Seattle's Canal Subsidy Climbs Another Notch—and the Big Money Is Still Waiting

The total raised toward the canal subsidy was increased yesterday by an addition of $1,000. Every day brings a substantial increase in the amount subscribed, but the daily gain is moderate enough to show a lack of sustained public interest in the great enterprise the people of Seattle are asked to support. The reasons for this are various, and lack of popular support for the canal is not one of them.

Most of the largest business houses are still waiting for communications from firms in other cities before announcing their subscriptions. The banks are holding back until they can together state what each will give. Many individuals are waiting to see what neighbors will do, and some others are waiting to be called upon instead of coming forward voluntarily and signing the subsidy contract—under which, it should be remembered, they do not bind themselves to pay or transfer anything until the canal is finished, four or five years hence; in other words, until the goods are delivered.

But there should be no relaxation in the energy with which the movement is carried forward. It should go on like the rising tide, wave upon wave, each larger than the last, until the whole sum required is more than raised and there is a generous rivalry for the honor of subscribing the last to make up the half-million. While there has been a general response from men in all conditions of life, a far larger number are yet to be heard from.

If the public responds today with the alacrity it should, and if the volunteers who have been so faithful will refrain from holding back until they have completed as large a list as they desire, each total will show a creditable addition to the fund.

Last night a rousing meeting in aid of the canal subsidy was held at Sunnyside. Gen. J. H. Metcalfe and Michael Kelly of this city addressed the meeting. Great enthusiasm was shown and a number of subsidies were made. Gen. Metcalfe delivered a stirring address. Mr. Kelly will return to Sunnyside today and finish up the subsidy work.

Among the interesting incidents of the day was a subscription from H. F. Day, a Madison Street property holder of the North End. Speaking at the committee office, Mr. Day referred to the delay of various property holders in the northern portion of the city in coming forward. He said he believed the proposed improvement at the south end, if carried out, would benefit the entire city, and that such a general benefit could not injure any part of the city or county, however distant from the work done. He believes the proper policy for Seattle people is that of cooperation in all projects for the general welfare. Mr. Day is to be commended for his public spirit and broad judgment. If other citizens will continue to act on this principle they will continue to be as united and invincible when Seattle's interests are at stake.