Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1874-07-18

OLYMPIA. SATURDAY MORNING. JULY IS. 1Sl.
LET Us REASON TOGETHER.

The Commissioners Of THU ston coun-
ty having, at their special session, au-
thorized vote to be taken in reference
to extending county aid to the Olympia
Tenino Railroad, the subject should en-
gage the serious consideration of every
citizen. Evey voter should divest him
self of the prejudices that may have
been formed by hasty consideration, and
examine the question in all its bearings
before final decision is made as to lis
action at the polls. The address of the
Railroad Union, published in this issue,
embraces in as brief and concise man.
ner as possible, the salient points in
volved in the canvass, and we bespeak
for it the careful attention of all apron
ents of the measure.
We confess that we feel a strong per-
sonal interest in the success of this
measure, and expect to be benefited by
it in proportion to the amount we have
invested in common with the citizens OF
the whole county. The manner in
which we have conducted our own bust
ness affairs, is an indication that we
would not voluntarially assume an in
debtedness or obligation not imposed
by necessity, and which we did not be-
lieve we had the ability to bear, and so
far as our influence extends in public
matters, we profess to be guided by the
same policy. The growth and prosper
ity of our Territory, and especially the
welfare of our once thriving county and
towns, have been the constant objects
of our ambition and the cherished hope
of many years of weary toll. Here we
have remained during nearly the aver
age period allotted as the lifetime of
man, and assisted in deloping the re-
sources and building up the prosperity
of our beautiful towns and the sur
rounding county. Here are centered
the associations of boyhood and of ma.
turer years, and here we wish to spend
the remainder of our days. 1t is not
strange, therefore, that individually, we
should feel an absorbing interest in a
measure fraught with such an important
bearing upon all our future prospects,
The necessity for railroad connection
has been apparent ever since the first
train ran through to Tacoma. The
stagnation of business was Immediately
felt in every branch of industry in
town, and it was not long before it ex-
tended to the country. Now the farm
ers feel its effects in the low prices
of all products of the farm, and the
absolute impossibility of disposins of
many articles which have hitherto been
regarded as staples, and that have al
ways commanded ready sale at fair
prices. This is not an effect of general
depression of trade, but owes its origin
to local causes, easily traced to their
source. 1t is because the supply is in
excess of demand, and the demand is
less because many of our people have
been compelled to seek more promising
fields of action. The empty tenements
all over town, increasing in number ev-
cry week, indicate that our population
is growing " smaller by degrees" if not
beautifully less" The price of prop
erty has decreased, until it can scarcely
be sold at any figure, and the farmer,
independent as he is acknowledged to
be, cannot to-day sell his land for a
much greater amount than the cost of
his Improvements. A tract of land
was sold last week for 81 900, for which
three years ago its owner refused $1O,-
600, and this is but single instance Of
the many showing corresponding de-
crease Of property values. The ratio OF
taxation has been increased to meet
current expenses, but with the large
amount each year returned as delin-
queHt it is doubtful whether the present
levy will be large enough for the pur-
pose. Cannot our people read in these
signs the destiny which awaits us in the
near future? Car they not see that
without immediate, united and deter.
mined action, the slow progress already
made will be lost? Can they not be
brought to realize that powerful anedi-
cine and careful nursing alone can save
the patient?
Feilow-citizens, We must look look the
situation squarely in the face. Wemust
deal with facts, and ignore the specious
sophistries which some tmid people
advance to defeat this measure. The
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