The Man Who Bet on Seattle's Canal—and Rockefeller's Land

In the opinion of James McNaught, Seattle in ten years will be the greatest city on the inlet. Mr. McNaught was at the Rainier-Grand last evening, after a trip into California as far south as Monterey, where he enjoyed his first vacation in years. He came to Seattle years ago and has been identified with the city ever since. He was led into making the remark as to Seattle's prospects by considering critically the development of the Puget Sound section. "I consider this an excellent town," he said, "and I am satisfied that with the return of good times it will advance very rapidly. The whole state, I think, will move forward with a bound and fairly outstrip all its competitors. I base my conclusion on the fact of the unparalleled resources of Washington. Her timber, her mines, her agricultural districts, all contribute to vast natural wealth and will set Washington ahead. The South Canal, in my judgment, is assured. For the past two days I have investigated the enterprise thoroughly, and have no doubt as to its final completion. The work means a great deal for this city and will give it unquestionably the finest harbor in the world. It also means a great deal for the Washington Belt Line Company, of which I am president. That company owns a large tract of land on the lake, including nine miles of water front, and the intention when it was formed was to establish factories on the east shore. John D. Rockefeller is a stockholder, and there is no question that the outlet given by the canal will enhance the value of the property and have its influence on the company. My faith in the state has led me during the hard times to increase my holdings here. I look for unexampled activity when the good times return." As indications of coming prosperity, Mr. McNaught spoke of the increased freight business of the Northern Pacific. During the past year there has been a large increase, and indications are that the present year will show an increase still greater of 15 per cent. A most favorable sign is the movement toward the East, particularly of lumber. Mr. McNaught has not yet severed his connection with the railroad. On that point he said: "When I entered into the railroad business several years ago I kept my little home in this city, determined to come back to it when I should no longer be connected with the railroad. The home still awaits me, and the time is not yet here for me to return to it. I am still having wood." Mr. McNaught pleasantly dismissed a question as to the effect of the recent election of Elijah Smith to be president of the Oregon Improvement Company by saying that Mr. Smith himself would be in the city before very long and could speak for himself. He had heard, however, that Mr. Smith had declared that James J. Hill was in no way connected with the election. While in Monterey Mr. McNaught stopped at the Hotel Del Monte, which he described as a place as near to paradise as any on earth. He felt that after being twenty-seven years continuously in the harness he was fairly entitled to a vacation, and in company with his family thoroughly enjoyed himself. He will leave this morning for the Snoqualmie mining district to inspect some properties in which he is interested.