Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1914-09-03
Letter From Washington.

Following are extracts from some of
the letters of Rev. Charles Ghiselin, who
has been in Vesta, Washington, this
summer, 10 his father, Rev. DR.. Charles
Ghiselin in Shepherdstown, which may
prove of interest to our readers:
June %.
am glad that you have such large
wheat crop at home. Potatoes are the
staple product of this country. II is too
wet and rainy for wheat and not warm
enough for corn, but potatoes grow 10
perfection. Hence, the country is ad-
vertised as the Gland OF the Big Baked
Potato"
California, Oregon, and Washington
all have woman suffrage. Because of
this fact the people expect to secure
State prohibition by the elections next
fall. With its excellent laws regarding
the minimum wages of laborers, the
eight hour limit TO work, the protection
OF child labor, the pensioning OF widows,
etc., and the careful education OF every
child, Washington puts to shame practi-
cally all of the eastern States. People
say that this is very largely due TO the
woman suffrage, which seems TO have
few practical disadvantages.
July IA.
For the last week the people around
Vesta hgve been unusually busy in cut
ting their hay crop, while the dry weather
lasts. This is their chief work during
the summer. A tremendous amount OF
profit comes from the thick timber.
However, practically all OF it is owned by
the large lumber corporations. They
make the price of land very high for
settlers. Aberdeen is the richest and
largest lumber-port in the world.
Last Sunday preached three times.
That night in the school-houSe, besides
regular attendants, there were about
eight men who work on the county road.
They are all loggers with the most deep
rooted prejudice against the Church.
Many are Socialists, belonging TO the In
ternational Worlds Workmen Associa-
ton. They give exceedingly close at
tention to a sermon, so that ii is especial
ly pleasant 10 preach to them.
July 30.
Everything is going along quietly at
Vesta. The ranch life OF the people
seldom varies. Most of them are busy
each day with their dairy work. The
roads are being constantly improved.
The chief road commissioner has just
suggested a plan 10 have all the principal
roads of the county paved with brick. II
this plan is realized, Chehalis county
will be very unique in its roads.
Last Sunday rode Is miles on horse
back and preached at all three OF my
stations. II was the first time when
preaching had been held at night IN
Brooklyn, my largest field, and the at
tendance was larger than ever before.
AT Brooklyn more people live than at
any other point on North River.
August a..
On July the 9th there was an unusually
heavy frost. Many garden plants were
killed. II has not rained now for more
than month. The Oldest residents say
that they have never before seen such
dry condition OF things.
Yesterday had very pleasant trip.
Leaving Feradale at six O'Clock a. m, ]
took the 8 O'Clock boat at Aberdeen for
Westport. Situated on the Pacific, 10
miles from Aberdeen, is the chief sea-
shore resort for all the people around
Gray's Harbor. The cool breezes on
the ship were very invigorating. ! stayed
two hours at Westport, visiting the U. 5.
lighthouse and taking swim in the Pa
ciiic. After returning to Aberdeen, got
several things for the Chambers and re-
turned home last night.
August l3.
The weather is very warm here. We
have had practically no rain for six
weeks. The sky is clouded with thick
smoke on all sides. There are some
large forest fires in the State, but none
near us. No permits are now allowed
for people to burn trees. However, the
cool nights give us great relief.
About August the oath will probably
leave Vesta on my return trip. If the
war does not prevent, | will 60 on a
lumber boat from Aberdeen to San Fran
cisco. The trip by this route costs only
a few dollars extra. Besides, it will al
low me TO see the Exposition Buildings,
Salt Lake City, Denver, etc. ] would
like very much to be at home for the
Morgan's Grove Fair. However, this
will be impossible, since wish TO stop
at the Baths for few days. am eager
to be athome and | am looking forward
with much pleasure to the visit there.
My time is fully occupied in the short
period before leave. Last Friday
night spoke before some loggers in a
nearby camp. preached last Sunday
three times, walking ten miles and driy-
ing ten miles. Last night held services
for the roadmen in the Vesta school,
house.
Your affectionate son,
CHARLES GHISELIN, JR.