, 1883-08-18

The Last spike.
Preparations are already being
made on a grand scale for driving
the last spike on the Northern Pacific
railroad, an event that will be wit
messed by large cOncourse of peo-
pie drawn from all parts of the
United States as well as Europe.
The last peg that is to connect the
Pacific ocean with the great lakes is
to be of gold, and will be sent home
by the strong arm of Mr.. Willard
himself, unless President Arthur
may be present, in which case he
may be invited to exercise his
muscle. The ceremonies will be
similar to those attending the driv-
ing of the last spike on the Union
Pacific road, and great importance is
attached to the event on account Of
its rarity. Not only will those pres
ent demonstrate their joy over the
completion Of gigantic enterprise,
but at every station, hamlet, town
and city between st. Paul and Port
land will the echoes Of the blows be
responded to by public rejoicing.
After the performance of driving the
spike is accomplished, the many
visitors to the scene will make an
excursion west over the line in
special cars to Portland. Arrange
ments will be made to have the
crowd stop over one day at least at
the Falls, and it behOOves our people
to make preparations to give the
visitors a rousing reception. 1t is
calculated that the party to make
the trip represents more wealth than
any assemblage of the same number
ever gathered together, besides every
newspaper Of any Importance in the
east will have a special correspon-
dent in attendance. Allow US to
also suggest that the city should be
put in its very best attire for the Oc-
casiOn, so that the visitors will leave
US impressed with the beauty and
importance of Spokane Falls. The
streets should be thoroughly cleaned
Of all the building litter, so far as
possible, owners of property should
put their premises in order, and last
and most important, every house
should be painted. Many people who
have recently built have not taken
the time to paint their dwellings,
and should do so before the arrival
Of this large body Of representative
men. If you cannot afford to paint
at least put on a coat Of whitewash.
1t will improve the appearance of
the city 100 per cent. and remove
that glaring evidence Of newness and
rawness that strangers are so quick
to notice. We hope immediate ac-
tiOn will be taken in this matter. It
is the desire of every citizen who has
the welfare Of the city at heart that
nothing but praise shall be heard
from class Of men who have trav-
eled far and seen much. 1t is the
duty Of our town council to make
extensive preparations to receive the
eXcursionists in good style, and for
the name of our city it is important
that some move be taken in the
premises at once. Let Spokane Falls,
that is to he largely benefited by the
completion of the great highway,
aim to surpass all towns on the route
IN the extent Of the public demon
stratiOn. If the citizens take hold
early and with a determination to
succeed they cannot fail to succeed.
They have the right spirit and the
vim, and If once started, will give
the visitors a welcome tlat they will
not soon forget. There is not great
deal of time to discuss this project as
the event is to take place early in
September.