The Nome Nugget

N. Y. Congressman Foresees Alaska As One of Greatest and Richest States

FAIRBANKS, (AP) - Alaska will become one of the greatest and richest states in the union "within the lifetime of our children," Rep. Leo W. O'Brien (D-NY) declared today.

O'Brien told the largest graduating class in the history of the University of Alaska that economic benefits stemming from Alaska statehood would flow through the entire nation.

He pointed out, however, that the rest of the nation must assist in Alaska's problems of development if these benefits are to be realized.

"We have taken to us a new brother, but he must be helped as he struggles with the immense new problems of statehood," he said. "But I am sure, every ounce of help we give Alaska, financial and otherwise, will be repaid in pounds or even tons."

First Interest

Turning to a discussion of his close association with the fight for Alaska statehood, Congressman O'Brien said his first stir of interest in statehood came with the realization that as chairman of the subcommittee on territorial and insular affairs he, as a New Yorker, had more power over Alaskan affairs than Alaska's own elected delegate and Legislature.

He said he threw his weight into the statehood struggle during the Congressional battle over whether Alaska should be given control over treatment of its own mentally ill or whether federal control should continue.

"The issue seemed simple and those of us who fought for Alaska control believed we were doing the decent, the right, the American thing." O'Brien declared. "I, who wanted only to help the unfortunate, found myself answering claims that we were part of a sinister plot to create in Alaska a million acre concentration camp to which loyal people could be whisked in the dead of night, no matter where they might reside."

Though such ideas were absurd, he said, they were believed by many.

"This lighted a torch of anger which made me resolve that a territory which could be attacked because it sought only simple justice should be rid of the shackles which led some to believe that Alaska was a colony populated by serfs and inferiors."

(O'Brien was among five persons receiving honorary degrees at the University's commencement exercises today. His Doctor of Laws citation states the degree is in recognition of "enduring and unselfish statesmanship demonstrated in the United States Congress for the achievement of statehood for Alaska.")

Warns Against Conformity

He warned the graduating class against mob thinking, mass fixations and the "passion for conformity" he said exists among Americans.

"Speak up when the self-righteous attack unfairly, defend new ideas and avoid--as a very pestilence - condemnation without knowledge," he counselled.

He said America is approaching a point in national thinking "where indictment is conviction and a charge is a proven fact."

he said. "Those who rebel and dare to challenge commit the cardinal sin of questioning the status quo and, therefore, must be anti-American."

According to O'Brien, Americans have in their midst a group of "self-righteous, self-appointed people who believe they or their leaders -- are the keepers of the public conscience."

"In their arrogance, they would pin the label of treason on our highest officials, our courts, our President and our Congress if they make a single move contrary to the dicta of their leaders."

This group, O'Brien stated, considers itself "the anointed of the Lord, saviours of democracy, referees of public morals and the last voices of freedom in the land."