I wish to call the attention of the Congress to one question which affects our insular possessions generally; namely, the need of an increased liberality in the treatment of the whole franchise question in these islands.  In the proper desire to prevent the islands being exploited by speculators and to have them develop in the interests of their own people an error has been made in refusing to grant sufficiently liberal terms to induce the investment of American capital in the Philippines and in Porto Rico.  Elsewhere in this message I have spoken strongly against the jealousy of mere wealth, and especially of corporate wealth as such.  But it is particularly regrettable to allow any such jealousy to be developed when we are dealing either with our insular or with foreign affairs.  The big corporation has achieved its present position in the business world simply because it is the most effective instrument in business competition.  In foreign affairs we cannot afford to put our people at a disadvantage with their competitors by in any way discriminating against the efficiency of our business organizations.  In the same way we cannot afford to allow our insular possessions to lag behind in industrial development from any twisted jealousy of business success.  It is, of course, a mere truism to say that the business interests of the islands will only be developed if it becomes the financial interest of somebody to develop them.  Yet this development is one of the things most earnestly to be wished for in the interest of the islands themselves.  We have been paying all possible heed to the political and educational interests of the islands, but, important though these objects are, it is not less important that we should favor their industrial development.  The Government can in certain ways help this directly, as by building good roads; but the fundamental and vital help must be given through the development of the industries of the islands, and a most efficient means to this end is to encourage big American corporations to start industries in them, and this means to make it advantageous for them to do so.  To limit the ownership of mining claims, as has been done in the Philippines, is absurd.  In both the Philippines and Porto Rico the limit of holdings of land should be largely raised.

I earnestly ask that Alaska be given an elective delegate.  Some person should be chosen who can speak with authority of the needs of the Territory.  The Government should aid in the construction of a railroad from the Gulf of Alaska to the Yukon River, in American territory.  In my last two messages I advocated certain additional action on behalf of Alaska.  I shall not now repeat those recommendations, but I shall lay all my stress upon the one recommendation of giving to Alaska some one authorized to speak for it.  I should prefer that the delegate was made elective, but if this is not deemed wise, then make him appointive.  At any rate, give Alaska some