A Canal, a Land Subsidy, and a Former Governor’s Check

AND STILL IT GROWS.

The canal subscription fund increased again Saturday. The finance committee has not yet got down to systematic work, but it expects money and pledges of land to roll in once things run smoothly. It was strongly gratified yesterday by the following dispatch from Olympia:

"W. D. Wood, Secretary Executive Committee, Lake Washington Canal: One thousand dollars for canal purposes. Send me blank note. E. M. FERRY."

Ex-Gov. Ferry was the first president of the Seattle & Lake Washington Waterway Company and has always been confident of the ultimate success of the project of digging the canal and filling in the tide flats. He resigned only when ill health compelled him to abandon his private and public business.

Another flattering offer from an out-of-town property holder was received yesterday. It tendered a subsidy of a five-eighths interest in 160 acres located about a mile from Bothell and less than half a mile from the northern shore of Lake Washington. The offer came from H. H. Hamlin, who wrote to W. D. Wood:

"Dear Sir: I see by the latest intelligence of your city that an effort which I hope will be successful is being made by the citizens of Seattle and King county to raise a fund of money to pay for right-of-way, bridges, etc., in connection with the construction of the ship canal and the filling of the tide flats. I own a five-eighths interest in considerable property in your county and desire to assist in raising the subsidy. I am willing to subscribe my five-eighths interest in the northeast quarter of section [—], township [—], range 4 east, being 160 acres, situated at the head of Lake Washington. In two or six years, or in less time, I should think, the land will be worth $100 an acre if the enterprise is pushed through. Some value in dollars must be placed on the land down, I suppose, and if they accept it you can of course judge its positive worth. Seattle ought to have this enterprise and I will add to my proposition if not [—] with [—] this enterprise. I see success possible. I am, yours truly, H. H. HAMLIN."

The owners of the other three-eighths interest in the property were named, and it was thought very likely that the whole tract would be secured at an early day.