Sacramento daily record-union., 1889-06-12
THE LESSON OF SEATTLE.

1hS SpIlt Win Whlcn tne people Oh De-
attle have resumed the building of their
city Is fine example of enterprise. Such
disposition evidences a confidence in the
future of the place that is unmistakable
That there should be, as there is, an influx
of Eastern capital for investment in the re-
building of the city is an Endorsement of
the faith of the Seattle people in their
possibilities that will draw upon the city
of the Northwest the attention of the
whole country. Certainly the place is 60
ing to take no harm because of its recent
FIRE. We believe that, notwithstanding
the individual losses of stocks of goods
the conhagration will turn out to have
been positive blessing to its people 1t
will give them business streets with grace
ful, inspiriting and permanent architect
ure it will give them greater security from
FIRE: it will infuSe new life into the citi-
zens in the matter of local Improvements,
which in all places and at all times are
economic, and invariably result in new in
dustrial and business vitality and general
increased activity along desirable lines.
The lesson Seattle is reading to the coun-
try should not be lost upon Sacramento.
We need no fire to bring about desired inn
provements that will make the city so in
Titing that it will be free from the re-
proach attaching to it at present because
of the primitive character of very many
structures upon our business streets, and
the undeniably homely and dilapidated
character of many of the awnings and
sidewalks. There is not to-day on any Of
our business streets spot occupied by a
low and offensive building that, if built
upon in modern style, will not at once
command ample rental and permanent oc-
cupancy, yielding large returns upon the
investment. In most cases the low brick
structures have foundations sufficiently
well laid to form the basis for new build
ings of proper front elevation. The diff
Guilty with us is that the rentals are so
very good now for the offensive, low and i'll
appointed places that the owners, largely
non-residents, are content with the reward
they receive and are indispoSed to do bet
ter. 1t was so at Seattle The wooden.
One-story and light buildings were all oc-
Cupied and at good rentals, and there was
small likelihood that they would be re-
placed so long as that condition of things
obtained. But the fire swept all these
away, and now only business-like and
proper structures will take their places,
an ordinance having been demanded by
the people and passed by the local legis-
lative body forbidding the erection of any
buildings or the laying of any walks ex-
cept of iron, stone, brick or concrete or
similar material. The result will be that
Seattle will rise glorifed, so to speak, from
her ashes. There will be no more shan
ties, no disease-breeding and filth-accumu-
lating wooden sidewalks; but strength,
cleanliness and neatness will prevail The
fact will give new impetus to business
and has done so already, inviting capital
10 investment and population to residence;
the Seattle that is to be will SO over
shadow the Seattle that was, that the lat
ter will pass out Of the memory of men.
What fire has done for that place, enter
prise and wise economy can do for this
without the sacrifice of dollar in loss.
The means of accomplishing such a reform
are varied, but almost any viii be justiii-
able in view of the positive benefits that
must flow to the city and to the investors.
The centers of population are now being
determined in this State. We are passing
through the formative period in our his
tory. The pioneer regalia of every town,
and all that indicates it, must be shuiiled
off or else the communities will remain
clad in it with very little hope of being
rid OF it in the future. The cities and
large towns that are to be, are now being
determined Those localities that are
most attractive and backed by busines,
advantages will lead those which have
commercial advantages only. We mus
look at these things with the cold eye o
business as well as in the light of cult
vated tastes.