, Hd. Contest for Taku-Erickson-Ashby claims & working with the land near Jumbo Mines - Sulzer P.O. Prince of weaker members of our group. They are ready to Wales Island. Zeigler, Atty. on opposite side. A raise their former price - so I am told. dozen witnesses. I think we got much the best of st Diary 39, 1930 -21 – the case. Ex. Gov. Sulzer of N.Y. is behind the March 21-23 Busy in the office trying to bring my law business contestant Walters - the Governor’s mining up so that I can get away westward on Tuesday – Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 25th. Diary 39, 1930 27 -22nd – March 27-28 Grant Murdock, Dan Weiss, of early Cleary Creek Attend court call - nothing much at this term - trying days - & many others. divorce cases & small matters. In anticipation of Reached Cordova at midnight. Dr. Chase & Allen my trip to the westward I am asking Henry Roden came down & we talked politics. to attend to my few matters while I am gone. -28th - -23rd - Arrived at Valdez dock at 1 p.m. Met a number of Sunday. Frank Price & two other Sitka natives friends - Joe & Andy Derringer & others. The y came to my office & we talked over the political assured me that I was sure of a majority vote at situation very fully. They think Rustgard is Valdez. A group of members of the Cordova “Elks” particularly strong in Sitka, Angoon & Klawock are on board going to La Touche to institute a new precincts. I am writing a letter to the Sitka Camp of Lodge. They are pleasant but a majority of them A.N.B. in answer to a letter which they wrote to me are for Rustgard! for some information, etc. Dr. Chase said, however, I would carry Cordova in Diary 39, 1930 -24th – spite of this fact! March 24-25 Politics” is getting warm & John is flooding the Diary 39, 1930 -29th – country with a “speech” addressed to the Indians March 29 We arrived at Seward this morning early - 8 oclock. denouncing Paul & me. I am writing a letter in I called on Mr. Jesson, editor of the “Gateway.” answer to one I have received from the Alaska Gave him $10.00 for ad. also wrote interview in Native Brotherhood Camp at Sitka, telling them answer to a letter which the Gateway will publish - about the Empire telegram saying the House Com. from Rustgard criticizing me for writing the trap site on Claims has “killed” their bill. leasing bill. Jesson is friendly but will not take any -25- part in fight. Wrote a letter to Senator Hunt in answer to one Left Seward at 10 a.m. on train for Anchorage. criticizing me for supporting Paul & Steel - who are Big crowd on board. both on my primary ticket. I put it strongly on that Met at Anchorage by Arthur Thompson, McCain, ground & think he will be satisfied - if not its just too Waller & , who took me to restaurant for bad - that’s all! lunch. They assured me of a hearty support in the Diary 39, 1930 -26th – Anchorage region. March 26-27 Left Juneau early this morning, on SS. Left Anchorage at 3 p.m. & reached Curry at 9. “Northwestern” for Fairbanks. p.m. where I got a room at the Curry Hotel. Mr. Many friends on board & I am encouraged by their Knight, Candidate for expression. Unloaded cannery supplies at Port Diary 39, 1930 29 Althorp - 4 hours - & tonight we are at sea - not March 29-30 Territorial Treas. who goes to Fairbanks with me - bad. for political electioneering. -27th - -30th Crossed Gulf of Alaska – clam - gentle roll - not Had a good sleep - in a good room – at the Curry seasick - ate & smoked as usual. Many friends on Hotel last night, Double room - single beds. Mr. board from Fairbanks - Bill Campbell, Chas. Gris Knight had the other bed. This morning we started (Bob Gris son), J.H. Groves & wife (he aided me in - it was snowing when we reached Curry – it laying corner stone Ag. College in 1915 (?) Mr. & snowed hard all night - and all day. We got out five Mrs. J.A. McIntosh (Jenny Obrien, of years ago), Miles when the heavy wet snow stalled us. We had a snow plow on the front of the train and engines - but we stuck - the snow plow jumped the track & they pulled us back to Curry - and here we Commissioner & all others we could see. are tonight. The larger snow plow is coming from Met with general cordial reception & received many Anchorage, with Col. Ohlson & a crew of men & assurances of support. We returned to Fairbanks they say we will probably get on night train finding that nothing was left undone Diary 39, 1930 30 in that camp. March 30-31 away from here in two days more. In the meantime Diary 39, 1930 -4th – I am getting acquainted with a crowed of about 100 April 4-5 Visited the College this afternoon. Pres. Bunnell men who are going into the Interior. Knight is also met me & showed me around - introduced me to working his “side of the street” & altogether it is not faculty & a few scholars. Met many people around a complete loss. Wrote a nice letter to Grace town - attended an amateur local play at the tonight. theater - it was as bad or worse than such plays -31st - usually are - but local pride was vociferous with We went out from Curry this morning in another applause. attempt to reach Fairbanks - but only got 10 miles -5th - & were forced to return. The track is blocked for 60 Busy visiting around town - calling on people & miles, & it may mean that we will remain here for renewing my old acquaintances. Have introduced several days. We had a meeting at the Hotel Mr. Frank L. Knight, candidate for tonight: I talked 30 minutes on the growth of Ter. Treas. from Anchorage to all my friends. Am Government in Alaska - have a cold & sore throat. also preparing notes for my speech tomorrow Diary 39, 1930 -April 1st 1930 night. April 1-2 We left Curry at 10 a.m. with two snow plows Diary 39, 1930 -6th - ahead of us & they finally got us through the deep April 6 When I reached here - on the 2nd. I called at the wet snow blanket and we reach Healey at 7 oclock Fairbanks Exploration Co’s office & met Mr. - we had lunch & on to Fairbanks where we arrived Eggleston, manager, & discussed the sale of my at 11:30 p.m. Knight & I went to the “Nordale” three Cleary Creek mining claims. 1st Bench on Hotel. Left Limit, Discovery, Cleary, 1/2 interest in -April 2nd - Discovery Claim on Wolf (the E.J.E. Co. owns Met many friends today. There is more tendered the other half), and the first bench Right Limit off, support than I expected - called on Larry, Bloom, Discovery, Wolf. and offered to sell them to the Pratt, the E.T. people, etc. etc. the Bank people, Company for $6000.00. Today he called me to Stroecker, etc. & others. Tonight I attended a Taylors office & accepted my offer, - said he had meeting of Fairbanks Masonic Lodge - and met telegraphed the N.Y. office for authority to pay & that group of friends. My brother-in-law, Charles E. would secure such authority on Monday. I was Taylor is active. Hosea Ross - & the Republican indebted to the Co. for my half of the Expense of candidates etc. securing patent on Discovery on Wolf - which, will, Diary 39, 1930 -3rd – of course, be taken out, April 3 Down to Nenana on the early morning train – with Diary 39, 1930 6 Knight. We met Mike Cooney who took us around April 6 about $120. While these claims are worth more town and introduced us to the people. Jack Donald than the sum I sold them for I cannot work them & is here at the head of the N.C. Store. Called on so sell them. Mrs. Frank McGarvy invited me to him, & Fowler who was elected Mayor at dinner - present Mr. & Mrs. Murry Smith & Mrs. yesterdays election on Coghill - former mayor - the Jack Buckley, Mrs. McGarvey & myself. It was a man in the railroad yards - the business men delightful party & an excellent dinner. generally - the cigar stores. Mifs Heid, the U.S. My meeting was on at 3;30 sharp. Bob Lavery Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 was chairman - on the stage were Frank L. Knight, party here - both friendly to me - but very unfriendly Bruer, Com. of Education, Bob Lavery, H.H. Ross, to each other. I shall be obliged to choose a Joe Ulmer, candidate for highway Engineer, Chas. friendly chairman, myself - & thus keep my meeting E. Taylor, & two or three others. free from the bitterness which would prevail if I let But the audience was fine - a crowded house. “The either side take charge of it. Auditorium” - about 500 people - nearly all the old Already they are assuring me of a good majority of Pioneers - with the business men & a great many the vote at the primary election - though “Knight ladies. It was a friendly audience - I could feel their has a factional fight to face. friendship & spoke without effort, rapidly, - for an Diary 39, 1930 -8th - hour & a half. April 8 Spent the day on calling on business men & Diary 39, 1930 6 others. Called on Colonel Ohlson Mgr. Alaska R.R. April 6 My last speech in Fairbanks - some dozen or more & had a very pleasant and satisfactory talk. Told years ago - was made in this house - & it seemed him if I was elected I intended to work in friendly like coming home. They rose to my talk & seemed relations with President Hoover and this seemed to to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed them. It was a please him very much. My friend Frank E. Lee – very successful meeting & I received many hearty hunter - guide, of Eagle City days - 1900-1901, is assurances of support & I came away feeling that I here - 30 years older, but the same irresponsible will get a good fair majority in that vicinity. Sioux Indian he was at Eagle. My friends here are My old acquaintances of a quarter century back delightful - and promise me a hearty support. I am crowded around me to shake hands and speak in receipt of a letter from Edw. A. Allen, Seattle, kind words. The meeting closed with almost a saying that Capt. Lathrop. Rep. Nat. pioneer reunion. At the restaurants & at the Committeeman has returned form Wash. D.C. & Pioneer Hotel, where I was, they followed me up to that his efforts to withhold Alaska appointments talk & I greatly enjoyed their kindness and many has resulted in a “dismal failure” – anyway. I hope friendly assurances of support at the primary. so. Diary 39, 1930 -7th - Diary 39, 1930 -9th - April 7 Left Fairbanks this morning on the early morning April 9 Spent much of the day in visiting the business train for Anchorage. Many of my friends came over houses, cigar & pool rooms & in talking to people, to the depot to bid my good by, & to renew their to secure a friendly support to my candidacy. assurances of friendship & support. Spoke tonight at a hall - about 250 or 300 people Arrived at Curry at Midnight - lunch, and to bed. At present - a fine & attentive audience. They were very station I met friends and supporters - who had friendly and I think I will have a good big majority in heard I was on the train. Both going to and from this town. Many women present. I am not as well Fairbanks - on the train I met men - some going to satisfied with my speech as I was at Fairbanks - the Kuskokwim - some to other distant points & but got away with no errors - said all I wanted to others traveling locally, and I am quite sure that I give them - but with less force than in Fairbanks. had as good an opportunity to meet the voters as The newspaper - the Anchorage Times - is silent & fairly and as satisfactorily as it would be possible to only says what is paid for. It is not at all interested - do - well enough - Anyway. but I am pleased if it will keep silent. Diary 39, 1930 -7th - Diary 39, 1930 9th – continued- April 7 Reached Anchorage today at noon & went to the April 9 After writing what I did on the last page about the Hotel Anchorage. Saw my friends and supporters, Times. I got a copy of the evening issue & found I who have secured a fine hall for my speech on was mistaken as the following clippings show: Wednesday evening. There are two factions in the [clipping] Thursday’s address will be an outstanding event in Public to Hear this department. A large attendance is anticipated Former Delegate at this meeting at the Anchorage Grill at 2:30 p.m., Discuss Issues Thursday, April 10 JUDGE WICKERSHAM TO SPEAK Diary 39, 1930 -10th - AT I.O.O.F. HALL April 10 “Politicing around” today - visiting & meeting new THIS EVENING supporters. Important Alaska questions will be discussed by This afternoon talked an hour to the Ladies Club on Judge James Wickersham at a public meeting to the History & Geography of Alaska, & tonight for be held at the I.O.O.F. hall this evening. The ten minutes to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Pioneers judge, who served Alaska many years as delegate of Alaska, etc. Am to talk to the High School to Congress is a candidate for the republican children a few minutes. nomination in the present campaign, and in his address tonight he will outline his policies and [clipping] indicate some of the things he will endeavor to Many Present accomplish if he is again elected as the people’s To Hear Wick; representative at the national capital. Talk Enjoyed Judge Wickersham has not lost his interest in Veteran Campaigner Makes Alaska since his retirement from public office. He First Address in Anchor- has made his home in Juneau, where he is age – Odd Fellows Hall engaged in the practice of his profession, and has Crowded With Interested continued to keep in close touch with Alaska Listeners – Judge Re- affairs, both at home and at Washington. views Early Achieve- Everyone is invited to attend the meeting, which ments and Makes New will start promptly at 8 o’clock. Pledges – Rustgard Speech Used to Good Ad- [clipping] vantage Anchorage Club Citizens of Anchorage turned out in force last To Hear Address evening to hear Judge James Wickersham discuss Alaska History the issues of the campaign and those old-timers in JUDGE WICKERSHAM TO SPEAK the audience who were in Alaska during the years AT REGULAR WEEKLY Judge Wickersham served the territory as delegate MEET TOMORROW observed little change in the veteran campaigner. Judge James Wickersham will address the He has the same ability now that he had in the old Anchorage Women’s club at their Thursday days, to hold the attention of his audience and his meeting at the Anchorage Grill on the subject of reception at Odd Fellows hall last evening must “Early Alaska history.” have been gratifying to him, for his speech No citizen of Alaska is more versed, on in frequently was interrupted by applause. possession of the fund of information that Judge The judge was introduced by Frank L. Knight, Wickersham enjoys on this particular subject, so president of the First National bank, who is the members of the club appreciate the opportunity Anchorage’s candidate for the republican of hearing him. nomination for territorial treasurer. He referred The educational department has conducted a study briefly to his candidacy, explaining that he had class on early Alaska history the past year and entered the race at the request of numerous of his Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 friends. experienced some trouble in convincing President As Judge Wickersham arose to begin his first Taft of the right of Alaskans to elect their own Anchorage address, he was greeted legislature instead of having them appointed at enthusiastically. He remarked that he was both Washington. He made many friends at pleased and surprised to see so many ladies Washington during the time he was there and a Diary 39, 1930 10 considerable number of them are still there. The April 10 [clipping continued] judge said he also hoped to have the good will of in the audience, was glad to know that the ladies President Hoover and to encourage his interest in are taking a real interest in affairs of the territory. Alaska. He told of having come to the territory many years Alaska should have jurisdiction over its game, fur ago to accept a judgeship in the interior, of serving and fish, the judge declared, and he promised to that capacity for eight years and then becoming a introduce a bill giving Alaskans the right to regulate candidate for delegate to congress, in which those resources; but he did not promise that such a capacity he served the people of Alaska during the bill could be passed, because of the powerful succeeding 12 years. influence of the bureau system. He reminded the He read the platform on which he had stood in audience that Alaskans are in a sense beggars 1908, of the pledges he had made at that time, and when it comes to getting reforms at Washington, of their subsequent fulfillment. He told of the the delegate being in the nature of a licensed important part he had taken in bringing about the lobbyist. He must ask congress for everything. building of the Alaska railroad, under government The judge strongly supported the proposed supervision; of the passage of the Organic act of international highway and expressed the belief that 1912 which had given Alaskans the right to elect its importance to Alaska cannot be overestimated. their legislature; of the campaign which he had He told of having assisted to frame the bill which inaugurated for the construction of a capitol the Alaska legislature passed, for the building of building at Juneau; of the construction of the the proposed Matanuska road, and declared that Alaska college, with land grant support; of the the road had not been built because the then establishment of a public school system in Alaska; general manager of the Alaska railroad, Noel of the control of indiscriminate locations of placer Smith, had objected to such a highway running claims by power of attorney; of the creation of parallel to Mount McKinley National Park. Diary 39, 1930 10 After reviewing, at some length, his April 10 [clipping continued] achievements of those early days, the judge turned the railroad. Influenced by Mr. Smith, the judge his attention to his platform pledges of 1930, on charged, the members of the territorial road board which he is conducting his present campaign, and had prevailed upon Attorney General Rustgard to promised to work as hard for them at Washington, block the project by framing an opinion against it, if he is elected, as he did for the earlier pledges. “the rottenest opinion I have ever read.” He paid high tribute to Delegate Dan Sutherland The judge said he believed in labor and in labor and while admitting that he was not in agreement organizations and told of a growing sentiment in with all of the present delegate’s policies, he said southeastern Alaska in favor of giving labor more he admired him greatly and felt that Alaska had in protection-particularly to that class of labor him a true and loyal friend. engaged in the fishing industry. He spoke of the The judge pointed out that he had not had any development of the canning industry and the serious difficulties at Washington during the time growing tendency of the big packing companies, he was delegate from Alaska although he had with their fleets of ships, to import their labor and supplies into Alaska each season, to the detriment to the reading of a of resident Alaska labor and Alaska business. Praise was given to William L. Paul and the work Diary 39, 1930 10 he is doing to better conditions among resident April 10-11 [clipping continued] fishermen of the southeast, whites as well as speech made by John Rustgard in Anchorage in natives. He referred to Paul as an able lawyer and 1927, on which occasion the attorney general, not said there are men in congress who have more the knowing that Judge Wickersham would be his appearance of being Indians than he has. opponent for the nomination for delegate, lauded Reference was made to the work of the last the judge in flowery language. The judge said he legislature in making several of the important made it a rule to defend himself against campaign Alaska offices elective instead of appointive. He attacks but not to attack the other fellow and he said he believed in electing every territorial official assured he audience that his reference to and gave his indorsement to the so-called Rustgard’s opinion on the Matanuska road project controller bill but admitted that the name was an was the worst thing he had said about him. unfortunate one. He said he liked Governor Parks Reference was made to certain recent Rustgard but did not want him to appoint Alaska officials, charges, one of them being that the judge had suggesting that Alaska might some day have a accepted payment from a packing company for governor who would not be worthy of the preparing a bill for the leasing of fish traps. He responsibility of appointing anyone. As the result admitted that he had prepared such a bill and had of the progress toward home rule which was made been paid for it, although not so much as Rustgard at the last legislature, Alaskans will have the had intimated. He then told of an instance where opportunity at the next election, the judge pointed Rustgard had been in the pay of the fishing out, of electing all of their territorial officials, “and interests and concluded by assuring the audience that,” he declared, “is the right kind of government.” that the honors were even on that score. The audience indorsed that statement with The 1930 platform pledges of Judge Wickersham enthusiastic applause. are as follows, the majority of them having been Referring to the Alaska railroad and its present referred to at some length during the progress of efficient management, the judge promised to exert the address: [clipping ends here] himself to induce congress to continue to provide funds to keep the railroad operating until [clipping] development of the territory eventually will make No Action Taken the system self-sustaining. “We must keep the On Indian Claim railroad going,” the judge declared, and he The bill which was introduced by Delegate reminded the audience that the road now has a Sutherland some time ago, providing for the “good man at the head of it,” meaning Col. O.F. granting of permission of southeastern Alaska Ohlson. Indians to sue the government for the value of The judge said he would help Anchorage get a lands and other possessions taken from them, is new federal building but pointed out that success still pending before the committee on claims, to would depend to a very great extent upon local which it was referred, according to information effort. He recalled that he had obtained the received from Mr. Sutherland. The delegate says passage of the bill providing for the building of the the telegram sent from Washington by Thos. A. Juneau capitol building but work was held up many Marquam last month, stating that the bill had been years because of lack of support at Juneau. killed in committee, was not founded on fact. A considerable part of the address was devoted Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Judge James Wickersham, who is at present in Judge Wickersham also addressed Anchorage, is acting as attorney for the Indians in yesterday’s meeting of the Anchorage Women’s question, but of course will be compelled to club, discussing early Alaska history, and he spoke withdraw from the case in the event that he is at the school this morning, to an interested elected delegate. In explanation of the bill now gathering of students. pending before congress, the judge says there is The judge went to Seward this afternoon, nothing unusual about it. Action of congress is having completed the tour of the rail belt in the necessary to permit Indians to sue the government interest of his candidacy for the republican because of the discontinuance long ago of the nomination for delegate to congress. practice of making treaties with tribes and the -12th - settlement of claims in that manner. A number of Called at the Gateway newspaper office - found such bills have been passed by the national them friendly & inclined to give me quiet support. lawmakers and Indians in several states now have Capt. Lathrop my most formidable political enemy suits pending in court. The Indians of southeastern came into town this morning on his return from Alaska believe they have just claims against the Washington. He had sent Bernie Stone, his new government also and there is no good reason, in editor the opinion of Judge Wickersham, why congress Diary 39, 1930 12 should refuse them permission to take their case April 12 on a week ago. I passed him at Healey on his train into court. - and a copy of his first issue was received today in -11th - the Gateway office, in which he praises Made a talk this morning to the school children – Rustgard to the sky - as a great lawyer. Lathrop high school - kept out of sight of the public in Seward this Diary 39, 1930 11 forenoon & left on the noon train for Fairbanks - April 11-12 of Anchorage on Alaska history, geography, Col. Ohlson, manager of the Railroad went with schools, etc. Enjoyed it very much it seemed to him! please them quite as much as it did me. I have visited every business man in Seward - all Left Anchorage at 145 afternoon for Seward. the cigar and pool halls, hotels, etc. and feel Arrived here about 7 p.m. & spent the evening until confident that I will have a good safe majority here late visiting the pool halls & cigar places, talking - also in Fairbanks, Nenana and Anchorage - with my friends, etc. through Lathrop and his paper will do me Diary 39, 1930 12 [clipping] April 12 considerable injury & will cut down my Fairbanks Wickersham Guest majority to some extent. At Women’s Party Wrote letters to Seldovia to try to overcome the Judge James Wickersham was a guest of story there that I was opposed to the Seldovia honor last evening at the social gathering which appropriation for a plank street when they wanted followed the regular bi-weekly business meeting of the last Legislature to pass. the Women of Mooseheart Legion. The judge is a Jesson, Editor of the Gateway asked me to veteran Moose and he attended the social as a prepare an interview which he promised to publish member of the organization, not intending to have on Monday - in lieu of the speech which I had not any active part in the affair; but the ladies prevailed time to deliver. I thought it not necessary to hold a upon him to make a short talk and it was greatly public meeting - could not secure a hall to my enjoyed by the legionnaires and their Moose satisfaction - so the interview idea. guests. I leave the railroad towns satisfied that I could do no more than I have done - & hope for good doing the speaking - usual stuff. Answered Steel results. saying coming - there Tuesday, and asking him to make plans for my speaking tour. Sent telegram to Diary 39, 1930 12 Jack Martin, Unalaska, asking him to take charge April 12-14 Left Seward tonight on the S.S. Yukon, for of my campaign there. Visited the Ry. Shops at Cordova, via Valdez – satisfied. Eyak - many friends. Attended the Rudolphs -13th – Symphony Orchestra Concert at the Elks Hall. Sunday. Beautiful clear sunshine – reached Music by amateurs - Cordova children - was very Valdez at noon – half an hour at wharf – met many interesting & satisfactory. people – friends, and they assured me of support th Diary 39, 1930 -18 - at the primary. Reached Cordova this evening & April 18 The SS. ”Northwestern” at the wharves going to went to the “Northern Hotel, Kept by my friend Seward - I will embark on her on the return trip on Vance. Visited many cigar & pool halls - & found Sunday - for Juneau. Was invited to speak to the friends and supporters – Wrote letter to Grace and Children at the High School - same talk I gave at got it off on the “Yukon” tonight. Anchorage - geography 14th History of Alaska - development of school system Spent today in renewing my acquaintances with & government. Also about the boys & girls who many old friends – and feel much confidence in must control Alaska in a few years, governors, situation here. Will hold meeting about Friday or judges, etc. - wives of same, etc. Talked & walked Saturday evening. - am promised a good crowd at my speaking Diary 39, 1930 14 tomorrow evening & my friends say I have made April 14-16 The “Times” - newspaper here will not “Boost” for many new friends, and will get a majority of the me. But the editor & the men are friendly & will votes at the primary. vote for me - so they say - & I think truly. The th Diary 39, 1930 -19 – Pioneers are to have a special meeting for me one April 19-20 Still walking and talking - to the voter! Went night this week & I am assured the R.R. men are carefully over the “heads” to my speech for tonight. supporters. I had a fine meeting at the Elks Club rooms - about -15th – 250 persons attended & it was a very satisfactory Called on the business men today in company with meeting. My audience was interested, quiet, Dr. Chase, mayor. attentive and friendly. I am greatly pleased with my I am meeting with friendly promises. and feel that I reception. will have general support here. Walking, talking. th -20 - Have rented the Elks Hall for public meeting on Dr. Chase and Louis Belter are giving me every Saturday night. assistance, and Mr. Faith, Editor Times, is friendly. -16th - My boat is behind schedule & I will be late in Same as yesterday - talking & walking. Was getting home. Recd. telegram from Steele saying I entertained tonight at special meeting of Pioneers - am to make speeches at Juneau, Petersburg, talked & had a pleasant Smoker! th Wrangell & Ketchikan. Diary 39, 1930 17 - st Diary 39, 1930 -21 – April 17 Recd, telegram from Will A. Steel, Juneau April 21-22 The “Admiral Watson” came in this forenoon - paid informing me they are waiting for my arrival to go my bills & took passage for Juneau. Beautiful day - on a speaking trip to follow up Rustgard, Gardner, clear & calm - gorgeous scenery. Scott & others of opposing group, in S.E. Alaska. I The purser gave me “103” stateroom - de luxe. saw Empire of recent dates today. Rustgard is Left Cordova confident of getting good majority. Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 Dr. Chase will telegraph Juneau my departure. pleased. -22nd - -25th - Reached Yakutat at noon and had an hour on the Left Petersburg at 10 a.m. on George Demmerts dock. Met Max Italis, the Indian leader and the gas boat for Wrangell. He is a Klawock Indian - leading Indians. Billy Gray, an old trader, Dugdale, with Indian crew, but offered to take us to Wrangell. the Commissioner, his partner, Hardy Trusseth, Arrived at Wrangell - got room at the John G. Grant merchant, Axelson, & many others. Had plenty Hotel. Many friends. Meeting at Coliseum Theater Diary 39, 1930 22 - house filled - and I enjoyed my own April 22-23 of time to talk - the Captain was kind and waited, Diary 39, 1930 25 also induced me to his friends - it was as good a April 25-27 speech - the audience seemed to. My friends meeting - they all assured me of a big vote. assure me of a majority here - & I think their Pictures of Rustgard & Tom Gardner pasted in judgment good. My old friends seem confident of prominent places - but no sample tickets had come my success here. Paul left us here & went with for our candidates - they would use the Rustgard Demmert in his boat to tickets - & vote just the other way. Klawock - where he thinks he can do more good -23rd - than at Ketchikan. Arrived at Juneau at 10 a.m. Am advertised to -26th – make a speech tonight & will then go on the Left Wrangell at noon in the gas boat “Emblem” for “Northwestern” to Petersburg to make a speech Ketchikan. Arrived there at midnight - got room at tomorrow night. Later: I made my speech. Judge “Ingersoll Hotel”. LeFevre acted as chairman and induced me - no -27th - one else was Tired & worn out & slept till noon. Meeting at Diary 39, 1930 23 Coliseum Theater tomorrow evening - conditions April 23-24 on the stage - a good audience and I spoke rapidly here look good. - an hour and a half. Diary 39, 1930 -28th – The court stenographer took my speech in short April 28-29 Walked & talked. Meeting tonight in the Coliseum hand - for our opponents. Am satisfied with my Theater - big meeting. good attention. I made the effort - was particular not to criticize any one - not same speech I have been making since leaving even my opponent – unfairly or with rancor. Grace Juneau - except as to local conditions, and am well & my friends seemed to be very greatly pleased pleased at the reception. I am sure I did not lose with my effort. any votes & my friends think I made a few. The Grace returned home. I went to the dock at 11:30 “Chronicle” carried a long editorial in favor of and boarded the SS. “Northwestern” for Rustgard - against me & will Steel, candidate for Petersburg. Senator. -24th - -29th - Arrived in Petersburg at 10 a.m. Paul & Cash Cole Primary Election Day. Raining & short vote. Met with me. Spent the day calling on business men, Morrisey, Editor of the “Chronicle” on the street & etc. in the conversation he congratulated me, said I had Diary 39, 1930 24 made a good talk, that April 24-25 Paid McGregor $25. cash & credit on my claim Diary 39, 1930 29 against him for an equal amount for rent of theater April 29 he thought I would be nominated & that he did not for tonights use at my speech. Spoke two hours - care if I was. He has said pleasant things of that satisfied & my friends say it was well received. kind to my friends today Hope it did good - the big audience seemed [clipping] Diary 39, 1930 -3rd - Judge Wickersham May 3 Same in office - talking to my friends. Empire now Addresses Crowd On says my present majority is 511 - and it is slowly Campaign Issues growing. Sent telegram to Darrell & W. H. Holmes, Judge James Wickersham, candidate on Amarillo, Texas. also sent Dan returns. the Republican ticket for the nomination for delegate to congress, talked for two hours last [clipping] night to a good sized crowd in the Coliseum theater WICK IN LEAD on the issues of the primary campaign. BY 511 VOTES J.E. Johnson, candidate on the Republican FOR DELEGATE ticket for the Territorial legislature from the first Cole and Keller Also Make division, introduced Judge Wickersham. Gains as More Pre- cincts Heard From I will leave for Juneau tonight on he SS. With returns form one precinct in the first Division “Northland.” Returns from Ketchikan precincts at and 20 more in the Fourth Division, Jude midnight are: - Wickersham today had increased his lead over Precincts Rustgard Wickersham Attorney General John Rustgard for Republican Revilla 12 33 nomination for delegate to 511 votes, and was Wacker 4 9 leading in all four Divisions. Charcoal Point 22 24 Cash Cole’s lead over Elmer Reed for Auditor First-Ketchikan 180 199 was 436, his gain being made in this Division, while 2nd – Ketchikan 102 96 Reed picked up a few votes in the Fourth where 320 361 the race is narrowing down. W.K. Keller was slowly drawing away form L.W. Breuer for My majority = 41. Morrisey, Ed. Chronicle offering nomination as Commissioner of Education, his lead to bet that I will beat Rustgard by a three to one today being 266. Walstein G. Smith increased his vote in the Territory! advantage over Frank L. Knight in the Treasurer’s Diary 39, 1930 -30th – contest to 927 votes. April 30- Left Ketchikan at midnight - at Chomly unloading C.T. Gardner lost a portion of his lead over W.A. May 2 cannery supplies this morning. Petersburg: I Steel for the Senatorial nomination in this Division, carried Petersburg & Wrangell. but was 650 votes ahead on the latest returns and -May 1st – no uneasiness was felt over the final outcome. Recd. $5878.19 for Fairbanks mines. Walter P. Scott also lost some of his lead over Pete Reached Juneau at 2 p.m. Returns Favor me, but Sommer in the House race, but was leading the not enough yet to be sure of election. Juneau went latter by 424 votes which seemed enough to against me, hard, also against Cole & our ticket, assure him of success. William L. Paul had drawn but outside returns favorable - as returns come in up to within 88 votes of Roy Noland for fourth place my majority grows. Empire concedes my on the House ticket and seemed almost certain to nomination. replace him when all the returns are reported. -May 2nd - Kake was the only First Division precinct to Paying monthly bills & answering correspondence. report today. It gave its usual majority for the My majority does not fall - but slowly increases. Indian combination. The vote was unusually heavy It now looks to be permanent. there. Today there was 25 precincts in the First, 19 in Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 the Second, 22 in the Fourth and 23 in the Third Hospital - on Hospital day. He made a very Division to be heard from. However, all the larger creditable address. towns have reported. th th Diary 39, 1930 -12 – Diary 39, 1930 4 May 12-15 As usual in the office. May 4 [clipping] -13th – Election Returns by Division and Precinct Trying to catch up with belated letters etc. Diary 39, 1930 -5th - My majority grows slowly - but it grows - and I will May 5 Rustgard driving the late campaign – drew petitions evidently have 700 or 800, to the good - which is for the Indians at Kake, Hoonah and Angoon, for good enough for a primary election. the incorporation of their towns as cities of the first th -14 – class, as soon, however as he found they were not Wrote good long letter to Darrell. voting for him he held his services & today refused th -15 – to appear for them, & they have asked me to Same as usual in the office. present their matters to the court which I am now Homer, Cooks Inlet, gave me a small majority & doing. He was “yaller.” Seldovia did better than I expected. The official

count of the votes in the 1st Division is being made [clipping] in the Clerks office today - my majority is about 250 Election Returns by Division and Precinct - less than I expected. Diary 39, 1930 -6th – Diary 39, 1930 [pamphlet] May 6-11 Trial of Kake Incorporated case yesterday & today Announcement and Platform we are hearing the Hoonah case. Judge Harding of is so bitterly prejudiced against the natives - & James especially Wm L. Paul, the leader and general Wickersham counsel, that he cannot treat us fairly & I think he Republican will not grant them the relief they ask for. Faulkner Candidate is the attorney against us & he is as bitter & unfair for as possible & leads judge Harding against the Delegate natives. to I am doing what I can to answer the very many Congress letters & telegrams on my desk. From Alaska -7th – 1930 Election returns coming in slowly but my majority TO THE PEOPLE OF ALASKA: also slowly increases. It seems now that I will Hon. Dan Sutherland has publicly announced carry each of the four divisions in Alaska & will get that he will not be a candidate for re-election to the 700 or 800 majority over Rustgard. office of Delegate from Alaska in 1930. -8th – At the request of many Alaskan voters I Working in the office as usual. I hear that Rustgard have consented to become a candidate for the & wife will soon take a trip to Europe! Also that nomination, on the Republican Ticket, at the they may take up their residence in Germany!! PRIMARY ELECTION ON APRIL 29, 1930 -9th – 10th – for the office of Delegate from Alaska to Congress, No recent returns. to be chosen at the Same as usual in office. GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 4, 1930 -11th -

Sunday. Introduced Gov. Parks at the Catholic Diary 39, 1930 [pamphlet continued] of conservation on all forms of fishing gear; that PLATFORM PLEDGES bona fide residents of Alaska shall be allowed to In the event of my election as Delegate to take fish at all times and places for their own family Congress I pledge the people use; that non-resident fishermen, their boats and of Alaska: gear, shall pay a higher license tax than resident 1. To work with and support President Hoover and fishermen; and the continuation of government his administration, in friendly cooperation, in all investigations of halibut, herring and other food fish matters for the welfare of the Territory; for a more in aid of their preservation and increase. perfect form of Territorial Government; for the development of the Territory’s natural resources, 6. To secure construction, as soon as possible, of with reasonable conservation, for the upbuilding of public buildings at Ketchikan, Anchorage and a permanent population in the Territory. Fairbanks; a bridge across the channel between Juneau and Douglas; the opening of the boat 2. To support in every practical way the channel across the tide flats between Juneau and construction of a continuous International Pacific- Auk Bay; the construction of an insane asylum in Yukon Highway for the joint use of Airplanes and Alaska; continued necessary appropriations for the automobiles, from Seattle and Vancouver, through Alaska Railroad and road and highway work in British Columbia and Yukon Territory Canada, to Alaska. Fairbanks, Alaska, with branch lines to connect with Alaska seaports at the mouths of the Stikine, 7. To support river and harbor projects, coast and Taku, Skagway and Chilkat rivers, with equal geodetic surveys and aids to navigation in Alaska. privileges to Hyder and from Prince Rupert to 8. To assist in securing the extension of all Federal Ketchikan, and branch lines to connect with the Aids Acts to the Agricultural College and School of government highway in interior Alaska, and to Mines at Fairbanks. Nome. 9. To support and vote for all the nominees of the 3. To favor the connection of the main line of the Republican primary election. International Highway in British Columbia down JAMES WICKERSHAM one or more of the branch lines joining it to the January 15, 1930 coastal towns of Alaska with a free zone or Diary 39, 1930 [pamphlet continued] roadway for the unobstructed flow of trade with the PART OF FORMER RECORD interior, and the passage of air-planes and While Delegate to Congress from Alaska, 1908- automobiles, as nearly without restrictive 1920, I drew the bills and secured their enactment regulations as possible. into law for: 1. The construction of the Alaska Railroad costing 4. To support and aid in every way the construction $65,000,000 and immediate completion of the proposed 2. The Organic Act of August 24, 1912, creating Thomas Basin at Ketchikan, for the safety and the Alaska Legislature and giving Home Rule to the accommodation of Alaska fishermen and their People of Alaska. boats. 3. The permanent location of the Territorial Capital at Juneau. 5. To support self-government in Alaska game, fur 4. The construction of the Alaska Capitol building and fisheries; the better seeding of salmon at Juneau. streams; a more equal distribution of the burdens 5. The construction of the Alaska Agricultural Alaska State Library – Historical Collections Diary of James Wickersham MS 107 BOX 6 DIARY 39 October 1, 1928 through May 15, 1930 College and School of Mines at Fairbanks, with land grant support. 6. The creation of the Mount McKinley National Park. 7. The establishment of the Public School System in Alaska. 8. The control of indiscriminate locations of placer claims in Alaska by power of Attorney. 9. The Alaska Bone Dry Law, in response to the demand of a large majority of the electors of Alaska. 10. The improvement and protection of the Nome harbor. - And many other Acts of Congress for the development of Territorial Government, and general progress, in Alaska. JAMES WICKERSHAM January 15, 1930.