The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-17

Controversy over the petition Of the
Northern Pacific Railway Company for
the vacation OF certain streets near the
water front for depot purposes, broke out
afresh at the meeting OF the Chamber
Of Commerce yesterday afternoon, and
despite the efforts Of peacemakers were
famed into very respectable brilliancy
by the oratorical efforts of a number of
partisans who were present.
The debate on the depot question was
not on the programme, but nevertheless
proved the feature Of the meeting. 1t
was innocently brought about by Secre-
tary Prosch I'm reading the reply of
President Mellen, OF the Northern Pacific,
TO written invitation extended to him
by Mr.. Prosoh to address the chamber
upon the local railroad situation Mr..
Prosch's invitation was written April IA,
shortly after President Hill. Of the Great
Northern, delivered his celebrated adj
dress to the chamber on the same sub
ject
Mr.. Prosch, as he explained during the
debate yesterday. had no intention OF
reviving the controversy, but merely
wished 70 carry out the apparent desire
of the chamber TO hear fully from the
presidents of both the great transcon-
tinental lines their views on the CONNER
cial prospects Of Seattle.
Mr. Melien's answer to the invitation.
however. while eminently courteous in
every way, had the effect OF again array
ing against one another the partfsans
in the controversy In a debate as to
whether the communication should be
merely filed. or should be tabled, or
should be deemed worthy OF reply. A
motion to file at last prevailed.
II IL Mr.. Mellen's belief that the pres
ent is hardly opportune time for him
20 visit Seattle for the purpose of dis
cussing the railroad situation and fur
Their agitate the depot question. He says
plainly that ne thinks II better to allow
the matter 10 rest for a few months and
then allow the citizens of Seattle. with
out prejudice to have another opportun-
fly 10 consider the overtures of the
Northern Pacific.
Mr.. Prosch's Letter.
The correspondence between Mr.. Prosch
and Mr. Mellen is of considerable inter-
est to all who are familiar with the facts
in the water front controversy, and Is
herewith given In full. The letter from
Mr.. Prosch TO Mr. Mellen is dated April
IA. and is as follows:
Dear Sir: A week ago today the Seat
tie Chamber of Commerce had the pleas
ure OF listening to an address upon the
local railroad situation by President Hill.
OF the Great Northern company. printed
report of which you may have seen. Mr..
I'm talked OF the contemplated passenger
depot here. of local freight yards, of
wharves. ships in the foreign trade and
like matters OF general interest II was
gratifying to our members TO be thus Ia
vored by him, and the character OF his
statements was eminenty satisfactory To
the people at large.
my object in writing to you at this time
and In this connection IL to invite you to
meet the members OF the chamber In a
similar way upon the occasion or your
next visit. We Will be glad indeed TO have
from you an expression OF the sentiments
stf uatf MI n "A I'd "A M al
your business intentions toward this place.
The Northern Pacific company has invest
ed here In terminal properties over mill
lion dollars, perhaps two millions. This
money was not spent idly and without de-
sign. The lands secured include some nd
mrab1y adapted for passenger depot pur-
poses: others for local freight terminals.
and still others for deep water wharves.
shipping and foreign commerce Another
interest the company has, and especially
in connection with Its ally, the Seattle &
International Is In the use OF Railroad
avenue. with privileges TO the wharves
and shops on either side Upon these va
rious questions you can easily prepare a
talk that Will be instructive and valuable
I'm signifying your compliance with this
request please let us know the hour and
the day when II will be agreeable for you
to meet us. Yours truly,
THOMAS w. PROSCH, Secretary"
MIR. McIicn's Answer.
Mr.. Mellen's letter is dated st. Paul.
hAN IL anu ItANS us tbttDNNs
Dear Sir: Your favor OF the iith ult.
was received during my absence In the
East, where was detained a much longer
time than usual. and have been unable TO
Etve the same attention, in consequence,
until now.
Nothing would give me more pleasure
than TO meet the members Of your organi-
ration and discuss with them. IN a friendly
way, the matter OF terminal facilities in
your city, but Il Is a question in my mind
whether the present Is an opportune time
for reasons which viii explain.
We had, after great labor and careful
study OF tho situation. and an expenditure
OF the greater portion Of million dollars
I'm real estate, submitted 20 the authorities
of your city plan that TO our mind.
seemed liberal In the extreme. and 20 pro-
vide your city with facilities second 70
none on tho Pacific coast for the hAndlin.
Of large business
while We expected to be received with
Kindness and consideration, We had hardly
a respectful hearing. owing. We believed
c. influences cNertcd by our competitor.
and our plans were rejected without sug-
Kcstion % compromise (Which NO should
have been glad Co have entertained ia
deed. In such a way that there seemed lit
tic opportunity Tor further attempt ON our
part 20 relieve the situation from which
your city has suffered for so many years.
Northern raciac's Attitude.
I'VE had shown our confidence in the
disposition 81 your city by investing
large amount 81 money before asking any
thing in return. our plans contemplated
the expenditure 90 as much more. and
never IN eur experience ia any section or
our territory have oar efforts 90 please
been received with $40 little consideration
and such scaut courtesy IL seemed.
therefore, upon tho rejection 81 oar over
lures, there was nothing 10 a. but wait.
and We have been waiting patiently for
those Who opposed Us 20 realize (what We
believe to 30 the csscl that there b. no one
at the present ;.ne able or Willing 90 fur
ulsb the facilities you So much need other
than our company, and that the opposition
10 Gar plans was not based upon good
grounds. but vas simply The desire ~ a
party 20 prevent a competitor from sA,ar-
ms such Improved facilities that ne would
suffer IN his share 81 your patronage by
comparison.
An o3lect leSscr seemed desirable and
time was going 20 work FOR US materially,
and later. when the conditions we're 81
manifest that the most preiudiccd could
understand. ana you were without the IA
allltlos We were aa3 are only too glad 70
--,rnish, then. realizing you Aaa been de-
CeiVed. ) gu might be In a frame OF mind
60 moro faToraely consider that which was
onhs conceived in your interest ana benefit
70 greater extent than our own.