The Ill Wind Blowing Immigrants to Puget Sound

While we cannot but regret the occurrences of the late Indian disturbances in eastern Oregon and Washington, causing as they did so much destruction of property, jeopardy to human life, and an interruption to the large immigration which was trending its way thither, we still observe in them an exemplification of the old saying that 'it is an ill wind that blows nobody good.' For it is noticeable that amongst the large immigration coming north on the Portland steamers, originally destined for the arable districts east of the mountains, very many through present fear and apprehension of a recurrence of Indian troubles, upon landing at Portland, seek other and safer locations, and in consequence turn their steps in the direction of Puget Sound—only last week some fifty or sixty immigrants reached here through these causes. That this will continue to a great extent there is but little doubt; that this section of the Territory will be largely benefited in consequence there is still less doubt; and that the majority of the immigration now on their way to this northwestern coast will do far better here in agricultural pursuits until railroad communication is had with Eastern Washington than there, even if land is not so plenty or productive, there is no doubt at all.