Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1899-06-22
LETTER FROM THE FAR WEST.
SEATTLE, Wash, June Is, 1899.

EDITOR ''SHEAF: :"
If space permits, we will again give
a brief description Of the scenes and
adventures we have enjoyed during
the past two weeks. Most Of our
time has been spent in this city, and
we have, during that time, become
somewhat acquainted with it's al
fairs. Seattle, the metropolis OF the
state, is a city OF about $4,000 in
habitants In commercial import
ance it is, perhaps, next to San
Francisco of all cities along the Paci-
fic coast. 1t is situated on Elliott
Bay, which is part Of Puget Sound,
and has very fine harbor, which
gives it natural commercial advan-
tages. 1t is the headquarters for
Alaskan and Oriental trade. 1t has
been the center of the Klondike
boom, and, Judging from the great
number Of steamers leaving daily
with passengers and freight for these
northern regions, it would seem that
the "gold craze" has not yet died
out. We have, however, not yet
found any one who has made his
fortune in the Klondike. Numerous
Alaska Outftting Stores may be
seen, displaying goods OF every des-
cription for the use OF Alaskan trav-
elers. An "Alaska Home" especially
ATTRACTED our attention. This is a
portable dwelling house about 6 or
8 feet square, shaped like a pioneers
:shanty. 1t is made Of aluminium,
with a door, and several small win
dows made of mica glass. Inside it
is lined with felt so that it is very
comfortable. 1t may be taken apart
and folded up for transportation
and weighs only $50 pounds.
A few words more about Seattle.
1t is very hilly, and extends over a
large area. Very beautiful scenery
surrounds it. The city has several
beautiful parks. Among them may
be mentioned the Leschi Park, where
the city keeps large number Of wild
animals. Among the rare animals
here may be mentioned two seals,
and a Puma, from South America.
Considering all it's natural advan-
tages, this city will, undoubtedly, in
the near future be one OF the leading
cities OF the west. The state OF
Washington, with it's forests OF tim
Der, it's almost unlimited deposits OF
metal, and other natural resources,
will in a few years be one OF the fore
most states of the Union.
One day this week we paid visit
to the U. S. Revenue Cutter McCul-
loch, which was then lying in harbor
1t is the first ship Of Dewey's famous
feet to enter this harbor, having
lately arrived from Manila. 1t was
quite an interesting thing to see as
it is not only the finest revenue cut
ter afoat, but it's starboard aft six
pound gun fired the opening shot OF
that great battle, which did not end
until the Spanish fleet was totally
annihilated. On her upper decks are
mounted two one-pound rapid firing
guns which were taken from one OF
the Spanish cruisers. The handle OF
one OF the guns bear marks OF an
American shell which struck the
Spanish ship and killed a number OF
the crew. "A real live Spanish cat,
that bears a mark OF a wound re-
ceived in the battle, is the pet Of the
jackissof the McCulloch.
Yesterday we made a trip by
steamer to the U. S. Dry Docks at
Port Orchard, about Is miles from
Seattle. Here we had the opportuni-
ty to see the battleship "Iowa,"
which is now lying at dry-dock there.
The "Iowa" belongs to the highest
class Of completed battleships, hav-
ing a displacement Of 11,410 tons.
1t carries four 12-inch guns, eight
S-inch guns, besides numerous small
er guns, including a number OF rapid
firing guns. Through the courtesy
OF it's officers we were allowed to go
on deck, and were given the freedom
to examine the ship. from top to
bottom 1t was with feeling OF
pride we recalled the part that this
battleship, under the gallant COM
mand Of Fighting Bob" Evans,
took in the battle Of Santiago Bay
on the morning OF July 8, '98. To
this ship, also, is given the honor Of
firinp the first shot of that hatt1e