USA > Washington > Spokane County > An illustrated history of Spokane county, state of Washington > Part 13
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And of the mining interests: "The year 1899 showed a marked increase also in the mineral output and mineral production in the country tributary to Spokane. It is estimated that the yearly mineral output of this territory is twenty million dollars. Certain it is that,
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in every direction from Spokane, there has been a constant development of properties, with the result of additional dividend-paying mines. It is true that speculation has been a prominent feature during the year in mining operations, and the year closed dull and unpromising so far as speculative stocks are concerned. At the same time in substantial development and in increased production of the precious metals, it can be truthfully said that the year 1899 was a memorable year for Spokane. Indeed, Spo- kane has become a second Denver in mining op- erations and in mining results, as is eminently exemplified in the ownership of city property, both business and residence, as well as banks and other enterprises requiring capital and busi- ness energy."
THE WASHINGTON VOLUNTEERS.
It will doubtless be admitted by all that the events which excited the most profound and universal interest and enthusiasm during the years 1898 and 1899, in this city as well as the whole state, was the muster-in and embarkation of the Washington Volunteers to the Philippine islands, their bravery and gallantry on the field of battle, their victories and triumphant return home to be crowned with honor. The history has been so fully and worthily recorded by the daily press that we deem it expedient to make copious extracts. The Spokesman-Re- view for November 6, 1899, contains a com- prehensive history of the companies: "Com- . pany A, of Spokane, was mustered into the service of the United States at Camp Rogers May 7, 1898. The officers were Capt. A. H. Otis, First Lieut. E. K. Erwin and Sec- ond Lieut. W. I. Hinckly. The company lett San Francisco about eighty strong. Its service in the Philippines has been as arduous as it was honorable. The first quarters of the company was the 'tobacco factory' as part of the First Battalion. Some weeks before the outbreak it was transferred to the Third Battalion and given quarters on the Caile Real Paco, from
which point, less than a quarter of a mile, it 'doubled' to the front on Saturday night, Feb- ruary 4. to take up the most exposed position in the whole line, holding it steadily through- out the whole of that terrible night and morn- ing, and until the charge, which it accompan- ied, swept the field and resulted in the capture of the insurgent stronghold, Santa Ana. Dur- ing the few hours of that night it suffered more casualties than any other regiment of the corps except the Fourteenth United States Infantry, losing twenty officers and men killed and wounded. At the close of the engagement on Sunday, February 5, it was accorded the honor of escorting to the walled city the three hundred and fifty of the enemy captured in Santa Ana. Returning to its old quarters that night, it was employed as provost guard in Paco and Panda- can, a duty extremely difficult and successfully carried out.
"March 21 the company rejoined the regi- ment at Pasig, forming, on the morning of the 26th, a portion of the command under Fortson when that officer was killed. Several weeks of duty there was succeeded by transfer to out- post and observation duty on the hills across the river; then to Pasig again. Later to Pateros, whence they were transferred to Taguig, participating in all the later skirmishes at that point. It formed part of the force en- gaged against Tay-tay and Morong and later that against Calamba. It was particularly for- tunate in the matter of casualties after Santa Ana, only two or three men sustaining insig- nificant scratches in the various engagements.
"To fill vacancies as they occurred. First Sergeants M. C. Corey and W. L. McCallum were successively appointed second lieutenants. Private T. W. Lemon was promoted to ser- geant major and Trumpeter W. E. Nickerson promoted to principal musician. Only one man (lied from disease, Private Freeman. at San Francisco, November 2.
"Company L, of Spokane, was mustered in as part of the Second Battalion, accompanying
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it to San Francisco and Angel island, and later to Manila, where its quarters were in the bishop's palace. During the engagement of February 5 it was stationed in reserve until day- light, when it deployed and advanced on the right flank, being the first company to move that morning. After Santa Ana it went to the trenches about San Pedro, participating with several other companies of the regiment in the movement satirically known in the army as 'Smith's Run,' so called from a colonel of that ilk who was commanding. Thereafter until March 13, when it moved out with Wheaton's provisional brigade, it held a portion of the San Pedro entrenchment. It took station at Pasig on the 17th. Soon afterward the com- pany removed to Pateros. From there it went to outpost duty on the Guadeloupe hills, thence back to Pateros, again to the hills, and finally to Pasig again. It participated in the engage- ment at Taguig on April 27, and also in the Morong expedition. Detachments from the company helped make up the Calamba and Santa Cruz expeditions. The company has had as officers during nearly the whole of its serv- ice, Captain J. M. Moore, First Lieutenant J. E. Ballaine, Second Lieutenant C. E. Nosler. It has lost but one man killed."
WELCOME HOME.
On Monday morning, November 6, 1899, the city was wild with enthusiasm and anxious to see and welcome the brave boys from Manila. As the Evening Chronicle reported it, "Amid the shrieking of whistles, the ringing of bells and cheers from thousands of human throats, the train bringing home the returning Spokane heroes rolled into the Northern Pacific depot at 9:05 this morning.
"From every car window the boys were hanging out their heads eager to catch the first glimpse of the loved relatives and friends who were lined up along the platform to welcome them.
"Many was the hearty hand shake and lov-
ing kiss that was exchanged before the train finally came to a full stop and the boys began to climb off to be embraced by the mothers, sis- ters and sweethearts who were there to greet them.
"As the train pulled into the depot the first thing to be seen by the expectant crowd which had assembled to meet it was 'Old Glory' way- ing at the head. Armed with the colors, Cor- poral Milton Rhoads and Private Walter Has- kins had taken their place on the cowcatcher at Marshall and road it into the city.
"At the depot to welcome the boys was one of the largest crowds that has ever assembled in this city.
"Such a home-coming as it was.
"As fast as the boys stepped from the train they were surrounded by their friends, and many affecting scenes were witnessed. Boys who had left home in the best of health, some of them showed the effects of the hardships which they had endured, and were hardly rec- ognizable except to the loving mothers and sis- ters who had gathered to meet them. But everyone seemed happy, and none of the boys were overlooked. Those who did not have mothers to welcome them were welcomed by some one else's mother and all came in for a share of the joy and happiness that seemed to affect everybody.
"The march to the hall was led by a pla- toon of police, followed by a delegation from the fire department, and Pynn's Military band. Next came the mounted escort, consisting of Chaplain Bateman of Fort Wright, Lieutenant Erwin of Company A, and Captain E. Marti- son of Company B of Idaho. Following them were the two companies of returning volunteers and the home militia companies. At the head of Company A, which was in the lead, marched Captain Otis of that company and Sergeant H. K. Harrison of Company L, while at the head of Company A was Captain Joe Moore of that company and Sergeant James Butler of Company A, this arrangement indicating that
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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
the boys were all on an equal footing now that they had been mustered out.
"On arriving at the hall no time was lost in preliminaries, but the boys were at once seated at the tables which had been provided for them by the ladies of the Red Cross. Only the re- turning volunteers, their wives, the Spokane boys who formerly returned home and the of- ficers of the home companies were admitted to the breakfast, their friends waiting for them on the outside. The tables were loaded with all the delicacies of the season, and the boys did justice to the excellent repast.
"Before the serving of the breakfast, Chap- lain Bateman gave a short invocation, in which he asked the divine blessing upon the brave boys who had fought so nobly for their country, and expressed thanks that so many of them had been spared to return to their homes and friends.
"An incident of the breakfast was the ar- rival of a mother in search of her boy. She had missed him at the depot and had come to the hall to find him there. He had, however, been in such a hurry to see his dear mother that when he missed her at the depot he had rushed off to her home, only to find that she had been looking for him. He arrived at the hall just as the boys were finishing their repast and they were clasped in a loving embrace. He had missed his breakfast with the others. but he and his mother were seated at a table by the ladies and none of the boys enjoyed their meal more than he.
"As the meal was about completed. Chap- lain Bateman asked for attention and an- nounced that it was desired that none of the boys leave the hall till they have been served with a piece of cake which had been specially baked for the occasion by Mrs. Mary Tatro, who had a son among the boys. The cake was a masterpiece of pastry. It had been made in one hundred and eighty pieces or small squares, there being one for each of the boys. This cake, handsomely decorated, was on exhibition on
the platform during the earlier part of the meal.
"Among the ones at the breakfast table who attracted special attention were Lieutenant and MIrs. Nosler. Mrs. Nosler had accompanied her husband through the campaign, and dressed in a natty uniform she looked every inch a soldier. Attached to Lieutenant Nosler's fam- ily were also two Filipinos whom he had brought back with him. The oldest is a young man of twenty named Ramondo Polma, and he seemed thoroughly able to look after himself. The other, a lad of seven, named Geronimo de la Croix, which means Geronimo of the Cross, was seated at the table with Lieutenant and Mrs. Nosler and seemed rather shy. When a reporter asked his name, lie threatened to cry and said he did not want his name in the paper. Lieutenant Nosler says that he expects to look after the two Filipinos and give them an education.
"A special feature of the breakfast this morning was the decorations at the hall. The national colors were in great profusion, and very prominent among them were the emblems of the Red Cross society. There were many handsome floral designs scattered over the tables, and the hall never presented a neater or more tasty appearance.
"The feelings that had been pent up for weeks and months burst forth in one grand, rousing cheer for our boys who had fought and now returned, the heroes of their home and the nation.
"Not until the noble fellows in .\ and L marched down Riverside did the people have a general opportunity to cheer altogether with a tiger. From the time the head of the line was joined by the boys from the war. the magnifi- centassemblage, which crowded every available space on pavement and in windows, kept up a prolonged wave of patriotic cheering. The hearts of every man, woman and child over- flowed with the joy of the greeting. Cheers could not express what they felt. Names were
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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
called out, flowers thrown and hats went flying wildly in the air.
"Old soldiers, veterans of former struggles, remembered how they had been received in the 'sixties, and waved their hats and canes and shouted out of the fullness of their hearts as they now saw their sons returning from similar fields of duty.
"School boys had been dismissed to learn what might some day be expected of them. They shouted their yells with a spirit that in- dicated how quick they would be to step into the ranks in defense of the stripes and stars.
"Elks, Odd Fellows, Woodmen, Foresters, clerks, athletes, employers and employed joined in the jubilee. It was a stirring sight, indeed, to see the union of all in the welcome extended to the Spokane defenders of the flag.
"Prominent in all the festivities of the day and most cheered outside the volunteers, were the ladies of the Red Cross, who had made possible this splendid reception. For weeks they had been preparing for to-day's home- coming of the boys in blue. They had planned well and the generous hospitality of the citi- zens of Spokane was directed and made ef- fective through their management and untir- ing energy. These were the ladies whom the volunteers on the countermarch cheered to the echo with their rousing marching cry of the Philippines, ending in the prolonged roll of sound like the noise of a whirlwind.
"The parade itself contained many interest- ing figures. At the head rode Lieutenant E. K. Erwin, grand marshal of the procession, accompanied by his personal aides. Sent back wounded from Manila, the Lieutenant had reached home before his comrades and it was most fitting that he should to-day marshal the hosts for the public reception to his fellows of the First.
"Few companies of volunteers can boast a lady warrior as Company L does. No figure in the parade attracted more attention than this lady on horseback, the wife of Lieutenant C.
E. Nosler. Mounted on a spirited black horse, she was the most unique personage in the long procession, the only heroine who returned to- day from Manila. Mrs. Nosler was dressed in a neat khaki uniform and wore a soldier's soft hat. She seemed at home with the soldier's life and was frequently greeted by a cheer as she rode in front of the company. Sergeant Will Campbell walked at the head of the horse and held the bridle in order to see that nothing befell their champion.
"Riding alone in an open carriage provided by the Red Cross was the only member of the two companies who returned on the sick list. It was O. Sowards, who has not fully recovered from his illness. Not quite able to march again with his company, the Red Cross saw to it that he received a share of the welcome to-day.
"It was after II o'clock before the parade began to move. As they reached the corner of Howard and Riverside, the line halted until the volunteers were escorted to their place of honor. It then proceeded down to the end of the River- side pavement on the east and countermarched the entire length of the avenue. It was a mammoth procession and so long that it was again able to double at the west end of River- side before the column had drawn out to a single line nearly a mile away at the other end of the avenue.
"Chief Witherspoon with a double squad of his most military officers of the police force headed the parade. The policemen were fol- lowed by a squad of firemen under command of Assistant Chief Phillips. Then came the mar- shal of the parade, Lieutenant Erwin, and his staff. all mounted. The aides included Chap- lain C. C. Bateman, Captain E. Martinson of Company B, Idaho Volunteers, Lieutenant Joe Smith and Hospital Steward Howard Mc- Bride, all of whom have seen service.
"The Grand Army of the Republic had been granted the place of honor as escort for the volunteers. They were headed by Pynn's band. Sedgwick Post, No. 8, came first with
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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
over a hundred men in line. It was in com- mand of Mayor Comstock as officer of the day. Reno Post, No. 47, had almost as many veter- ans of the civil conflict in line. . It was led by E. Morrison, acting commander. The rejoic- ing of these old soldiers was one of the pleas- antest features to be noted in the welcome pre- pared. The bystanders contrasted the present reception with the past and felt how thankful the country might be to the new veterans and the old.
"Next in line came the heroes of the hour. The day was theirs, the parade was theirs and the friends and relatives eagerly scanned the faces in Companies A and L to be sure that their loved ones had returned. Not all the boys marched, a few feeling indisposed after their journey. Those who were in line showed the results of their campaigning, and yet they looked as if there was plenty of patriotism left to fight other campaigns if their commanders needed them.
"Companies A and E of the militia marched next carrying their guns. The volunteers were without their rifles and wore the blue uniforms in which most of them had left Spokane so con- fidently a year and a half ago.
"A long line of carriages followed. In them were the ladies of the Red Cross.
"The second division was composed of the boys' brigade, boys of the public schools and the students of Gonzaga College. These school boys formed one of the most interesting fea- tures of the parade, as each school was kept separate and bore aloft a banner inscribed with some patriotic sentence.
"Sheriff Cole and his deputies, in a car- riage, rode at the head of the third division, which was composed of local fraternal societies, the Retail Clerks' Association and the Athletic Association.
"After the parade had been finished the boys were taken to the Auditorium, where a fine program had been prepared for them.
"The house was filled long before the rise
of the curtain and hundreds were turned away. Cheering began as soon as the curtain was seen to move. At the time no soldier had made his appearance, but the people knew when they saw the moving curtain he was there. From that time on there was a continuous roar, ex- cept when the speakers were on the floor. As soon as the mayor would rise to introduce a new speaker then the audience would turn loose. It did not take many words to raise the people from their seats : all had been worked up to such a pitch by the parade that they were glad to have something to yell at.
"On the stage the soldiers were in the front rows with the G. A. R. in the rear, and as the curtain rose the building and all seemed to rise in the air. It took all the power of Mayor Comstock to finally get them quiet enough to proceed with the exercises.
"Mayor Comstock acted as chairman and first introduced the children's chorus. They sang the 'Soldiers' Chorus,' and they sang it as if their very lives depended on it. When they had taken their seats they were cheered to the echo, not alone by the audience. but the soldiers liked it and gave expression to their thoughts by continuous applause.
"Mayor Comstock then took the platform and gave the boys a welcome which they will not forget for a long time. Many times he was interrupted and especially when the ex- pansion question was brought in. It seemed to appeal to the whole house and for a time it looked like the roof would come down.
"The mayor then stepped to the front to introduce Mrs. Hayward. He said: 'Com- rades, I know you all lived long enough to know what the Red Cross is.' and that was as far as he got. for just then one of the boys called out. 'God bless them: that is what started the racket and there was no use to try to think, for they would not let you. Finally he went on: 'It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Mrs. Virginia K. Hayward.' Then they started again, one of them called out. 'Three cheers
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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
for Mrs. Hayward,' which were given with a will by the boys of both companies and fol- lowed up with two tigers.
"Then one of the officers stood up and called three cheers for the Red Cross and again they started. This time they all jumped to their feet, and the cheers this time were followed by three tigers. After that they decided to let Mrs. Hayward talk, and she made a little talk that was cheered as wildly as any speech ever was in the halls of congress.
"Senator George Turner was then intro- duced, and his reception was nothing behind that accorded to the others. He delivered a masterly speech in which he spoke in behalf of the citizens of Spokane and the citizens of the country.
"Senator John L. Wilson was then intro- duced and made a remarkable talk in which he brought out many fine figures of speech.
"No such gala day has ever been before witnessed in Spokane. The weather was per- fect, and the beautiful, clear, blue sky was spread as a triumphant arch for the returning heroes to march under. All along the line of march were spread streamers and flags and ban- ners and bunting, proclaiming the heartfelt welcome of a proud and grateful people. On back and side streets, and far out into the res- idence portion of the city, waved hundreds of flags and banners, displayed in honor of the oc- casion. Everywhere one turned there Old Glory flung her graceful folds out upon the gentle breeze and whispered 'Welcome home, our boys.'
"The following are the names of those who returned :
"Company A-Captain A. H. Otis, First Lieutenant William T. Hinckley, Second Lieu- tenant Walter L. McCallum, First Sergeant Fred L. Titsworth, Quartermaster Sergeant James Timewell, Sergeants Herman P. Hasler, William H. Harrison, Walter A. Graves and Kendall Fellowes, Corporals Ernest Hillings- worth, George DeGraff, Charlie Delano, John
F. Mitchell, Robert M. Betts, Fred W. Schan- der, Edd Fox, Thomas B. Rickhart, Walter Nichols and Ancil Rayburn, Cook Ernest Wieman, Artificer Charles E. Black, Wagoner Walter M. Hicks, Musician Arno L. Marsh, Privates Arthur E. Anderson, Loyal Bentliff, Fred Chapman, John A. Coughlin, Leo M. Dornberg, Stephen A. Dunn, Oliver P. Eslick, William R. Fait, Dennis C. Feeney, Edward D. Furman, Elmer E. Gordon, Loren D. Grin- stead, Jolin L. Harrington, Robert A. Harris, Otto H. Hoppe, Clement C. Hubbard, Albert D. Hughes, William A. Long, William F. Mc- Neil, William E. Nickerson, John M. Pike, George C. Primley, Clyde Secrist, Oscar Sow- ards, Harry Stenson and M. E. Thompson.
"Company L-Captain Joseph M. Moore, First Lieutenant John E. Ballaine, Second Lieutenant Charles E. Nosler, First Sergeant Leroy L. Childs, Quartermaster Sergeant Howard Woodward, Sergeants Thomas Doody, Reno D. Hoppe and James J. Butler, Corporals James B. Raub, Frank L. Merriam, Otis L. Higby, Robert D. Dow, Walter A. Dixon, William H. Egbert, Charles O. Miller, Alfred C. Sanders, William Jensent, J. Grant. Hinkle, Will G. Campbell and Marshal W. Pullen, Artificer George E. Hedger, Musicians David H. Durgen and Morton G. Smith, Pri- vates Hector W. Allen, Charles G. Anderson, Robert E. Bowman, William Briggs, George Burgrabe, Joseph Buckley, Ellsworth Button, Charles A. Christie, Robert H. Diehl, Ernest E. Drake, William Eklind, Edward R. Ennis, Carson E. Ellis, William P. Fleming, Charles Hedger, Walter Haskin, Stanley Jodrey, Charles A. Janes, Fred King, John B. McChes- ney, Alfred M. Mumby, George Marks, Charles H. Merriam, John Perry, Milton R. Rhoades, Arthur Rose, Clarence V. Roberts, Charles W. Schmidt, Charles J. Shidler, Rob- ert J. Sly, Henry J. Sievers, Orphus W. Tatro, Olando P. Vaughn, Lee G. Warren and John W. Wells.
"Those other men than the two companies.
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who were on the train were Lieutenant George Dreher, who went away as first sergeant of Company A, but returns first lieutenant of Company M; Mrs. Charles E. Nosler, Mrs. John E. Ballaine, Mrs. Charles A. Christie, Robert L. Clark of the hospital corps, who went away as private in Company A, John H. Jones and William R. Tucker of K, whose homes are in Wilbur : Melville Arant, Godfrey Lundberg, Edd Smith, Hugh Cusick, and W. E. Nicker- son, of the regimental band, and Roy Porter, of Company L, who mustered out at Manila."
At six o'clock in the evening the soldiers were banqueted again at the First Methodist Episcopal church by the G. A. R. Relief Corps and Sons and Daughters of Veterans. The wives of the volunteers participated in the supper. At 8 o'clock there was a
public meeting. A well trained chorus sang under the leadership of Dr. H. A. Heritage. The "Star Spangled Banner" was sung by Mrs. Leon Jones, and "Our He- roes Welcome Home," by Miss Pearl Kellar. Mayor Comstock delivered a speech in behalf of the city; Hon. S. C. Hyde for the Grand Army: Rev. P. A. Cool. D. D., for the church. and Mrs. Hayward for the Red Cross. Brief responses were made by Captains Otis and Moore. The day wherein the Washington vol- unteers returned home, and the demonstrations connected therewith will be memorable in the history of Spokane.
THE SPOKANE OF TO-DAY.
The Spokane of to-day is the glory of the Inland Empire. Well can its citizens be proud of the record made during the last quarter cen- tury. The advancements of the past are but a prophecy of the achievements of the future. It is a city hardly surpassed in attractiveness.
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