The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1878-07-17
SEEKING AN OUTLET.

We see by our Victoria exchanges
that there is plan under consideration
for the construction OF a narrow-guage
line of railway from the Sumass
meadows to Puget Sound waters at
Bellingham Bay, as the most feasible
outlet for that great agricultural dis
trict now being reclaimed on a whole.
sale scale by the aid of British capital.
The advantages of this plan were urged
upon the attention Of the managers OF
the enterprise q few weeks since by our
tewnsman John Leary. Esq, during his
late visit to New Westminster, and we
are pleased to observe that there is
likelihood of his ideas being fruitful in
this regard, as the enterprise is fraught
with great advantages to Seattle.
In a conversation on the subject with
+. L. Derby. Esq, the distinguished
engineer and capitalist of San Fran
cisco, Mr.. Lsary pointed out. that mas
much as q short natural railway route
existed from the Fraser at Sumass to
Bellinghsm Bay at Whatcom, by way
Of the Sumass and Nootsack rivers,
which nearly join in their course, emil
grants for the occupation of the vast
body of agricultural lands to be re-
claimed, can be sent through from
Seattle to Sumass and Chilli
whack in the short time of nine
hoors. by a line of steamers from
Seattle to Whatcom. distance so miles,
and a narrow gauge line of railroad
thence to the Fraser. SO miles. Mr..
Derby is now dyking the Sumass and
Chilliwhack marshes, and when accom-
plished he will have 10000 acres OF
rich lands rivaling the reclaimed
marshes of the Swinomish in our own
Territory, to be settled up. This, be 1t
remembered is equal to ten times the
entire amount of land now in cultivation
in King county. Besides, the railroad
route would also cap the great valley of
the Nootsack In Whatcom county.
Settlers OH tho Sumass buy their lands
on five, ten and fifteen years time, pay
ing eight per cent. interest.
The advantages of the proposed route
are these a good harbor is reached in
u distance of fifty-three miles insteed
of going one hundred and>twenty- five
miles to reach Victoria by the round.
about route of the Frazer Large YES
sells cannot ascend the Frazer. and pro-
duce must be lightered down. the
stream, and transhipped at the mouth
of the river under great expense to be
conveyed across the straits, and there
re-handled again. There is no harbor
at or near the mouth of the Frazer. and
none nearer than Victoria until What
com. on the American side, is reached.
Here is presented an opportunity for
Seattle enterprise to reach out and gain
q rich commerce. as there is no doubt
that the proposed railway line will
eventually be built. being a sort OF
commercial necessity. and there is nc
question but the gentlemen who have
the undertaking in hand have the finan.
cial ability to carry it out.
The opportunity TO reach Seattle in
niue hours OF travel and connecting
hire Ella the North Pacific Railroad
with Portland aud with the Walls
Walla narrow gauge road. will, if our
merchants are wide awake. determine
that trade to this point, and make Seat
tie commercial centre in very truth.
If one main spoke can be secured all
the others. one by one. will come into
place and our city be in reality "ths
hub"