A Town Buys Its Own Railroad: Spokane Falls Bets $30,000 on a Line to the Coeur d'Alenes

Through the medium of posters the public was notified that a mass meeting would be held at Cannon's Hall Thursday evening to discuss the railroad question that has cut such an unimportant figure in Spokane Falls of late. At an early hour the hall was crowded until standing room was at a premium. Maj. J. M. Armstrong was chosen Chairman, and J. J. Browne, Esq., invited to explain the objects of the meeting.

Mr. Browne in a few words stated the result of the labors of himself and Mr. Cannon in the east. He informed the people that a syndicate of capitalists were prepared to commence the construction within thirty days of a railroad from Spokane Falls to Coeur d'Alene, which would be extended east, west and south. The only aid asked for was a subscription of $30,000. This money was to be paid in installments: one-third when the road was completed ten miles, one-third when completed twenty miles, and the balance when the road reached the lake. Mr. Browne spoke warmly in favor of the proposition.

S. T. Hyde was called upon, and responded in one of those nail-driving speeches that carries conviction with it and for which he is noted. Ever ready to take up the flag in support of our city, Mr. Hyde warms to his work when supporting measures which he conscientiously believes to be for the greatest good to the greatest numbers, and in this instance he presented the cause in a light that won for the project many supporters. Mr. Hyde was followed by A. M. Cannon, Judge Bettie, Judge Weed, D. M. Forster, Jno. L. Lyon, B. McInnes, G. M. Forster, J. N. Glover, Frank Moore and others. A resolution prevailed inviting subscription to the fund, and in a few minutes $30,000 were signed for. A committee was afterward appointed for the purpose of securing further contributions, and no trouble will be experienced in raising the funds.

We never knew an offer that promised so much to Spokane and entailed so little in return. Here is a body of men with the experience and necessary money to carry out any undertaking they may invest in. For a comparatively insignificant sum, that the subscribers are not even asked to pay until there is something tangible existing, we are offered a line of railroad into a rich and populous mining region, with the probability of having the same extended west and south, tapping the best agricultural sections in the Territory. It will make Spokane a railroad center and give it an impetus never before dreamed of. By all means encourage and aid the project with purse and voice, and hasten the commencement of a scheme that will bring back to the people of the city ten thousand fold.