The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1896-10-08
A VISIT TO PORTLAND.
Oreron Industrial Exposition . COM
plete Success.

Oreron Industrial Exposition COM
plete Success.
Special Correspondence.
Portland, Or, Sept. 22.-The trip TO
this place was pleasant as the weatn-
er was fine. We arrived safe Saturday
morning; and that evening we attend
cd the Portland Exposition. | sawalt
last year. The music hall IS reveal
ton of beauty this year. Over the
stage is large Old Glory in electric
lights; and every ten feet row OF IN
candescents around the concave roof
Eliminates the hall softly and ceau-
tifully.
The fruit exhibits are not so large
this year as last; nor is the art gallery
quite SO full. The first floor exhibits,
however, surpass in artistic taste those
of '95.
Saturday night, the 26th, was Elks'
night, and the biggest crowd OF the
season was present. There really was
not room enough for comfort. Zen
thousand people occupy great deal OF
space; and l have an idea that over
than number was present. Governor
Lord presided over the Elks' cere-
monies. The lower floor was given up
to the Elks, who, as Gyps1es, had
tents, before each Of which was an ele-
CANT spieler.
Monday night, the 28th. was the
Merchants carnival, or Mardi Gras
This was a real panorama of the manu-
featuring and commerce of this neck OF
the woods. A full account OF that,
however, must go over till my next let
ter.
On entering, the first exhibit is that
of Odds & King, greatest dry goods
and housefurnishings store OF the
Northwest. Cut glass. exquisite table
china and bric-a-brac occupy a large
space. You know, | always liked this
house. Last Fourth, it was the only
big retail house shut all day. 1t gave
twice as much to the celebration fund
as competitors who kept open half day
to "recoup." Olds & Kings fall cata-
logue is out, free to all by mail on re-
quest. With it one may shop as we'll
by mail as in person. Olds and / are
old friends, and his houses word is as
good as any government bond.
There are many novelties at the Elk
position. Every afternoon and even
ing there is excellent music, besides
special features in the evenings.
When you think that all this wealth of
70 in fr n.
ton may be had for twenty-five cents
for adults and ten cents for children,
it is easy to see that in spite Of hard
times, the hall presents an animated
scene every night.
1t felt like receiving old friends when
l looked at Mitchell, Lewis & Staver
Co.. g great display of farm wagons,
wood carts, and agricultural machin-
cry. The wagon bought of this house
four years ago has never cost me ono
dollar for repairs. The firm has re-
moved to immense quarters at First
and Taylor, where in spite OF dull
times, its enormous business has grown.
This comes from selling only best
goods on guarantee, and, as far as my
experience goes, at less dollars than
elsewhere.
Monday 1 took a walk through the
new city hall here. 1t is truly mag
nificent structure. In years to come
the wisdom of having such municipal
accommodations will be justified in
public approval at the outlay which at
one time caused no inconsiderable
difference of opinion among members
of all parties.
The biggest clothing store l ever saw
is the Famous, Second and Morrison.
What's more, the great business was
built on the one price system, with
best $40 mems suits and $40 Overcoats
as leaders. They perhaps sell more
Sc. 80 macintoshes than all Portland
put together, mail orders coming
from farmers and logging camps all
over the Northwest. Visitors are al
ways welcome. The vast establish
ment is worth as much to see as any
feature of the Exposition.
Our little party will be here for
week or two longer. Tell the boys we
are having pretty good time. but will
be home to vote. EZEKIEL.