Spokane County, Washington - Chapter 16: Spokane City, Coxtixff.n 189o to I9oo, 1900

Chapter 16: Spokane City, Coxtixff.n 189o to I9oo

The year following the fire might l)e pertinently designated the building year, in which time one hundred business Ijlocks, costing from thirty thousand dollars to two hundred anil fifty thousand dollars, were erected. i\ls(j (jne thousand residences, the aggregate value of all being estimated at fi\e million dollars. Take it all in all tliis year was proliably the n";f'Si memurajjlc and e\'entful one in the history of tne city.

It was a year of mar\-elous devclo])ment and prosperity, hardly paralleled in the history of the cotmtry. There was a remarkable expansion of Inisiness interests in all directions. The business houses increased durmg the year from fiiur hundred and eighty-nme to one thousand. 'Ilie volume of business done bv the rolling mills amounted to two million dollars, and that of the flour mills nearly a million. The railroads did a business in freight amounting to nearly two million dollars. Real estate sales aggregated seventeen million dollars, and the assessment of real and personal property in city and county reached the enormous sum of fifteen million dollars. The business more than doubled, and the increase of commerce was fully equal and the population augmented fifty per cent. The year was marked by the completion of the O. R. & N. Railroad into the city, giving advantage of two transcontinental railrcads as well as an entrance into the rich Cccur d' Alene country and the fertile Palouse. In addition to this, the Spokane Falls & Northern Railroad was constructed from the city as far as Colville and making rapid progress toward the Cokimbia. A corporation had been organizetl the year before with A. A. Newberry as president, and some surveying was made. They fortunately succeeded in interesting Mr. D. C. Corbin in the enterprise, through whose energetic management tiie road was constructed. It made a fertile and rich country tributary to Spokane. IMuch was expected and the most sanguine expectations liave been reahzed.

The expenditure on the road during this year was about one and a c^uarter million dollars, and more than the one hundred thousand dollars bonus received from the citizens of Spokane were applied to improvements within the city. This year the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad was constructed as far as Davenport. During this year there were altogether two hundred and seventy-five luiles of railroad built from Spokane. Nearly half a million dollars were subscribed in subsidies. This year the Ross Park Car line was Iniilt at an expense of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, also the cable road to Natatorium Park. The Washington \\'ater Power & Electric Light Companies extended their plants, the former taking possession of the C. £; C. Mills ; the city water works were greatly increased at an expense of one hundred thousand dollars, and ten miles of street grading was done with twenty-two more established. During this year five bridges spanned the Spokane river and it was estimated that no less than fifty thousand people landed at our stations. This year the garb of statehood was donned, adding dignity to all around. It passed Congress January i8th, the Senate, February 12th, and had President Cleveland's signature February 22d. On July 4th, delegates met at Olympia to form a state constitution, which was ratified at a general election held October ist, by a vote of 40,152 against 11,789. The year 1890 was one in which

Among the liea<lings of the I\e\'!ew for January i, 1891, we find, "SiJokane Leads tlie World," "A Stupendous Record." The list of l)uiUlings erected in 1890 covered over twenty columns of the Review. One thousand homes were built. Business in almost all lines doubled. Ten thousand added to the population, bringing it up to twenty-six thousand. ^Manufacturing firms doubled. Postoffice receipts the same. Real estate transfers amounting to nearly eighteen million dollars. \ olume of wholesale trade reaching eight millions of dollars and total of sales to over twentyone nullion dollars. The freights of the seven railroads ax'eraged about three hundred thousand dollars per month. Four ward schoolhouses, eight rooms each, were erected. Also tiie magnificent high school building, at the aggregate expense of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Frc>m October ist to November ]st, the Northwestern Industrial Exposition was held in this city. A large building was erected on Sprague avenue near Sherman street, since burned, toward which and other expenses the citizens contributed one hundred thousand dolars. It attracted large crowds to the city day after day, and was in all respects credital.ile to its managers and promoters. Mr. F. Lewis Clarke was the president, and Mr. C. W. Robinson, manager. In connection with the exposition there was published an expensive and artistic souvenir. The inside title was, --The City of Spokane Falls, and its Tributary resources, issued by the Northwestern Industrial Exposition." It contained valuable articles on Spokane Falls, its scenery, natural advantages, wonderful growth, tributary resources, by ]Major E. A. Routhe, John R. Reavis and others. It also contained portraits, of many citizens. It was finely illustrated all through and doubtless the most complete "write up" of the city and its tributaries up to. that time. The year 189 1 was one of steady growth. Although not compared witli the previous rear, which was phenomenal in number of buildings erected, many substantial business houses went up and many residences. It was a year noted for public inprovements. Xine miles of street grading was done and two nides of sewers at a cost of two hundred and twentyfive thousand dollars. More merchandise was -carried in and out of the city than any previous year. ]\Iany of the (jld firms were enlarged and new ones added, such as (Jalland-Burke Co. and Washington Cracker Co. The jobbing trade was enlarged and postottice business greatly increased. The construction of the marvelous steel bridge across ilonroe street was completed. The Spokane Fair & Agritural Association was organized with .\. M. Cannon as president: H. G. Stnnmel. secretary; J. A. Todd, general manager. The fair was held at the old grounds in Forest Park, commencing October 5th and continuing ten days. The new year 1892 found the people buoyant with hope. Important public imi)rovements, costing nearly threee hundred thmisand ilnllars, were made. 1 he Howard and Division street iDridges were built. Sewers were put in several streets and others were graded. One million dollars were expended on lirick blocks and residences. There was a great increase in the jobbing trade and the railroad carried more merchandise than e\'er Ijefore. The most important event of the year was, perhaps, the completion of the Great Northern Railroad from St. Paul to the Pacific coast. The construction of this road through the city occasioned peculiar satisfaction to the people. It opened a vast and promising area of country and made it tributary to this city. It added another transcontinental railroad and it was expected to result in the cessation of freight discrimination, consequently reducing materially the rates to and from eastern and western terminals. Cceur d'Alene park was laid out and decorated at considerable expense, which is to-day the pride of the city. Three of the largest plants were lost by fire, the Echo mill, owned by Bra\-inder & Keats, with a capacity of two hundred and fifty barrels a day, the saw-mill and factory of the Spokane ilill Company, which employed three hundred men. and the Spokane Oatmeal ^lills, the largest' on the Pacific coa.st. Despite discrimination in freight rates, inroads were made into new territories resulting in an increase in the jobbing trade. This year the Marble Bank building was built, which is now occupied by the Old National Bank. During this year important discoveries were made, with some actixe development in the mineral empire to the nortii and the acquisition by the Spokane capitalists of rich promising mining properties wliich have contributed largely to the prosperity of Spokane. The years 1893-4 were not full of events of special interest t(j the public. With the rest of the country the city suffered from the panic. But it was by no means on a standstill. It is true that real estate depreciated and business was dull - followed l>y results incident to such circumstances. Despite all, several hundred houses were erected with other evidences of prosperity. The cit_\' hall was completetl in the sununer of 1894, at a total cost for building and land of one hundred and twenty-si.x thousand and sixty-five dollars. It occupies the nt)rtheast corner of Front and Howard, the anne.x extending to the river. All the general city offices, the public library, the municipal court, and headquarters of the fire department are located here. During the year 1895 the jobbing trade increased, so also, the retail. Alany costly and handsome structures were erected with an exj)enditure of six hundred thousand dollars. This year is noted as the one which saw the county court house completed, probably the largest and best e(|uipped in the northwest. All the people of Spokane county are proud of the court house, built at an expenditure of three hundred ar.d forty thousand dclla'rs. Mr. W. .\. Ritchie is the architect who planned tlie symmetrical structure.

and D. B. Fotlieringhani the cuntractur under whijse supervision it was constructed. The beautiful white bricks of the walls were made by the Washington Brick & Lime Company of Clayton. It is admirably arranged, the offices and Court rooms being spacious and comfortable. It wdl meet the needs of the county for many years to come. Though not built for show it is beautiful and magnificent to behold. From the lofty tower is obtainable an enchanting view of one of the most superlj landscapes in America. The Northwest Power & Milling Cijmpany was organized and the I'h(_ienix mill and factory and flour mill was erected. 'I he postoffice was promoted to the first ranks, and the public school enrollment reached the fi\'e thijusand mark, and the pi>pulati(jn passed the thirty thousand point. 'Tn the year 1895, while the rest of the world was debating whether to return tn prosperity or not, Spokane spent from six hundred thousand dollars to six lumdred and twenty-five thousand dollars in the erection anil improvements of buildings alone, to say nothing of such other .extensi\'e construction work as w^as performed tluring tlie year." Despite the general depression incident to the Presidential election, Spokane enjoyed a wholesome degree of prosperity during the year 1896. Tiie population increased considerably. Well nigh on a million dollars were expended on new buildings. Tlie jobbing trade increased over forty per cent, and the retail trade thirty per cent. It established itself both as a railroad and mining center. The industries increased rapidly, which will l)e treated in their proper place. This year tiie Northern Pacific Company erected their new and extensive shops at a cost of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and removed hither frcmi Sprague. They include large machine shops, blacksmith shops, round house and other necessary buildings, adding one thousand dollars a day to the pay roll and one thousand people to the population of the city. The postoffice was removed from the Granite block.

on the Cdrner of Riverside avenue and Washmgton street, in the corner of Riverside and Lincoln, the increase of business necessitating larger quarters.

There was a large influx of people during the summer and the volume of business far exceeded that of the previous year. Over eight hundred thousand dollars were expended in structures. Among the specially favorable indications we note the erection of a large number of residences for rent, more than twenty by the Jesuit fathers in the vicinity of the Gonzaga College. It is suftkient to say to a\-oid repetition, that it was a prosperous year and closed with most promising hopes for the future.

The development during the year 1897 was gratifying. Many public and business buildings and a large luuuber of dw'ellings were erected at an ultimate cost of no less than a million dollars. There was an increase of population of over two thousand, bringing it up close to forty thousand. Every line of business enjoyed a gratifying degree of prosperity. The activity in real estate was greatly in excess of that of the preceding year. Among the encouraging features of the year was the passing of a great deal of property from mortgage companies to investors with indications of much surplus wealth in the city. The year was distinguished as the one in which the first street was pa\ed. Howard street was paved from Riverside to Front with \-itrified brick on a six-inch concrete foundation, at a cost of thirty-three thousand dollars.

The year 1898 was an advance on the previous one in every respect. The fortunes made in the country tributary to Spokane were to a great extent invested in city property, thereby showing their faith in its- future. Although not to be compared with the booming days, the real estate transactions reached the millions. It was estimated that half a million dollars were expemled in building homes. It was a very prosperous year, and closed with \-ery bright prospects.

Three new school buildin.gs were erected at a cost of eighty-three thousand, five hundred snd fifty-three dollars, the Hawthorne. Gar^ field and Whittier, and additions were made to the Logan and Bryant buildings. Some important public improvements were made, such as the completion of the army post, the building of sewers, grading of streets, repairing of bridges and work on the new park east of the city. There was marked development in the jobbing trade. The field was greatly widened so as to nearly cover all the country lietween the Rocky and Cascade mountains, and from south of the Oregon line far into British Columbia, giving employment tii fifty commercial travelers.

Early in the vear ominous war clouds began to gather, and day by day it became more evident that a serious conflict between this country and Spain was inevitable. In April war was declared and a call for one hundred thousand volunteers. The quota of this state was one thousand, one hundred and seventy-eight, the first time for it to be called to furnish troops for the defense of the country. April 21st and 30th were days to be remembered. On the former date there was a demonstration hardly paralleled in the history of the city, when fi\-e hundred soldiers marched down Ri\-erside a\'enue on their way to Chickamauga amid a great outburst of patriotic enthusiasm. Acting Mayor Comstock presented the regiment with a beautiful flag in behalf of the citizens.

The later date, April 30th, was the day of the departure of the volunteers. The local companies had responded to the call with full ranks. On the 29th orders had come from the Governor for two companies to be ready to start for the rendezvous at Tacoma. They were ready. An editorial in the Spokesman-Review said: 'Tf the city of Spokane grew patriotic when the Sixteenth Regiment went to the front fr(-)m here, it grew more so yesterday. Beneath all the loud cheering, the joy and the brilliancy always attendant upon a military parade, and the outburst of patriotic applause, there was a tone of sorrow in the murmurings of the crowd." It was a marvellous demonstration. Patriotism reached the pitch of the days of the civil war. There was a oneness of sentiment among the peol)le regarding the war, l)elieving it to be an unselfish and hol\- one. As the soldierly appearing volunteers marched on Riverside avenue amid a profusion of national colors and decorations, looking buoyant and happy, thousands of people that lined the sidewalks did everything they could to express their good wishes and God-speed, -\fter reaching to the front of the Northern Pacific depot, where a platform had been erected, speeches were made by Dr. E. D. Olmstead, mayor of the city, and Mr. J. M. Comstock, president of the city council, and flags were presented to each company. Captains Otis and Gilbert made brief responses. llicy left amid applause and tears, and their journey from here to Tacoma was almost a constant ovation.

The increasing public business of the county is illustrated by a few figures and comparisons taken from the books of the county auditor at the close of the year. In the auditor's office o\er ten thousand instruments were filed for record during 1899 com])ared with six thousand, six hundred in 1898. During the year the auditor issued six hundred and twenty-four licenses to wed against five hundred and fifty the previous year.

building started in Spokane last year as accurately as possible, tlie architects of the city ha\'e furnished statements of the amounts which ha\-e been done in each of their offices. These reach a total of one million dollars. Allowing two hundred thousand dollars as a moderate estimate for building work that did not go through the local architects" (jffices. we have a grand total of one million, two hundred thiiusand dollars as the best estimate of work started in Spokane in 1899."

The buildings erected have added materiallv to the appearance of the city. The residence portion has been much improved. The demands have taxed to their utmost capacity the mills and brickyards and the supply of red repressed brick was thoroughly exhausted. Some tine homes were liuilt in Browne's addition and the hill and hundreds all over the city costing from one thousand to fi\'e thousand dollars.

According to the city directory, recently published, the estimated population has reached forty-seven thousand and forty-seven, and counting transients it can fairly be counted fifty thousand. The Directory says:

"The state of general trade was good and everybody appeared prosperous. There was no complaint (if hard times, and all wlm wished work and business activity found plenty tn dn. Merchants, manufacturers, professional men, real estate owners, mine owners and operators, laborers, mechanics - in short, everybody, in e\ery field of activity, was employed and satisfied.

"The improvement of business cijnditions is nowhere better exemplified than in the bank -statements. The year 1899 has shown a steady and constant increase in the banking business, both in deposits and clearances. The following is a com])aratiye statement of the deposits and clearances fcr the past three years:

"The government receipts in the post office and the internal re\-enue departments show large increases, which are commensurate with the increase in other affairs of the city.

"Last year was distinctly marked over any preceding year in the last decade by the large iiperations in re:d estate. The total value of real estate transfers amounted to $8,772,074. This included not only a few pieces of business l)r<iperty, but also a large number of pieces of residence property, which were bought principally fi-.r homes."

Regarding the semi-public improvements the Directory says: "The year 1899 showed a marked increase in the improvements made by the .senii-pulilic corporations. ^ ..^ railroad companies, the street railway companies, the electric light company, the telephone company, the telegraph companies, have all bettered their plants, in order to meet the growing demands of their business. This is especially true of the telephone company, in its new building and e(|uipment; and of the street railway company in its e.Ktension of new lines ; and of the Great Niu-thern Railway, which has begun its construction (if a new railroad through the city, together with new depots and bridges, which will cost at least one million dollars."

And of the mining interests: "The year 1899 showed a marked increase also in the mineral output and mineral production in the country tributary to Spokane. It is estimated that the yearly mineral output of this territory is twenty niilliim dollars. Certain it is that.

in every direction from Spokane, tliere has been a constant development of properties, with the result of additional dividend-paying mines. It is true that speculation has been a prominent feature during the year in mining operations, and the year closed dull and unpromising so far as speculative stocks are concerned. At the same time in substantial development and in increased production of the precious metals, it can be truthfully said that the year 1899 was a memorable year for Spokane. Indeed, Spokane has become a second Denver in mining operations and in mining results, as is eminently exemplified in the ownership of city property, both business and residence, as well as banks and other enterprises requiring capital and business energy."

The Washington Volunteers

It will doubtless be admitted by all that the events which excited the most profound and universal interest and enthusiasm during the years 1898 and 1899, in this city as well as the whole state, was the muster-in and embarkation of the Washington Volunteers to the Philippine islands, their bravery and gallmitry on the field of battle, their victories and triumphant return home to be crowned with honor. The history has been so fully and worthily recorded by the daily press that we deem it expeilient to make copious extracts. The Spokesman-Review for November 6. 1899, contains a comprehensive history of the companies : "Company A. of Spokane, was mustered into the ser\-ice of the United States at Camp Rogers May 7, 1898. The officers were Capt. A. H. Otis, First Lieut. E. K. Erwin and Second Lieut. W. I. Hinckly. The company lett San Francisco about eighty strong. Its service in the Philippines has been as arduous as it was honorable. The first quarters of the company was the "tobacco factory' as part of the First Battalion. Some weeks before the outbreak it was transferred to the Third Battalion and given iiuarters on the Caile Real Paco, from which point, less than a quarter of a mile, it -doubled" to the front on Saturday night, February 4, to take up the most exposed position in the whole line, holding it steadily throughout the whole of that terrible night and morning, and until the charge, which it accompanied, swept the Held and resulted in the capture of the insurgent stronghold. Santa .\na. During the few hours of that night it suffered more casualties than any other regiment of the corps excejit the I'ourteenth United States Infantry, losing twenty officers and men killed and wounded. .\l the close of the engagement on Sunda}-, February 5, it was accorded the honor of escorting to the walled city the three hundred and fifty of the enemy captured in Santa .\na. Returning to its old quarters that niglit, it was employed as provost guard in Paco and Pandacan, a duty extremely difficult and successfully carried out.

"March 21 the company rejoined the regiment at Pasig. forming, on the morning of the 26th, a portion of the command under Fortsoti when that officer was killed. Several weeks of duty there was succeeded by transfer to outpost and observation duty on the hills across the river: then to Pasig again. Later to Pateros. whence they were transferred to Taguig. participating in all the later skirmishes at that point. It formed part of the force engaged against Tay-tay and Morong and later that against Calamba. It was particularly fortunate in the matter of casualties after Santa Ana, only two or three men sustaining insignificant scratches in the various engagements.

"To fill vacancies as they occurred, First Sergeants M. C. Corey and W. L. McCallum were successively appointed second lieutenants. Private T. W. Lemon was promoted to sergeant major and Trumpeter W. E. Nickerson promoted to principal musician. Only one man died from disease. Private Freeman, at San Francisco. November 2.

it to San Francisco and Angel island, and later to Manila, where its cjuarters were in the bishop's palace. During the engagement of February 5 it was stationed in reserve until daylight, when it deployed and advanced on the right flank, being the hrst company to move that morning. After Santa Ana it went to the trenches about San Pedro, participating wdth several other companies of the regiment in the movement satirically known in the army as 'Smith's Run,' so called from a colonel of that ilk who was commanding. Thereafter until March 13, when it moved out with Wheaton's provisional brigade, it held a portion of the San Pedro entrenchment. It took station at Pasig on the 17th. Soon afterward the company removed to Pateros. From there it went to outpost duty on the Guadeloupe hills, thence back to Pateros, again to the hills, and finally to Pasig again. It participated in the engagement at Taguig on April 2y, and also in the Morong expedition. Detachments from the company helped make up the Calamba and Santa Cruz expeditions. The company has had as officers during nearly the whole of its service. Captain J. M. Moore, First Lieutenant J. E. Ballaine, Second Lieutenant C. E. Nosier. It has lost but one man killed."

Welcome Home

On Monday morning, November 6, 1899, the city was wild with enthusiasm and anxious to see and welcome the l^rave boys from Manila. As the Evening Chronicle reported it, "Amid the shrieking of whistles, the ringing of bells and cheers from thousands of human throats, the train bringing home the returning Spokane heroes rolled into the Northern Pacific depot at 9 :o5 this morning.

"From every car window the boys were hanging out their heads eager to catch the first glimpse of the loved relatives and friends wdio were lined up along the platform to welcome them.

"Many was the hearty hand shake and loving kiss that was exchanged before the train finally came to a full stop and the boys began to climb off to be embraced Ijv the mothers, sisters and sweethearts who were there to greet them.

"As the train pulled into the depot the first thing to be seen ])y the expectant crow'd which had asseml)led to meet it was 'Old Glory" waving at the head. Armed with the colors. Corporal Milton Rhoads and Private Walter Haskiiis had taken their place on the cowcatcher at Marshall and road it into the city.

"As fast as the boys stepped from the train they were surrounded by their friends, and many afi^ecting scenes were witnessed. Boys who had left home in the best of health, some of them showed the effects of the hardships which they had endured, and were hardly recognizable except to the loving mothers and sisters who had gathered to meet them. But everyone seemed happy, and none of the boys were overlooked. Those who did not have mothers to welcome them were welcomed by some one else's mother and all came in for a share of the joy and hajipiness that seemed to affect e\'erybody.

"The march to the hall was led by a platoon of police, followed by a delegation from the fire department, and Pynn's Military band. Next came the mounted escort, consisting of Chaplain Bateman of Fort Wright, Lieutenant Erwin of Company A, and Captain E. Martison of Company B of Idaho. Following them were the two companies of returning volunteers and the home militia companies. At the head of Company .\, which was in the lead, marched Captain Otis of that company and Sergeant H. K. Harrison of Company L, while at the head of Company A was Captain Joe Moore of that company and Sergeant James Butler of Company .\, this arrangement indicating that

"On arriving at the hall no time was lost in preliminaries, but the boys were at once seated at the tables which had been provided for them by the ladies of the Red Cross. Only the returning volunteers, their wives, the Spokane boys who formerly returned home and the officers of the home companies were admitted to the breakfast, their friends waiting for them on the outside. The tables were loaded with all the delicacies of the season, and the boys did justice to the excellent repast.

"Before the serving of the breakfast, Chaplain Bateman gave a short invocation, in which he asked the divine blessing upon the brave boys wdio had fought so nobly for their country, and expressed thanks that so many of them had been spared to return to their homes and friends.

"An incident of the breakfast was the arrival of a mother in search of her boy. She had missed him at the depot and had come to the hall to find him there. He had, however, been in such a hurry to see his dear mother that when he missed her at the depot he had rushed off to her home, only to find that she had been looking for him. He arrived at the hall just as the boys were finishing their repast and they were clasped in a loving embrace. He had missed his breakfast with the others, but he and his mother were seated at a table by the ladies and none of the boys enjoyed their meal more than he.

"As the meal was about completed. Chaplain Bateman asked for attention and announced that it was desired that none of the boys lea\-e the hall till they have been served with a piece of cake which had been specially baked for the occasion by ]Mrs. yiavy Tatro, wdio had a son among the boys. The cake was a masterpiece of pastry. It had been made in one hundred and eighty pieces or small sr^uares, there being one for each of the boys. This cake, handsomely decorated, was on exhibition on

".\mong the ones at the breakfast table who attracted special attention were Lieutenant and Mrs. Nosier. Mrs. Nosier had ' accompanied her husband through tiie campaign, and dressed in a natty uniform she looked ever}^ inch a .soldier. .Attached to Lieutenant Nosler's family were also two Filipinos whom he had Ijrought back with him. The oldest is a young man of twenty named Ramondo Polma, and he seemed thorouglily able to look after himself. The other, a lad of seven, named Geronimo (le la Croi.x, which means Geronimo of the Cross, was seated at the table with Lieutenant and Mrs. Nosier and seemed rather shy. When a reporter asked his name, he threatened to cry and said he did not want his name in the paper. Lieutenant Nosier says that he expects to look after the two Filipinos and give them an education.

'"A special feature of the breakfast this morning was the decorations at the hall. The ' national colors were in great profusion, and \ery prominent among them were the emblems of the Red Cross society. There were many handsome floral designs scattered over the tables, and the hall never presented a neater or more tasty appearance.

"The feelings that had been pent up for weeks and months burst forth in one grand, rousing cheer for our boys who had fought and now returned, the heroes of their home and the nation.

"Not until the noble fellows in A and L marched down Riverside did the people have a general opportunity to cheer altogether with a tiger. From the time the head of the line was joined by the boys from the war, the magnificent assemblage, which crowded every available space on pavement and in windows, kept up a prolonged wave of patriotic cheering. The hearts of every man, woman and child overflowed with the joy of the greeting. Cheers could not express what they felt. Names were

"Old soldiers, veterans of former struggles, remembered how they had been received in the 'sixties, and waved their hats and canes and shouted out of the fullness of their hearts as thev now saw their sons returning from similar fields of duty.

"School boys had been dismissed to learn what might some day be expected of them. They shouted their yells with a spirit that indicated how cjuick they would be to step into the ranks in defense of the stripes and stars.

"Elks, Odd Fellows, Woodmen, Foresters, clerks, athletes, employers and employed joined in the jubilee. It was a stirring sight, indeed, to see the union of all in the welcome extended to the Spokane defenders of the flag.

"Prominent m all the festivities of the day and most cheered outside the volunteers, were the ladies of the Red Cross, who had made possible this splendid reception. For weeks they had been preparing for to-day's homecoming of the boys in blue. They had planned well and the generous hospitality of the citizens of Spokane was directed and made effective through their management and untiring energy. These were the ladies whom the volunteers on the countermarch cheered to the echo with their rousing marching cry of the Philippines, ending in the prolonged roll of sound like the noise of a whirlwind.

"The parade itself contained many interesting figures. At the head rode Lieutenant E. K. Erwin, grand marshal of the procession, accompanied by his personal aides. Sent back wounded from ]\Ianila. the Lieutenant had reached home before his comrades and it was most fitting that he should to-day marshal the hosts for the public reception to his fellows of the First.

"Few companies of volunteers can boast .a lady warrior as Company L does. No figure in the parade attracted more attention than this ladv on horseback, the wife of Lieutenant C.

E. Nosier. Mounted on a spirited black horse, she was the most unique personage in the long procession, the only heroine who returned today from Manila. INIrs. Nosier was dressed in a neat khaki uniform and wore a soldier's soft hat. She seemed at home with the soldier's life and was frequently greeted by a cheer as she rode in front of the company. Sergeanr W'ill Campbell walked at the head of the horse and held the bridle in order to see that nothing befell their champion.

"Riding alone in an open carriage provided by the Red Cros's was the only member of the two companies who returned on the sick list. It was O. Sowards, who has not fully recovered from his illness. Not quite able to march again with his company, the Red Cross saw to it that he recei\-ed a share of the welcome to-day.

"It was after ii o'clock before the parade l)egan to move. As they reached the corner of Howard and Riverside, the line halted until the \'oIunteers were escorted to their place of honor. It then proceeded down to the end of the Riverside paveiuent on the east and countermarched the entire length of the avenue. It was a n.iammoth procession and so long that it was again able to double at the west end of Riverside before the column had drawn out to a single line nearly a mile away at the otlier end of the avenue.

"Chief Witherspoon with a double squad of his most military officers of the police force headed the parade. The policemen were followed by a squad of firemen under command of Assistant Chief Phillips. Then came the marshal of the parade, Lieutenant Erwin. and his staff, all mounted. . The aides included C!ia-plain C. C. Bateman, Captain E. Martinson of Companv B, Idaho \'r)lunteers. L'eutenart Joe Smith and IIosi)ital Steward Howard Mc- Bride, all of whom have seen service.

"The Grand Army of the Republic had been granted the place of honor as escort for the volunteers. They were headed by Pynn's band. Sedgwick Post, No. 8, came first with over a hundred men in line. It was in command of Mayor Comstock as officer of the day. Reno Post, No. 47, had ahnost as many veterans of the civil conflict in line. It was led by E. Morrison, acting commander. The rejoicing of these old soldiers was one of the pleasantest features to be noted in the welcome prepared. The bystanders contrasted the i)resent reception with the past and felt how thankful the country might be to the new veterans and the old.

"Next in line came the heroes of the hour. The day was theirs, the parade was theirs and the friends and relatives eagerly scanned the faces in Companies A and L to be sure that their loved ones had returned. Not all the boys marched, a few feeling indisposed after their journey. Those wlm were in line showed the results of their campaigning, and yet they looked as if there was plenty of patriotism left to fight other campaigns if their commanders needed them.

"Companies A and E of the militia marched next carrying their guns. The volunteers were without their rifles and wore the blue uniforms in which most of them had left S])okane scj confidently a year and a half ago.

"The second division was composed of the Ijoys' brigade, kjys of the public schools and the students of Gonzaga College. These school boys formed one of the most interesting features of the parade, as each school was kept separate and bore aloft a banner inscribed with some patriotic sentence.

"Sheriff Cole and his, deputies, in a carriage, rode at the head of the third division, which was composed of local fraternal societies, the Retail Clerks" Association and the .\thletic Association.

of the curtain and hundreds were turned away. Cheering began as soon as the curtain was seen to move. .At the time no soldier had made his ajjpearancc. Init the people knew when they saw the moving curtain he was there. From that time on there was a contintious roar, e.xcejit w hen the speakers were on the floor. As soon as the mayor would rise to introduce a new speaker then the audience would turn loose. It did not take many words to raise the people from their seats ; all had been worked up to such a pitch by the parade that they were glad to have something to yell at.

"On the stage the soldiers were in the front rows witii the G. A. R. in the rear, and as the cm^tain rose the building and all seemed to rise in the air. It took all the power of Mayor Comstock to finally get them quiet enough to proceed with tiie exercises.

"Mayor Comstock acted as chairman and first introtluced the children's chorus. They sang the 'Soldiers' Chorus." and they sang it as if their very lives depended on it. When they had taken their seats they were cheered to the echo, not alone by the audience, hut the soldiers liked it and gave expression to their thoughts by continuous applause.

"Mayor Comstock then took the platform and gave the b(^ys a welcome which they will not forget for a long time. Many times he was interrupted and especially when the ex- ])ansion (juestion was brought in. It seemed to a])peal to the whole house and for a time it Icjoked like the roof would come down.

"The mayor then stepped to the front to introduce Mrs. Hayward. He said: 'Comrades, I know \()u all lived long enough to know what the Red Cross is,' and that was as far as he got. for just then one of the boys called out, '(iod bless them;' that is what started the racket and there was no use to try to think, for they would not let you. Finally he went on : 'It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you ^Irs. \'irginia K. Hayward.' Then they started ag-ain. one of them called otit. "Three cheers

"Then one of the officers stood up and called three cheers for the Red Cross and again they started. This time they all jumped to their feet, and the cheers this time were followed by three tigers. After that they decided to let Airs. Hayward talk, and she made a little talk that was cheered as wildly as any speech ever was in the halls of congress.

"Senator George Turner was then introduced, and his reception was nothing behind that accorded to tlie others. He delivered a n:asterly speech in which he spoke in behalf of the citizens of Spokane and the citizens of the country.

"No such gala day has ever been before witnessed in Spokane. The weather was perfect, and the beautiful, clear, blue sky was spread as a triumphant arch for the returning heroes to march under. All along the line of march were spread streamers and flags and banners and bunting, proclaiming the heartfelt welcome of a proud and grateful people. On back and side streets, and far out into the residence portion of the city, waved hundreds of flags and banners, displayed in honor of the occasion. Everywhere one turned there Old Glory flung her graceful folds out upon the gentle breeze and whispered 'Welcome home, our boys."

"Company A - Captain A. H. Otis, First Lieutenant William T. Hinckley, Second Lieutenant Walter L. AlcCallum, First Sergeant PVed L. Titsworth, Quartermaster Sergeant James Timewell, Sergeants Herman I"". Hasler, William H. Harrison, Walter A. Graves and Kendall Fellowes, Corporals Ernest Hillingsworth, George DeGraff, Charlie Delano, John who were on the train were Lieutenant George Dreher. wln.i A\ent a\\ay as first sergeant of Company A, but returns first heutenant of Company :\I ; ]\Irs. Charles E. Nosier, Mrs. John E. Ballaine, ]\Irs. Charles A. Christie, Robert L. Clark of the hospital corps, who went away as private in Company A, John H. Jones and William R. Tucker of K, whose homes are in Wilbur: ^Melville Arant, Godfrey Lundberg, Edd Smith, Hugh Cusick, and W. E. Nicker- .son, of the regimental band, and Roy Porter, of Company L, who mustered out at Manila."

At six o'clock in the evening the soldiers were banqueted again at the First Methodist Episcopal church by the G. A. R. Relief Corps and Sons and Daughters of Veterans. The Avives of the volunteers particii)ated in .the supper. At 8 o'clock there was a puljlic meeting. A well trained chorus sang under the leadership of Dr. H. A. Heritage. The "Star Spangled Banner" was sung by ]\Irs. Leon Jones, and "Our Hertzes Welcome Home," by ^liss Pearl Kellar. Mayor Comstock delivered a speech in b>.'half of the city: Hon. S. C. Hyde for the Cii'and Army: Rev. I'. A. Cool. 1). 1).. for the church, and }ilrs. Hay ward for the Red Cross. Brief responses were made l;y Ca])tains Otis and ]\[oore. T!ie da}- wherein the W.ashington volunteers returned home, and the demonstrations connected therewith will be memorable in the history of Spokane.

The Spokane of to-day is the glory of the Inland Empire. \\ ell can its citizens Ije proud of the record made during the last quarter century. The advancements of the past are but a prophecy of the achievements of the future. It is a cit}' hardl}- surpassed in attractiveness.

When its age is considered and the obstacles it had to overcome it is a marvel of pluck and enterprise. It has adapted itself marvellously to ])resent conditions. The enduring character of the buildings and public institutions is an evidence of the energy and enterprise of its citizens. Spokane has more railroads than any city west of Denver. It is the distributing center for the Inland Empire. It is equipped with all the features of a great metropolis, with large and massive buildings and business l)locks, paved streets, extensive municipal water and sewer system, electric arc ligiits, gas, street railways, public parks, schools, churches, commercial colleges and theaters. The most im- ])ortant improvement going on at this time is the grading and laying of tracks through the center of the city, and the building of bridges by the Great Northern Railroad Company.

Imiize Poe.M On Spokane Uiver

O, beautiful river, sweep into the west, With the shadow of hemlock and fir on thy breast; With the ghnt of the green in thy cool, crystal wave, Thou has stolen from hills that thy swift waters lave.

In the lake hill-encircled, thy ru,shing rills meet, Down, down from the heights come their hurrying feet. From the heart of the mountains thy bright torrent drains Thy sources are deep in the dim Cttur d' Alenes.

Convulsions volcanic thy stern bed have made. In basalt and granite thy couch has been laid: 'TIs vemed with the onyx and broidered with gold, And into its gorges thy liquid life rolled.

High over thy head croons the sentinel pine: Deep into thy bosom the watchful stars shine: The tamaracks gaze on thy foam-covered face. And shivering, stand in the breath of thy race.

Columbia thunders; its echoes invite Deep answers to deep in the cataract's might. Speed on to thy nuptials, exulting in pride, And the peerless Spokane is Columbia's bride.