, 1854-09-16
Volume III.

Two years ago when we, in conpeXionl
with another, commenced the publication
of the Columbian" of which the Pioneer
and Democrat is a continuation, there were
but three organized counties in this, then
a portion of Oregon Territory. Clarke,
Lewis and Thurston counties then embraced
all the Territory, out of which thirteen
new counties have been created by the ac-
ton of the Oregon Legislature of 1923,
and by our last Legislature.
At the period alluded to- it was estima-
mated that there were not to exceed one
thousand white inhabitants north of the
Columbia river. By dint of the strictest
economy, and through the liberality so gen.
erously extended to us by the sparsely pop
ulated settlements, the paper had liring
existence during the first year, and the
practicability Of the experiment of its pub
lication pronounced Successful.
In entering upon our third volume we
have the qualification to be able to state
that the Pioneer and Democrat is firmly
established, and will continue, as hereto
fore, laborer in the cause of democracy,
and assist in every possible manner, the
development of the resources of the Terri
tory.
On entering upon the discharge of our
duty as a journalist, our every exertion was
given to the promotion and furtherance of
the settlement of the Territory, and also to
procure division, and separate Territorial
existence for the country north of the Co.
lumbia river, and it might not be uninter-
esting at some future day, to take a retro
spective view as to how things were two
years ago, as compared with the present
state Of affairs by which we are surrounded.
During the session of Congress of 1852
and '53, Washington Territory was estab-
liShed, and under the direction of the Gov
ernor selected to preside over its infantile
destinies, one Of the most thorough and
satisfactory explorations of Pacific rail-
road route has been effected-brought to
successful close on the shores of the Sound.
The report Of Gov. STEVENS, it is said, is
more full, complete, and satisfactory than
al others combined, .aad-will have more
weight with Congress, and meet with bet
ter favor from the executive and heads of
departments at Washington, than those of
the chiefs Of any and all other explorations
that have, as yet been made.
Taking one thousand inhabitants as the
sum total of our population two years ago,
the census returns of the Marshal for last
year foots up 1865, and its is confidently
believed that to-day we could number at
least 5000. Mark the difference.
Two years ago, and there were but three
saw mills in operation within our present
boundaries-one belonging to Mr.. George
Drew, near Cowlitz Landing, another at
Oak Point, owned by Abernethy & Co.,
and the other, the property of Thomas NJ.
Chambers, Esq, near $teilacoom. Now
our Territory can boast 33 saw mills in
operation-one running gang Of twelve
saws, with some half dozen more under
process of construction, amongst which is
q steam saw mill erected by the Messrs
Miller, short distance below Olympia, in
which large gang will be introduced
Our Territory has now the machinery and
material to supply the unirersal Pacific
coast and islands Of the ocean with all the
lumber, square timber, piles, ship spars,
&C., that will be required for the next half
century. Nay, further, China and Japan
can be supplied to order, without an en-
croachment upon our numbering resources
to an extent Of crippling the ability of our
Territory in the furnishing of an adequate
supply
Two years ago, and there were not to
exceed dozen mercantile or trading estab-
lishmehts Exclusive of the Hudson Bay
Company, within the Territory. Now, on
the waters of the Sound alone, we can
number near ffty-the Cowlitz, the Colum-
bia, Shoalwater Bay-all having an ade-
quate supply Of legitimate and flourishing
mercantile houses.
Two years ago, and the whole number
ofhouses. sheds and shanties that Olympia
could sport was 26. Now she can present
Substantial, tastefully constructed, and well
appointed buildings to the number Of 90.
whilst SteilacOom, Seattle, Alki, Port
Townsend and other places along the