The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-10-23

limited quantities the city had made great
progress no to lSs2. but since that time
was Informed by both Mr.. z ". pcei vice
president of the chamber OF commerce.
and Mr.. Alfred $. Talimadge secretary Il
has been difficult for this city TO hold its
own. There il hope that with eood times
much OF the abundant ore of Minnesota
will be manufactured into iron in the state.
The hard wood forests OF Wisconsin,
says Mr.. r. v. Smaiisy. who perhaps
more than any other man. has laid the
wonders OF this region before the world.
Tie at our doors. and are penetrated by
numerous lines of railway entering St
Paul" Already this city has some OF the
largest wood working concerns in the
world and a number of enterprises in the
line of interior furnishings
In isa@ the prospect was good for the
manufacture Of wool, by reason of the
Northwest becoming a great wool caun-
try. The blankets of this region are world
renowned. With proper protection for the
wool growers OF Minnesota. the two Da-
kotas. Montana. Washington and oregon.
and for the WOODEN manufacturer. the es-
tablishment OF extensive factories for spe-
ctalties in this locality would certainly
follow. The basis OF this industry has suf-
fered far too much by the free wool tsr,u
TO be hopeful at this time. though the sue
cess of Mckinley and settled protective
policy would result in an Improvement In
these allied interests-one agriculture. the
other manufacturing Here we have an H.
iustration of the close connection of agr!-
culture with manufactures.
The extensive tannery enterprises make
ST. Paul good point for the manufacture
OF boots and shoes and leather goods OF
all kinds. The home market IL not half
tai hs
dawn of better times would show marked
improvements in this important line of
manufacture. Glass and paper could also
he made 10 great advantage in ST. Paul.
The raw materials for both Industries
abound In large quantities.
glance at the following table shows
the effects OF these times of depression on
community which under ordinary con-
ditions would have shown far greater
increase:
Johbin~ -. ISL sos 900 sie2 22siis S4s 4sl. go
Manufactrs. %. 900 81 -. sos "a 80 coo
st. Paul Is only at the threshold OF Its
growth There IL no reason why she
should not have doubled the value OF her
manufactures between 1880 and 1885 In
stead OF an increase OF si3.ooo.0o. Had IL
not been for he financial disturbance the
leading merchants aud manufacturers OF
81. Paul informed me that the tobbng
business fer lSa5 would have reached
s2J9, o9ooo1 and the value OF the products
OF manufactures at least 500 Ne.pn. With
It's opportunities ST. Paul will recover, bat
it viii show such growth in the future
as In the period before fSa2 until we have
a settled tariff policy and sound finances.
Were II not for these political dis
turbanees the outlook for business in st.
-.rf.
spoke Mr.. Tallmadge Of the chamber OF
commerce. up 20 and including 1872 We
were doing splenddIy. Our labor and cap
ital were employed. plenty OF new build
ing was going on, and manufacturing IN
creasing. and other wholesale business In
good shape. Then came the Cleveland PAN
&c. and of course 81. Paul with the rest
OF the country. suffered severely. Enter
prlses that would have been carried on
10 completion have stopped. and many
wage-esrners were thrown out OF work.
Early last fall ii looked hopeful again. es-
pecially when Republican victory seemed
certain. The bright outlook did not con-
time. however, and things We're duh dur
ing the winter months"
How I'd the year fsSs openg'
Hopefully. The early half OF the year
was very good from business point OF
view. and until this new disturbance for
free and unlimited coinage of silver struck
us We were rapidly recovering
lyon feel ihe effects OF this agitation,
thenst'
Most assuredly. Had II not been for the
element OF uncertainty thrown into the
election the building alone In this city
during the present Summer and fall would
have been tremendous. II simply stopped
because people were afraid 10 invest mon
,ey even in this progressive city. I; Is
ready 10 go ahead next spring IL Mckinley
is elected Other industries will also pick
up again. and every idle workman IN
this region % the country Will End plenty
81 employment at good wages. This Is
not idls talk nor political taik rat plain.
matter-of-fart business talk. Yoa can
verify IL In every business establishment
In the city"
And I cams very near dosngs this. for
every BUSHES man met had substantially
the same story 70 tell
ROBERT r. PORTER.