A New Editor Rides Into Friday Harbor, Promising Independence and a Paper Second to None

The Islander makes its bow to the inhabitants of Friday Harbor and of San Juan county.

It is customary on occasions of this kind for the editor to declare himself—in other words show up his platform and state of what kind of timber it is built. This we propose to do now and furthermore we will always keep a copy of this very article for reference, and if one of the constituents of The Islander ever is able to point out that we have acted contrary to the letter and spirit of the principles here written down, we will submit a prominent portion of our person to be booted all around town and thank the kickers who wear the heaviest cowhides.

Firstly, the editor of this paper is thoroughly and absolutely independent in politics. He will never submit to dictation in regard to his expressions of opinion, and he will permit no clique or party to use him as a tool or stool pigeon—if he knows it. He will always fight with his whole power for the best good of the County of San Juan.

Local jealousies will meet with little sympathy in the columns of The Islander, and those who may imagine that San Juan Island will be boomed by us to the disadvantage of the other islands of this beautiful county, will find themselves grievously mistaken. Occasions will undoubtedly arise where we shall feel conscientiously forced to take grounds and hold opinions contrary to those of many of our friends. In such instances we can only promise you that we will write no word that will not be dictated by sincere conviction, and single-hearted honesty. We will never shake with the right hand, and stab with the left.

On re-reading, the foregoing seems to express The Islander's sentiments pretty well, but there remains more to be added. This paper will not condemn a merchant or farmer who visits a saloon for relaxation, nor will he set the dogs on a saloon or hotel keeper, because he knows that the business has been legitimatized and licensed by the United States Government, and therefore has a legal right to exist. The Islander will not extol one merchant who puts ten dollars in the contribution box at church, and cry down another equally good man, who does not happen to belong to his denomination or creed.

In fact, we believe that America, and particularly San Juan County, Wash., is a free country, and that we all of us have certain inalienable rights that we are free to exercise so long as they do not interfere with the well-being of others. In this connection we must not be understood to decry religion, or to uphold the liquor traffic. One is the greatest civilizing engine of the age, and society's strongest bulwark. The other is unquestionably an evil—but it is licensed and paying the state a revenue devoted to educational purposes, and cannot therefore justly be criticised, and still less attacked.

In conclusion the editor desires to express his very hearty sense of appreciation of the way in which he has been met by the inhabitants of San Juan County. Every man who has approached us so far has done so with a cordial shake of the hand, and honest expression of good will that made us feel at once at home in the community. This is as it should be. We can only do our best work for the county by and through the good will and co-operation of the inhabitants, and if that is extended in the future as freely as it has been in the past, we can safely promise to supply San Juan County with a weekly, second to none in the state. We have nearly completed a system by which each district in the county will have its news adequately reported, and we shall halt at no trouble or labor to make The Islander truly representative, and recognized not only in the county, but in the outer world. And another word in this connection. The Islander also engages to properly present the resources and capabilities of San Juan County to the outside world as well as to amuse those who dwell within its borders. No pent-up Utica shall confine our powers, and if people do not flock here to settle, it shall not be because they have not heard of the desirability of this lovely region as a home.

The editor, who is also the publisher of The Islander, apologises to his readers for the fact that the present edition is three days later than the date printed on the paper. If they all knew, however, how unremittingly he had worked to get it before the public even at this late time, and what difficulties he has struggled with and overcome, they would surely excuse him. In the first place the arrival of the plant was delayed four days beyond the promised time. Then various essentials, such as the inking rollers, metal furniture, etc., did not arrive as ordered with the rest of the invoice, and had to be telegraphed for or replaced by makeshifts. Then our keg of printing ink was lost overboard and floated around in the bay two or three days before being found. In fact, had it not been for the skill and ingenuity of the printers, it would have been impossible to issue at all this week. But now it is before you, how do you like it?

We're not ashamed of it in The Islander office.