Puget Sound Weekly Argus

The Weekly Argus.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1888.

Whidby Island Wharf.

After all the talk during the past few years relative to the necessity of a wharf on Whidby Island at Uley's Landing or Admiralty Head, and after so many expressions of a desire on the part of one citizens as those of Island county that there be accomplished, it seems that no move has been made long enough to bear substantial fruit. Some two or three years ago our board of trade appointed a committee of town council to canvass the matter and report with recommendations. That committee made some inquiry, and found a liberal spirit for the enterprise on the part of the Whidby Island people, as well as among our business men, but there was a difference of opinion as to where the wharf should be located. A verbal report of progress was made; but the committee being unable to agree, no definite recommendations were made. Since then the whole proposition has slumbered, except possibly the final agitation of street talk over its necessity. Everything is ripe for the work to be accomplished: the arguments have been gone over so many times, and are so generally admitted, that repetition is unnecessary—except a reminder of how much trade and business Port Townsend is losing year after year by this neglect. It only remains for some enterprising spirit with the energy of activity to take hold and push this move to success. It is deplorable that our citizens wait for a very few to do everything; and even then, that enterprise of active ones is not seconded as should be. Often instead of being helped along it is frowned upon and discounted by envious ones. In this way all spirit is gradually frozen into cold indifference. People wait for the railroad to come of its own accord—as though that would be the agency all potent to lift us into every kind of prosperity. Nothing else is desired but the railroad. Let everything else go! What a commentary on the judgment of an intelligent people! Even now whispers are heard imputing personally selfish motives to the citizens who are getting up the railroad land bonus. Whidby Island trade could just as easily as not be held here, if only proper conveniences and facilities were afforded to the people there, so that they might come and go in all kinds of weather, have their freight handled with safety, be afforded quick transit and moderate charges. The Argus has urged this enterprise frequently heretofore, and refers to it now in the hope that after all something may be done.