The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-09

Total value OF free goods ...-....... s so,97 40
Total value Of goods paying specific
Total value Of goods paying sd val
orem duties .---.-.--.-----.-..-....- lls,oas %
Total 1861 COL 10
ExroRTs.
Total amount OF exports for the year. oo2 81
Il is but natural that commerce. such as
these figures indicate. should be looked upon
with jealous and enyious eyes by other nations.
Already neIghhorfng government, taking adj
vantage of the typographical features of the
coast, has placed Notifications ut points near
our boundary line whore they would be mem
ace and a source of serious danger in the event
OF less friendly condition of affairs than at
present exist between the two governments. An
attack nom enemies oy sea, in our present de-
fenseless state, could not fail TO be productive
of the most disastrous results. Our seaport
cities might be obliterated In day. Our pres
EN- ssens,ty ana pFosRsrisy cannot insure con
coast should be fortified without delay. Ii is
within your power forcibly to memorabilia
congress for the construction of Notifications
strong TO render all public and private inter
ests on the shores of Puget sound reasonably So
cure, This is = matter OF more than state pro-
lection. The rights and commercial interests Of
other states are involved. well as the honor Of
the national government
COLUMBIA RIvEE.
Our state possesses Jointly with Oregon one OF
the grandest rivers OF the world. Aside from
the wonderful natural beauty OF the Columbia
II a
should be utilized. No effort or cost should be
spared 70 make every mile OF il within our state
free from obstruction, thus rendering il naviga-
bic. and putting 1t in condition TO afford price
less facilities for commerce. The course OF this
majestic river makes it the great natural avenue
of distribution Tor the mineral belts OF okano-
gan, Stevens and the mountainous sections OF
the country, and for the extensive and prolific
agricultural districts OF Central and Eastern
Washington, many OF which have no outlet TO
the commercial world. To these sections the
opening OF navigation on the Columbia from the
sea TO the British line would be powerful
stimulus TO rapid industrial development
Especially true is this OF its relations with the
Big Bend country. The Columbia river forms
the center OF vast web OF commercial threads.
which would, in such event, make the resources
OF this region easily accessible. No statements
could exagyerate the grandeur of the results
which would follow the removal of the obstacles
to navigation in the channel of the Columbia
river Their removal would be the conquest of
large and rich empire As vet hey are an in
surmountable barrier which throws out its
challenging defiance to the advance of agricul-
ture, manufactures, mining and commerce.
Our senators and representatives in congress
should be requested to take immediate and
vigorous action IN this matter.
ELECTION OF UNITED STATES SENATORS
The question of sn amendment to the federal
constitution, providing for the election of United
States senators by direct voice and vote of the
people, has received attention from many state
legislatures, and Affirmative action has been Ia
ken by them in memerializing congress to sub
nit such an amendment to the states for adop-
ton.
The influences and obligations of a heated SEN
atoriai contest in any legislature are pernicious,
fsr-reaching and deeply fraught with menace to
sound legislation It Isl common assertion that
candidates for the legislature in senatorial cleo
ton years, nominated and elected, not for
any peculiar fitness which they possess in the
preparation and advocacy of measures for the
benefit OF the people, but rather for their known
or expressed predictions for certain candidates
who aspire TO seats in the senate of the United
states. majority of the members OF the legis-
mr.
pliediy to support certain aspirans for this office
Experience has shown that the legislation of the
entire session is influenced to very material and
dangerous extent by these predictions and
pledges. The election for United States senators
by state legislatures takes place upon the second
tuesday after their meeting and organization
Prior to this time, combinations aud agreements
made which. in their fulfillment, restrict
that freedom of action in the legislator which ia
so essential 70 the enactment OF proper laws,
both local and general. and seriously retard the
enactment OF needed legislation.
! recommend that the legislature OF Washing
ton memorabilia congress TO submit to the states
an amendment to the constitution OF the United
states, providing that United States senators be
chosen directly by the vote OF the people of the
several states.
would not advocate change of this impor-
lance were my convictions less firmly grounded
that such an amendment would work benef-
ciaily for the whole people of the United States
as well as Tor those OF the several states, and
that II would be more in harmony with the
spirit OF Republican form OF government. |
believe that il would relieve from a host OF
evils engendered by the present system.
SOLDIERS HOME.
By the provisions of s.An act to provide for the
establishment and maintenance of home for
honorably discharged Union soldiers, sailors,
marines, and also members OF the state militia
disabled while in the line Of duty, and who are
bona fide citizens of this state approved March
D. 1890, five trustees were appointed, as follows:
George II. Bosrdman, Tacoma, one year: VI. VI.
Holiness Seattle two years; W. K. Dunbar.
Goldendale, three years John F. Mclean, walla
Waila, tour years; aibert :. Cole, Mnatcom,
five years. The board was subsequently organ
lied by the election of Mr.. Boardman as presi-
dent and Mr.. Holmes secretary.
The trustees report having accepted the pro-
position OF the citizens of Ofting Fierce county,
of a donation to the state Of 1S5 acres at land,
more or less, contiguous TO the town OF Orting.
Owing TO delays incident 10 the examination
OF the various plats of ground offered TO the
commissioners by various communities, as we'll
as Tor other reasons, the progress in the erection
OF buildings. etc, contemplated by the provis-
ions OF the act has not been such MS could have
been wished. Plans for the buildings are being
submitted, however and active operations win
doubtless be commenced as practicable.
The appropriation to carry out the provisions
of this act was $4,000 The expenditures 10 date
fund, unexpcnded, of 81, 505.O5 For further de
tails your consideration is respectfully asked to
the annual report OF the trustees.
WASHINGTON SCHOOL FOR DEFECTIVE YOUTH.
Your attention is called TO the report of the
chairman OF the executive board of this institu-
provide for the completion of the building OF
the Washington school for defective youth and
to appropriate money therefor $1,000 WIS ap-
propriated for the purpose OF completing this
building
The board reports that a further appropriation
OF $4,000 viii be necessary to complete the
building, and it asks an additional appropriation
OF $4,000, To be used in erecting building for
the care and maintenance of such pupils
should not be associated with the deaf mutes
who are committed to our charge.
have no doubt that you will diligently ex-
sTaine into this question and give 10 II the bene-
fit OF your most judicious consideration.
REFORM SCHOOL.
By virtue OF an act approved March y, 1870,
providing for the establishment and location OF
state reform school, and TO declare an emer-
gency,' John Dobs0D l. r. Compton and J. w.
troodell were appointed trustees OF this institu-
ton They report having purchased fifty acres
OF land near aud Immediately south OF the city
OF Chehalis, in Lewis county, upon which to
erect buildings for the purposes OF this nstitu-
first day Of this month such buildings viii have
been completed and ready for the accommoda-
ton OF LOO inmates.
The sum Of $500 was appropriated by this
act % carry out its provisions; OF this amount
s23,.0i.7o has been expended, leaving unex-
pended and on hand balance OF 81 ,D95.22.
The trustees of this school estimate that Q
further appropriation Of $500 viii b. necessary
in order 10 complete and furnish the buildings,
and for the maintenance OF the officers and in
mates for the next two fiscal years.
They also recommend the purchase of addf-
tonal land in connection with that already pur-
chased as necessary for the fullest realization Of
the benefits 70 accrue from the establishment Of
ths institution. ! respectfully cali your atteu.
ton 10 their report.
PESTTEsTIARY At wALLA wAILA.
The commissioners of the state penitentiary al
Walla Malta rerOrt that NJ conyicts were in