The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-09-26
THE GOLDEN WEST.
1888 Park Place, N. W.
Washington, D. C.
gz12-f9

Editor Midland Journal.
We had wonderful trip and visit
in the Golden West. Seattle is the
chief city of Washington, being LIST
in commercial Importance and End
in size of the Pacific N. w. The
Ocean Commerce of the city is
enormous, especially in lumber,
wheat an d coal. Washington
grandest mountain is Rainier, and is
perpetually covered with snow. 1t
rises to a height of 14,425 it,, and is
the highest point known. Thousands
of tourist annually visit this spot
and are wonderfully repaid, by the
magnificent scenery.
The Cascade Mts. traverse the en-
tire states of Washington and Ore
gon. West of the Cascade are the
Olympic Mts. Their precipitous
slopes constitute forest reserve and
form the most heavily timbered
region in the United States. The
characteristic feature of Western
Washington is Puget Sound, a great
land locked body of water, with an
area of about 1000 square miles,
surrounded by rugged scenery OF
extremt beauty One is impressed
with the broad policies of the state
of Washington. They seem to have
partaken spiritually of the great
peaceful waters and of the glorious
glistening peaks which stand as SEN
tinels of progress within view. To
form some little conception Of the
activity in Seattle, traffic officer
counted 10000 pedestrians passing a
business corner in one hour.
In crossing the Cascade, July Srd,
we passed through wonderful timber
lands; wish could tell of their true
height and circumference, but many
were large enough for dining tables
of no small proportions. Snoqual-
annie Falls, one of the attractions
enroute, is higher than Niagara,
though not so wide, is fed by the
melting snow from the lofty Cas-
cades, which comes dashing with
alarming rapidity over the abrupt
falls, foaming in glistening beauty
as it dashes on to the beautiful fertile
valley beyond. The roads were in
fine condition and the ascent gradual
until the final climb, reaching the
summit at the height of 3010 #.
There was snow on all sides and we
could see the clouds rise, as smoke
from a chimney. The scenery was
marvellous, and as we autoed on the
mountain lodges close by the ledge
of deep ravines or lakes some hun
bred it. below, ones sense of admira-
ton changed to a peculiar sensa-
ton resembling timidity.
One can scarce realize the progress
that has been made, for within the
memory of men yet living, this
western country was a vast unbrOken
forest, spreading itself over the val
ley and climbing near the top of the
snowy peaks, which stand like silent
sentries, always on guard. The Red
Man came with his tawny skin,
watching the autumn. hues, and with
moccasined feet climbed with un-
firing strength the mountain crest.
The feet-footed deer learned to fear
the swift and unerring arrow shot
from his bow. The fish hid meath
the rocks that he might not find
them with his sharp bone spear.
Time changes all things. One
morning the vanguards of civiliza-
ton came marching over the noun
tains, invading this solitude. Toll
ing up the mountain to the very top
came the white man with a dusky
maiden guide. AS they stood upon
the rocky crest, viewing the valley
and the distant shining ocean ia.
below, Sacajawea, the Indian woman,
babe them farewell, for her task was
completed. So with tagging step
she retraced her way down the
mountain side. The trail had been
blazed. The Red man at first gave
friendly welcome, but soon learn
ed to fear this steady onward march
of a strange people who invaded his
hunting grounds. Soon the steep,
rocky ways through the mountains
gave place to long shining iron trails
that lead quickly back to the foun-
tain head of civilization. All was
changed where once the virgin forest
had been, now busy rushing metrop-
oils of civilization stand.
A warm-hearted welcome awaits
the traveller in this distant land, and
he will find plenty places of interest
to visit. An easterner will have an
eye-opener at the hospitality and
perhaps will learn lesson worthy of
imitation, for it is Familiarity under
stood in the west that the eastern
people are conservative.
After; eight months sojourn in this
wild and woody" west IL was with