Two Hundred Axes Clear the Woods for a 2,500-Soldier Colony

Port Angeles, Aug. 30. — [Special.] — This has been a day of great significance to Port Angeles. As is well known, the population of our thriving city is soon to be increased by the advent of the colony of soldiers, mostly residing in the state of Michigan. Mr. Ashmun, their accredited representative, when here stated that the colony would aggregate at least 2,500. A letter was received from him some days ago in which he stated that about 500 would start September 12, and asking that some assistance be given them in the way of clearing the forty blocks of the townsite reservation which he had selected while at Port Angeles as the location for the colony.

A meeting was held and arrangements made to comply with the request, and today was set for the work. Then it was learned that Secretary Noble was on a tour of Puget Sound, and it was determined to have him present, and M. J. Carrigan, secretary of the Board of Trade, went up Sound to extend an invitation. He found that Secretary Noble had included Port Angeles in the list of points to be visited, but was much pleased to receive so cordial an invitation.

At 7 o'clock this morning the ax and saw brigade to the number of 200 formed in line and marched to the locality selected by Mr. Ashmun, and soon the woods were ringing with the strokes of the ax and the hum of the saw. About 12 o'clock the revenue cutter Wolcott steamed into the bay. There was a large crowd at the dock to welcome the distinguished visitors. The city band was present and added a pleasant feature to the scene. The party, consisting of Secretary Noble, Judge J. N. Scott, of Port Townsend, and Mr. Plummer, of New York, disembarked, being accompanied by Mayor Smith. The party was taken to the carriages and driven to where the men were at work.

Mayor Smith then introduced Secretary Noble, who made a fine address. He assured the squatters that he would do everything in his power to secure an early approval of the survey and approved of the field notes. He spoke in the highest terms of the immense amount of work done on the reservation. He was followed by Mr. Plummer in a semi-political speech. Every one then had an opportunity to shake hands with the visitors. Horses were then provided and a ride taken over the reservation.

The cutter left about 3:30 p.m. for Victoria. Secretary Noble made a host of friends by his speech today. He captured all hearts by his eloquence and the intense feeling displayed. He fully realized the wants and expectations of the squatters, and promised that he would assist them in every possible way.