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Editorial
November 30, 1932
Seward Daily Gateway
Seward, Seward County, Alaska
What is this article about?
Editorial criticizes the Alaska Railroad for inconsistency: praising local coal use while planning to import ties from the States, despite superior local timber, urging support for Alaskan industries to foster development.
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Full Text
CONSISTENCY?
Recently the San Juan Fishing Company shipped 38 tons of coal from Seattle for use on their SS Starr.
Colonel O. F. Ohlson, general manager of the Alaska Railroad wrote a letter to the Seward Chamber of Commerce asking that organization to protest to the San Juan Fishing Company and to use their influence with that firm to use Alaska coal in Alaska. The Colonel's action was commendable showing that he is looking out for the interests of the railroad and local industries.
But now comes the report that the Alaska Railroad contemplates purchasing ties in the States even though it has proven beyond reasonable doubt that our tie timber is equal if not superior to Outside ties.
The argument that creosoted ties can be bought as cheap as native ties and are more serviceable is disputed by railroad officials in the States; they confine the use of creosoted ties to localities where wood-destroying insects are prevalent; such as ants.
Creosote being a strong acid substance has been found to be very hard on steel rails and further creosoting does not prevent splitting to which sawed fir ties are subject, particularly in freezing temperatures.
We believe that coal imports are just as detrimental to the development of Alaska as tie imports and to be consistent the railroad should at least purchase local material wherever possible before complaining about others importing material and supplies which can be obtained equally as good, if not better, in the Territory.
Recently the San Juan Fishing Company shipped 38 tons of coal from Seattle for use on their SS Starr.
Colonel O. F. Ohlson, general manager of the Alaska Railroad wrote a letter to the Seward Chamber of Commerce asking that organization to protest to the San Juan Fishing Company and to use their influence with that firm to use Alaska coal in Alaska. The Colonel's action was commendable showing that he is looking out for the interests of the railroad and local industries.
But now comes the report that the Alaska Railroad contemplates purchasing ties in the States even though it has proven beyond reasonable doubt that our tie timber is equal if not superior to Outside ties.
The argument that creosoted ties can be bought as cheap as native ties and are more serviceable is disputed by railroad officials in the States; they confine the use of creosoted ties to localities where wood-destroying insects are prevalent; such as ants.
Creosote being a strong acid substance has been found to be very hard on steel rails and further creosoting does not prevent splitting to which sawed fir ties are subject, particularly in freezing temperatures.
We believe that coal imports are just as detrimental to the development of Alaska as tie imports and to be consistent the railroad should at least purchase local material wherever possible before complaining about others importing material and supplies which can be obtained equally as good, if not better, in the Territory.
What sub-type of article is it?
Infrastructure
Economic Policy
Trade Or Commerce
What keywords are associated?
Alaska Coal
Tie Imports
Local Industries
Railroad Materials
Creosoted Ties
Economic Development
What entities or persons were involved?
San Juan Fishing Company
Colonel O. F. Ohlson
Alaska Railroad
Seward Chamber Of Commerce
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Inconsistency In Supporting Local Alaskan Materials For Railroad
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Railroad's Hypocrisy
Key Figures
San Juan Fishing Company
Colonel O. F. Ohlson
Alaska Railroad
Seward Chamber Of Commerce
Key Arguments
Colonel Ohlson's Letter Promotes Using Alaska Coal Over Imports
Alaska Railroad Plans To Buy Ties From States Despite Superior Local Timber
Creosoted Ties Are Not Cheaper Or More Serviceable Than Native Ties
Creosote Harms Steel Rails And Does Not Prevent Splitting In Cold
Imports Of Coal And Ties Harm Alaska's Development
Railroad Should Use Local Materials Consistently Before Criticizing Others