Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour the tube pan and set aside. If using butter, let it come to room temperature.
Cream butter or shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, and applesauce.
Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Sift flour into the mixture, saving about one teaspoon.
Mix baking soda and boiling water in a measuring cup. Add to the batter a little at a time.
With the remaining flour, coat the raisins. Fold the raisins and walnuts into the mixture.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 1 hour, or until done.
