1939: Alaska

Economic Progress.

The annual report of the Governor of Alaska for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939, showed economic losses in certain activities and gains in others. The total value of exports declined from $81,906,036 for the year ending June 30, 1938 to $72,139,898 for 1939, a decrease of $9,766,138. The chief export losses were in canned salmon and copper ore, the first and third of Alaskan exports in point of value. The decline of $5,486,249 in value of salmon exports was due primarily to fall in price rather than amount shipped out; the decline of $4,353,904 in value of copper exports was the result of the closing down of several of the largest mines. Gold, on the other hand, Alaska's second most important export, increased its shipment by $871,987, and its production was greater in dollar value than in any year in the history of the territory. Encouragement was also derived from increased production of platinum. Despite decline in exports Alaska had a favorable balance of trade with the United States of $27,380,018 for 1939. In percentage of total value the exports of Alaska for fiscal 1939 were as follows: canned salmon, 51.4; all other fish and fish products, 9.0; gold, 27.0; fur skins, 3.6; all other products, 9.0.

While there was a decline in the production of certain commodities, the Territory as a whole showed progress. The total assessed valuation of the 17 incorporated towns in Alaska for the fiscal year was $31,908,605, an increase of $2,345,165 from 1938. Bank deposits showed an increase of $1,272,385 over the previous year. The desire of the Territorial Government to expand transportation facilities as rapidly as possible was seen when the 1939 legislature appropriated $800,000 for roads and landing fields, twice the amount made available during the preceding biennium. As the development of Alaska is to no small extent dependent upon the enlargement of transportation facilities, a good share of the Government's attention is devoted to such projects. During 1939 railroad facilities were improved, including the opening of a hotel at McKinley Park; new roads were built by the various boards and commissions (in part by Federal contributions) and a network of radio stations was located at strategic points for the benefit of aviation. On Jan. 14, 1939, a meteorological radio station was completed in Juneau and began operations broadcasting information for 8 hours daily. Realization by Alaskans of the importance of aviation is evident from the fact that of the 121 aviation fields in the Territory, only 8 have been built by the Federal Government. In a little over 10 years air operations have developed in Alaska, which, in relation to population, exceed anything in the world.

Education and Social Welfare.

Educational facilities were maintained and expanded during the year. The University of Alaska showed increased registrations both in regular and extension courses. There was a registration of 291 regular students and 33 degrees were conferred. Three agricultural experiment stations and various types of extension work, largely financed by the Federal Government, were operated successfully. In addition to elementary schools, 4-year high schools accredited by the University of Washington were maintained in 11 cities. The Office of Indian Affairs supervised 99 day schools and 2 boarding schools with average attendance of 3,455.

Relative to the population and income of the Territory an extensive health program was maintained by the Territorial Department of Health, the Medical Service of the Office of Indian Affairs and the United States Health Service. The same was true of other branches of social welfare. During the year 10 projects with total appropriations of $1,145,000 were under construction by the Public Works Administration, two thirds of which were in Fairbanks and Anchorage. For the Works Project Administration $133,313 was allotted for 29 projects.

Matanuska Valley Project.

The famous Matanuska Valley Colonization Project, established in 1935 by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and operated since September 1938 by the Department of the Interior, was in a prosperous and more stabilized condition. Of the 202 families originally settled, 131 departed in the four years following settlement but 71 additional families were admitted. During 1939 acreage was expanded and production increased. Success was due in part to the efficient operation of the Matanuska Valley Farmers Cooperative Association.

Finance.

Expenditures by the territorial treasurer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939 were listed as $2,532,887, of which education amounted to $999,616 or 39 per cent, and welfare and relief $724,548, or 29 per cent. In his annual report the Governor urged more liberal appropriations for roads and other transportation facilities, the construction of an international highway, aid in the construction of a radiotelephone network among the villages of Alaska and the granting of full territorial government.

Matters of Government.

Following the researches of various Government agencies, the Department of the Interior on Aug. 14 published a survey of Alaskan potentialities prepared by Henry Slattery, Under Secretary of the Interior. The survey pointed out that the resources of Alaska are quite different from those of the United States and invited private capital to cooperate with the Government in aiding the development of the Territory. It emphasized the fact that Alaska was the 'last frontier,' that 98 per cent of the public land was still available for homesites and it noted the resources of tin, newsprint, fur and certain kinds of fish for which there is a ready market in the United States.

After prolonged ill health Governor John W. Troy resigned, his resignation to take effect on Oct. 15. His place was taken by Dr. Ernest Gruening, Chief of the Division of Island and Territorial Possessions of the Department of the Interior. The appointment was made by the President on Sept. 2.