The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1894-11-02
A Live Spokane Letter,
SPOKANE, Oct 2e, 1894 .

SPOKANE, Oct 26, 1894,
Editors Demoeraf.
This is beautiful city, laying upon
both sides Of Spokane River and embrac-
ing within its corporate limits the wonder
full Spokane falls, the Niagara of the Pa
cifc Coast. These falls are utalized in
various ways and their power is felt in
working out many pursuits. The great fire
that swept over and destroyed this city a
few years ago was far from being the f.
nancial benefit to property owners that it
promised ut that time. True the city has
grown immensely over the old one; but
only TO swallow up those who have built
it. Insurance money and eastern capital
we're the means by which her present
elegant buildings were erected and her
broad streets and avenues were laid out and
finished. Assessments may have aided in
the latter work. The hamlets that surround
this city proper with their schosl houses,
stores and markets, connecting by electric
cars, and all within the city limits, are q
pleasing attraction. The city proper was
tastefully laid out upon bread and liberal
scale. Buildings were reared apparently
be, and is of ponderous masonry, of edifces
from one to six stories high, large and
commodious with all modern improve
ments. This great city was built since the
ere on high pressure boom Of values that
were. wholly unwarranted. Rents were
necessarily high far beyond what business
would justify. The price of real estate was
fabulous. Strange to say property owners
were sure of the continuation of this con-
dition of things that from its very nature
was bound to end in disaster sooner or
later. The evil day has come, business has
found its level and financial depression is
heavy indeed. No business could pay
these heavy rents without which the interest
on mortgages covering maLy fine buildings
could not he paid. Upon this unfortunate
turn of things hard times set in making
bad matters worse. Mines closed down,
crops failed in 1893 and found no market
of profit in 1894, etc, the employed became
an army of unemployed, and the
outlook one of doubt and perp;exity. II is
the story of other cities but not TO this ex-
tent hero owing to great indebtedness in
city buildings. Spokane has been equally
liberal in city expenditures. Even the city
fathers get fifty dollars per month. re-
view of the situation shows that these
heavy rents cannot be paid; nor interest on
many mortgages met, hence it Is predicted
that these large properties with but few
exceptions will go into the hands Of the
mortgages. Whilst tEis is hard on those
who loose their all in these properties, il is
held that the rents in these cases Of sur
render Of properties will be based on the
buildings instead of the thribLls values
upon which the mortgages Bere given.
There are q large number OF these build
nA IN fha ant
the city upon the basis of the lesser values
mentioned. This leyeling up Of values to
a living rate is found working in every
branch of business. Ii is deeper and more
serious than words can describe. The IRE
caused many TO go into debt to make the
city what il is now, bat the resulting dis
aster 10 them is greater than that caused by
the FIRE. The indebtedness Of the city as
elsewhere in similar cases is at this time
an exciting element in partixan ranks
But these hard times will crystalline all
of these unfortunate conditions in the body
Of the city into those Of resulting pros
perity. Her resources are abundant and
her energy knows Of no failure. Tnis is
the largest iail road center on the Pacific
Coast. Trains ara arriving and departing
almost every hour day and night. II is
surrounded for over a hundred miles with
stock ranches, farms and mines. Here the
great smeiier is built. Every important
mining center is connected by rail road
with this city. Markets for her cereals and
diversified products will surely come to her |
relief in good time. These mines will |
give employment 10 thousands upon tnous
ands Of men directly and indirectly with |
head quarters al Spokane But this com |
ing prosperity will be based upon \ more !
solid and economic foundation. The pop
ulation Of the city have no fears Of the |
future, even now il would seem to be |
growing for there are more voters register |
ed for the coming election than ever before |
in the history Of Spokane. There are over |
5000.
And in reference TO the coming e.cction |
1t is hard 10 predict results. Pop1iists aad i
democrats may have q majority Of the leg |
islature- Il is said John L Wilson an able |
man and prominent republican candidate |
for The s senate has advanced views |
favoring free cainage Of silver, a change in |
his opinions il this is true be is in harmony /
with three fourths Of the people al the /
state. Democratic candidates are pro
nounced in favor Of free coinage Of silver |
Populists everywhere are devided On this |
question. II Is the desire Of many to do
away with both gold and silver and ..uss q
paper currency redeemable never. Free
coinage of silver our own product would /
make this country blossom like the rose
and create degree Of happiness hers that
could be enjoyed only y-by those who know |
what unallaged happiness Is That day
will surely come.