priations such as would be required to pay losses on inadequate Government operations could with greater propriety be devoted to subsidizing lower rates on regular carriers throughout Alaska or be paid out as a direct subsidy to Alaskan industries or settlers. CONCLUSION. Volumes could be written on the subject of this analysis. If time had permitted my statement would have been in greater detail, but I believe it will serve to bring to the attention of the committee certain salient facts having a direct bearing upon the measure under consideration. Alaska's dilemma is not transportation but lack of opportunity. Restore the "pot of gold" and the "rainbow" in Alaska and its problems will become selfsolving. Free transportation to actual settlers in Alaska with the door of opportunity closed would attract no more people than "free fares" to the ball park on a day when there was no game. There must be "incentive" to cause people to establish themselves in Alaska. Create one in Alaska and transportation as a factor fades into insignificance. A British boast as regard "America's new merchant marine" is to "crush or mold our opposition." In such effort this Government should not assist, even to a very slight degree. We trust, therefore, the transportation feature shall be eliminated from this otherwise excellent measure. EXHIBIT A. Detail of commodities north and south between Puget Sound (Seattle) and southwestern Alaska, Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 1921, with rates as published and applied. Above rates are either weight or measurement. Quantities moved were principally at rates from Cordova-Seward; i. e., Prince William Sound. 1 In 100-ton lots. 2 Under 100 tons. 15 tons and over. • Deck. > Higher rates include refrigerator service. Included in Alaska Steamship Co. general cargo totals. 7 Carried at rates from $6 to maximum $20.50 Alaska Steamship Co. and maximum $17.50 Pacific Steamship Co. account commodities differing. EXHIBIT A.-Continued. Detail of commodities north and south between Puget Sound (Seattle) and southwestern Alaska, Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 1921, etc.—Continued. Shipments of merchandise from Alaska to the United States and Canada. EXHIBITS B-H, INCLUSIVE-Continued. Shipments of merchandise from Alaska to the United States and Canada-Con. |