The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-16
MUST BE SEEN TO BE ArpKrCrArrD.

Moses P. Handy contributes an article
on "The State of Washington" to the cur
rent number Of Lippineotts Magazine. Sell
dom, if ever. have the condition. chsrac-
teristics and resources of this state been
so compactly and at the same time so
comprehensively presented. The general
points Of area, topography, soil, climate
and resources are supplemented by au-
thenticated details in various lines of pro-
duction, an exhaustive review of capahili.
ties and intelligent estimates Of what the
future has in store for US.
The picture is drawn with friendly but
none the less cautious and painstaking
hand. To residents of the state, person.
ally cognizant of its great accomplishment
and possibilities, it will be apparent on the
reading Of Mr.. Handy's contribution that
he has been studiously careful to avoid ex-
aggeration in statements of fact or the
magniloquent in description. But no
doubt upon the mass of distant readers a
different impression will be created. And
right here is the difficulty of conveying to
the outside world correct view of this
state and it's transcendant advantages. De-
scribe it ever so accurately, avoid embel-
lishment or adornment as you will, the
plainest and most unvarnished statement
of facts will convey to the distant reader
the idea that it is .'boom" article.
For instance, this with which Mr.. Handy
opens: SIT has been said, and not without
reason, that if a kindly fate had planted
the feet of the Pilgrim Fathers upon the
smiling slopes Of Puget Sound, there
would have been little difference today be-
tween New England and Labrador. The
same energy that has made Massachusetts,
rich and populous would in half the time
make the State of Washington Belgium
in density of population and an England
in wealth." Any New Highlander who
has visited this section will endorse that
declaration, and will admit that it is ex-
pressed in terms of moderation. Any New
Highlander who has not enjoyed such priv
ilege will read it with distrust and think it
is exaggerated.
Again: ut has been compared to Penn.
sylvania, and justly, in that q wall could
be constructed around it without serious
detriment to its population. Every neces-
sary Of life being available within its bor-
ders." No Pennsylvania who has viewed
this land will controvert this declaration.
If fully informed and candid all will adj
NIT that the comparison is in many re-
spects unduly complimentary to their
mother state, especially on the points of
~ls~
Pennsylvanians who have remained at
home will smile increduously and regard
the claim as presumptuous or over boast
full.
The truth is, and all observant residents
have been impressed with the fact, that
this section must be seen to be appreciated.
No person who will read Mr.. Handy's arti-
Gle, and will afterward come and view the
country he has described, will fail to be
impressed that he has been moderate, care
full, and has withheld more than he has
told. No visitors, no matter how glowing
the accounts they may have heard or read,
have failed to express agreeable surprise.
Bright as may have been their expecta.
tions. they have been more than realized.
To this rule there has never been an ex-
ception.
This being an indubitable fact, which all
must have observed. the lesson is obvious.
BY all practical means, and to the fullest
possible extent, excursions Of the right
kind Of people from various sections of the
country should be literally encouraged.
Newspaper articles are good, but seeing
is believing" and no person can compre-
bend the glories of this state except by
al