The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-10-24
ESPECIAL COMMENCEMENT

ESPECIAL coRRKsPoNDEScK.l
TACOMA. Wash. Ter. Oct. 16, 1883.
This city is situated at the head water
OF Puget Sound. and Is the terminus OF tn
Northern Pacific Railroad. the only trans
continental line which enters this Territory
The advantages growing out OF this fac
will be apparent. The harbor cannot be
excelled both for security and facilities for
accommodating the largest vessels afoat.
The Sound Is open the year round, offers
fine fishing advantages. and vessels sail
without danger from reef or rock TO the
Pacific Ocean, and thus TO the markets OF
the world. Moro vessels load here with
wheat. coal and lumber than at all other
points on the Sound and Portland combined.
The country surrounding Tacoma Is OF
varied character. consisting of timber. agri-
cultural and mineral lands. The forests
yield from $4,000 to 100000 feet OF timber to
the acre. The agricultural lands yield from
70 TO % bushels OF wheat per acre. Hops
average ZOOO pounds per acre, vegetables
grow tons TO the acre. while fruit of all
kinds can be produced in great abundance.
The mineral lands consist OF coal. iron and
the more precious metals. Building ma
terial is abundant and cheap.
The climate of the Puget Sound country
Is wholly unlike anything experienced on
the Atlantic Slope or in the Mississippi VAL
ley. or. indeed. anywhere on the American
continent except in the Pacific Northwest.
The summers are cool and the winters sim
gularly mild. There is very little snow. but
considerable rain, between October and
April. A temperature of 80 in midsummer
Is very rare. and not often I'm the winter
does the mercury go much below the freez-
ing point. There are no especially preVa-
lent diseases. Persons suffering from some
forms of lung diseases do not find the eli
mate suitable for them. and tho damp win
ter weather is blamed for an occasional
case OF rheumatism. but taken altogether
the climate of Western Washington is one
OF the finest in the world. There is no ma
laria, and outdoor exercise can be taken at
any time during the year.
There is no vacant government land in the
vicinity OF Tacoma. Some miles back how
ever. there is plenty OF land to be had for
the taking, most OF which is heavily tim
bered and whose improvement requires
time and hard work. But an industrious
man can succeed in making a living and
comfortable home on government land. and
secure title TO 100 acres which in few years
will make him independent Ia Eastern
Washington the land is open and more easily
subdued. and quicker farm returns are pos
slble. There is considerable vacant land OF
excellent quality in the Big Bend OF the
Columbia River which is now rendered ac-
cessible by the building OF the branches Of
the Northern Pacific through that region,
The growth of Tacoma has been remark
able. Ten years ago it had population of
/ about 700 people; the population now is over
1900. mostly English-s speaking people
from the Eastern States. and the best kind,
too. Figures show that its ratio of increase
Is greater than that of any city this side of
the Rocky Mountains. 1t closely resembles
Chicago In its early stages Of development,
and like that great metropolis is at the head
or navigation OF great island sea, is fast
becoming the most important railroad CEN
ter in the Northwest. and has a country
tributary to 1t that is pouring vast wealth
into its door.
Seventeen years ago pioneer located his
cabin on the town site Of Tacoma. In place
OF the wilderness which surrounded that
lonely home are now splendid streets, on
which are thousands OF houses. The build
ing OF couple OF log cabins in that year.
and the erection of $50 substantial brick and
frame buildings in the first eight months OF
this year will indicate how the forest on the
shores OF commencement Bay has disap-
peared. and how "A great city has sprung up
as If by magic in its place. showing change
| from towering trees TO majestic buildings.
from trails and bride paths to broad.
smoothly graded streets and magnificent
avenues. paved and threaded with iron
tracks. from dim lanterns TO flashing cleo
trio lights, from the canoe OF the Indian TO
a fleet of ships from all parts of the world.
from the stiffness of the forest to the busy
hum Of commercial activity. They 1888
will close with an addition Of 1000 new
buildings.
The growth OF Tacoma must continue.
There is vast tributary country fast filing
up with people, for whom this city is TO be
the trade center and manufacturing and
shipping point. Some of the largest indus
tries in the Territory are already here: one
sawmill alone will this year cut $4,000. 900
feet of lumber. The car-shops OF tho n. p.
Railway are here, and new factories are con-
stantly being added.
For many of these facts we are indebted
TO Mr.. Geo. w. Traver, who has lived for
years on this coast. and who selected Ia
coma as his home after mature investiga-
ton. He owns an addition to tho city of
his own, besides carrying large sale lists OF
other property. He considers investments
here as safe as in any city in the land and
parties wishing to put money where it will
bring handsome returns will do well TO
consult with him personally or by mail.
His long experience enables him to make
profitable investments. He furnishes am
pie reference as TO his reliability. He also
owns an addition TO the new town OF Orting.
which has been started at the head Of
Puyallup Valley. one OF the richest stretches
OF soil In the West.
Orting is on the main line of the n. u.
Road. from which branches are being ex-
tended TO neighboring mines and forests.
The Puyallup Valley is noted for its Won
derful crops of hops. an acre OF which often
yields the owner an income as great as
that obtained from a whole farm back East.
Fruit, too. is profltably cultivated single
acre OF prunes has netted the grower g 900.
Apples grow abundantly, So too, pears and
cherries, and all kinds Of berries. Vege-
tables are produced In quality, size, ana
quantity beyond anything known in the
East Grass is green the winter through.
and flowers bloom out Of doors at Christmas
time.
In no part OF the United States is there
greater combination OF resources. climate,
soil. water. timber, minerals, ETC.. in such
variety. and all possible Of utilization by
man. The size and height of the forest
trees and the number growing on an are
seem incredible TO Eastern men. This tim
Der has carried its own fame TO all parts of
the world In the East Indies. in Egypt. in
the maritime States of Europe, in South
America, the Pacific islands, China and
Japan, the fir timber of Washington Terri
tory Is an article of commerce. Next 10 fir
cedar stands second in quantity. and then
pine. oak. maple and other varieties. The
scenery about Tacoma Is superb. with vary
ing views of mountains, waters and forests.
Mount Tacoma is the highest peak in the
United States. and rises nearly three miles
above the city which bears its name.