Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)Roosevelt, Theodore
History
Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)
Roosevelt, Theodore
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919; United States -- Politics and government -- 1901-1909
I call your special attention to the Territory of Alaska. The country
is developing rapidly, and it has an assured future. The mineral
wealth is great and has as yet hardly been tapped. The fisheries, if
wisely handled and kept under national control, will be a business as
permanent as any other, and of the utmost importance to the people.
The forests if properly guarded will form another great source of
wealth. Portions of Alaska are fitted for farming and stock-raising,
although the methods must be adapted to the peculiar conditions of
the country. Alaska is situated in the far north; but so are Norway
and Sweden and Finland; and Alaska can prosper and play its part in
the New World just as those nations have prospered and played their
parts in the Old World. Proper land laws should be enacted; and the
survey of the public lands immediately begun. Coal-land laws should
be provided whereby the coal-land entryman may make his location
and secure patent under methods kindred to those now prescribed
for homestead and mineral entrymen. Salmon hatcheries, exclusively
under government control, should be established. The cable should
be extended from Sitka westward. Wagon roads and trails should be
built, and the building of railroads promoted in all legitimate ways.
Light-houses should be built along the coast. Attention should be paid
to the needs of the Alaska Indians; provision should be made for an
officer, with deputies, to study their needs, relieve their immediate
wants, and help them adapt themselves to the new conditions.
The commission appointed to investigate, during the season of 1903,
the condition and needs of the Alaskan salmon fisheries, has finished
its work in the field, and is preparing a detailed report thereon. A
preliminary report reciting the measures immediately required for the
protection and preservation of the salmon industry has already been
submitted to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor for his attention and
for the needed action.
* * * * *
I recommend that an appropriation be made for building light-houses in
Hawaii, and taking possession of those already built. The Territory
should be reimbursed for whatever amounts it has already expended for
light-houses. The Governor should be empowered to suspend or remove
any official appointed by him, without submitting the matter to the
legislature.
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