The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-07
Protect the Pub.ic Interest.

& One week ago this morning the POST
Intelligencer presented to its readers
the plans submitted by the Northern
Pacific for extensive terminal Improves
ments in this city. At the same time It
asked general expression Of opinion
by the citizens Of Seattle, and threw
open its columns to communications on
the subject. The offer was accepted by
our people with gratifying readiness.
Every letter received at this office and
coming within the conditions prescribed
~ to length and freedom from PERSONAL
tiles has been printed. The mind Of the
community has been enlightened and
its visw broadened. Information has
been made general and interest is more
than ever alive. Our columns have be-
come a true forum forsthe people. ..
Certain conclusions may be stated
now as broadly established for the pub
lie good. 1t Is that which must be al
ways FIRST In mind. It is that, we are
proud to see, which appears as the con-
trolling factor In the minds Of those
who are working out the solution OF
problems that are Of today. burt whose
influence for good or evil stretches far
into the unseen future Of our hopes.
The question now and always is: what
DOES the position Of Seattle, It's busi-
ness. its needs. its faith IN destiny OF
commercial supremacy demand and
what does It forbid?" Any man and
any newspaper which should fail to
make this the controlling consideration.
which should permit any lower motive
or interest to creep In would be un-
worthy Of partnership in our Inherit
ance: a slayer Of self-interest as well as
traitor to the public veal. No higher
/ consideration, none high or low is adj
missible but our duty to our city and
our care for Its splendid fortunes.
OF the facts which we consider estab-
there should be no hasty or precipitate
action on the part of our council. OF
elaboration, wisdom is born. 1t is true
that the railroad facilities Of Seattle.
especially rs relates to passenger bust
ness. are inadequate and shameful. But
we have endured this condition for some
time. and we can better bear its brief
continuance than we can the conse-
quences of blunder. That which is
surrendered of public privilege cannot
be regained. Therefore, no action should
be taken until the Judgment of dispas-
sionate men has been satisfied not only
that this would be good arrangement
for the city, but that it would be the
best possible.
1t Ia equally obvious that no monop-
that amounts to practical control of
entrance or exit to Seattle should ever
be granted to any railroad or corpora
ton. No one should be placed, through
any grant Of public favor, In such a
position that all others would be per-
manently at disadvantage as COM
pared to 1t. The topography of Seattle
makes this no Imaginary danger. To
the north and to the south there is room
for handling land and ocean business
with ease The connecting link be-
tween these districts. the throat of COM
merce. the pass through which it must
defile unchallenged Is the narrow strip
of level ground that lies opposite the
business center between high hills on
one side and deep water on the other.
1t is the key to our position. Along II
and across 1t viii pass the streams Of
an imperial commerce. Who holds that
may dictate to our trade. As that
narrow gate no toll gatherer should
ever be allowed to sit. To keep it open
to all comars for all time means the
preservation of opportunity.
II u not wise for q man. business