The Call for Frugality in 1889 Seattle

It is a matter of the utmost importance that the people of Seattle, in the present state of the city, practice the severest economy in personal expenditure. The amount of the city's wealth, as it now stands, is diminished because of the fire. To general opinion, the sentiment is that any relief to the citizens—such as the restriction of 'so-called' necessities or luxuries—is a duty. The economy of the city, if practiced by all members of this body in their personal affairs and even their 'extravagances' upon groceries, is in keeping with the times. It is a satisfaction to learn that at the most part the people are willing to forgo the fine clothing and tobacco, and it is not surprising that any of them was advanced for the substitution. If the people of Seattle will take up this common sense example, keep off personal extravagance, and live within easy limits of economy, it will help greatly to repair the damage of the fire. It may seem that this is a small matter, and as it would be to individual men, but in the aggregate it would amount to millions in the course of a year. The general practice of economy would not in any hurtful way affect the scope of truly legitimate business. The axe would fall naturally upon unnecessary luxuries, so-called, upon tobacco, liquors, expensive clothing, and other subjects of special cost, which contribute in no small share to the legitimate and desirable trade of the city.