The Race to Build the Cedar River Railroad
Seattle property owners are urged to close a $14,000 funding gap to finish a critical standard-gauge rail line.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
By resolution, Mr. F. P. Weymouth has been instructed to commence the building of the standard gauge road from Seattle to Cedar river as soon as the people of Seattle conform to their part of the agreement. All there is lacking of the $150,000 to be raised is the comparative pittance of $13,000 or $14,000. The season is fast advancing, and it is to the interest of every citizen that this work should commence at once. Every property holder who has not subscribed should now feel it his imperative duty to do his share, and that at once. This is no time for delays. Many who have subscribed small amounts are very able to double up and bridge the little gap that now holds this great work in statu quo. The building of this line will put into circulation in our immediate vicinity at least $500,000, which will of course be a benefit to all.
“This is no time for delays. Many who have subscribed small amounts are very able to double up and bridge the little gap that now holds this great work in statu quo.”
This reflects the 19th-century 'boosterism' that defined Seattle’s early growth, where private citizens were constantly pressured to subsidize infrastructure projects to ensure the city's commercial dominance. The urgent call for capital echoes the enduring struggle of Seattle’s transit and infrastructure funding today.
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