Morning journal and courier., 1889-09-14
Travelling overland.

To the Editor of the JOURNAL AND COURIER
 In answer to the question as to which IS the best route overland, the most scenic and altogether the most desirable, would say: Take whichever you will. You will think It the best; you will think you have seen all creation. But to ono who has seen all, there is, nevertheless, decided choice. One who has deliberately made all the trips long enough to see and understand the attractions of each place, has no doubt as to the route to select. But to either route more than one week, or even one month, is necessary to see all that will be offered in the way of the wonderful, and the various facilities and modes of conveyance. The Raymond parties for 6rst-class travel are unsurpassed, and for enc whose time and finances are limited, for one who desires intellectual associates, as general rule have the preference. Espe- cislly arc they popular with the unprotected females, as well as for the aged, solitary, gentleman. The only possible objection be- ing, perhaps, a wish to make longer stop pings at the most interesting places. And yet the Raymonds make more time at the best points by daylight than by any other through arrangements.
 So far as the starting is concerned all con- centrate either at St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Winnepeg, or somewhere else. By the Can adian Pacific from St. Paul or Minneapolis the route Is thousand miles, over treeless tains are in sight, and you go for five hun drsd miles through mountain passes. with here and there glacier of great sublimity in sight. The Frazer river, by which the route winds till you arrive at Vancouver, British Columbia, is replete with interest. Vancou. yer reached, you drive to the Vancouver Ho- tel, the pride of the Canadian Pacific, and you will not be disappointed.
 Vancouver has been entirely built within very short time. You would think you were in an American city if it were not for the number of Europeans, or Canadian guests, many of whom have been travelling continually since leaving Winnepeg, and as many more who have come through from Montreal or Quebec. As the Canadian Paci- fo does not start trains on the Sabbath, you may be overcIowded, but the cars are first class, although no better than ours. The journey from Vancouver is made by steamers to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Then, if you get in the right steamer, a stop of few hours follows. If you ride over the city you will never res gret it. The navy yard is worth all it costs to sec 1t. Also If time permits, shopping can be indulged in, and all your spare change can be expended for Indian curiosities or relics. In fact, Indians themselves are not unfrequent in Victoria.
 One thousand miles north of Victoria are the great Glaciers of Alaska, which will only mention. The Olympisn (U. S.) range of mountains Is in full sight at Victoria. They are always covered with snow.
 Our steamer is staunch. The rolling from tho ocean current affects her some; but that Is generally soon over, giving the ladies time for rest. Tbey come from their state- rooms refreshed, to proceed to Seattle, Fort Townsend and Tacoma via Puget sound.
 It is impossible in one, or even two or three writings, to give any adequate idea of what was suggested in the beginning. But before you start for the Pacific coast you will have become able to judge somewhat for yourself. You can take choice of the Can sdisn, the Northern, the Union and Central, the Oregon Short Line, the Denver and Rio Grsuds, the Atchison and Topeka or the Sunset routes, via New Orleans and San An- tonic, Texas, landing at Coronado Beach or San Francisco M.