The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-10-14
SEATTLE. THURSDAY, OCT. II.
PROSPERITY FOR coat.


We are now out OF the region OF
theory through which the country
passed during the presidential cam
palgn ana the debates on the tariff In
congress. We have arrived at that
point where the proof of the pudding Is
10 be determined in the eating.
The staple products Of Puget sound
are lumber and coal Lumber Is easily
accessible. and has therefore formed a
much more considerable share than
coal. which can only be obtained at a
considerable outlay beyond that re-
quIred for a skid road and temporary
camp. The extent of the coal fields OF
Western Washington has long been
known and highly enlogized, but their
development has been retarded OF late
years by the competition of Australian
vessels. which carried coal 10 San Fran
cisco almost as Enthusiastically our
principal market--and took away
wheat In return. Our mines could not
compete with such cheap transporta-
ton, and our trade has languished I'M
Gil the present time.
Since the ningley tariff went into Of
feet the number of mills has increased
considerably. but what is OF more inn
portance. the loggers are receiving bet
ter prices. and the millmen as well as
the employees are able 10 make profit.
For the past three or four years lumber
and its products have been shipped
from Puget sound In enormous quaint
ties, but IL is we'll known that this was
done only for the purpose of keeping
the larger mills running. and has been
done at sacrifice on the part OF the
mill owners.
The increase in the volume OF BUSH
ness In the lumber trade may therefore
not be 80 notable MS IN the coal trade.
although tho difference In the aggre-
gate OF value would afford all the owl
dence headed. II that could be obtained.
The wonderful Improvement in the coal
business. howeyeT, e TO he seer at a
glance. The statistics of production nj
the mines. OF fFeighuns over the rail-
roads. and az exports scheduled IN
ships manifests. .orm triplicate
check, which makes II impossible TO in
dulge in any exaggeratiau. The IN
crease hss been apparent ever since the
new tariff went into effect: the coal
mines of the district have been running
on full slime, ana many thousands OF
dollars have gene iato the pockets OF
the miners. Every stage OF the move
nlent OF coal has required the employ
ment OF moro men. Tho novel sight Of
four large ships loading coal for San
Francisco At one time is seen. Tie CO.
hlmbla & Puget Sound Railroad Com
Tany he's doubled It's net earnings in
a year. The coal department OF the
Oregon Improvement Company netted
sls.e9S for the ncnth Of August. an IN
crease OF more than $4,000 a month
over the year 1896.
These are the conditions which are
putting money snto the pockets OF the
coal miners an! the storekeepers AZ
the mines. anording additional employ
ment 70 men on the railroads and n,
the hunkers and Incidentally keeping
busy ionsshoremen. ship chambers.
foantries and all the other occupations
incidental 20 the presence az ships In
q harhor.
These are the facts which are con
vineing people ;ha' We can better suffer
the disadvantages Of tariff. and be
prosperous. than enjoy all the advaa-
tages Of free trade. and be poor.