Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1890-08-13
SPOKANE FALLS.
The Metropolis Of Eastern Wash
& inQtOn,

ington.
In. the valley of the Spokane, thirty
miles from its source, in Lake Occur d
Alene, and sixteen miles from the Idaho
line. lies the metropolis of eastern Wash
lngt0n. A more beautiful and pictur.
esque spot for a town site is seldome
found. Nature seems to have specially
designed it for the location of a great
city. On the north of the river is plain
two miles wide, and extending several
miles east and west. To the south of the
river is line of steep cliffs overlooking
the entire plain. and between these cliffs
and the river is situated the principal por-
tion of the city. This same place
where but ten years ago was barren
waste on which was pitched the wigwam
of the savage is now the sight of beau
tiful city Of thirty thousand inhabitants.
Passing along its principal streets aud
through the resident portion. you see. on
all SIDES the most modern conveniences,
of which any eastern city might we'll feel
proud In the business center you see
blocks of brick and granite, five and six
stories, built in the most substan tial man
ner; the village shacks being rapidly re-
placed by buildings of stone and brick.
There are now being built several brick
buildings; an opera house block costing
100000, several five and six story build
iHgs, many Of which cost $4,000. The
citizens Of Spokane are at present con-
structing an exposition building under
the skillful labor of 500 workmen. This
building will cost over $500, 900, 1t will be
completed so as to have the grand opening
October !. The people of this grand
young State OF Washington are deter
mined to make this exposition a decided
success. Among the many attractions
will be a miniature mine worked by cleo
tricitv.
1t has been the pride of the citizens of
Spokane that she can claim good and
spacious streets. As you pass along the
streets at night, on every street corner you
have the electric light to illumine your
pathway. There are several street car
lines in operation. The horse Car line,
cable line, electric motor line and steam
motor line. These lines afford quick
transportation to all parts of the city.
A drive through the suburbs and resi-
dent portion reveals to the stranger some
Of the most beautiful residences found
anywhere. You pass all sorts of convey
ances, beautiful lawns and terraced hill
slopes, Along the river you see the
banks lined with manufactures. You
pass oyer beautiful drives and bOulevards
and on all sides you hear the sound of
the hammer and the noisy din of business,
indicating prosperity on every hand.
The Importance of Spokane as center
is clearly shown by her railroads. This
is the most available point for roads to be
built in order to reach and develope the
surrounding country. At present there
are eight railroads centering at Spokane.
The adjacent territory is rich mineral
country. The west side of the Rockies,
extending far up IN the British Posses
sions. are very rich in mineral deposits of
all kinds. Spokane is establishing a
smelter which will be of great advantage.
Asid from the mining districts, it has
a rich agricultural district adjacent. To
the Sd nth is the celebrated 'Palouse
County" with its rolling prairies, fertile
valleys. and golden fields of grain. The
CLIMATE is such as to be particularly
adaptA to the raising of all varieties OF
fruit. The surrounding country is dotted
with fertile prairies and valuable timber
land, many. acres of which are yet open
for settlement under the presumption
and homestead laws. To the west is the
big Bend Country" so called from the
bend made by the Columbia River. This
country comprises vast region of graz
ing and fertile prairie lands. With such a
country from which to draw its resources,
is it surprising that the future OF Spokane
should present such favorable outlook ?
You have climate unequalled IN the
world; you are free from the dreaded
cyclones and thunder storms that make
eastern summers hideous; also from
the wntry blizzards and sultry nights;
you have a dry and cool atmosphere
in summer, and winter of six weeks.
I hav not been trying to magnify your
intentions, but, after reading the dis
cription, hope it will lead you to visit
this inland city and become one OF It's
honoreh citizens. LIZZIE NEWMAN.