The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1896-05-01
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.

DEAR ENQJIRER:-SeVerai weeks ago
| wrote YOU about the city OF Portland
from an industrial and commercial point
of view. Since then have had opportu-
nitv to see something of the social lite OF
its citizens and to learn thing or two
about the gro With and development OF one
of the most interesting and progressive
cities of the new world. There are many
towns not far distant, as for example As
toria and oregon City, which ante-date
Portland in point of settlement by many
wears, and yet they are now mere pigmies
bv the side of their prosperous rival. |
find many people here who were eye wit
nesses of the development of this heauti
full and substantial City from Il town OF
about ten thousand in 1915 to nearly one
hundred thousand in 1890 There are now
eight story business houses and magniti-
cent mansions where 4 quater of a century
ago gigantic pines grew in the primitive
forest.
Such unusual development can be at
tributed only TO the sturdy progressiveness
and practical sense of the pioneers who
first made their home in this locality. The
descendants of these gifted and enterpris
ing people now occupy in large numbers
this goodly land and contribute to the in
telligence and culture and refinement of
L ollldutt HttNt DtCil tiC itNll'ltit VI
most generous hospitality. | have en- 10y
ed the privileges Of the Arlington and the
Commercial Clubs, and of the Public Lii
brary. The doors of many happy homes
have been thrown open to me, and the cor
diality and kindness, extended on every
hand, | can but regard as in recognition
of my kinship to one who for many years
was beloved physician here, and whose
useful life is still held in sweetest memory.
The Or+g0ajan is a power in this city
1t has grown fran Il modest weekly, print
ed upon hand press, to be one of the
leading newspapers in the country Its
building is among the most conspicuous
in Portland. and was constructed at cost
of some hundreds of thousands. The or
iginal proprietor, Mr.. II. c. Pittock, is
still in charge although he has associated
with him now Mr.. H. W. Scott as joint
owner and editor | received courtesies
from these gentlemen i'll the gift of their
Baltimore exchanges which cannot be pur-
chased in this distant region.
One of the leading law firms here is that
of Messrs Williams, Wood and Linthi
cum, the two last named being Baltimo-
reans. Judge Williams is an eminent
lawyer and was the Attorney General of
President Grants Cabinet. The people
of Portland hold him in highest respect,
which he has well earned by his disting
uished ability and honorable career. Mr..
Wood is a gifted man and holds very
prominent position in the social, political
and professional circles of the city. My
young friend, Mr.. Stewart B. Linthicum,
desc rves the highest need of praise for his
successful career. He came here a stran
ger about twelve years ago, and is now
not only a member of one of the leadin g
law firms, but is looked upon by all as a
solid and influential citizen.
The Portland Hotel, the joint property
of some of the wealthy people here, is a
credit to the city. 1t represents an outlay
of about seven hundred thousand dollars;
is admirably conducted and enjoys repu-
tation that is not confined to this Cont
neut
The city is now full of political excite
| ment over a State election which will be
| held on June 1st. There are no less than
| five tickets in the field besides number
of Independent candidates. The Demo
Gratis are in minority but, on account of
| of factional fight among the Republicans,
expect to elect the local ticket this year.
The financial question is an all absorbing
one here. Both parties are divided on the
| issue, but the prevailing sentiment in the
State is against the free coinage of silver.
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