Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-09-16
THE FAR NORTHWEST.

Life in Washington Territory-Its Lights and
Shad0ws-"Go West. Young Man;" Stay
East Old Man-PrOsperity and Prospective
Growth.
Special Correspondence of THE EVENING STAR
WALLA WAILA, W.T., Sept. 1, 1882.
THE COLD TRUTH.
Numerous letters of inquiry from the states
respecting this remote country,-its climate,
soil, productions, population, &c.,-have in
dnced the writer to present to the public,
through the trustworthy columns of THE STAR,
few sober facts based on personal experience
and observation. There are, of course, two
sides to this question and, as usual. the truth
lies between the extremes of exaggeration and
detraction. The climate in this territory is
notably capricious and changeful In the sum-
mer season. the thermometer at midday often
ranges from $50 up to 1852 in the shade, and by
midnight the temperature will be SO much re-
duced as to require warm blankets for bed COW
efihg. IL is not uncommon on winter morn
ing TO mo the ground covered with couple OF
ieet OF snow, which by noon has melted away
into water and slush before the Chinook winds.
A calm and clear sky is suddenly darkened by
fierce wind storms, which drive the dust and
sand before them like squadrons of combatants
fushing to battle. These sudden changes Of
weather are the womb wherein grow all man
ner OF muscular and nervous disorders.
SWEAT OF THE BROW
is the condition of success here as well as in the
states. Even in this fat virgin soil the proverb
of Solomon is fully verified: 'The idle soul
shall suffer hunger. and he who will not pillow by
reason of cold shall beg in harvest and have
notAing." Indeed, more labor is required on
this coast than in older communities. because
new settlers must begin at the very foundation
mn fhnir H. ,l>o1 -
enjoy life of elegant leisure in this western
land must either have abundance at his COM
mand or favored friends who are willing to
support him in his Incidence
THE EXPENSES OF LIVING
in this new country far exceed the expectations
of the people Of the east. Dry goods and
groceries are more costly than at the capital Of
the nation. The item of Transportation across
the continent is immense. Moreover, mer-
chants exact the largest profits from their sales.
suit OF clothes that would cost S25 or $50 in
Washington city would be worth at least $50
here. Then, too, the
MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DISADVANTAGES
are not inconsiderable. The Sabbath is phenom-
enally day of popular amusements, consisting
OF fishing, hunting, horse racing, ball playing,
etc. But paucity of the population attends
public worship. Drinking and drunkenness,
which prevail to an alarming extent all along
this line, impair the securities of person and
property and augment the burden of public
taxes. Finally, this promiscuous population is
largely inOculated with the virus Of bold and
disappearing infldelity which seeks to subyert the
solid pillars Of human society and to inaugurate
q reign of bOundless RIGHTEOUSNESS and terror.
But this is simply the shady side of the SUBJ
ject. Let us now look at
SOME OF THE BRIGHTER TINTs
in the foreground of the picture. Purer air than
this we have never breathed; richer soil we have
never seen, and cheaper and more productive
lands the never visits. No country excels this
in the productions of grass grain fish andfruit and
in all the varieties Offowls of the air and beasts
of the field. The scenery of mountain, valley
river and sky is sublime and beautiful beyond
description. All the industries of life are bounti-
fully rewarded here and all public enterprises
generously supported.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES ARE sPRINGING UP
on every hand, and shedding their light abroad
like stars from armament of darkness On the
completion of the Northern Pacific railroad and
other lines in progress the elements of high and
better civilization will crown this coast as dia-
dem. Along the lines of the railroads and rivers
numerous townsand villages are bursting into
life and beauty, like buds in the spring. and
these will constitute the great cities of the Goth
century. Among these we might name within
radius of fifty miles from Walla Walla, Milton,
Weston. Centerville, Pendleton, Waliula, Waits
burg, Colfax and Dayton, and then farther away,
on the N. P. r. R.. are the flourishing towns of
Sprague, Cheney and Spokane Falls. All these
are eenters Of growing trade and influence, and
are worthy the attention of emigrant travellers.
Their present population ranges from 500 to
nearly as many thousand souls. Let us now
hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Those
who are young and vigorous and without means
and employment in the states, would do we'll to
follow the star of empire to this far-off land,
whilst those who are on the shady side of life
and enjoy the cOnveniences and comforts COM
mon to mortals. had better remain contented
on the eastern side of the Rockies. w.
Street Cries, Again.
To the Editor of The EVENING STAR: