OUR POINT OF VIEW.
Emerson declares the world to be "an assemblage of gates and opportunities," and Disraeli says that "opportunity is more powerful than conquerors or prophets." It is a belief in both of these significant statements that has induced the publication of this magazine, for to observers of the situation it is apparent that the "gate" stands open, and as we enter it we look forward to the future with confidence — confidence born of the realization that there is a wealth of material here that has lain practically untouched, that along our broad rivers and under our towering snow-crowned peaks it lies waiting to be gathered up, preserved and given to the world of literature — confidence born of the belief that inevitably there will be a third great world center and that it will be on this coast — confidence in the need of a magazine here to meet the demands of the times and to voice the literature and art of this great Northwest, and confidence born of the determination to take ad- vantage of the "open gate," to enter this field and meet whatever untoward conditions that may confront us and conquer them.
This century has been a century of remarkable and bewildering changes, but on the political horizon probably none have been more far-reaching in their effects than those we have just witnessed. Spain has lost her last foothold in the Western hemisphere which she discov- ered, we have extended our domain to the Hawaiian islands, and other changes, more momentous than we now dream of, have taken, or are now taking place. The possibilities of this Pacific coast for development in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, shipbuilding and commerce have attracted the attention of the world, which has suddenly realized that a young but sturdy giant has arisen, and must henceforth be taken into consideration in the adjustment of the affairs of the nations. What we wish to especially emphasize, however, is the fact that the unanimous opinion of conservative men is to the effect that the future development of the world and the events of international importance are to take place on the shores of the Pacific. Add to this the fact that our part of the Pacific coast is the nearest outlet for the resources of Alaska, and something of the vast possibilities of this region can be gained. It is a belief in these things, a faith in the glorious future of our Pacific coast and consequently in ourselves that has brought about the publication of The Pacific Monthly. It is no light burden to bear the responsibilities that such a work imposes. We appreciate this, and shall do our best to carry it to the satisfaction of our readers, and though this, our first number, is but a modest attempt at some of the things at which we aim — to establish a magazine that will be a fit representative of the young and virile West, a magazine of literature, art, education and progress, a record of our unique history and traditions — we believe that it will be received with encouragement and commendation.
The consolidation of "Drift," the first issue of which was published in August, and "The Pacific Monthly" enables us to give our readers a larger and better magazine for less money than was possible before. The publishers of "Drift," like those of "The Pacific Monthly," realized that there is a demand and a field for a magazine here, and in answer to this demand each began working out plans, ignorant of the other's intentions. The consolidation has been effected in the full belief that "in union there is strength," and the combination begins its career under the happiest auspices.
One of the most daring prophecies in history was made when William H. Seward, in 1852, said in the course of a speech in the senate:
