The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1912-05-30


dentiaD Lynn, Mass. Your letter will
be opened, read and answered by
WGluan and held in strict confidence,
There is not much manufacturing in Cali
fornia; nearly all the goods used here are
made in the East. passed several very
enjoyable weeks here visiting friends
and taking in the sights.
April 25th, started homeward by the
Southern Pacific coast line to San Fran
cisco through the beautiful cities of Santa
Barbara and Santa Cruz and for many
miles by the side of the Pacific Ocean and
through the giant redwood trees, which
were wonderful sight to behold, tower
ing hundreds of feet in the air. In San
Francisco spent the day with my son
and took a farewell ride over the city
where l had spent so many pleasant
months. That night l took the Southern
Pacific train at Oakland for old Maine
once more. went on the Shasta Route,
the road of a thousand wonders, crossing
San Pablo Bay on what is claimed to be
the largest ferry boat in the world; then
on to Sacramento, the capital, then up
through the hills to Shasta Springs, where
the train stopped short time for the
passengers to get out and get drink of
the famous Shasta Spring water, which
is celebrated and has very large sale
for its medicinal qualities. 1t has very
bitter, sulphurous taste. In some places
fifty feet. We went up into the noun
tains within short distance of Mount
Shasta, which was covered with snow
several feet deep. They say there is
snow on the mountains the year around,
while just below in the valley flowers
were blooming and nature was at its
lovliest Surely it was great contrast
in short distance We had very long
train, nearly half mile long, and it took
three engines to pull US up the noun
tains. The road winds round and round
zig tagging first this way and that, with
deep chasms with rushing waters below
US and high peaks towering over our
heads on the other side. 1t certainly was
a wild and majestic sight. We passed
through several long tunnels. We went
into one tunnel directly under the track
we had gone over several miles back.
The houses and settlements were few
and far between and it appeared to me
as if it must be very lonely for the in
habitants.
We now leave California and strike
into the State Of Oregon, which is a
mountainous looking country with snow
clad peaks and jagged rocks. But there
are some fine fertile valleys and nice
looking farms. 1t looks more productive
and better for farming than California.
There are many fine lakes and rivers in
Oregon; many more than in California,
and there is great deal more rainfall,
so that there is no need of irrigation.
We now reach Portland, Oregon, and
make short stop there. Portland is a
fine, large, hustling city with a great
deal of commerce and shipping.
We soon strike into the great State
of Washington, with its many mountains,
valleys, lakes and rivers. There are
some thrifty looking farms in the valleys.
We reach Tacoma, an enterprising
city of 100, 600 Inhabitants, and about 20
miles from there is the large city of
Seattle with 100000. Seattle is a large
city, full of business and activity. 1t
has a great many fine buildings, large
commerce and a fine water front. l
spent several hours there and had a
chance to look the city over pretty we'll.
Monday, April 10Th, we enter into the
State of Idaho, having taken the Chica-
20, Milwaukee and Puget Sound R. R.
at Seattle for Chicago. 1t is new road,
just completed last year, and goes
through some grand and wild scenery.
There is great deal Of numbering and
milling in Idaho. It was very wet and
rainy and some of the houses were near
ly surrounded by water. 1t is wild,
rough looking country.
The buildings are mostly rough, I'M
painted and shabby through Oregon,
Washington and Idaho. They do not
look much like the pretty, painted build
ings, nice lawns and up-to-date surround
ings of our homes in Maine and New
England. Every little settlement usually
has two or three saloons, which seem to
be about the first thing necessary to
start town out here. went around