The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-06-04
SEATTLE. SUNDAY. JUNE =.
THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILROAD.

We have already called attention to the
fact tha. the Great Northern railroad
should for its own sake and for the pur-
poses Of its own business build . passenger
depot in this city Of which Seattle. - well
~ the railroad. may be proud. There 10
every reason to believe that President
Hill intends that this shall be done. He
doubtless appreciates that a.substansial
and slightly depot erected upon the ex-
penslve terminal grounds that he has pur-
chased will be fitting consummation Of
the great work that he has carried through
with such marked success. Such depot
would not only be benefit to Seattle, but il
would be standing advertisement for the
Great Northern railroad and . lasting
monument to the energy and enterprise of
it, management.
Seattle has hitherto been more than
generous in all its dealings with the Great
Northern railroad. The city has given to
the road q franchise that 10 now worth
millions Of dollars and one that will con-
stantly become more valuable. II 10 idle.
however. to asssrt that the city has dis
played this generosity out Of pure feel
ing Of philantrophy. Il has been from
the outset purely question Of business.
The city has been open and generous with
President Hill because Il had faith In him
and in the great enterprise Of which he 10
the of'icial head. Tho Great Northern 10
expected to benefit Seattle. and Seattle 10
expected to benefit the Great Northern.
The relations between the city and tho
railroad are founded essentially upon 70.
eiprocal favors to be given and received.
These things being true, there Is. ~ we
have stated, every reason to believe that
Mthe city deals fairly with President Hill
he wilt deal fairly with the city. Now
that the road II practically completed. II
would certainly be unfortunate II any
complication should arise that would in
any way mar the cordial relations now sx.
listing between the city and the railroad to
which the city has already given 90 mach
and Of which 70 much 10 expected.
The object sought to b attained by Al.
dsrman Jordan and the other gentlemen
who desire . condition regarding the cost
Of the depot TO be inserted in the ordinance
granting . riRhs-of-way Is commendabls
object. and ono with which every citizen Of
Seattle can readily sympathize. They de-
sire to secure for the city depot Of which
Seattle may be proud. But would it not
be better to leave this matter to the judg-
ment Of the railroad officials themselves.
II certainly IL not reasonable 70 suppose
that this great railroad. which has ex-
pended millions of dollars IN the construc-
ton OF the road to Seattle and in the pur-
chase of terminal, grounds. will mar their
grca, work by the erection Of an insult
able depot.
The city has So far given much and
given II freely and without unnecessary
conditions and restrictions. II is 20 be
hoped that what has already been done
will not be unaone at this late day by any
conflict with the road regarding matters
that are. comparatively speaking, of sec.
ondary importance. The council is iusti-
fled in protecting the interests Of the city
80 far as tho occupation and crossing al
public streets are concerned. But so far
rs the erection OF buildings upon the lands
purchased aud owned by the Great North
ern railroad is concerned IL certainly seems
that this Is matter that can safely be ief,
with the railroad Itself Its own interests
and the requirements of its business will
doubtless compel 1T 10 do the right thing.