, 1853-05-07
Our New Territory Past, Present and
Future,

tablish the Territory Of WASHINGTON"
has given a new, gallant, dashing, sparkling,
and ponderous momentum to the march and
swagper Of progress " hereabouts. Du-
ring our poor dependency upon the cold
charities of Oregon, we crePl, as weak and
puny infants creep; and like the wretched
heathens when tickled, we habitually chuck
led and giggled over piIilul gain of one
miserable inch Of snail-like Advancement
We were crowded, cramped, crushed and
imposed upon in every possible way and on
all occasions. The shipping of the great
Puget Sound consisted of one little schooner
and three dilapidated old brigs. They
brought us our only supplies,-the most in
tolerable trash from the San Francisco
auctions. Our representation in the Oregon
Legislature was but pittance of what we
we're entitled to. We had no Territorial
roads and of the many public buildings
provided for by Congress, not one was given
10 our northern half Of the then Territory.
No charter could be obtained by our enter
prising citizens 10 concentrate their means
and efforts for the public welfare. Our linn
tied population was kept small by the des-
peraiely hostile measures Of our neighbors
Every conceivable bug-bear, mud noun
tains, barren lands, etc., etc, was conjured
up to disgust or alright the would be settler
north Of the Columbia. Our condition, to
some, would have seemed hopeless, but
there was no despairing. Our faith, defined
in the good book as being " the substance
Of things hoped for, and the evidence of
things not SEEM" kept US comlorted and
strong. +" The winter Of our discomfort {"
ispassed and gone.
The play is changed. No longer in the
hands of go-beiweens, we have become a
people" within ourselves. Progress" is
our watehWOrd. Our destiny is in the
keeping Of God, the National Government,
and our own judgment. Nature has per-
formed prodigies forour benefit, and by the
exsrtions being made, We are fast securing
fortune and dhappiness for ourselves and
proud and ennobling future for posterity.-
In our present embryo condition our parts
are eredilably performed, and passing as we
arethcOugh probation leading to a great
career as State, everything about US prom
iSes the utmost prosperity and grandeur.
We have two steam and three water-power
saw-mills, one laih, and one Touring mill
ahiin operation. We have a semi-monthly
mail communication with the States, week
ly with Oregon, line of sail-boats between
the head and the mouth of Admiralty Inlet,
and military Express between Olympia
and Fort SteilacoOm ria Fort Nisqually.-
Our Indians are perfectly docile, and of
great service to the community both as
boatmen onthe Sound, and laborers on shore.
Fine aourishing farms by hundreds are be-
ing established in all directions. Our rich
prairiss are being plOughed, fenced, and
planted. The wheat sown last fall exhibits
a luxuriant thrilliness, and seems to smile
assurance Of heavy purses after harvest. The
commerce Of the Sound has increased many
fold in the past year. We have just cause
to be proud Of our fine feet of ships, barks,
brigs and schooners, driving brisk trade,
alike beneficial to the country and them
selves. Our towns are springing forward
with bustling alacrity. Houses are erected
as though magician bade them rise. Mer-
chants with well assorted stocks are placing
themselves at all points convenient 10 the
people. Families are thronging into the
country and making their permanent abodes.
Society is improving. The many little
Aocks of children here and there are being
provided with good schools Ministers are
amongst US, churches are organizing, and Di-
vine services az regularly performed. Ver-
lily our affairs are wondrously and advan>
tagsopsly changed. Vulgarily is odious,
apdmoTal sentiment is the ruling influence.
AM nieucrgetic activity prevails. In imila.
ton Of Mr., DOmbey, our people are dispo-
sed to " make an EFFORT" and surely they
will succeed. We have full faith in their
good fortune in proportion as they strive,
q MEASURE for measure"
The future of our Territory is to our
minds eye so gOrgeously panoplied and ar.
rayed, as to do it justice would require
SO much Of our space, we propose 10 Law it
upon The table and make it the special bust
ness ia our next issue So, nous rerrcns.
B9- Goods go off rapidly. Stocks are
iil.assorted New arriYals are looked for