The Bid to Bring Whitworth College to Seattle

The committee of the chamber of commerce appointed to make arrangements with the trustees of Whitworth College for the removal of the college to Seattle met yesterday afternoon. The meeting was called chiefly to consider the proposition to donate property suitable for a location. W. W. Beck, of Ravenna Park, stated that, with George H. Wilson, he would donate 10 acres of land adjacent to the park. On his land there is at present a building which was erected for school purposes, and which would accommodate 100 pupils. This would be offered to the use of the college without charge, pending the erection of the college buildings. J. C. Norton, also of Ravenna Park, stated that he had a suitable tract of 40 acres, of which he would donate one quarter. M. F. Jones stated that he had a good location for a college. His property lies between Ravenna Park and the university. He would donate 10 acres of this, and sell 30 acres adjacent for $150 an acre. J. A. Moore made a proposal to give 10 to 15 acres of land at Brighton Beach. This property would have a front on Lake Washington, and he could arrange with the mills to give as much water-front as desired. The property would be donated without reservation. For the benefit of the trustees of the college who were present, Major Stamm was called upon to give some inside facts regarding the location offered by Tacoma on the Allen C. Mason property. Major Stamm said that he knew of the offered location, but that it is half a mile from the smelter, which is continuously sending out poisonous gases strong enough to kill delicate vegetation a mile distant. The building itself was a rooming house, not at all suited for college purposes. The Mason building, which Tacoma offered, could not be turned over, owing to complications in the contract. After a vote of thanks to Major Stamm, the committee adjourned until the proposals are further investigated. The trustees of the college will render their final decision July 22.