Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad Takes Land-Grant Case to Congress

A private letter published in the Olympian affords the encouraging information that there is now a prospect of getting the land-grant endowment that was originally conferred upon the Northern Pacific Company for their branch across the Cascades transferred to the Seattle and Walla Walla Company. A bill to effect this result has lately been introduced in the Lower House of Congress and duly referred to a committee who are said to be disposed to report favorably upon it. Though there is some uncertainty about the passage of such a measure in behalf of a Territory, considering the well-known attitude of the present House upon the question of subsidies, yet its introduction and discussion, at least, will be of advantage. At any rate, it is somewhat doubtful whether these lands will be allowed to revert back for private occupancy under the Homestead and Preemption laws. The ultimate success of the Seattle and Walla Walla road is not dependent upon the receipt of any Government subsidy. The commercial requirements of the country will insure its completion some time; but a little aid of this kind from the Government, extended now, would insure its immediate and rapid prosecution beyond the limits now under contract, and advance the Territory on the high-road of prosperity more effectually than any other measure that could be devised.