Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1859-02-12
Gle 1Dolpuesian.
CORRESPONDENTS.
WHATCoM, WASHINGTON TERRITORY, }
DEC, 1858.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE POLY y EsIAN.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PoLYNEsIAN.
SIR w ashngton Territory hitherto has been re-
garded a of terra incognita' fit only for the
abode of savages But the recent discovery of gold
in the territory and the north of it. in the British
possessions, have made this interesting portion of
the Pacific Coast 1 regard the discovery of gold,
however, of minor consideration, compared with the
other well-known resources of the country.
The excellent farming and grazing lands of the ter
rtoryits immense quantities of tmberts coal mines
its water priveges-its climate and commercial ia
ctes unsurpassed by those of any other country
and must ere long, attract hither large population.
Transient persons coming to Puget Sound get a
wrong impression in regard to the resources of the ter
ritory. They the dense forests of timber which
skirt the Sound either side but see and know no.
thing of the open country which lies back of this tim
Der, at distance of from three to fifteen miles 1t is
undenabe fact that Washington Territory possesses
large tracts of the best agricultural lands in the world
The same may be said of the grazing lands.
As a fruit country it is equal to Oregon. The eli
mate is never so cold in the same parallel of latitude
on the Atlantic coast This is fact noticed and ac-
counted for by various writers the subject. Green
how, Ross Cox, L. Blodget, ]. G.. Swan and others
mention it, saying, the climate here in winter is as
mild in Pennsylvania
In 1854-5 the white population of the territory was
estimated at 5000 At this time it probably exceeds
twice that number, and is fast increasing All the
towns on the Sound growing and prosperous except
WhatcOm, which has had a mushroom growth and is
falling into the " scar and yellow leaf' reaction
however, may take place to revive the town. Unless
there be such a reaction, Whatcom must rank behind
the other towns.
GOLD MINES
In regard to the richness and extent of the discov-
cries of gold is impossible to convey any correct idea
by stating reports isolated facts because these rea
contradictory The opinion of who has had oppor-
unities of judging is reliable than the statement
of reports of isolated fIcts. From all can learn
satisfied that the discoveries made on Frazer and
Thompsons River sufficiently rich and extensive 10
justify the opinion that they ,0 be oorked for long time
to come. There are obstacles and difficulties at present
in getting the gold out, but these will be removed The
Indians troublesome there are no adequate MEANS
yet of getting provisions high up the rivers, and
convenences of living and working when the miners
get there These are the difficulties. But the gold as
there.
There said to be 5000 persons now on Frazer's
River who intend to winter there The gold region
not yet half prospected, and will not be till another
year. Nobody denies that large quantities of gold have
been already taken out The trail from Whatcom to
ThOmpsons River is completed, but the distance is so
great 600 miles) as to render it impracticable.
Victoria is constantly improving, also the towns on
Frazer's River Olympia, SteiIacoom and Port Town
send on the American sde are also improving What
com is dying.
Quite large immigration of settlers is expected in
the Territory from the Eastern States within a few
months 1t is also stated and believed that England
will take immediate steps for colonizng her possessions
at'the north of US.
Port Townsend, on the Sound, is talked Of as sta
ton for the whaleships cruising in the Pacific and il
stated that to this effect has already been
made in Boston and New Bedford
have neither time inclination to speculate upon
the future prospects of Washington Territory That it
is destined, long. to be Of vast Importance
mercally and agriculturay, must be apparent the
most casual observer.
Besides its natural resources of wealth, the country
around Puget Sound has scenery at once grand and
beautiful. In 1892, Vancouver, in remsrking upon