Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1864-07-02
A Wooden Factory on the Sound.

sregate OF about $4,000, for the purpose OF
establishing a wool-n factory at some eligible
point on the Sound. The capital stock Is to
be about $4,000, and the work commenced
soon as the stock is all taken. 1t is with
pleasure that we chronicle this important step
to free us from the lr,largy and decay which
has marked all branches of business for the
past few years. The judicions expenditure
of a moderate amount of capital in any popu-
lar enterprise, tends to e%nliven and invigorate
all pursuits, and thereby benefit the whole
community. Perhaps in no one thing would
this prove more true, than in tho movement
now proposed. The farmer, the merchant,
the mechanic,-and in fact it would bc diff
cult to conceive of any vocation which will
not be benefited, directly or indirectly. by
this enterprise. We only want a few capital
lists to set the ball in motion, when the re-
sources of the country will be developed, our
wealth and population increased, and instead
of the rctrograding spirit displayed the past
few wears, our course will again be onward.
The Territory, taken as a whole, is admira-
bly, adapted to stock-raising. We have never,
however, been placed in a position whereby
we could reap the whole benefit of this branch
of industry, Sheep have been reared mainly
to supply our British Columbia %ncishbors for
slaughter, tho sale of wool being a secondary
consideration at the low prices which it has
commanded for export. Even as it has been
conducted, this resource has yielded a no small
revenue to the producer. This movement
will increase our stock raising capacities.
Attention will be drawn to the proper selec-
lection and care required to make the produc-
ton of wool a remuncrativc pursuit. The
growing of suitable crops for feed, and the
introduction of more profitable grades OF
sheep will receive consideration. and the ac-
tive cooperation enlisted of the many whose
lands arc not adapted to tho production OF
cereals.
At no time could this movement have
been made with more !.cring hopes of sue
cess than the present. Cotton fabrics of all
grades have doubled in price within the past
three years, and their place can be in a great
measure supplied by ZONE manufacture, not
only affording a premium upon home industry,
but retaining in our midst the thousands of
dollars sent abroad for ordinary materials of
wear. Lumber has been our chief export.
and with this triling exception, the hard cur
rency has been sent out of the Territory for
almost every article of general consumption.
Weather communities than ours could not
stand this constant drain without ultimate
impovcrishment. While our wool has sold at
prices allowing a margin of profit both here
and abroad, we have been compelled to pay
the highest prices for wooden goods of the very
quality which with this moderate investment
of capital, we will be enabled to produce in
abundance. The surplus of manufactured
goods will find a ready market in British
Columbia, where it can be sent free of duty
and at p small cost for transportation. We
can thus make it a source Of revenue both by
keeping our money at home, and in compel
ling British capital to pay tribute to our ill.,
dustry and enterprise.
This proposed investment is likewise anoth-
inducement for the speedy completion of a
road across the mountains, by which the east
ern portions of the Territory can aid in sus-
taiuing the enterprise. Walla Walla county
is noted as being a fine stock-raising range.
Their market, however, has been and must
continue to be limited, until n direct means of
communication is opened with the Sound.
They will then be enabled to drive their sheep
to the Sound, dispose of the wool here, and
send them on to Victoria for slaughter; re-
ceiving in exchange wooden fabrics of our own
manufacture. Thus will a profitable conf
merce spring into existence on all sides, and
every portion of the Territory receive a share
of the benefit. Other valuable resources will
then be developed, and our Territory begin to
=" blossom as the rose," dependent upon her
own resources for wealth and prosperity.
The establishment of n wooden factory we
believe to be one Of the safest and best in
vestments for capital, in the Territory.
We hope and trust the full amount of stock
will be speedily subscribed, that the work may
not be delayed a single hour longer than nee
essary. Those inclined to assist in the matter
will find the subscription list of capital stock
with Judge Cushman.
SPECIAL ELEcT1oN.-A special election
will be held in this county to decide the tie
vote between Messrs. Rhoades and Longmire.
for Representative. on Saturday, 10th inst.
The party complexion of the Legislature de-