The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-06
AFTER TWO YEARS.

Today is the second anniversary OF the
disastrous fire, which on the 9Th Of June.
1889, practically wiped the old city OF
Seattle out of existence. On the morning
of the next day, in miniature edition
published in the midst of hundred acres
of smouldering ruins, the wrecks OF
hundreds of fortunes, the PosT-iNTELLI-
GEscER predicted that the apparent
calamity would prove to be an actual
blessing, and would be the starting-point
and the incentive to greater prosperity
and to an incomparabIy higher destiny.
By some of the timid sort this pre-
diction was regarded as little better than
mad shrek born of despair, or as an
ebullition of unreasoning hope. But in
truth it was simply responsive to the
undaunted spirit of the occasion and the
surroundings. It but voiced the already
recuperated viii, energy and determination
of the property-holders and businessmen
OF Seattle This journal but sounded q
note to which the brave hearts of the
community with which it was and is
identified were beating fearless and an
undoubting response.
That prediction has been verified far be-
yond the most sanguine expectations of
the community that resolved to fulfill it.
The seeming calamity attracted the worlds
gaze to the locality where it had occurred.
Men of capital and enterprise who never
had given a thought to Seattle before, and
who perhaps never would have done so
under pre-existing conditions, were among
those who were induced by its misfortunes
to consider its location. condition and pos
sibilities. The shrewder and more far
seeing of these at once perceived that this
is one of the worlds ideal sites for great
city. and on further Investigation became
satisfied that the natural resources of the
supporting back country are simply meal
culable, with their rapid development be-
yond dispute or peradventure.
As a consequence capital came pouring
menting food. All of the great transcon-
tinental transportation lines commenced
an active struggle for a lead in making
connection with this predestined metropo-
lis. The narrow streets and unsightly
structures that marred the natural beau
ties of the situation before the fire have
given place to broad avenues and massive
blocks that would grace any metropolis in
the land. Banks of large capital have
multiplied, and every branch of business
has been enlarged and established on a
more stable and enduring basis.
But the TRANSPORTATION has been by no
means confined to the burnt district. In
fact, marvellous as has been the improve
ment in that quarter, it has been equalled
by that in the outskirts, reaching even to
the remoter suburbs of Kirkland, FIRE.
mont, Latona, Ballard, Columbia and al
most countless other quarters, many of
which, to say nothing of the Renton and
other additions within the city proper,
excel both in number and quality of build
inss the old residence portion of the city
before the fire.
A great throng of contractors, builders,
mechanics and laborers-the more thrifty
and observant-who were attracted hither
to take part in rebuilding after the fire,
have grasped Seattle's advantages,
have become permanent residents. and
have invested the savings of these and
previous years in building and improving
homes. The average of thrift, substance
and prosperity of the community has
more than kept pace with the improved
appearance and character of the business
section and the general growth of the
city.
Both in number and diversity manufac-
turing enterprises have multiplied and
prospered in full proportion to the growth
and improvement of the city, and the
same is true in all lines of production.
By hundreds per cent. the city and section
are more self-sustaining than was the case
st the time OF the fire, and to q large ex-
tent as result of that event. So that.
from whatever view it is considered. Seat
tie has magnifed the prediction of two
years ago, that the great fire was bless
ing in disguise.