Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-07-08
A Public Loss.

Many Of our Pc lie are now beginning
10 realize the loss ,g>:ainel ly the comma
nifty IN the departure f CAPT. Finch and
family. aud the Withdrawal OF the elegant
steamer O,ymria-the equal of which is
MT to be funi On this coas;-from these
waters \ kinder hearted, more rhian-
throric gentleman never commanded
vessel, or more philosophical citizen has
never blessed any community, than he
who has just left US. His noble donations
to worthy objects and his liberal subscrip-
tions for charitable purposes, are without
parallel in this community, and prove that
though Hoods oft quoted lines regarding
Christian philanthropy may find an ample
application here, his course affords nota-
bic exception. The suffering have always
found his purse open to alleviate distress,
and every worthy object has found in him
Jealous and determined advocate.
| Aside from these voluntary offerings,
the aid to our town and county derived
from the taxes paid by Capt. Finch
amounting to upwards of $4,000 annually
is a serious loss. The Olympia, the
anderson, and all the other property of the
company was assessed at this place, and
paid proportional aid to the support Of
our municipal government, while foreign
competing companies for the trade Of the
Sound have universally registered their
steamers at some "paper town. on the
Sound, or at Portland-on- Wallamet."
This fact, of itself, should have enlisted
the sympathies and secured the support of
every one identified with the interests of
the Territory
\ great deal of stress has been laid upon
the fact, by opponents of Capt Finch, that
ten years ago the fare charged was consid-
erably higher than it is now; but did this
justify the conclusion which they were SO
anxious to draw, that if he was successful
these rates would again be demanded ?
Has he not had full control of the route
several years since then, and his rates been
admitted as fair and reasonable? And
could not the community find some compcn-
sation for the nigh rates" when the tran
sient travel was not one.tcnth what it now
is, when it resulted in securing us the best
boat on the coast, bearing the name Of our
beautiful town?
We believe We speak the sentiments of
many who have not been heretofore re-
garded as friendly to Capt. Finch, when
we say that they, in common with his
friends, regret his departure. The depth
of feeling manifested by his friends on
Thursday evening, when he was screnaded
at his residence by the Band, and on
Friday morning, when the wharf was
throng ed to bid him and his family fare.
we'll, quite overcome the Captain, who
silently pressed the hands of his friends,
with language more touching than words.
As the steamer left the wharf. cheers were
given for Captain and Mrs. Finch, Fred.
Billy Watt, and the officers of the boat,
which were responded to by the steamer
whistle; and when the boat was under
way, as if 10th to leave, she deserted cir.
Gle in the harbor, repassing the wharf,
where again good wishes and adieu were
signaled from boat and shore. That cir
cumstanccs may result in restoring Capt
Finch to the Sound is the sincere wish of
host of friends. NJ.