The Somerset reporter., 1891-08-13

~ ~ TI-IIN'Is
Tacoma, Washington.

When left Skowhegan ! prom sci a.
write many OF my friends concerning my
Impressions Of this part Of Uncle Sans
domain. That have not done 81 err
this is chiefly owing TO ny desire to lc.
come more Thoroughly familiar with my
subject and surrounding, generally, ard
thus be enabled to give my views from
personal observation instead Of heresay
l know there are many people in your
vicinity who would like 10 get an un-
biased report. relating to matters as they
actually exist here. A report that is
j free from the odor OF an advertisement
and on which they can place implicit re-
lance. As have no axe to grind mo-
d. yet having become possessed Of real
estate, think | can safely say | ain
in position 10 give my friends and the
numerous readers of your valuable paper
true account of the actual situation
+ here.
After a stay OF few days In Chicago
and Minneapolis we Iasumcd our journey
/ towards the coast via the Great North
ern & Canadian Pacific Railways. We
/ pass ell through the grandest scenery ION
the latter road my vision ever beheld.
To all such as are contempla' ing a trip to
the Sound Country" | would say by
all means take that route. The road bed
is excellent, the accommodations first.
class in every respect, and the officials
are very obllging and courteous, all Of
which tends to make a Journey Of such
duration most pleasurabe. Hotel cars &C
company all trains and excellent meals
are served at nominal prices. Many
indian villages are dotted along the route
the inhabitants of which flock TO the
stations en- mdSSe upon the approach OF
trains, Offering for sale many various
articles of their handiwork, among the
same being bulil horns beautifully pol
ished and mounted, arranged suitable for
! barracks, footstools, etc. They have pref.
ty swell learned the white mans way Of
bsrtering, for they will ask you fabulous
prices and accept any reasonable oirr
made them.
Upon our arrival at Vancouver, b. G..
we fou1d the steamship Premier await
ing the arrival of our train to take us to
our destination. The trip on the sound
was delightful, and | don't think Il more
beautiful body of water Is TO be found
anywhere in the world. Steamships,
sailing vessels and crafts of all kinds
from every cline under the sun can be
st en- upon these waters. At present time
of writing large tea-ship is discharging
her half million dollar cargo of tea at
one of our wharyes. Our first impress.
sious upon arrival at Tacoma were very
favorable. but soon became more pleasing
city AMI its SURROUNDINGS.
Tacoma is called the "Citv of DESTINY"
and think the title well-chosen and an
propriate, for the city is destined, with.
out doubt. to become the chief CONNER.
cial metropolis of the Pacific Coast
Manufactures Of all kinds are spripeing
up in every direction. magnificent bust.
ness houses and beautiful residences are
constantly being added. while public edi.
fees that would be creditable to cities of
the size of Boston are now in course of
erection. | will cite some of the princi
pal ones: The Court House, to cost
$500 600; Chamber of Commerce, $3.50
600; CITY Hall Building, $500 600: Expo.
sitlon Building. nearly finished have NOT
ascertained the cost. While we seem to
be well supplied with excellent hotels
the "Fourists Hotel. an immense affair.
the building alone is to cost Ssoo. 900. and
the furnishing of same an additional
$500 900, making round mill N in all.
Our streets are beautifully laid out and
nicely graded. none of them less thar 50
feet wide, while the business streets are
100 feet. The growth of this City has
been marvellous, from struggling vii.
! la, tn
mate population of % 600 | can say
from personal OBJ. eryation and kuuwledpe
that there is not a city in the Union that
can show better police regulation or a
better or more efficient fire department
than exists here. The streets are kept
nice and clean at all times, while con
tagious diseases are entirely unknown.
We have in full opcration sas works
electric light works and water works.
also cable. electric, and motor street car