, 1888-12-13

OJneT.
The reports of the governors of the
various territories just made to the in.
terror department, give the following
estimates as to population:
Dakota. .....,.................. 100000
Utah h....,.......... ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 10000
Washl pgtOn ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. lsorSo
New Mexico. ..,....... ..''....'....-''' i.o'WWVV
Montana '''.'-'''' ia'WS a'v
Idaho ........, .,.........,,.,.......... 10000
wyoming ..,...... ........... .......... 5000
Arizona Census OF 1ss2)."... s2,965
OF course the admission OF Utah, as
long as the Mormons persist in defy.
ing the law is out of the question.
Dakota ranks first in population and
Washington next, but in wealth and
resources we are equal, if not superior,
TO the former.
The New York Tribune in urging
the claims OF Washington says:
The population has nearly doubled in
FIVE years, and the growth in prosperity,
as shown by the taking up Of vacant lands,
the increase of taxable property and the
development OF lumber, mining and
other indui tries, is equally striking. Dur
ing the year ending June 80 last 696, 1884
acres Of government lands were taken by
presumption, homestead and desert land
to by actual settlers. The. Northern Pa.
ciflc railroad sold during the same period
26S, 700 acres to l,649 purchasers.
acres for each. This gives total of $685..
084 acres disposed of to actual settlers,
the greater part Of which will doubtless
be used for agriculture. This is an area
equal to about two-ffths of the new land
opened in Dakota during the same period.
and makes a remarkable showing. consid-
ering that Washington is not SO distinct
territory. Besides these, there were ether
entries under the land laws, bringing the
total sales TO 1892, ,473 acres. There are
1897 miles of railway in the territory. By
the assessment rolls its taxable property
has increased from 1892 1922 in 1887 to
$84 ,62l ,182 in 1888, gain of S75, ,698. .260
in ten years. 1t may be that the estimates
of population in most of these territories
should be discounted somewhat on account
of local pride and natural anxiety of all
citizens to reach the figure requisite for ad-
Semple quantity remarks in his report:
"There can never be any doubt about the
conservatism OF q statement of values ta-
ken from an assessment roll. Whatever
else an average American citizen may neg
lect, he never forgets to beat down the as
sessor." 1t is safe. therefore, to assume
that this valuation is moderate one.
The lack Of facilities for the collection
of statistics has made the governors report
opment OF various industries. Enough is
known, however, to show that rapid pro.
gress Is being made. Within the year
direct shipments Of tea from China and
Japan have begun to pass through the
ports OF Washington on their way to the
Mississippi valley and the east. Ores
from mines in the interior are beginning
TO seek tide-water, and the yield of bread
stufs. fruit, fish, lumber and shingles
has 90 increased that all the railroads are
said to be seriously embarrassed for want
il growing industry. and the governor
declares that more inquiries have been
made 1t his Office for information on this
subject than upon any other. Mining 10
developing. and will play large part in
the future prosperity OF Washington.
| The situation Of Washington 10 one of
its claims to statehood. Holding the
northwest corner Of the framework OF the
union. 1t has magnificent coast line on
the Pacific. Il. commerce. will in Tins be
great, when both labor and capital are at
hand 70 make productive iz vast forests,
rich mines and fertile Hslds. Ita popula-
tion, too, 10 Of an admirable class. In
this respect IL 10 ~ far apart in character
| - u 10 In distance from New Mexico, the
sdmiseien OF which 10 urged on the ground
Of having IN almost equal population.
New Mexico 10 largely Inhabited by a
mongrel class Of Mexicans and Indians,
while large majority Of the population
Of Washington come from hardy Amer
icau stock, men Of courage and enterprise,
animated by the spirit Of pioneers. A
proof Of this 10 found IN the interest,"
asn 10 Ss 3, Rs oas s1d ~ the pro
colleges, There Is every reason Why
Washington should be promptly admitted
into the family Of states, probably under
the name of Tacoma. and no reason Why
Il should be excluded any longer.
The Trihiina uniuht have Added that