Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-08-23

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yfxn 20 the 0seea Ctfy-whaf they
rhfnk Of the Metropolis and ms
Prsxress-
The Billings party. consisting Of
Frederick Billings. wife, tvo daughters
and two sons, arrived in Seattle yester-
day morning at half past ten o'eIock,by
the steamer Geo. z starr, which lad
been placed at their disposal.
They we're met at the wharf By Mayor
Leary, Bailey Gstzsrt, Presiden. Of the
Seattle Chamber Of Commerce., NJ Y. B.
Stacy and other prominent citizens.
James MeSaoght, who came down With
the party introduced then 10 the Mayor
and citizens. Carriages we're in wait
ing and the party was driven sboQ: the
city and out TO Lake Washington. by
way Of jackson street. In speaking to
the Mayor, Mr.. Billings said: This is
the third time / have visited Seattle
Tie first time was II 1855. when your
population did not exceed 800; the next
visit was made in 1872, when your popu-
lation vas about 13e0, and now am
here again in 1884, and find you claim
ing 1900 psople within your bound
aries
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Billings expressed
themselves as delighted with the seen
cry at the lake, and with the general
appearance Of the city. Mr.. Billings
said that be hsd always heard that the
people of Seattle stood as unit on mat
tsrs pertaining 20 the welfare of the
place, and that they showed much pluck
and energy IN pushing forward any en-
terprise which tended 10 add 10 the
prosperity of the city and county, and
nox be was grsti6ed 70 see the resalt of
such unity and energy In magnificent
buildings, extensive street improve
IA ents, large manufactures, school
houses, churches, vharves, warehouses,
etc. He further stated that in his
opinion Seattle's start was such that she
had nothing 10 fear, possessing fine
harbor and central location, and he be-
Iieved that within few years the city
would be built to the lakes.
Mr.. Billings had always favored the
building of the railroad across the
mountains, and held that it should be
built With the least possible delay. He
hoped by this fall the road would reach
Yakima City on the east side, and he
had told Mr.. Harris that himself and
friends would furnish the money to
build from South Prairie to Green
river, and to push this end TO that
point as soon as possible. He held that
Seattle can connect at the common
point on Green river, and having the
shorter road, nothing could prevent
her bedding full share Of the trade of
the through line.
In regard to the order disseminating
traffic on the Shore line. made yester-
day, Mr.. Billings said he did not I'M
ierstand the reason therefor, but sup
posed the companies were endeavoring
to settle some disputed matters among
themselves, as il was generally known
that complications existed on the Shore
line section of the road. He had never
held any stock in the Oregon Improve
ment Company, and knew very little OF
Its affairs, but understood that il was
financially in Strengthened circum-
stances.
He was familiar with the vast re.
sources of hing county, including her
timber, coal and iron. These com.
modities and their development are ele-
ments of prosperity and the basis oil
support for an Immense population. BE
knew of our White river country and
the adjoining valleys, and of their grea,
productiveness in hops, hay, potatoes
and other crops, and hopes to be ablt
to return TO Tacoma by way of the
Shore line, which runs through this val
ley, in order to get q personal knowl
edge of the valley.
Mr.. Billings was a California Areo
naut, and has always felt a great inter
est in the progress and prosperity OF
the Northwest. When compelled to 70.
turn to the Eastern States on account
of his health years ago, he regretted his
| departure, and was glad afterward
when his business interests were suct
as to require his return. His oldest SOL
is nov located near Billings, Montana
engaged in the cattle business, and b,
considers this Northwest Coast a gooC
cJuntry for Young men to make a star
in life.
After leaving Seattle Mr.. Billing
stated his party would proceed TO Vic
toria by way Of Deception. Pass anG
the San Juan Archipelago, and il tn,
time would admit, would stop at Sc
attic on the return.
Mrs. Billings. who is q middle aeeS
lady, of very pleasant manners, ane
keen observation, said she was muci
surprised 10 see SO many fine residence.
in Seattle, and stated that the site o.
the city reminded her of Duluth. Ii
speaking of the Sisters Hospital anS
Academy, which attracted her attention
she said. the Sisters we're very shrewc
people and only built where futur,
prosperity is assured. Mayor Leary
showed her the gas works, the SprinG
Hill Water Company's works and ex
planned the. sewerage system of Seattle
and she declared they would be credit
able to q much larger city. She regretted
that the smoke obscured the Cascad.
aud Olympic ranges of mountains, ba
she had seen enough Of Lake Washing
ton and the Islands to impress her with
she beauty Of the scenery.
Upon their return TO the wharf, shl
party was met by Hon. A. A. Denny, II
L. Yesler, Cyrus Walker, JOHN Collins
Amos Brown, and other Representative
citizens, who were individually intro
daced 70 Mr.. Billings. He expressed
himself as pleased at meeting them
and after some further conversation OF
general topics, took his departure.