Spokane Fallshas received about8,000Seattle"""10,000Tacoma"""7,000
The remaining number may be assumed to have been distributed about as follows:
To the various small towns east of the Cascade Mountains7,500To the various small towns west of the Cascade Mountains6,000To the agricultural and mining regions east of the Cascade Mountains16,000To the agricultural, timber, and mining region west of the Cascade Mountains10,500
The usual proportion between the populations of country and towns in Western States and Territories is as three to one (roughly estimated); this would indicate that the towns and cities have received more than their fair proportion of the entire immigration, and this is true. The consequence will, therefore, undoubtedly be that of the immense immigration predicted for the year 1889 a correspondingly larger percentage will reach the rich agricultural,mineral, and timber lands of Washington Territory, and thus restore the proper balance.
Since Mr. Whitworth's report and yours, an additional cable railroad and an electric street railway have been started at Seattle, and quite a number of new enterprises have been commenced.
At Spokane Falls considerable terminal facilities for the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway have been added, a system of warehouse and mill tracks has been agreed upon between the Northern Pacific Railroad Co. and the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway Co. to be built and operated jointly by the two companies, a new cable street railroad has been projected and partly built, and about five miles of street railway has been placed in operation. Extensive improvements in the development of the water power are in progress, several new bridges have been built, and a general air of prosperity pervades the place. To indicate the importance of the business of Spokane Falls it is only necessary to state the fact that this city has paid nearly $1,750,000 to the Northern Pacific Railroad during the year 1888 for freights and passages.
The Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway Co. has decided to build a branch line fromsome point near the crossing of the Grand Coulee to the Okanogan mines (Conconnully district), about seventy miles, work to be commenced as soon as the main line shall be completed. This feeder will command a very extensive business, perhaps equal to the enormous business of the Cœur d'Alene mines which is now enjoyed by the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Since Mr. Whitworth's last report to you, considerable development work has been done upon the Grand Ridge mines 2-1/2 miles east of Gilman and adjacent to our railroad; the vein developed is four feet thick and furnishes a hard, compact coal, superior for domestic purposes to any coal yet found in that section. Shipments commenced last month, and the prospects for a heavy output are very flattering.
The Spokane Division of the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway, extending from Spokane westwardly, a distance of forty-five miles, is practically finished; trains are running regularly, and as soon as our motive-power and cars can be disengaged from the work of "ballasting" we will be able to do considerable business.
Very respectfully yours,PAUL F. MOHR,CHIEF ENGINEER.
Map of Washington Territory
Map of United States
TRANSCRIBER NOTES:Missing punctuation has been added and obvious punctuation errors have been corrected.
TRANSCRIBER NOTES:
Missing punctuation has been added and obvious punctuation errors have been corrected.