Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1894-04-27
SUNNY CALIFORNIA.
2. W. Craig Writes an Interesting Let.
ter from San Francisco.
He Tells of the Country Through which
he Has Passed,
San Francisco, April II, 1894.

Eult0r HERALD :-Belng well aware
that many OF your readers are more fam
iliar with the sights and scenes which
have recently come under the observa-
ton of the writer than he is himself, it
is possible that indulgence will be per-
mitted at their expense for the benefit Of
those who have not been so fortunate.
Nothing of note occurred until a point
was reached between Spangle and Mar
shall junction, where the train runs
through water for about a quarter OF a
mile, that in places is Is inches deep,
which ls slightly embarrassing to say the
least one lady was heard to remark that
she would not have come had she known
that. In Spokane the streets were dry
and dusty, and, although trade had the
appearance of being fairly good consider
ing the times, yet the people complain
bitterly. As matter OF course they are
not as they were "in days of old, in the
days OF 49," but nevertheless at last ac-
counts the Commonwealers have re-
ceived no recruits from Spokane. Nature
and western enterprise nave made it
beautiful city, and those who can chang
on and growl" will undoubtedly be re-
warded for their fidelity.
1t was quite noticeable that a good
many people still "keep their eye on
Pasco," but nevertheless it must be said
that she is but "reliC of her former
greatness however, a great deal IS pos
sibe wit h irrigation on sage brush des-
ert, and there is no apparent reason why
millions OF acres in the Columbia and
Yakima valleys may not yield to its
magic influence. Peach trees that were
almost wholly neglected seemed full OF
blossoms, and with good care ought to
produce well. The Yakima valley, as an
irrigating propositio is well worthy OF
all the attention that is being bestowed
upon it. The canyon reminds one OF
Snake river and abounds in fine scenery.
The snow line on the 18th was near
Cleelam and until some distance over
the summit remained with us, being up
wards OF 10 feet deep in places. Green
river is a typical mountain stream, and
a famous hot spring near its bank is a
summer resort for Seattle and Tacoma
people; a neat and commodious hotel
furnishing good accommodations, while
the river affords fine fishing. Dense
timber lines both sides OF the track al
most to tide water, with the exception OF
the Puyallup valley where the hop APP
pears to be king, and well may 1t be SO
considered, as farmers with only a few
acres in hops seem to be very comfor-
tably situated.
If Tacoma is not a healthy city it is
certainly very strange, as its drainage
must OF necessity be nearly perfect by
nature. 1t is "city set upon hill,
and like the proverbial candlestick, "can-
not be hid" it is hardly presumable
that it has been, from the fact that its
population has increased from 700 in
1880 to SO, 1929 in 1893. To be brief, COM
merce or manufactures, either one, will
make city; Tacoma has both. Edison,
where the new car shops, costing Sl,OOO,-
900, are located, is almost second Pull
man, Ill.,, in that it contains so many
neat cottages, the homes Of the employees.
Tenino sandstone, with which some OF
the buildings in your city are trimmed,
is making a name and place for itself all
over the coast; the writer knew the mem
bers of the Van Tine Stone Co. as pool
boys, but few years ago. The quarry
is equipped with all modern machinery,
and any size that can be handled is avail
able. The lumber towns as matter OF
course are quiet, az building material is
the first OF all industries to feel the effect
Of financial depression. Portland, like
Tacoma, has natural advantages that
give her the key to large commerce, aud
is withal a beautiful city. The l2312
miles OF street railway enables visitors TO
see its many pleasing styles at small cost
From Portland Heights mountain and
river scenery combine to form one grand
panorama Of natures sublimity.
The agricultural and horticultural fea-
lures Of the Willamette valley have be-
come so well known aa to require no
comment. The Rogue River valley is
apparently capable OF wonderful pro-
duction, but appeared to be much neg
lected for some cause; many orchardists
everywhere seem to think that when
trees are once set in the ground that OBJ
legation ceases. The most casual OBJ
server can easily distinguish the results
Of the different methods. From the
mountains near Ashland the landscape
is feast to the lover Of the beautiful in