, 1888-01-19
A stranger In Spokane.

After a night in Wallula, which
was one long nightmare Of delayed
trains, hard benches. swinging
doors, blasts OF Arctic atmosphere,
cross travellers, and crying children,
our party was at last banded aboard
our. debated train at the dishearten'
Ing hour of 8 a. n., and soon found
sweet Oblivion in the JOY of being
able to assume horizontal position
and give "tired.nature" chance 70
s'knit up the raveiled sleeve"
That same Wallula is the one be-
setting sin OF the N. p. r.. II. Co.
Elsewhere, they treat their passen-
gers tenderly, without regard 70
race, color, or previous conditions OF
servitude. Their dining car service
Is perfection. Their officials and en-
pIoyes are, everyone, like a father
10 you. Only in that one G0d.fOrsak
en- spot Is the travellers trusting
heart betrayed.
We forget much of our misery,
however, In the warmth and COM
fort OF the dining car Friday morn
ing, with the glorious sunshine
streaming through the windows,
and thought the reports of the do
preston of the mercury all a joke.
began to see sights, through the
windows, great rocks, and fine l,uild-
ings, forests primeval, and Eastlake
residences. There a wilderness, and
there inauufactory, "What means
this paradox ical state of things" we
inquire. The conductor politely
stopped the train, and fur.clad BIZ
ped pokes it's nose into the door and
responded "SpOkane Falls" A
burst OF silvery sounds greets our
ears. Sleighbells, and the
creaking aud gathering OF hoofs and
runners over the frozen snow. One
breath of the outer air convinced US
that the story OF 20 degrees below
was no exaggeration, YET the streets
were lively. Pedestrians and sleigh
ing parties dashed about. Business
men, shoppers, newsboys and school
children hurried along the walks. i
was bitterly cold, but under the am
elierating Influence of elegant hotel
Recommendations, roaring fires, and
general atmo5pher ere OF comfort, our
Uemoralized party was soon reorgan-
ized and happy once more.
Went out sight seeing. Saw hand
some streets and wide avenues miles
long, and lined with stately build
ings. Saw aristocratic residences on
streets too recent tn have a sidewalk.
Pedestrians took the middle Of the
road. Saw elegant stores full Of rich
goods and eager customers.
Saw Europe, Africa, Asia and
America represented at one counter,
IN the persons of white lady wrap
ped In furs, respectable negro wO-
man, q wooden shOd ChinaInan, and
q TAT kloOtch man IN blankets and
mOccasins, Took ride about the
city with hOspItable friends. In an
elegant covered sleigh. Saw a con-
slant panorama Of lseautiful views
and splendid buildings, noble moun-
tain timber shading stately avenues,
smoking factories and mist covered
falls, and back Of all the everlasting
mountains. Imbibed an atmosphere
of apologies, bran newness and real
81 tate. Everywhere an army OF
workmen are busy, aud in every new
building we stumble over piles Of
materials, furniture, ct Cetera, and
encounter tidal wave OF explana-
tiOns.
The hotel waiter says: "Excuse
iot--er--I mean outside |
cut-did you order sir2'' The dry |
goods clerk pulls himself together |
With an effort and says: Take that
Dicce at six bits u front foot-um--
vard--I would say" and so every
" n q refreshing. 1t IS invigorat-
~. And the possibilities--nay cer-
1jntles Of the city In the Immediate