In June 1890, the First Assistant Postmaster General of the United States, James S. Clarkson (1842-1918) toured the Puget Sound region on behalf of the Postal Service. Appointed by President Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), a Democrat, Mr. Clarkson, a Republican, served from 1891-1892 and immediately began firing Democratic fourth-class postmasters throughout the country. Mr. Clarkson was later chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Mr. Clarkson spent about two weeks in Seattle, during which time he was asked about his impressions of the area by a Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter. Mr. Clarkson declared, "Puget Sound when seen is an assurance of the greatness of Western Washington. It is beautiful and may fairly be called the Mediterranean of America... There is that particular light and approach to mist hanging over the harbor and Sound that is seen on the Mediterranean and no other place in America... All these things, making this country grand and attractive, will draw people of art, people of superior intelligence and those who love the beautiful in nature, all of which will help make your city and your State more pleasant and great." The Seattle Chamber of Commerce liked Mr. Clarkson's assessment so much that they reprinted it in the pamphlet pictured here.

Caption information source: Rhodes, J. F. (2009). History of the United States. Cosimo, Inc.: NY; p. 331.