The matter of this Report on Washington Territory is so arranged that
the reader, by referring to the table of contents, can turn at once to
any particular topic. The report is divided into six chapters, to wit:
_First_, Itinerary, which mentions briefly the places I visited, and the
dates.
_Second_, A General Account of Washington Territory, which includes
something of its History, its Location, and its great Pacific Market.
Under the last of these heads is given a large body of facts which will
surprise any one who has not studied the peculiar commercial advantages
of our Pacific States, and above all, of Puget Sound. There is also
given some account of the topography, climate, soils and natural
vegetation, with special stress upon the great forests of the Puget
Sound basin. The lumber industry is next described, followed by a
somewhat full account of agricultural products, especially those of the
Great Plain of the Columbia River. Finally, in this division, something
is said of the available labor of the country.
_Third_, Geology of Washington Territory. In one division I endeavor to
give the Historical and Structural Geology of the Territory, and in
another division I give the Economic Geology. In the latter I describe
the beds of coal, iron ore, granite, limestone and marble, and also the
ores of the precious and base metals as they have been discovered in all
parts of the Territory.
_Fourth_, the special interests of the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern
Railway are discussed. I begin with Seattle, to show its advantages as a
terminus. I then say something of the terminal property owned by this
Company, and of the suburban interests of many kinds, such as
residences, parks, gardens and industrial works which are likely to grow
up along the first twenty miles of this railway. I then take up the
great timber interest along the line, which, in its magnitude and value,
will give this road pre-eminence over all others. The agricultural
products along the line are next spoken of. I then take up the great
coal interest which will minister so largely to the road--an interest
whose magnitude can be readily inferred from the fact that this railway
will pass through, or near, five and perhaps six distinct coal fields
between Puget Sound and the Columbia River. I next show the advantages
which this road will have in the development of the great magnetic
iron-ore beds on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, and also the
remarkable juxtaposition of ore, flux and fuel, which are found in the
Snoqualmie Valley. Attention is also called to the business which is
likely to arise from the limestones, marble and granite for building and
monumental purposes. Finally, I call attention to the great advantage
which this road will have, or, at least, may have, in controlling the
large and increasing business connected with the mines of precious and
base metals, which are being opened north and east of this line.
_Fifth_, Cities and Towns are briefly noticed which will, or may, bear
an important relation to the Seattle Road.
_Sixth_, a supplementary chapter, giving latest information.