, 1869-02-26
Washington Territory and the Northern Pa
cihc Railroad.

cifc Railroad.
The Northern Pacific Railroad is the next
great national work to be consummated In
the amount Of labor required iu not as large
an undertaking as the Union or Central Pa,
ci6c; but in its results it stands unequaled
promising more than any project of the day.
The land from the Missouri River west
ward along the Platte Valley, which is the
line of the Union Pacific Railroad, gradually
runs out into barren plains, alkali licks aud
desolsteldeserts. Farther north, the rich soil,
hundreds of feet thick in sOine situations,
promises much for the frugal farmers, SDd
offers attraction to all Soma complain Of
the want OF timber; but keep out the fires,
and trees will soon start. Cottonwood, black
walnut and oak will in few years skirt
every settlement, and offer themselves a will
ling sacrifice to warm and cheer. This is
the country through which The Northern
Road proposes to pass, and one of its results
will be the opening up of these lands to
settlers.
Another result will be its connection with
Oregon aud Puget Sound; bringing capital,
commerce and enterprise, and taking away
the products of the soil bringing domestic
and foreign trade, developing the wealth ol
this whole region, offering the most direct
and feasible route at present between Europe
aud China, or any country washed by the
waters of the Pacific. The best harbors are
here, coal for steaming purposes, and spars
for shipping. Certain of the result, We say,
God speed its fulfllment. The bill is now
before Congress let us remember its friends,
aud forget not It's enemies, if it have such.
While our citizens, recognizing the neces-
sity, wait for the eonsummation of this ma,
tional work, our own affairs require our at
tentiou and demand that we should not be
idle. Our future is bright before US shall
we, who are most concerned, resist the cur
rent of events, hinder the progress and ad.
vancement of our own commonwealth, by
apathy and indolenceI
Our immediate need, for SeIfprotsctioR
and self development, is a STATE GOVERN
HENT, and proper representation thereby
in our national councils. The next star 10
our constellation of States-the next loyal
pillar in the Temple of freedom-the next
State to enter the Union, should be the
STATE OF WAsHINGToN.
Colorado, with a population less thau it
was five years ago, and mines which have
cost far more than they ever have or ever
will come TO, with persistence that deserves
eommendation, has been for several years
asking admission as a State. In the State
OF Washington it is 10 worthless jewel we
would add to our national coronet. With
commercial advantages and agricultural re
sources second to no State, it shall never be
said of US that We have gone back in any
thing. The records in the land office tell
the story that more land is being tahen up
and sold in this Territory than in any other
State or Territory in the Union. Each day
adds to our population, and before State
Government can be fairly organized, though
the utmost expedition be used, we shall not,
in strength, be behind some of our neighbors
Every one admits that State government
would be Of the greatest advantage 10 the
advancement of this Territory. The ORly
objection found is on the ground of expense
but need we hesitate on this account when,
as has been carefully estimated, tax of two
mills ON dollar would to-day, pay our ex-
penses for one year as State. ln the light
of the advantages it offers, such a tax, for
such purpose, becomes not only insignih-
cant, but offers really the best investment our
citizens eau find. When we reflect further
that the wealth of to-day is the poorest esti'
mate we shall ever place upon ourselves coli
lectively, that in the matter of land alone
500 acres are being daily added to our taxable
property a paltry and hourly decreasing tax
of two tenths of one per cent. should nc
longer hinder our support of, and activity
for; State Government.
There are other reasons that urge US al
this time to press this matter upon the people
and press of this Territory, aud bring it be-
fore our friends throughout the country.
Puget Sound, the portal to the commerce Oi
the Pacific, is an object any State might
covet and with no small pride, call her own.
TO this end auy sacrifice of honor or good
will, will by some, be eagerly sought; any
promise of position and political influences
readily made. With regret we learn thai
there are in our own camp traitors, men whom
we have trusted with high position and re-
sponsibilities, who are, for the proverbia
thirty pieces of silver, joining with cOvetOui
Oregonians in advocating that the Puget
Sound district be annexed to Oregon. Better
century of Territorial life than this
Much as we desire State Government,
we shall ever oppose obtaining it 10 this way
1t may be of temporary advantage to Puget
Saun6 butit will be lasting disadvantage to
Washington Territory Our present claims
to State Government are equal TO some that
have entered before u.s. Our future possi-
bilities are not to be denied. Let us unite
then in demend whose justice and ProPriety
are eyident.-Port To10nseRd Message.
BREAD PUDDING Take two large slices
=. q!