The Daily Alaska empire Newspaper, March 8, 1933, Page 6

THE DAILY ALASKA N PN IICT L S U TELD SRR R Text of Governor’s Message ., As Delivered to Legislature (Continued from Page Five) for services actually rendered by the beneficiaries. It should be required that necessary public work within the community be undertaken and that the laborer should b2 paid on a basis to be determined by the cir- \ cumstances, which would assure those who are working of sufficient funds to purchase actual necessities. Further, it should be required that the employment should be so arranged that each laborer will - be permitted to work only a sufficient time during each month to provide funds required by his particular circumstances. It is possible under some plan of this kind to provide relief in a manner that will permit the applicant to maintain his self-respect and dignity. It has the further advantage that it will assure a fair contribution toward the relief of destitution and practically double the available amount that may be appropriat d by the Territory. We have been unable to obtain accurate data as to the number of those who are receiving relief in the Territory at the present time, but we may safely assume that the number that must be cared for during the ensuing biennium will be at least 50 per cent greater, and I wish to urge you to give this matter your most careful consideration. AMERICAN RED CROSS The American Red Cross, through its local Chapter in the Ter- ritory, has contributed flour and clothing for the relief of destitution. The value of the commodities sent to the Territory is approximately $15,000.00 and during the t few months additional shipments of flour will be sent to some of the Chapters. These supplies have afforded relief to destitute people in many localities and I feel that the American Red Cross should be commended for assisting in the relief of destitution in the Territory. EDUCATION y Expenditures from the Territorial treasury for educational pur- poses for the period ending December 31, 1832, amounted to 56 per cent of the total disbursements. In other words, 56 cents out of each dollar taken from the treasury during the two-year period was expended for our school system. The disbursements for the biennium ending December 31, 1916, were $17,011.70 and for the period ending December 1, 1932, they were $1,056,181.17, including deficiencies and the appropriation for the Agricultural College. This is an in- crease of approximately 6100 per cent in 16 years. 1f we exclude the College funds, the increase is approximately 5400 per cent. During this time the enrollment has increased approximately 61 per cent. We may well pause and consider whether or not we have wisely expended these funds and ascertain where we can effect economies without impairing efficiency. Our school system is one of our most cherished institutions, and because it vitally influences the future stability of our government, it is the duty of the Territory and every community therein to provide adequate facilities so that every child may be afforded an opportunity to acquire an education. We have met this responsibility in a fairly satisfactory manner and we shall do so in the future insofar as our finances will permit. Two years ago 1 invited your attention to the fact that the burden of maintaining our school system is not fairly nor equitably distributed among those who are receiving the benefits from the schools, and again I wish to present the matter for your careful con- sideration. The report of the €ommissioner of Education discloses that parents who are residing adjacent to many of our larger communi- ties are sending their children to the city schools and are not con- tributing ‘toward the cost of maintaining these institutions. The Territory pays $30 per year for each pupil outside of the district and, in addition, provides transportation in nine localities at an, average cost of $7098 per pupil. The cost to the Territory for transportation and tuition during the school years 1931-32 was $37,590.88, The tuition of '$30 does not reimburse the school for the cost incurred in educat- ing the child, as is shown by the statistics compiled by the Com- missioner of Education. The average cost per pupil in the incor- porated school districts last year was $122.80. It is apparent, there- fore, that the difference, or $92:89, must be contributed by the Terri- In the larger tory or paid by the tax payers within the district. districts, under the present law, 70 per cent is borne by the Territory and 30 per cent by the tax payers. The existing law should be amended to bring property adjacent to incorporated cities and school districts within the jurisdiction of such school districts, thus requiring all persons who are receiving benefits from the schools to contribute to their support. The entire cost of rural schools is borne by the Territory. The Jocal residents do not bear any share of the burden except the $5 tax collected from all males over the age of 21. Very often this is ot phid, especially in the _isolated districts. Perbaps this generous policy was justified in the early development of our school system, but I believe that if the residents in the small communities were required to pay a fair proportion of the cost of the schools they would bave a greater interest in the attendance of the pupils and the proper conduct of the schools. Fifteen years ago the- ‘Lerrmory embarked on a policy of re- funding to school districts a share of the total cost of maintenance. 3 In the succeeding years the percentage contributed by the Territory has been gradually increased until now we are refunding 70, 75 and 80 per cent of the cost of the schools, depending on the total enroll- ment. In addition to the refund many new buildings have been con- structed under special appropriations. It is worthy of note, as dis- closed: in the report by the Commissioner of Education, that 100 per cent of the cost of every expansion in the school ' system since its inception has been paid by the Territorial Government. Fortunately up to the present we have been able to increase our revenues to meet the increased expenditures but now that' we must retrench it is only fair that reductions should be made in the appropriations 5 for the largest item in our budget. ! The Budget Board decreased the estimates submitted by th2 ;" Commissioner. by taking 8 1/3 per cent from all salaries and by re- 4 ducing the amounts to be refunded 10 per eent. - These ‘ reductions, i if adopted, will save $127,000.00 during the next two years. Incor- porated school districts would receive 60, 65 and 70 per cent in re- funds instead of the 70, 75 and 80 per cent which they obtain under the present law and rural school districts would contribute 10 per cent of the cost of local institutions. The ‘Commissioner of Education states that the proposed reductions will not' impair the efficiency of the schools. The following table of expenditures for schools, exclusive of the Agricultural College, each year since 1917° shows the increase in this item: 1917 $ 75,521.49 1925 ... $340,822.08 1918 . 1926 .. 380,000.20 1919 . 225,009.80 1527 . 430,276.27 1920 . 1928 . 418,838.27 1921 .. 1929 . ... 410,023.24 1922 1930 .. 525,581.36 1923 1931 477,796.84 1924 s 209,184.63 1932 . . 472,036.83 hose of 1917. There are Expenditures last year were six times t! ase. 'We find that many factors that have contributed to this incre: we have almost doubled the number of schools, erected many new dded to the curriculum. This situa- ary, nearly every public experience and those reducing the rapidly increasing cost of maintaining these institutions. Recent reports disclose that approximately 50 per cent of the rural tates have been closed and many of the result, we find that the require- illed. A’ careful survey has been lities, available and required, in We can wot provide all of the t two years' but we should the demands and authorize con- struction over a period of years. The amount to be expended in each year must be determined by the available funds. Full responsibility for the program should be in the Commissioner of Education. For many years the Commissioner of Education was selected by | of Education. Four years ago the law was changed to for populay election of the Commissioner. The ‘prevailing. among those who direct the public - school systems through- United States is that this is not in the best interests of the The policy of selecting the director of education by election tried and abandoned by 'a majority of States because it to be unsatisfactory. We should profit by their ex- Neither was the Territorial Board of Edueation, as it existed: sat.sinetory. It could not function properly since it .con- once in two years. We should have a Board of Education alified citizens who will accept the ‘responsibility. and: period of six years. This Board should be authorized mmissioner of Education and he should hold his office of the Board. His duties and responsibilities should y the Board and his term of office should depend on maintain the system in an efficient: and economical of Education has prepared an exhaustive report our present schodl system. This report merits most those who are interested in our schools. Your ‘invited 'to ‘his recommendations pertaining to a program- for buildings; and a change in the rg@*wu ‘the Commissioner. "records o}dlunnnnp Night Schools " has declined and the average daily for mew schocl buildings and, as a ments have not been properly fulfl per cent. Under the present law the.Ter: tory pays all of the expenses for these schools, and as long as there was a sustained interest and reasonable number of students, this was justified. 'We should not continue them unless there is a demand for the instruction. The best evidence of interest on the part of thosc who derive benefits from the schools would be their willingness to contribute a share of the cost. It is recommended that a nominal enrollment fee of $10.00 be required from each student. There may be a few instances where the students could not pay this fee and in that event the school board should be authorized to permit attend- ance without eharge. Under the above plan the cost to the Territory of Citizenship Night Schools probably would be less than $500.00. ROADS, TRAILS AND LANDING FIELDS The present practice of expending Territorial road funds under cooperative agreements with the Federal road-building agencies under the supervision of the Territorial Highway Engineer, appears to be the most satisfactory arrangement that can be made at the present time. It is advantageous to the Territory because it permits the expenditurz of a ‘large percentage of our appropriations on ' local improyements -and allows the Federal organizations to expend. their allotments on the major projects. On July 1, 1932, the Alaska Road Commission was transferred from the War Department to- the: Interior Department and all of the activities, which were directed by: the Engineer Corps of the United States Army, are now under the super- vision of the Chief Engineer under the direction of the Governor. Prior to the transfer Congress reduced the appropriations, which for a number of years have averaged between $800,000.00° and $1,- 000,000.00, to approximately $500,000.00. The present Congress appro- priated the same amount for the next fiscal year. The allotment is sufficient to maintain and improve existing projects but it will not permit the Road Commission to undertake any new work. In fact it is the announced policy of Congress to restrict road work to those projects which had been undertaken prior to 1931. All items for new work were stricken from the estimates by the Budget and efforts to| have them reinstated by Congress were of no avail. The appropria- tions for forest roads and trails under the Federal Highway Act, which formerly yielded approximately $900,000.00 for expenditure on Terri- torial projects, were reduced by Congregs to approximately $350,000.00. | Under existing law the allotments for projects of this kind ar: based | on the area of the National Forests in the Territory as compared with | the total area of National Forests in the United States, the, area | of vacant Public Lands in the Territory, and other minor factors. However, because of representations that were made in Congress, the allotment to which we are entitled under thé law was reduced fo. the arbitrary figure of $350,000.00 and the restrictions placed on the allot- | ment by the last Congress were continued in the present session Congress, therefore, has reduced the Federal Road Appropriation approximately $1,000,000.00 and we can not hope for an increase attendance is below fifty hat they were a contributing factor |1t was very evident from the stateme: ‘who were in a ‘position to know the conditions, | were destroying a large quantity of fish and fishing gear. time the annual run of salmon has been rehabilitated and apparntly there is no further need of continuing the bounty system. | There is another phase of the problem, however, which w2 must take into consideration. A very large number of the claims presented for bounty originate with Natives and others who resort to their |capture as a means of providing themselves with the necessary |funds to purchase food and clothing, and I believe that if the |bounty is discontinued a certain number of those who havz earned !money by killing the seals will have to appeal to the Indigent iFund for relief. Nevertheless, I am convinced that we should suspend | payment of these bounties during the next biennium. I am not moved to make these recommendations because I do not favor the i bounties, because I believe they do accomplish good results, but solely because I believe that if we devote funds to these purposes we will | have to deprive some of our more necessary projects of funds neces- sary to maintain them efficiently. FUR FARMING AND DAIRY, INSPECTION Chapter 53, Session Laws of 1927, authorized the appointment of an experienced. Veterinarian to assist and advise those who are engaged in the propagation of fur-bearing animals in the Territory. |In 1929, in accordance with récommendations submitted to the Legis- lature, the duty of examining all dairy cattle was assigned to the Territorial Veterinarian. This plan was most satisfactory and a con- siderable sum was saved by the consolidation. During the last session authority was requested to combine the work of the Territorial Veter- inarian with that of the Agricultural College and School of Mines and this was granted. Early in 1932 a satisfactory plan was devised whereby the Territorial Veterinarian could be assigned to the Agricul- tural College and his salary be paid out of Federal funds appropriated for that purpose. It appeared, after careful investigation, that he could render the same service to the fur farmers and dairymen as have been given in the past, and the consolidation was approved. This consolidation saved approximately $12,000,00 of the last appro- priation and will result in the saving of some $20,000.00 during the ensuing biennium. Chapter 55, Ssssion Lays of 1919, provides among other things that where the Territorial Veterinarian finds it necessary to destroy live stock the Territory will pay a part of the apptraised value. ~Dur- ing the past biennium approximately $1,800.00 was expendsd and an appropriation of $2500.00 should be ample for this purpose during the next two years. RESCUE AND RELIEF OF LOST PERSONS Chapter 31, Session Laws of 1917, as amended by Chapter 41, Session Laws of 1919, authorizes United States Commissioners to organizs searching parties for the rescue and relief of persons who in these items during the next two years. Territorial appropriations for roads have fluctuated sbetween widc‘ limits and have been controlled by funds available in the TemwrialI appropriations have been justified and when there has been a decline | in revenues the road funds have been proportionately reduced. Last | biennium $300,000.00 was appropriated but because of the shup; decline in our revenues only about one-third of this amount was allotted and there remains somewhat in excess of $200,000.00, which was not expended. The Territorial Highway Engineer has submitted an estimate for the coming biennium and requested an approprlnuon‘ of $300,000.00 for roads and trails. This has been reduced by the | Budget Board to $100,000.00 and we believe this is all that can be allowed if our expenditures are to be kept within our probable revenues. We all realize that roads and trails are necessary: in the | development of the Territory. Nevertheless, when we are confronted with & situation such as exists at the present time, of providing sufficient funds to maintain our schools and other functions of a| similar nature, I believe we are justified in reducing the road appro- priations rather than in impairing the efficiency of our eduénuonal‘ systems or eleemosynary institutions. The allotment of $100,000.00 | will permit only the necessary maintenance work on existing projects. Many of these projects have deteriorated during the past two years because of the lack of funds, and the Road Board should be' per- mitted to allot funds for rehabilitation of the most essential of these | projects. In the past there has been a growing tendency on the part of the Legislature to direct the allotment of road funds and divert them for other purposes, although this is specifically prohibited by the Organic Act. The results of this procedure are not serious when ample funds are available, but they do prevent a proper and equitable distribution of funds when appropriations are limited, as they must be during the coming biennium. There is another factor which must be given most careful con- sideration in allotting our funds. It is very apparent in the hearings before the Appropriation Committee in Congress that the members of the committee feel that we should show our interest in actual road-building projects by allotting reasonable funds for cooperative work. They are fully aware of the limited funds at our disposal and apparently have no desire to base their appropriations on the amounts that we may be able to contribute. Rather they base the action on the proportion of our total appropriations which we are willing to allot to cooperative projects. It is almost certain that if we continue to divert road funds to other purposes as we bave in the past the Federal appropriations will be reduced accordingly. 4 For several years we have expended approximately one-fifth our road apptropriations for landing fields and hydroplane ports. Th was necessary and most desirable but I believe that the urgent de- mands have been met and that the only necessary expenditures in the immediate future are for maintenance work on some. of the existing fields. In the past two years there has been a tendency to change {he type of landing gear on the aircraft in the Territory and substitute pontoons for wheels. It seems to be the opinion of those who are directing the operations that the latter type is better adapted for transportation in the Territory. There will be a limited number of planes equipped with wheels that must be used in some of the districts, but it is quite probable that many of the fields constructed in the past will no longer be needed. ~We should not undertake any new projects until we are certain as to the require~ ments that will be necessary and the type of plane that will be used. During the last two years a limited amount of funds have been expended for repair of shelter cabins. There appears to be no urgent demand for mew structures and we should confine our expenditures. during this biennium ' to necessary repairs. A small appropriation should be sufficient. AVIATION Experience gained during the past biennium indicates that oum laws pertaining to aviation are, in most respects, satisfactory, and ample authority for enforcement is vested' in the Territorial Highway Engineer. Some amendments may be necessary and these are fully discussed in a comrfiunication from the administrative officer. Many of the difficulties that were apparent two years ago have been over- come. The larger companies have equipped their planes with facili- ties for wireless communication and now they are able to maintain contact with ground stations at all times. This one factor has mater- jally reduced the hazard of air transportation. Two years ago I re- quested an appropriation of $2,500 for the purpose of providing carrier pigeons to be used by airplanes in the Interior of the Territory. This appropriation was not expended because of the arrangements that were made for wireless communication, - Transportation by airplane continues ‘to be one of the important factors in the development of the Interior of Alaska and, no doubt, present facilities ‘will be materially improved during the next two years. It was hoped that the Post Office Department would grant air mail contracts in Alaska, but this seems unlikely as long as present conditions prevail PREDATORY ANIMALS to 1931 the Territory and the Federal for the control of predatory animals. assumption that better results could be achieved by offering a bounty, and for the past two years we. have been paying bounties on wolves, coyotes, eagles and hair seals. The sum of $40,000.00 was appropriated to pay bounties on wolves and coyotes and of this sum $20,139.50 remained ‘unexpended Decem- ber 31, 1932. $5,000.00 was made available for the bounty on ecagles. ‘This appropriation was exhausted and the Territorial Treasurer has on file claims for $2,500,00. Chapter 48, Session Laws of 1927, placed a bounty of $200 on hair seal and the last Leglslature set aside '$17,500.00 for this purpose. The appropriation was exhausted some- time ago and the Treasurer has a record of unpaid hounties amount- ing to $8,500.00. It was contended by those who urged an increase in the bounty on wolves and coyotes that if the Territory increased the amount paid for each animal captured it would stimulate ‘the annual catch and afford necessary protection to game animals and the reindeer herds. ‘This apparently is not sustained by the records. In 1929-30 2,002 wolves and. coyotes were presented for bounty while durir ‘past two years 1618 bounties were collected from the Tre Apparently the increase in the bounty did not have any material effact on the number of wolves captured. Wolves and coyotes are a menace to all other wild life and I believe that under ordinary conditions we should continue our efforts to extérminate them o the extent that may he warranted by our financss, but in the present situation, when we are forced to curtail the expenditures for other and far more necessary functions, I feel it would be wholly inconsistent. to continuz paying bounties. For several years it has been a moot question as to whether or not eagles actually inflict. serious damage on smaller animals and the fish, = Without doubt there are cases where they carry off small foxes, and I presume they do destroy a certain number of salmon, 'but T am not convinced that the damage is sufficient to justify two years. bounty during the past biennium. on hair seals was inaugurated at a. . when it seemed apparent] treasury. When the balance on hand has been above normal lm;ge's The last Legislature declined to. continue this cooperation on thef; {the Territory in continuing the bounty, particularly during the next Ine. records disclose that 8741 hair seals Were presented for{, poljey of paying the bounty g are lost or who have disappeared and the cost of these parties is paid out of a fund provided by the Territory. All of the funds appropriated in 1931 have been expended and there is a deficiency of approximately 1 am convinced that the present practice is inefficient and undesirable because it prevents the control of these funds by admin- istrative officers of the Territory, and cases have arisen where the Commissioners, under the direction granted them by incurred obligations which appear to be greatly in excess of what should be expended to achieve the necesasry results. The law should be amended so that a limit will be placed on the amount that may be expended by a United States Commissionar, and he should be required to obtain approval of the Governor before exceeding the minimum amount authorized by the law. ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL For several years the Territory has appropriated funds to reim- burse the Orthopedic Hospital in Seattle for the care of Alaskan children. The Territory is without adequate facilities for treating cases of this kind and it is unfair for us to expect the Seattle Hospital to care for the children without reimbursement. Always they have given the same care and consideration to the children from Alaska as they have to those from the State of ‘Washington, and we know that they will continue to do this even though they| They | under great difficulties and must rely on contributions | 1 feel that those who| can not be paid for the excellent services that they render. are operating for all operating expenses of the institution. are in charge should be commended for the unselfish services they are giving to the children. assertion, that a few hundred dollars spent on those children who; are so unfortunate as to need this, is wholly justified. Certainly if | we can restore them to a normal condition so that they will be! enabled to care for themselves, we will have performed a most merit-| orious service and relieved the Territory of a continuing expense| in the future. During the biennium 10 children were treated at a cost of $4,106.25, lsaving a balance in the fund of $893.75. HEALTH AND SANITATION Conditions affecting the health of the people in the Territory; Alaska has have been most satisfactory during the past two years. | been remarkably free from serious epidemics and contagious diseases: it | during’ the biennium. Diphtheria and influenza have appeared in many of the localities but with two exceptions they did not reach the proportions of an epidemic. Typhoid fever appeared in one or two communities, but prompt action by the local authorities prevented widespread contagion. In keeping with the policy established some years ago the Terri- torial Health Officer has supplied serums and vaccines wherever they were required, and at the present time we have a supply in the custody of each Assistant Health Officer in strategic locations through- out the Territory. The United States Public Health Service continued its coopera- tion with the Territorial officers and has examined and the majority of the cannery employees before they embark for the Territory. The results of this precaution are far reaching and the benefits are very apparent in the improved conditions, the coastal sections. INSANE OF ALASKA The present method of caring for the insane of Alaska has been discussed by every sassion of the Legislature since its organization. 1. think that generally it is agreed that the contract system -now in effect is contrary to the best practice #nd that we can not expect the patients to receive the same degree of care in a private institu- tion under contract as they would in a public hospital. Repeated efforts have been made to prevail on Congress to provide a suitable institution, preferably in the Territory, but if this is not possible | somewhere in a desirable location elsewhere. I feel certain that if normal conditions had continued the projéct would have received favorable consideration,” but under conditions as they exist ‘at the present time I do not believe we can expect that any action will be taken. We must anticipate a continuation of the present system in the next few years. There are at the present time 282 patients at Morningside Sani- tarium. During the biennium 58 were committed and 47 died or were discharged. We have received excellent cooperation from the Public Health Doctor stationed at. the institution and have received but few complaints regarding the conditions. In every instance we nave investigated the complaints and it has been ascertained that the action taken by those in charge of the hospital was in keeping with the accepted practices. . STOCKING PUBLIC LANDS IN ALASKA Chapter 51, Session Laws of 1925, ‘authorizes the expenditure of funds for placing fur-bearing animals on .certain public lands in the Territory. Each year since then one or more projects have been under way and a variety of wild animals have been placed in regions | where it was hoped that they would increase and ‘be a. source of food for the people or supply fur for the trapper. Many of the jects that were undertaken have been successful, and under conditions a continuation of the program would be justified, but, I feel that we can suspend the operation ‘of this law during the next two years without affecting the projects which have been under» taken or depriving the Territory of benefits ‘which might accrue. the past two years less than $400.00 has been: expended, "The greater. part of this has been for feed for the animals that were | placed in various sections of the Territory in previous years. There is an_available balance of $12714.06 and I wish to recommend that the provisions of this law be suspended during the coming biennium. g KA HISTORICAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM BUILDING . Several years ago the Territory+ purchased I corner of Third and Seward Streets at a cost of $15,000.00. Subse-. quently - approximately $6,000.00 was spent_in repairs, ing was used by the Territorial officers .and ‘the Historical Library and Museum until.the completion’ of the Federal Building. - Since that time we have expended necessary furids to keep it in reasonable Yepair. During the last session of the Legislature the Governor was authorized to deed the property to th event-Yhat all of the other property in the ‘block should *be purchased. and converted into a park. For some time there was a reasonable £ that the Federal Government would acquire the other erty, but undsr existing conditions it 15 mot at-all probable will be available and we cal tion: for this purpose. Each year we e “the property in repair, and since there is but little probability the Territory will again ‘have use for 4 advisable to dispose of it. It 1s recomm! gel: that necessary authority of if the en e given to the Governor to dispose of T tageous to_the Territory and . p to. the credit of the perma vt e S PRO! * For the past six year§ to pay transportation for but were without' suf nt .. their: supplies to the scene of thel : $20,000.00 for this , 8T0se il was necessary to - 31st there was an U .. 8ince this law a pr “fund of the Pioneers' Home. to. t b the Act, have| I believe that no one will question the| depleting the salmon runs.|material change in economic conditions. Gold is at a pre: ts of fishermen, and others|I am of the opinion that present conditions are such Lgatmlilug ::? that the animals|necessary to continue to give aid to-prospectors. There is such a Since that|demand for gold that bona fide prospectors should have little diffi- culty in obtaining funds to enable them to obtain the necessary supplies. There were a number of other States which provided similar funds and some, if not a majority of them, have discontinued the practice. The law has been in operation a sufficient length of time to enable you to judge whether or not the results achieved in your respective districts are commensurate with ‘the expenditures that have been made by the Territory. The Budget Board did not include an item for this appropriation in its estimate. DESTRU! (ON OF PREDATORY ENEMIES OF SALMON Chapter 90, Session Laws of 1929, authorizes appropriations to be expended in cooperation with the United States Bureau of Fish- eries for clearing salmon sireams and for the destruction of trout and other predatory enemies of the salmon. The last: Legislature appro- priated $25,000.00 for this purpose and approximately 50 per cent of this amount was expended. A detailed report, prepared and submitted by the Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Fisheries, will be transmitted to you for your exam- ination. It will be noted that practically the entire amount expended was for bounties paid to those who destroyed trout in the waters teibutary to Bristol Bay. It is the opinion of the Bureau of Fish- eries that the destruction of trout in the salmon streams is of great benefit to the industry. -4 The appropriation served jother very uscful servics provided means whereby Nst\v&e’: ‘and others in those dlest.rll‘;:t:h :uli; earn’ sufficient funds to support themselves and their families. With- out doubt if it had mot been for the relief thus nflotded»’tl’;u:e ‘would have been increased demands for relief of destitution. In the. four years that the law has been in operation the Packers Associations have contributed approximately $25,000.00 to share in the expenses of this work and they comsider it of great value. If we were not faced with such. a serious situation, I would unhesitatingly recom- mend further appropriations under this law. But under the circum- stances and in view of the fact that all similar appropriations have beend sgick?n iImm xthe ?udget‘s estimates, I feel that such a recom- mendation is inconsistent with the policy that we 3 the coming two years. A Ve e S Y g BOXING COMMISSION The commission for the control of. pugilistic encounters in the jI’erm,ory created under an Act of the Legislature has ' functioned in a manner that is very satisfactory. The members have been dili- gent in the performance of their duties and the rules and regulations that were promulgated by them appear to meet the requirements. The report to the Secretary will be transmitted to you in due course. PUBLICITY An appropriation of $2,000.00, to be expended by the Governor, for the dissemination of information about Alaska and the publica- tion and circulation of pamphlets, was made available by the last Legislature. Of this sum we have expended approximately $400.00. A new edition of the booklet on the history of the Territory was printed and several thousand copies of it have been distributed. I believe that we have a sufficient supply of these on hand to meet the demands during the next two years and there appears to be no reason why further appropriations should be made at this time. FIRES AND FIRE PATROL Chapter 46, Session Laws of 1927, authorizes the appointment of fire wardens in certain districts and the expenditure of funds in co- operation with the Federal Government for the prevention and sup- pression of destructive forest fires. During the past two years no expenditures were incurred under this law, since it was bi.ueved to be one of the items that could be curtailed without seriously Jeopardizing the interests of the Territory. A few fires were reported but most of them were in districts where it was impracticable to attempt to control them and where but little damage could result to our forests or grazing land. A further apprepriation under this Act is not necessary at this time. AGRICULTURAL FAIRS Chapter 38, Session Laws of 1927, authorizes an allotment of $2,000.00 each year to Fair Associations in the Territory. Prior to 1930 only three such associations qualified under the Act, but during that year a fourth association was organized and applied for assist- ance. The last Legislature appropriated $16,500 to be expended under vaccinated | withdraw the services of the Parasitologist and, the provisions of the above Act and on December 31st there remained an unexpended balance of $10,500.00. Early in 1932, when it became apparent that there would be a decline in our revenues, I communicated. with the managers of the various Fair Associations and asked them to cooperate with the Territorial Government by curtailing their expenditures so that it would be unnecessary for them to apply for assistance. This request met with prompt response and, as a result, the several Fair Associa- tions last year did not receive the $2,000.00 provided for by the Act. 1 wish to commend those in charge of the Fairs for their coopera- tion, and while I believe that these local Fairs are of material benefit I feel that it is unnecessary for the Territory to make further con- tributions to them until such time as there is an improvement in our. financial situation. ‘WARBLE FLY Chapter 85, Session Laws of 1929, authorizes cooperation with the Biological Survey in the study of methods for the control of the warble fly and other reindeer parasites. At that time an agreement was entered into whereby the Biological Survey contributed. the serviees of a Parasitologist and the Territory assumed the obligation for his expenses, the purchase of necessary materials and for the labor required in the experiments. The last Legislature appropriated $6,000.00 to continue this work. In 1932, when Congress failed to make necessary appropriations, the Biological Survey was forced to accordingly, the entire program was abandoned. Approximately $2,500.00 remain in the. fund and this will revert to the Territory. A complete report on 'the especially in | progress of the work was submitted and is available for ‘your con- sideration. The control of parasites which infest reindeer herds is essential if the industry is to derive the maximum value from the hides and other products, but the cost of such a project is far beyond the limited resources of the Territory at the present time and I believe the investigation must be abandoned until such time as the Federal Government will again participate in the undertaking. % " ELECTION LAWS The Constitutional Amendment, which provides for changing the date on which the President of the United States assumes his office and the new Congress convenes, has been ratified and beginning in 1936 Congress will' convene. early in January. Alaska is to be represented by a Delegate in the new Congress of that year, it will be necessary for us to change the date of our election. The present method of canvassing the votes and issuing the certificates of election requires that the refurns be transmitted to. the Clerks of the Court and to the Office of the Governor immediately after the date of elec- tion. Owing to the infrequency of the mail and the long distances which must be covered, all of the returns are seldom erq‘m’ Juneau until about Pebruary 15th, and the Canvassing Board can 1ot certify to'the election of candidates until after that date, 1In the event, that circumstances arise which require a recount of the ballots or a delay in issuing: the certificates, conceivably it would be ‘well into March before the successful candidate could be given proper credentials. We can not expedite the transmittal of the returns be- cause this depends on agencies beyond our control. . Therefore, the only solution of the problem is to advance the Territorial ~election to a date which will assure the performance of the duties required of the Canvassing Board and allow for all coptingéncies that might arise so that the Delegate can be in Washington on the convening of the Congress, Careful consideration has been. given to this problem and I believe that we should hold our Territorial elections early in September, . preferably .on the first Tuesday after Labor Day. If the ‘elgctmmmmadwthkmumuquhtomwl_fl of the returns: in Juneau in ample time for -action by ‘the’ Can- (vassing Board. Moreover, at that time of the “year 'those residents lof the Territory who contemplate spending the winter away ' from their ususl residence will be able to avail themselves of their rights 'to vote and the necessity for an absentee voting law will be very largely obviated. This 'situation is ument and should receive early consideration. a If the date of the geheral election is advanced as recommended the Federal Government: in the|gession of the careful consideration should be given to the desirability of changing the date on which the Legislature convenes. Without doubt it would 'be more convenient for many -of the members if the session began early in January. It would be more desirable if the catinerymen and mmummerswwbeflvwwlymmywo(me h es that would be applied to their production during the next operating season. As it is most of them. must make their plans some time in advance of the adoption of the tax schedules. The 60-day : Legislature if convened early in January, would be ‘completed before March 31st, and all appropriations could- be made to expire at the close of the fiscal year, thus avoiding the necessity 'for making provisions in current appropriation bills for deficiengies hich may occur. Each session of the Legislature prepares Memorials land Resolutions for consideration by Congress, and if the Territorial 5 tive session were concurrent with that of Congress these Reso- Jutions and Memorials would be immediately presented by the Dele- gate. I desire to present this matter for your deliberation. |~ There is a lack of uniformity in the-dates when elected officers lassume their duties. It will promote efficiency if ‘the new officials |begin their terms on the first. day of the new fiscal year. This is especially desirable if the date of the legislative session is advanced so apparent that it needs no ¥ ¥