The Boom Will Not Be Questioned

Almost three months ago we landed in Spokane Falls, armed with a grip-sack and a good stock of hope. At that time the spirit of rapid advancement that had made itself apparent early in the spring had crept on top, and evidences of the growth of the city were to be observed on every hand. Then the demand for real estate was brisk and values were slowly but surely going higher.

Then our ears were assailed by the brisk thump of the hammer and the raking notes of the saw. In any direction we might turn our eyes the skeleton outlines of buildings were shooting upward, and newly finished houses smiled from every quarter. Daily the trains vomited forth scores of eager strangers hunting for homes and investments, and a degree of prosperity was manifest that promised a great and rapid growth. Some people shook their heads and said it could not last; envious outsiders smote their breasts and intimated that the 'boom,' as then designated, was but momentary and a snare and an illusion.

Three months have flown by since then. Has the rush subsided? Has the building fever died out? Has property declined? Are people deserting the city? Is there a cloud eclipsing the promising sun of progress? Is there any sign of weakening? Most emphatically do we answer, Not much. The advancement and future of Spokane Falls is founded upon a foundation of lasting stability. It is here for all times, and every year will see it progress. There may come times when the growth will be slower, yet it will be none the less sure, and it will only be caused by the people taking a brief rest to commence again with renewed vigor.

There are more buildings than ever in course of construction. Brick blocks and frame residences on every hand. There is not a street, alley or byway in the city that is not the scene of some improvement. Houses to the right of us, houses to the left of us, houses in front of us go up without number. And before the season is over scores of others, for which the foundations are not even laid, will be added to the sum total. Property has by no means depreciated. On the contrary it is still going up. Prices may be considered high, yet there are plenty of people willing to risk their means by purchasing. The hotels are crowded to their utmost capacity and 'the cry is still they come.' When the Northern Pacific is completed, which will be early in September, the immigration will greatly increase. However, we look for the great rush next year, and believe that the city and entire county will make a larger growth in 1884 than any year since its first settlement.

The prospects of Spokane Falls were never more encouraging than at the present writing, and there is no reason to doubt but that it will continue on indefinitely. The people are perfectly satisfied with the outlook, as well they may be, and it is the general opinion of everyone, strangers and old settlers, that the city will number its population by the thousands in a few years.