Northwest History. Alaska. Science. United States.

• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1935
• Subjects: Alaska; Value of Alaska; Northwest; Pacific > History > 20th Century; Fairbanks; Pacific; Nome
• Online Access: http://content.libraries.wsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/clipping/id/102189

Alaska's Wealth Alaska's Wealth IN THE current issue of Cosmopolitan magazine Rex Beach, author and veteran Alaskan, has suggested a practicable way to unlock the Northern treasure house. He would follow Canada's example in making aerial photographs of mineralized regions by which geologists could trace formations and outcroppings. Also he would select young men from mining schools and colleges to take the field with older and experienced prospectors. To finance the project, he would have the federal government set aside some of the money it is spending on enterprises of dubious value. Although many years have passed since the great gold strikes in the Klondike and at Nome and Fairbanks, the Northland has not been thoroughly prospected. An aerial reconnaissance would stimulate a work that has languished in recent years. Taking men at random from relief rolls and setting them to prospecting for gold would prove a failure—especially in Alaska where many would not know how to take care of themselves. It will be recalled that the great discovery in the Klondike and the gold strikes at Nome and Fairbanks followed upon the heels of another depression a generation ago. If another large placer field or a new quartz mine the size of the Alaska-Juneau should be found, the country would benefit immeasurably.