Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1870-10-29
Southern California Compared with
Washington Territory.

The following letter from an in,elliscn,
gentleman in Southern California, was no,
written for publication, but We take the
liberty Of making it public, because Of the
matters Of interest to our people in this
section of which it treats:
Los ANGELES, Oct. IL, 1870.
Dear d. sec y0n have had rain up there
in the region where you live. 1t is sort Of
relief to read about such thing, for we have
not had drop in all Southern California for
nearly seven months. The result is that those
people who have attempted to make farms
where running water is not to be had, are not
only discouraged, but are moving off towards
Oregon and Washington. Twelve families
passed through town last week on their way to
your more favored region.
1t is now conceded that the practical capaci-
ty Of all this country for agriculture, is limited
to the amount Of land upon which running wa
ter can be had for irrigation. This reduces
the settlements to little GASES, separated by
wide tracts of barren land.
The emigration from the Northern and North.
western States has stopped entirely, and such
Northern men as are already here are preparing
to move to the region Of the Columbia or to
the Sound. Their places are being taken by
Immigrants from Arkansas and Texas, and
Southern California will be given over to them.
The hatreds growing out Of the war are still
active, and the population here is rs distinctly
divided upon the old questions rs before and
during the war; The rate of taxation here is
enough in itself to drive people away. This
city Is in debt near a quarter Of million, and
has not single public building Or an orna-
mented plaza TO show for it. And there is
slim prospect for Improvement IN any reasona-
BILE future. for the Mexican population hold the
balance Of power, and age in the hands Of
schemers for office.
So do not see but your region must be the
centre of activities for the next twenty years,
and at the expiration Of that time largely over
balance the whole coast South of the Oregon
line.
There is good deal Of enquiry about your
country, and one gentleman who made you a
visit short time since, and located some gov.
eminent lands, has about all he can do t. an
swer questions. 1t would be good idea for
Olympia to send daily Press Dispatch" to
the San francisco papers-a compound of
commercial, railroad. immigration and domss.
tic news. There's nothing like keeping ones
self before the public.
When the Northern Pacific people settle up
on their real terminus who knows but
your humble servant may pack up and go there
toof Judging from the operations ut the east
ern end, you must expect two or three places
to be the spot, long enough for several people
to make, and several others to lose considera-
bic money.
Up to the time of the near completion of the
through line, there is no need to carry the road
beyond the nearest navigable water going up
from the Columbia. But when the time ar
rives to compete with San Francisco for the
East India trade, then the road must get rs
near the ocean line as possible. Get little
land for your boys as near that line as you can
find the best harbor, and you will strike it. C.