The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-04-19
Northern Pacific Leases


Land Commissioner C.. H. Phi ps, OF
the N. p. who is now on the Sound,
states that the policy with regard to
the company lands will be changed
and prices generally reduced. He is
alive to the fact that what Washington
most needs is the development of its
agricultural interests, and he intends
aiding its growth by more reasonable
land contracts. To the Tacoma Led
ger, he made the following statements
in part of the new policy: ~ am very
much concerned about the development
of the country along the line of the
Northern Pacific railroad, as such
development means increased traffic
and prosperity to the company as well
as to the section of the country which
the road traverses. Every effort of the
land department will be made to
accomplish this end. During the
boom times few years ago the de
mand for lands, particularly in west
ern Washington, was very large and
prices were advanced materially.
Since then, however, the demand
has fallen off and former prices, ]
believe, much too high. In order to
induce settlement and improvements of
the railroad lands, a material reduction
in price has already been made and
lands can now be acquired at such
prices ard upon such terms as will ]
am sure, induce their purchase and
improvement by settlers in large mum
bers. Good agricultural lands in
Washington can be purchased of the
company at prices rangin from $3.50
to $1,000 per acre, according to loca-
ton. BY far the greater proportion of
the agricultural lands can be acquired
at So or less per acre.
What Washington needs beyond
all else, in my judgement, is the devel-
opment of it's agricultural resources,
and l think that by thus pursuing a
liberal policy the land department OF
the railroad will aid greatly in accom-
plishing this result"
"Some time ago it was stated that
the price OF the company's timber
lands had been materially advanced.
Soon after I took charge of the de-
partment ordered the timber lands
withdrawn temporarily from sale
This was done to inform myself to some
extent as to the location, quality and
value of the same, but applications
for timber during this time were al
ways received and considered and in a
number of instances small lots of
timber were disposed Of At no time
has the price of timber been advanced.
81 believe that the timber lands of
the company should be handled and
disposed of with view to the build
ing up of the lumber industry of the
state. The great pine forests of Mich
igan, Wisconsin and Minnesota are
rapidly disappearing and already
many of the manufacturers in those
states are looking about for new loca-
tons. Aside from the timber of west
ern Montana and Idaho, the quality
OF which is net generally superior, there
is no timber of any consequence west
OF Minnesota until Washington is
reached. With the recurrence of bet
ter prices for lumber, which are sure
soon to come, these manufacturers
are bound to seek for new sites upon
the sound. The Northern Pacific, by
reason of its holdings of large bodies
OF excellent timber in compact form
offers inducements to these people for
the establishment of mills in this state
beyond anything that can be obtained
elsewhere. All the lands of the com
pany are in the market and will be
disposed of on the most liberal terms
| Tho Nox.r Do;l~noI