Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1874-08-08

OLYMPIA. SATURDAY MORNING, AlG. s. lNi.
A Final Appeal.

The bond question has been thorough
" canvassed. and public opinion should
he, and doubtless is, clearly defined on
both sides. but we regret ~ assert that
there are few opponents of the measure
who have rejected opportunities for an
investigation, and hedSed themselves IN
at all points with a reserve ihat owes its
being to no higher or more commend
able impulse than mere prejudice. 1t is
not expected, of course, that the light
of reason can dawn upon natures which
close themselves up. like clam in its
shell, on the approach of any unusual
commotion, nor do we envy them the
exultation they manifest at the prospect
of defeat in consequence OF the over
whelming vote which must be cast for
the measure to insure its success. They
may live to repent their rashness, and
to lament the loss of an opportunity.
which once sacrificed may never be re-
gained. The fact is also apparent,
that many of the most bitter opponents
of the measure, have, upon a full con-
sideration, become it's warmest and most
active supporters. The number ofthese
has been constantly increasing, until
now. we believe, the success of the
cause is more than assured. All honor
to the men who have the courage to ac
knowledge an error despite the jeers of
those who run in grooves and boast of
their own stupidity! Butwe had hoped
for even better showing-a unanimity
that would have carried with it an indi-
cation that the united people of the coun-
tyrealize the importance of an enterprise
which has already engaged so much ar
duous labor, in preparing the grade, as
we'll as in securing the necessary legis-
lation to legalize the issue of bonds.
We earnestly allure our citizens who
fear oppressive taxation, to consider
we'll the main facts which have been
established by the discussion just closed.
1t has been clearly shown that a rail
road, located as the one contemplated,
terminating within the county, on the
best harbor of Puget Sound, cannot
but prove great benefit to Olympia,
Tumwater and the whole county.
That it can be built and equipped
with the moderate additional aid re-
quired from the county.
That by the means proposed, the bur-
dens will fall equally upon the popula-
ton in proportion to the amount of
property possessed by each individual.
That the benefits flowing from the
enterprise will be enjoyed by alland be
real, substantial aid to the community,
individually and collectively.
That in the effort to avoid a moderate
tax by voting against bonds, we may
have to double them to raise the amount
required annually to maintain the cur
rent expenses of the county.
That our common schools, which are
now making such steady progress from
year to year, will be seriously retarded
by any curtailment of the funds now
apportioned for that purpose.
That without the railroad the ASSESS
ment of town property will by next
Spring have deprecated fully fifty pei
cent. at the same rate of decrease in
valuation to which it has been subjected
the past six months.
That this depreciation will be larger
on town property than on farms, which
have an intrinsic worth not based or
dependent on commercial values.
That the ratio of taxation must be in
creased to meet the current expenses of
the county.
That the present season, sale of staple
products of the farm and the prices re-
allied for them, have decreased in exact
proportion to the loss of population in
the towns.
That this loss has been constant and
steady ever since the Northern Pacific
Railroad was completed to Tacoma.
That what money there is in the COM
annity is boarded, awaiting the decis-
ion of the bondquestion. fits favor
able large portion will Immediately
fiud its way into the channels of trade.
That the development of our coal
beds, a great source of prospective
wealth to the county depends in great
measure upon the construction of the
Olympia-Tenino Railroad.
That this branch of industry will
If developed, cause regular line Of
steamers to ply between Olympia and