Spokane County, Washington - Chapter 25: The Spok.\ne Press, 1900

Chapter 25: The Spok.\ne Press

"The United States is the Paradise of newspapers, if a rank and rapid growth indicates a paradise. A daily newspaper has become a necessity ot life to every city and every extemporized village on the e.^ctreme frontier of civilization. As a medium for learnmg and telling news and for the manufacture and the retail of gossip, the newspaper has taken the place of the fountain and the market|)lace of olden times; and in times more recent, of the town pump, the grocery, and the exchange; as well as of the court-house and the cross-roads of a more scattered population." - Dr. Noah Porter.

The infiuence of the press or newspapers in the development of a new country can hardly be overestimated. To the pioneer journalists - often consuming their energies for inadequate remuneration - is due much credit for the rapid march of civilization. Among modern benefactors there are none, perhaps, that fail to receive rewards commensurate with their services, to a greater degree than the pioneer newspaper men in the frontier towns. Often in the same person is found the compositor, pressman, reporter, editor, business manager, and collector, who is inevitably burdened with multiplicity of duties. The labor and cost to patience and brains in the publication of a paper in a frontier town, with limited material and means, is beyond the comprehension of those who know naught about it by experience. It is a work that demands great resources to draw from. Newspapers, more than all other agencies, advertise a new country; through their instrumentality immigration is stimulated. To them is given an enviable opportunity to exert a salutary influence upon the community. They are in a great measure the guardians of a country's reputation. To the editor is given the coveted privilege of making and elevating the moral sentiment of the people. The newspaijer becomes more and more the educator of the public. The press of Spokane has been, on the whole, a credit to the city. Publishers and editors have been and continue to be, enterprising, intelligent, aggressive and thoroughly devoted to the interests of the ccnmtry.

The earlier toilers who did the preparatory work amid trying conditions, have been displaced by others, but the results of their labors continue, and the present workers have entered into their labors.

The history of the first newspaper published in Spokane is pregnant with interest. As early as February, 1S78. Hon. Francis H.' Cook, then publisher and editor of the Tacoma Herald, made a tour of inspection of eastern Washington territory. He "was spying out the land." Coming by water as far as "The Dalles." Oregon, he there purchased a cayuse oil which he rode through Yakima, Kittitas, Walla Walla and Whitman counties to Spokane Falls. It was his purpose to study the topography of the new country, with a view to decide for himself the most practical route lor the Northern Pacific Railroad. He published in his paper the results of his investigations, which was the first "systematic description of eastern Washington in its entirety" put in print. Being favorably impressed with the prospects of Spokane Falls, in the spring of 1879 he decided to establish a newspaper in the little village.

He had two laudable objects in view, viz : to assist in the development of the new country, and also to exercise his influence as much as possible in preventing the "meddling of the Northern Pacific Railroad with our politics." Mr. Cook brought with him a Washington liand-press and a job press. The outfit was brought up the Columbia and Snake rivers as far as Almota, thence by wagon to Colfax. As an evidence of the isolation of Spokane in those days and the difficulties incident to the publishing of a newspaper, it is worthy of notice that the first two issues had to be printed at Colfax. The wagon roads from that place to Spokane were impassable.

After starting, it took six days of struggling with muddy roads to bring the printing material to its destination, and costing one hundred dollars a ton from Colfax. The town proprietors presented Mr. Cook with half a lot on which to erect a small office. It was on the corner of Riverside avenue and Howard street.

The first issue of the Spokan Times, the pioneer newspaper, was dated April 24, 1879, and was a thirty-two-column paper. It was a creditable paper in ever\' respect.

It was two weeks later before it was actually printed on the ground. Mr. Cook estimated the population of the town at that time at one hundred and fifty people. In view of the fact that the paper was to meet the demands of a large territory, it was independent in politics. After the weekly had been published about two years and the population had reached about six hundred, a daily issue, with telegrapliic news, was started, and continued for several months. Finally the plant was sold to a Mr. Herron. This was early in 1882, and the name of the paper was changed to the Independent. Mr. Cook now resides on the Little Spokane river, a short distance east of Dartford.

A description of the first issue of the Times willbeof interest. Under the heading, The Spokan Times, are the words : "Devoted particularly to the best interests of those who dwell in this new and beautiful country." On the left it stated that the paper was published at Spokan Falls, in the wonderful Spokan country. "Devoted to the best interests of its readers, its patrons, and northeastern Washington." On the right, "The Spokan Times is the only newspaper published in the great Spokan country. Its circulation promises to be very large, among a wide-awake, progressive, reading people. It is a most excellent paper in which to advertise your profession or business. Subscription, $3.00 per year in advance." Among the items we find: "Dam Washed Out. - Recent high waters washed the dam away which was used in connection with the saw and grist mills at this place. In the short space of one minute, the result of many days of hard labor and an outlay of a thousand dollars was v/ashed away." "Colfax has-the advantage of a daily mail. We enjoy simply a semi-weekly service. Small favors from Uncle Sam are thankfully received, larger ones in proportion." "Oats are worth three cents a pound at this place ; wheat is scarce ; hay is valued at thirtyfive dollars per ton. Who wouldn't be a farmer in this rich and productive country?" "Spokan Falls has one piano and five organs." "Mr. J. J. Browne has just erected a very neat dwelling house which is situated in one of the pleasant suburbs of the city." "Our day-school, with Miss Waterhouse as teacher, and an attendance of twenty-two scholars, has been running over two weeks."

The Chronicle

In the spring of 1881. when there were clear indications of rapitl progress and great increase of population, in \iew of the coming of the Northern Pacific Railroad into the city, and other reasons, J. J. Browne, A. M. Cannon and J. N. Glover decided that a new paper was needed. They planned and worked to meet the need, and in the month of June an outfit was purchased. A little frame building was procured and fitted up nicely for those days, on the corner of Riverside and Howard. About the first of July the Spokane Chronicle appeared with the name of C. B. Carlyle as editor and manager. Mr. Carlyle was a bright and capable newspaper man. After managing the Chronicle creditably for less than a year, he left for Portland, Oregon, and became editor of the Standard. He was subsequently the secretary of the board of trade. After going to California, he pursued theological studies and became a Congregational minister, serving churches at Phcenix, Arizona ; Reno, Nevada, and more recently at Winthrop, Iowa.

In May, 1882, the late Hon. H. E. Allen, then a young man just from college, purchased the plant and did good work for a short time, when he sold to Arthur K. Woodbury. Early in 1883 the plant came into the possession of Rev. H. T. Cowley, who had learned the printer's trade in youth. Under him the paper and plant were developed. The printing house for some tune was located where the Crescent store now is. H. W. Greenburg was the foreman for several years.

In September, 1886, the daily evening Chronicle began to be issued. Major E. A. Routhe becoming associated with Mr. Cowley in editorial work. In the autumn the paper and plant were leased to Messrs. W. D. Knight and Dickenson, and a year later purchased by them. In February, 1890, J. J. Browne became the sole owner of the paper and plant, and also editor, with 5. R. Flynn as manager.

The following year the Spokane Chronicle Publishing Company \vas organized, with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. J. J. Browne, president: W. J. Collins, vice-president: Thomas Hooker, secretary and business manager. In early years the paper was designated as independent, but with Republican proclivities. At this time it was a pronounced Democratic paper. The place of publication was Post street, lictween iviverside and Main avenues. In 1894 it went into the spacious quarters in the Auditorium building, now occupied by the postoffice.

Since September, 1^97. the business offices and editorial rooms are in the Review building, where the meclianical work is also done. The publishers are the Spokane Chronicle Publishing Company, the officers of which are: J. J. Browne, president: H. .\. Rising, vice-president : Thomas Hooker, secretary and manager. Published daily and weekly.

The Review

The third paper established in Spokane was The Review, l)y Frank M. Dallam. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Dallam resided at H;iy\\ards, California. The weekly Journal, which he had been publishing in that place for about five years, had been recently disposed of by him. As he was debating as to which way to turn in search for a new location to publish a paper, a friend of his returned to Haywards from a trip in eastern Washington Territory. He brought good news of the country and its prospects. He was enthusiastic in his opinion that both Spokane and Cheney would become excellent points for any line of business as soon as the Northern Pacific Railroad would be completed. Mr. Dallam decided to take a trip north with the gentleman referred to, and they reached Walla Walla in December, 1882. They drove from Walla Walla across the country to Cheney. Though Cheney was the more bustling place of the two. Mr. Dallam was from the first more impressed with the possibilities of Spokane Falls. He prophesied for it a great future. He was encouraged by Mr. Keiser, proprietor of the Sprague House, and the late A. M. Cannon to establish a Republican paper, which he desired to do. Mr. Dallam made an effort to purchase the Chronicle from Mr. Woodbury, who declined to set a price on it, though be sold it to another party in a few months. Without perfecting any arrangement, Mr. Dallam returned to California, and came very near locating at Los Angeles. In April, 1883, he telegraphed to Mr. Keiser inquiring if the field was still open for a paper at Spokane Falls. The answer being satisfactory, he was on his way north with the original Review plant within three days.

In due time he was on the ground. Buildings being scarce, he could only secure the old school house, a mere shell of a structure, situated nearly opposite where the Pacific Hotel now stands. After interviewing the business men, by whom he was informed of several newspaper ventures which had been failures, and with strong inference that his attempt would meet the same sad fate, especially if he could not get out a good paper, he did not feel much better than depressed at heart.

Although Mr. Dallam is generally recognized as having extraordinary qualifications in certain lines of newspaper work, especially as a ready and vigorous writer, he has always deemed himself somewhat deficient as a solicitor. And this part of the work proved quite a drudgery to him during the incipient state of the Review. He experienced peculiar trials in publishing the first issue, some of which were caused by the loss of a part of the hand-press on the way. The fact is the form of the first issue had tf) be taken to Cheney and worked off on the press of the Sentinel. Much pains were taken in getting out a neatly printed paper, and both its appearance and contents commended it to the people. The first issue was dated May i, 1883. It was a success from the beginning. Mr. Dallam was greatly encour- aged the morning after the paper had been distributed, when Dr. J. M. Morgan walked into the office and, throwing two dollars on the imposing stone, said that the Re\iew had touchetl the popular chord. The lullowing year, after the Union block had been built at the sotitheast corner of Howard and Front streets, the Review moved into the second story, where it was published for several years.

In the summer of 1884 was begun the publication of an evening edition of the Review, which was changed to a morning paper in a few months. Mr. Dallam was the sole owner and publisher of the Review until the summer of 1887, when he sold an interest to H. T. Brown and H. W. Greenburg. The partnership continued for a year, when 'Sir. Dallam retired from the paper. .\s early as 1886 Associated Press despatches were secured.

In October, 1888, the Review was purchased by P. H. Winston, James Monaghan, C. B. King and Willis Street. F. C. Goodin became business manager, and P. H. Winston, editor. The late J. M. Adams, who was registrar in the United States land office, became editor early in the year 1889, and continued until October of the same year, when the present editor, N. W. Durham, assumed the position. In April of this year it removed to its present location, southeast corner of Riverside avenue and Monroe street, the company having purchased the property of the First Presbyterian church. The present magnificent Review building was completed in 1891. Daily, Sunday and semi-weekly editions are published by the Review Publishing Company, W. H. Cowles, manager. Since July i, 1894, the name Spokesman-Review has been used.

The first number of the daily Spokesman appeared March 9, 1890, with H. T. Brown as business manager, Joseph French Johnson, formerly connected with the Chicago Tribune and the Springfield Republican, as managing editor. In May the paper became the property of a stock company consisting of J. F. Johnson, L. A. Agnew, W. H. Cowles and J. Howard ^Vatson, the latter succeeding Mr. Brown as business manager. The paper had brilliant features and was independent and courageous ill .spirit, and gained rapidly in public favor. Its publication ceased in July, 1893.

This daily was established in March, 1890, l>y Frank J. McGuire and Theodore Reed. It started out as a Democratic paper, but was soon sold to a syndicate of Repul)licans, and H. A. Herrick became managing editor, and L. P'. Williams, editor. It ceased publication in less than a year.

D.-Mly Tribune

The Chronicle some time ago had an interesting article on "Men of Brains and Others," or, ".Xewspapers. Journals and Magazines That Ila\-e Filled Long- Felt Wants in Spokane."' It stated that it would he almost impossible to furnish a list of all the papers that have been started in Spokane, .\mong the roll of editors would be found "the brightest men who ever gazed upon the falls, practical hustlers, sleepy dreamers, clamoring egotists, chumps of ponderous stupidity, successful politicians, grav-hairecl business men. kids who should have been chasing vaccination certificates - all these have scribbled, clipped and pasted, and have seen l)right visions of a new Pulitzer's bank account and a new Horace Greeley's fame. And the visions have passed, and the men who saw them have drifted out into new employments and have become the millionaires, paupers, bank examiners, mine jiromoterSjtelephone managers,professors, con-

Sunday Sun ; Chester Edwards, managing editor; Bert M. Tanner, city editor; I. Frank Holedger, business manager; A. C. Lindsey, city circulator; Sun Publishing Company.

Others mentioned as late as 1897 and 1898 are : Spokane Davil, issued Saturdays by Scurlock & Mitcliell ; Spokane Stocks, daily ; daily and weekly Mail, by Eber S. Smith; Washington Endeavor, but now published at Seattle; Pacific Skandinav; Spokane Tidende; The Pathfinder; West Posten; New Northwest; Spokane Democrat ; Westlicher- Volksfreund ; Galvani published his Northern Light as early as 1888, living on nuts and fruit while doing it.

Northwest Tribune

This paper deserves special mention because it was the pioneer newspaper of the upper country. It was established at Colfax in June, 1878. It removed to Cheney in 1880, and in a few years became the property of the Schorr Bros. Removed to Spokane in 1886, where it was published for more than a decade, its editor, G. F. Schorr, advocating heroically every moral and social reform, irrespective of consequences. Mr. Schorr resides in the city still, and is interested in the Pioneer Flour Mill, located on the school section.

Present Publications

Freeman Labor Journal, established in 1894, and published in the interest _ of labor unions and social reforms every Friday by the Journal Publishing Company. A fearless advocate of government ownership of public utilities. W. J. Walker, manager.

Nezv Ji'esl Trade. - This paper, a weekly, is what its name indicates, and is independent in politics and strong in its special line. Orno Strong, publisher.

JVashington Spokane Post, established by A. M. Armand in February, 1889. The only German newspaper published in Spokane and eastern Washington. Issued every Friday, and independent in politics. A. M. Armand sold his interest to Mr. Otto Juckeland a few months ago, who has been cnnnectod with the paper f(^r years, and is now both editor and publisher. This paper has a large circulation among the German population.

The Outburst. - This eight-page, four-column weekly paper was established July 4, 1892. The publishers are the Outburst Publishing Company. Mr. Alonzo M. Murphy was editor for some years, and gave it a reputation for brilliancy. Gordon C. Corbaley is president and manager.

Spokane Facts. - This weekly began to be published early in 1899, with J. R. Heckert as editor. It developed radical tendencies, and ceased publication in April, 1900.

The Sunday Morning Call. - This weekly paper began publication late in 1899, with Dayton H. Stewart, formerly of the Cheney Sentinel, as president, and Frederick E. Marvin as editor.

JVcstern Home Journal and Inter-Mountain Poultrv Journal. - This monthly magazine has entered upon its fifth year, and is published at suite F, Exchange National Bank building, by Alexander & Company. It was started by Lew N. Benson. Growing in value.

Northerx Newspaper Union

It is now owned by the American Founders Company, which deals in type, machinery and ink. The location is 8 and 10 Monroe street, and A. D. Alexander is resident manager. This- establishment, started six years ago, by H. T. Brown, has developed to great proportions. It supplies the inside matter for nearly all the weekly papers throughout the "Inland Empire." Its facilities to do work in its special line are almost equal to that of the great cities of the east and west. Both news and miscellaneous matter is prepared, and can be supplied on short notice. The work done by this establishment, with that of the daily

City Directory

The first Directory of Spokane Falls w-as issued in 1885 by The Chronicle. In this work liie population was estimated at "nearly three thousand." Another was issued in 1887 by Charles E. Reeves, professor in Spokane College, in which the population was estimated at se\en thousand. In an edition issueil by the same publisher in 1888 the figures were placed at twelve thousand.

R. L. Polk & Company published its first city directory in 1889, wherein the population is estimated at seventeen thousand, three hundred and forty. The last directory is the eleventh by the same publishers, being fully double the size of the first one, and in amount and value of information proportionately increased. The estimate of population in the last volume - including the floating element - is fifty thousand.