Paint the Town for the Last Spike

Preparations are already being made on a grand scale for driving the last spike on the Northern Pacific railroad, an event that will be witnessed by a large concourse of people drawn from all parts of the United States as well as Europe. The last peg that is to connect the Pacific Ocean with the Great Lakes is to be of gold, and will be sent home by the strong arm of Mr. Villard himself, unless President Arthur may be present, in which case he may be invited to exercise his muscle. The ceremonies will be similar to those attending the driving of the last spike on the Union Pacific road, and great importance is attached to the event on account of its rarity.

Not only will those present demonstrate their joy over the completion of a gigantic enterprise, but at every station, hamlet, town, and city between St. Paul and Portland will the echoes of the blows be resounded to by public rejoicing. After the driving of the spike is accomplished, the many visitors to the scene will make an excursion west over the line in special cars to Portland. Arrangements will be made to have the crowd stop over one day at least at the Falls, and it behooves our people to make preparations to give the visitors a rousing reception. It is calculated that the party to make the trip represents more wealth than any assemblage of the same number ever gathered together, besides every newspaper of any importance will have a special correspondent in attendance.

Allow us also to suggest that the city should be put in its very best attire for the occasion, so that the visitors will leave us impressed with the beauty and importance of Spokane Falls. The streets should be thoroughly cleaned of all the building litter, so far as possible; owners of property should put their premises in order; and last and most important, every house should be painted. Many people who have recently built have not taken the time to paint their dwellings, and should do so before the arrival of this large body of representative men. If you cannot afford to paint, at least put on a coat of whitewash. It will improve the appearance of the city 100 per cent, and remove that glaring evidence of newness and rawness that strangers are so quick to notice.

It is the duty of our town council to make extensive preparations to receive the excursionists in good style, and for the honor of our city it is important that some move be taken at once. Let Spokane Falls, that is to be largely benefited by the completion of the great highway, aim to surpass all towns on the route in the extent of the public demonstration. If the citizens take hold early and with a determination to succeed they cannot fail to succeed. There is not a great deal of time to discuss this project, as the event is to take place early in September.