20
THE MORNING OREGONIAN, TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1907.
GREATEST YEAR FOR RAILROAD CONSTRUCTION
' . 1 -- - ., g ,
Building in Territory Tributary to Portland During 1906 Breaks
All Records City Now Strategic Point in Struggle of Giants
THERE has been more railroad build
ing m the territory tributary to Port
land during tlTe year Just closed than
In any previous 12 months In the city's
history. Into almost every section of
the Columbia Valley basin, steel high
ways are being made, bringing an im
mense empire into closer business re- '
lations with Portland. James J. Hill
and E. H. Harrlman are struggling for
the control of the magnificent territory
that Is pouring- Its riches Into this city,
by reason of Portland's advantageous
location. The Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Is pushing west to tap the
same country, while persistent rumors
are that the Goulds also are bringing
their transcontinental system to a con
nection with this city.
The Chicago & Northwestern is said
to be planning the extension of its
main line west from Landers, Wyo., to
the cities of the Pacific Northwest
Never has there been such an era of
activity. In railroad building. Points
of vantage are being eagerly seized by
railway magnates, and engineers are in
the field to map out new lines leading
down to the Rose City.
Portland's future greatness as a rail
road center can be conceived, with four
great transcontinental systems center
ing here. The trafflo of the Pacific
Northwest has so increased that It Is
the prize now most sought by the
Western railroads. To secure the huge
lumber tonnage was the avowed pur
pose of James J. Hill In projecting the
Portland & Seattle down the north
bank of the Columbia to Portland, and
the other railroads seek their share
of this great business.
The Harrlman system has an ad
vantage in Oregon because of its occu
pation of the 'Willamette Valley and
the natural route to Portland from the
Inland Empire along the south bank
of the Columbia. Feeders have been
constantly pushed out from the Harrl
man trunk lines In this state until they
penetrate many of the rich districts of
the interior. Many additional branches
are being planned by Harrlman to
bring out the products of sections of
the state where formerly freight of all
kinds was hauled with wagons. A
feeder from Pendleton to Pilot Rock
will soon be commenced. A branch
road into Eagle Valley from Baker
City is another live project that has
lately been announced.
Plans have been made to build up
the John Day River from a point on
the O. R. & N. at the mouth of the
river to the mouth of Milk Creek, a
distance of 70 miles. A similar line
lias been Incorporated to' build up the
Deschutes River from a point on the
main line of the O. R. & N. at the
mouth of the river to the new town of
Bend.
A line to tap the Wallowa country
is being built by the O. IX. & N. from
Elgin northeast up the Grand Ronde
River to its junoton with the Wallowa,
and thence southeast to Joseph, a total
of 64 miles. Part of this road has been
completed. In addition to the St. Johns
Troutdale cutoff, whereby an easy
grade will be secured for freight from
Portland to Troutdale, $620,000 is being
spent by the O. R. & N. In the change
of the main line between Troutdale and
Bonneville. Curves are being eliminated
and grades reduced.
The Southern Pacific has projected
many new roads In the middle and
NORTHERN PACIFIC'S MODEL TRAINS
SplendidPassenger Equipment Aids in Turn
ing TicJU of Tourist Travel to This Coast
PERHAPS no transcontinental railway
system has done more to turn the tide
of tourist travel to the Pacific Coast In
carrying out the "See America First"
movement than the Northern Pacific.
Extensive advertising campaigns have
been carried on that took Infinite genius,
pains and money. Fortunes have been
pent In building trains that are the equal
of the best anywhere and months of time
have been taken in telling the people
about the attractions of the service.
It really appears as If an impression
has been made upon the great annual
heglra to Europe and that a reflex flow
across the continent to the shores of the
Paclfio has set in. Not only the increas
ing number of Winter tourists Indicates
this, but the growing inclination to make
this Coast the meeting place for conven
tions and gatherings of all kinds seems
to establish this fact
During the past few years great ad
vances have been made by all lines in
comfort, safety and speed of travel. No
Pacific Coast road has accomplished more
success In this line than the Northern
Pacific. Today Its trains are known in
Portland as the only electrio lighted limit
ed trains to the East. Other modern con
veniences have been added with the in
tention of making the trip across the con
tinent as easy - for the traveler as a day
pent at his own flresld.
Success has attended these efforts to
a marked degree. The best efforts of
car-designers, the most careful work of
builders and decorators has been called
to the assistance of the heads of the Hill
system. The North Coast Limited is a
triumph in modern rail transportation.
Originally Intended to be operated dur
ing the Summer months only, the crack
Northern Pacific train has come to be an
all-the-year necessity. Its popularity has
been widespread and the kind things said
about the accommodations by travelers
would fill many a book.
Monster passenger locomotives, with
drivers standing higher than a man's
head, pull these rolling palaces. Men
trained to exact the last bit of speed
from these tireless, willing steeds stand
In the cab, trained for emergencies as
they are to safe and fast running. The
engines are perfection In motive power.
Future years may supplant them with
others even more swift and reliable, but
the present builders of locomotives can
stipply nothing that will outrun the en
gines which pull the North Coast Limited.
The limited service eastward to St.
Paul from Portland and the cities of the
Northwest requires the equipment of ten
complete trains ..with sufficient motive
power to handle each over the eight di
visions of Its Journey. Each of the ten
trains is the exact counterpart of the
others. All cars are of uniform design
and finish. Each makes for luxurious,
travel and maximum safety.
The Interior finish of the train Is of
extremely beautiful character. Rich San
J ago mahogany Is extensively used with
lighter and inlaid woods. The color
scheme Is worked out in harmonious
green and gold shades. Ornate wood and
brass are avoided, and the result Is a
western part of the state. Perhaps
the most Important one of these proj
ects is the Oregon Eastern, the Cen
tral Oregon line from Natron to Klam
ath Falls. The road will cross the
Cascades, following the middle fork of
the Willamette River, and continuing
to the Klamath Lakes, a distance of
152 miles. It is supposed the main line
of the Southern Fticlflc between Port
land .and San Francisco will In time
adopt this route, thus avoiding the
heavy grades of the Siskiyou Moun
tains. An extension 'across the central
part of the state to Ontario fs a part
of the project. The contract for build
ing this road from Natron south will soon
be let.
A line now being built by the Southern
Pacific to the Coos Bay country from
Drain has occupied much attention. This
road will cost $3,200,000, and the first
section of 20 miles has been let to C. E.
Loss of San Francisco, who is progress
ing well with the work. Eventually this
road will form a link in a coast line
from Coos Bay to San Francisco. The
distance to Coos Bay from Drain is 82
miles. The surveys follow the Umpqua
Valley and thence south to Coos Bay.
This road is being built under a charter
to the Oregon Western.
The Union Pacific has projected a line
to Seattle and Tacoma from Portland dur
ing the past year and rights of way are
now being closed up preparatory to let
ting contracts for construction. Surveys
and final locations are being made. The
road will be built under the name of the
Oregon & Washington.
The tentative route from Portland is
across the peninsula northeast of Port
land to the new Portland & Seattle bridge,
down the north side of the Columbia to
Kelso and thence north, roughly parallel
ing the Northern Pacific's line to the
Fuget Sound cities. Terminals have been
secured at enormous cost in both Se
attle and Tacoma.
The most notable achievement for
Portland during the year in railroad
building is the progress made on the
Portland & Seattle Railway, th Joint
Northern Pacific and Great Northern
line from Spokane to Portland.. The
roadbed will soon be ready for the
laying of steel at the eastern end.
The surveyed distance from Kenne
wlck Is 250 miles, and the new road
unquestionably will be one of the best
and most modern In the Pacific North
west. The estimated cost of the completed
main line Is $10,000,030. Big, double
track bridges across the Columbia and
Willamette Rivers to bring the line
into Portland from Vancouver will
cost $3,000,000 more. There will be
nine tunnels in the road, the longest
of which will be at Cape Horn, where
workmen are driving a hole through
the BOlid rock 2000 feet in length. The
road will have a maximum grade of
.3 of 1 per cent and a maximum curva
ture of 3 degrees. To build the line
will require 36,500 tons of steel rails.
The line is planned for completion by
the end of the present year.
The Portland & Seattle hag had a
hard fight to reach Portland and carry
out the original plans mapped out by
James J. Hill, who has taken a per
sonal Interest in the road. The proj
ect was bitterly fought all along the
north bank of the Columbia by the
Wallula Pacific, a Harrlman road, and
the fight is still being waged. At
Maegley Junction, too, on the Penin
sula, legal warfare against the new
road -was .resorted to by the Harrlman
Interests, but at that point rights
have been secured which leave the
Hill road free to cross O. R. & N.
tracks.
A big bridge is being built across
quiet elegance that Is singularly attrac
tive. I
Jar and vibration Is reduced to a mini
mum on account of the scientific con
struction of the trains and their heavy
weight. Each train weighs 418 tons with
out the engine. North Coast Limited
coaches weigh 44 tons empty. Dlnlng
cars weigh -66 tons and the Pullman
sleepers weigh 60 tons each. The weight
thus secured adds greatly to the security
of travel. The lessened Jar reduces the
danger of car sickness for those afflicted
with that unpleasant Illness.
The locomotives coupled ahead of the
North Coast Limited trains weigh 1S0H
tons and are operated under a working
boiler pressure of 200 pounds. The length
of the tender and engine is 61 feet. Eleo
trlc headlights light the way for the en
gineer and show him the track for half
a mile ahead.
The Pullman tourist cars on the train
are the longest similar cars In use and
contain 18 sections. These cars, display
many new ideas in construction and con
venience. The upholstery Is of leather,
neat, clean and sanitary. The Interior
finish Is of mahogany. Each car has a
range, where. If the passenger wishes, he
may prepare his own meals.
Through dining-cars of unusually at
tractive design add greatly to the con
venience of the transcontinental Journey.
Thousands have commented favorably
upon the dining-car service on the North
Coast Limited and the satisfaction felt
by passengers has been earned by care
ful, intelligent study of the requirements
of the service. On this line the same
dining-car remains with the train from
Portland to St. Paul or from St Paul to
Portland, thus Insuring the passengers
the same regularity of the service of
meals as can be secured in the home or
at any first-class hotel. Other lines- pick
up and drop the. dining-cars when meals
are finished. If the train is delayed,'
which often happens, the unlucky passen
ger must wait for food until the station
is reached at which the dining-car has
been waiting. The superiority of the
Northern Pacific service can be readily
seen and Is fully appreciated by "experi
enced travelers. Each car carries an ex
perienced chef, who gives his entire at
tention to the preparation of the meals.
He superintends a staff of assistants who
are chosen for their skill and efficiency.
The cars themselves are newand the
design is singularly attractive. High side
windows light the interior, in which
covers are laid for 30 persons at one time.
Beams of polished woodwork on the cell
ing give an appearance which suggests
the decorative scheme often followed in
the old Inns of England. Electric lights
hang in hand-made lanterns of iron and
art glass. At either end of the cars stand
handsome buffets. The kitchen occupies
an inclosed space at one end of the cars,
while at the opposite end a similar space
Is utilized for lrnen lockers and other
requirements. The cars are 80 feet long
ami have a double lighting system, elec
tricity and acetylene gas both being avail
able. The spacious observation end at the
rear of the" North Coast Limited is a
feature that appeals to travelers. The
observation parlor is roomy and opens
on a broad, semi-inclosed platform, afford
ing a delicious lounging-room in which
to vead or enjoy the scenery. Movable
upholstered wicker chairs srj convenient
ly placed and upon a table lose at hand
are to be found the latest newspapers
and magazines. The observation plat
the Columbia River at Vancouver and
foundations are being laid la' the bed
of the Willamette opposite St. Johns
for the Willamette bridge. The Co
lumbia' bridge is well along. The
piers are nearly in and workmen will
soon be placing steel on them. Both
structures will be modern in every
way and will be anchored to bedrock
under the two rivers. The piers are
being faced with granite blocks
brought from Index, Wash. Both
bridges are being built tor the Port
land & Seattle.
The Wallula Pacific, or Columbia
Valley, has been active during- the
past year and has spent a large
amount of money in construction of
grade along the north bank of the Co
lumbia, the object being to parallel
tho Portland & Seattle. The road was
projected from a point opposite Wal
lula westward along the river to Van
couver and thence to Portland. Dur
ing thexpast year extensions along
the lower Columbia to Kelso have been
announced.
The Ilwaco Railway & Navigation
Company, a Harrlman line between
Ilwaco and Nahcotta, has announced
additional miloage during the year
reaching to Knappton, a distance of
14 miles, which will admit of river
steamers of all kinds connecting at
Knappton with the railway. Ulti-'
mately this road will extend to Kelso,
where it will connect with the Oregon
& Washington, allowing an all-rail
Journey from Portland to the Southern
Washington beaches.
The Hammond roads have come into
prominence during the past year be
cause of the very large extensions
mapped out for thorn. New mileage
announced by A. B... Hammond while
in Portland during the year reach a
large total. About 300 miles of - new
construction is planned for the next
few years, costing in the neighborhood,
of $10,000,000.
The most important extension of the
Hammond lines is a' road across Cen
tral Oregon from the present terminus
of the Corvallis & Eastern at Idanha
to Snake River, giving a direct line
from Yaqulna Bay to the Idaho line.
Such a road cannot, of course, be built
In a year and from three to five years
are allowed for construction.
More immediate work by the Hammond
lines will be extension of the Astoria &
Columbia River Railroad from its present
terminus at Seaside to Tillamook and on
to Newport, where it will meet the C. &
E., which will be built along Yaqulna Bay
from Yaqulna to Newport Surveys for
this work are being made and branches
are announced from the main line of thie
extension at the mouth of the Nehalem
River up both branches of that stream.
This new railway building will bring
transportation to a country that is very
rich in natural resources, but which has
hitherto been isolated. The rich Coast
valleys, as well adapted to dairying as
the Netherlands, have been shut off from
the outside world by high mountain
ranges and the only communication with
the Coast cities has been by an occasion
al steamer. With the advent of rail
roads,' the Coast country will take on new
life and will doubtless become the banner
dairying district of the entire West.
Tillamook, after having been isolated
since the first settlements were made
there, is to have two railroads instead of
one, for the Pacific Railway & Navigation
Company, headed by E3. B. Lytle, is build
ing a road into the Tillamook and Neha
lem districts from Hillsboro, where .a
connection is had with the Southern Pa
cific. This line is now well along and
within t-he present year will doubtless
have reached Tillamook.
form will seat ten persons comfortably,
Few private cars have more luxurious
appointments.
A unique feature of the train Is c
clothes pressing service, which Is avail
able to remove the marks of travel.
A carefully selected library is also at
the command of the traveler. The vol
umes cover a wide range and each ob
servation-car carries about 130 books. The
pasenger will find it possible to suit his
individual taste by inspecting a catalogue
in the possession of the porter of the
car.
The North Coast Limited trains are
brilliantly illuminated with hundreds of
electric incandescent globes. From th
brilliant headlight that picks up the
smallest pebble on the track ahead to the
tall light on the rear of the observation
car, which shows the unique trademark
of the Northern ' Pacific, the same light
ing power is used. Each sleeping-car
section has two reading lights, exttngulsh
able at will. In addition to the main
ERA OF INTERURBAN RAILROADS
Construction of Electric Lines Will Link
Portland and Cities of Willamette Valley
I NTERURBAN electrio railway de
I velopment Is Just in its begin
nings In pregon, but if all the
lines now projected are built, Port
land will soon become the center of
a system giving access to the city from a
large part of the surrounding country.
During the past year a number of lines
have been projected, and for some of
these, franchises over the city's streets
already have been granted. The only line
of this character actually under construc
tion is one connecting Portland with the
towns of the east side of the Willamette
Valley, having its southern terminus at
Salem.
The Portland-Salem line Is backed by
a syndicate of Eastern capitalists, head
ed by Moffatt & White, the New York
bankers, operating through a corpora
tion known as the Oregon Electric Rail
ways Company. The work of building
the line is in charge of W. S. Barstow &
Co., of New York, contracting engineers.
Unlike the greater portion of railroad
construction in the West the work is
not being done upon the contract sys
tem, but upon the basis of actual ex
penditure, to which is added a fixed
amount for the services of the engineer
ing company.
Although paralleling the Southern Pa
cific, in a general way, for the entire dis
tance, the new line follows a new route
and will develop territory at present
without direct railroad connection. The
northern half of the line will be on the
west side of the Willamette, -and the
southern half upon the east. The entire
road will pass through a country of great
fertility, which gives promise of develop
ing large freight and passenger traffic.
The cost of the line will be about
$2,000,000. It will be 49 miles In length.
Easy grades have been secured for the
entire distance, which will permit of fast
running time. The company plans to
operate Its passenger cars on regular
schedule between Portland and Salem In
one and -one-half hours.
An important feature of the road Is to
be the bridge across the Willamette at
Wilsonville. This bridge will cost $150,000
and will be 800 feet in length, with 2300
feet of -trestle approaches. The struc
ture will be 105 feet above low water in
the Willamette, thus obviating the neces
sity for a draw.
The road Is now completed from Salem
to Lake Lablsh, a distance of eight miles.
Cars are being operated over the line be
lighting system, which gives Illumination
to the car. Eleotrlc power Is furnished
by a dynamo in charge of an expert elec
trician. One of the factors that contribute no
little to the pleasure of a journey over the
Northern Paclfio tracks, and one which
the passenger never gives a thought,
la the heavy expenditure by the road to
perfect its roadbed and remove curves
and grades. The rails lie smooth as a
dancing floor through mountain gorges
and across high hills. Fortunes are spent
annually in maintaining the excellence of
the roadbed so that travelers may ride
smoothly. Skilled men built the road and
others watch it night and day to see that
no harm comes to the passenger. Main
lines are laid with the heaviest steel rail
and the track Is carefully ballasted with
crushed rock, decomposed granite and
cinders. Much of this material was
hauled long distances to build a smooth
and safe line.
Steel and concrete bridges and earth
ASSESSOR'S FIGURES SHOW
INCREASE. '
If- the evidence furnished by act
ual 'real estate transactions were
lacking, th assessed valuation of
' Multnomah County from year to year
wonld be proof sufficient of the re
markably rapid advance in value of
local property. In explanation of the
appended table, It should be stated
that the 1005 assessment was the
first based upon full valuation, those
preceding being made on a 40 per
cent basis. Taking this Into consid
eration, it Is nevertheless surprising
- that the figures for the past year
show an Increase of more than 400
per cent over those of five years ago.
The advance of more than $35,000,000
In 1006, as compared with 1005,
shows actual increase of value. There
is also Included this year the as
sessment of new buildings and the
added personal, which was previ- -ously
exempt to the extent of $300
for each person, although the latter
factor is comparatively small. The
assessment of the county for five
years follows!
1902 t t 44.14S.0U0
1908 51,038,000-
1904 56,429,000
1905 143,1160,000
1906 180,000,000
fills have been built at enormous cost all
in order to add to the speed and safety
of travel. These improvements contribute
to freedom from oscillation and to com
fort. "
Barber-shops are found for the conveni
ence of passengers on the North Coast
Limited trains. The train is a through
and not a local one and tiresome stops
are eliminated. Only the most important
stations are favored with the pausing of
the Limited.
There is no change of cars between
St. Paul and Portland and this service
is particularly favorable for ladies travel
ing alone or with children. Half way
across the continent without a change
of cars is a feature of modern travel
that appeals to everyone who makes the
trip.
No smoking is permitted In the observa
tion-car, but smoking compartments are
set aside for those who care to smoke
BANK CLEARANCES FOB FIVE
TEARS.
1902 , $154,820,103.09
1908 17S598.6SiZ.5S
1904 189.051 ,469.92
1905 .. 228,402,713.09
1908. 286,662,595.46
reeembr estimated.
or play cards. There is a cozy corner
in the observation car for those who
care to write en route and a buffet
well stocked with a wide variety of
goods. Is at tho command of the thirs
ty. ' J
The standard equipment of the west
bound North Coast Limited trains in
eludes two Pullman standard sleepers
during the Summer season and one
during the Winter season. These cars
are up to the minute in design, dec
oration and arrangement and are un
surpassed on any railway for beauty,
convenience and luxury. The cars are
of 14 sections with drawing room. In
one end is a roomy smoking compart
ment and a lavatory with a broad di
van. In the other an attractive dress
ing room for women In which many
little conveniences, much appreciated
by those who travel, will be found.
Altogether the North Coast Limited
Is doing much to popularize the Pa
cific Coast It is bringing tourists by
the hundreds to this favored section
of the country and it Is inducing more
ana more travel by presenting the ar
guments of comfort and safety to tho
traveler.
tween Salem and Chemawa. A construc
tion gang is now working In the vicinity
of Tualatin, building to the river from
the north, so that materials for the
bridge may be shipped in. .Construction
is to' begin on the Portland end of the
line during the present month. Delay
has been caused In commencing the work
at this end by purchases of real estate
which the company has been making for
Its right of way.
There are now on the ground 4000 tons
of steel rails. Orders have been placed
for the remainder. 2000 tons, half of
which wiil be shipped from the East this
month and half next From this time on
construction work will be rushed and the
entire lino Is expected to be completed
and in operation by next September.
The Oregon Electric Railway Company
is planning other extensions through the
Willamette Valley. The route to Salem
was selected for Its adaptability as
main line, and from It feeders will be'
HOLDING PERMITS FOR SEVEN
YEARS. i
Year. Number. Amount.
1900 393 $ 944,983
1901 745 1,529,143
1902 1,244 2,730,660
1903 1,628 4,281,056
1904 1,720 4,029,225
1905 ..2,317 4,178.945
1906 3,129 6,827,564
Including December (estimated.)
built in various directions. It Is prob
able that the main line later will be ex
tended south to Albany, and the company
Is also considering building a line Into
Washington County. '
The United Railways Company has se
cured various franchises In Portland dur
ing the past year for connection with
lines from the south and west The af
fairs of this company have passed into
the hands of C. E. Loss, who Is now
endeavoring to finance the various proj
ects. Among the important lines which
this 'company has in view Is one from
Portland to Forest Grove.
In addition to these projects, several
other companies are in the field, and
among the enterprises in view is an elec
tric railroad from Portland to Mount
Hood, one of the grandest mountain peaks
on the continent
EASTERN CAPITALISTS SHOW
Invest Millions in Purchase of Street Railways
and Form Gigantic Merger Improvements
A MONO the memorable tocai event
of the year Just ended was the
formation of a gigantic merger
of the corporations controlling the
street railways, electric light and
power plants of Portland. This con
solidation was the largest ever effect
ed in the Paclfio Northwest and one of
the largest ever made In the entire West.
It represents a capitalization of approxi
mately $30,000,000. Behind the enterprise
are Eastern capitalists who believe they
have in the Pacific Northwest, and es
pecially In Portland, a field which Justi
fies almost unlimited investment and
who announce therefore that they will
proceed on the policy of making every
extension necessitated by the develop
ment of the territory within which they
operate.
The merged concerns are incorporated
under the name of the Portland Railway,
Light & Power Company. In the con
solidation were embraced the Portland
Railway Company, the Oregon Water
Power & Railway Company and the Port
land General Electric Company. In addi
tion to these, the company has gone out
side of Portland and now controls light
power or water services in Vancouver,
Salem, Silverton, Woodburn, Mount Angel
and Oregon City, together with the locks
at Oregon City.
The chief backers of the Portland Rail
way, Light & Power Company are E. W.
Clarke & Co., of Philadelphia; the Sellg-
mans and Charles M. Pratt & Co., of
New York. The officers are H. W. Goode,
president; F. I. Fuller and H. L. Clark,
vice-presidents; S. G.' Reed, treasurer,
and C. N. Hugglns. secretary.
Great progress in the way of extensions
and additions to the equipment has been
made in all departments of the merged
corporations during the past year. Large
sums of money have been expended in
developing the railway and power service
of Portland, not alone to meet present
needs, but also to furnish the greater
facilities which will be required In the
future. Yet in spite of the enlargement
of the system during the past year. It is
probable that a still larger amount of
money will be spent by the company
during 1907.
When the Lewis and Clark Exposition
was in progress Portland's street railway
service was favorably commented upon
by thousands of the visitors from other
states. It is the claim of the owners
that there is nowhere to be found a sys
tem that Is more modern or- of higher
standing, . and this assertion is borne out
by a comparison with other cities. There
Is every reason to believe that the rapid
expansion of Portland's residence district
Is due In part to the efficient car service
which has extended Its lines to every
suburb, placing them in easy communi
cation with the business district
Portland has more than 200 miles of
electric railway within Its boundaries or
Immediately tributary to it. Of this
trackage 114 miles are Included in the
lines of the Portland Railway Company
and 90 miles in the lines of the Oregon
Water Power & Railway Company. The
rolling stock of the Portland Railway
Company Includes 800 passenger- cars,
HARRIMAN LINES UPBUILDING STATE
Extensions Planned for Coming Year to Develop
Rich Sections of Oregon Achievements in 1906
CROSSING Oregon with two main
trunk lines, one from north to
south and the. other from east ' to
west, carrying the commerce of the
state to the markets of the East and
California and pouring tho wealth of
the most remote sections into the lap
of Portland, the Harrlman lines have
been the greatest aids to the state in
giving transcontinental and Interior
transportation. From Portland on the
north to Ashland on the south "the
Southern Pacific Company has opened
a steel highway to commerce, while
from Huntington on the east to Port
land on the west, the Oregon Railroad
& Navigation Company, offers rail
transportation through mountains and
across plains, over deserts and through
fertile valleys, opening up ever more
territory to the settler.
Great as have been the achievements
of the allied Harriman lines in this
state, even greater plans have been
mapped out for the future. Much of
the promise of the coming year is
found In the announcements of the
managers of the Oregon branches of
the. Harriman system of further ex
tensions and far-reaching Improve
ments. These will not be confined to any one
section of the state. Lonesome plains
now given over to the coyoto and the
Jackrabblt, where only sagebrush and
bunchgrass grow, will, at no distant
day, hear the whistle of the locomotive
and the clanging of the engine bell
as more and more of the present waste
land of the state is won over to civ
ilization. Irrigation, coupled' with the laying
of steel raits, means wonders to this
state. No other railroad is in such
a favorable position to. do much for
Oregon as the Harriman system, with
Its hundreds upon hundreds of miles
of tracks already penetrating almost
every part of the Beaver state. The
policy of the system is to push on into
the regions now being made productive
by Irrigation, and within a few years
the stato will be literally gridlroned
with the shining parallel bars of steel.
Insurance Business Done.
Durng the past year an immense
business has been handled by the Har
rlman lines in this state. Figures com
piled during the first ten months of
the year show that general freight
traffic has increased 60 per cent over
last year, while the lumber tonnage
Is 76 per cent greater than during
the corresponding months of 1905.
This refers to the amount of trafflo
actually hauled on the Southern Pa
cific lines.
The business on the Southern Pa
cific lines in this state that was routed
to points outside of Oregon in 1903
amounted to 19,237 cars. This Is ex
clusive of local business. In 1904 this
number fell to 16,505 cars, while for
the first ten months of 1906 the move
ment to outside points climbed to the
enormous volume of 23,828 cars. The
total for the year, estimated on the
basis of the first ten months, was
28,596 cars. In 1905 there were loaded
for the East on tho Southern Pacific
lines in Oregon 4720. but in ten months
of 1906 the total figure was 8505, an in
crease of 3785 cars.
The figures of tho Oregon Railroad
& Navigation Company tell a similar
story, and it Is Just such a showing
as this that Is proving an Inducement
to the heads of the Harrlman system
to further extend their tracks and make
them ready for the great traffic that
wiil be handled as soon as the rall3
are laid.
Notwithstanding the fact that the
Harrlman lines cross the state in two
directions, the managers of the system
are not content and will soon com
There are 200 cars in service each day
on the tracks of the Portland Railway
Company and S3 cars on the tracks of
the Oregon Water Power & Railway
company.
To the equipment of the two companies
during the past year were added 32- pas
senger cars. This number is much lower
than it would have been had the roads
not added greatly, to their rolling stock
to meet the heavy traffic during the
Exposition In 1S05. The estimates which
have been made for 1907 Include the pur
chase of 100 cars. These are needed part
ly because of extensions of the lines, but
principally because of increased popula
tion making heavier traffic.
While the mileage of Portland's electrio
railway system has not been greatly en
larged during the year, there has been
a heavy expenditure In relaying and im
proving the present system. The largest
single project carried out was the Im
provement of the line between Portland
and Vancouver. A large section of the
old track was abandoned and in its place
was substituted three miles of track and
trestle, necessitating an outlay of $135,000.
The new route is a more feasible one,
giving more direct service and having
its northern terminus on the Columbia
immediately opposite Vancouver and thus
affording a shorter ferry crossing.
Of great benefit to the city is the
Council Crest line, a mile and one-half
In length, and forming a loop on the
heights west of the city. It connects
with the Portland Heights loop and Is
one of the most scenic electrio lines in
the United States. The terminus of this
line on Council Crest in 1000 feet above
the city. The acreage which the line pen
etrates has been laid out In lots, and
will soon be one of the attractive resi
dential districts of the city.
In addition to these extensions, new
tracks have been laid on Burnslde street
from Fifth to Washington, and on
Twenty-fourth street, from Thurman to
the St. Helens road. Tracks ha.ve been
replaced on First street, from Jefferson
to the Marquam Gulch; on Second street
from Morrison to Grant; on Jefferson,
from Fifth to Chapman; on Union ave
nue, from Eat Burnside to Holladay.
and on Holladay, from the steel bridge to
Grand avenue. Many minor improve
ments and extensions have also been
made. In practically all of the improve
ments, 85pound rails have been used and
the tracks have been laid on stone
blocks. The officials are planning many
extensions for the coming year, but are
not yet ready to announce their exact
location.
A great increase in the available
power of the system has been provided
by the installation of a plant on the
Clackamas River at Cazadero. This plant
has beenconstructed at a cost of approx
imately $1,009,000. It will furnish at first
15,000 horsepower, but Is built to give
25,000 horsepower with the construction of
additional units. This plant is now
practically completed, and will be ready
to be operated within the present month.
The company has also a water .plant at
Oregon City, of 12.000 horsepower; a
steam plant in North Portland of 12.000
horsepower, and a steam plant on the
East Side of 3000 horsepower. '
To provide for all future needs of the
city In the way of power, the company
has planned the erection of an additional
generating plant at Oregon City. This
plant la to be composed of 20 units of 2500
mence construction on tho Oregon
Eastern, a road that has been surveyed
from Natron across Central Oregon
to the Snake River and south to. the
Klamath Lakes, where a connection
will be made with the line now under
construction through the lake country
and to a Junction with the main line
at Weed, Cai.
From the main trunk line across
Central Oregon feeders will be pushed
Into Harney, Malheur -and Lake Coun
ties, tapping the irrigated sections of
Southern Oregon. Extensions are also
planned north from, the main line
across Oregon to Bend and Into the
various irrigated districts of Central
Oregon. This construction will, re
quire fortunes, but Mr. Harriman has
never balked where money is needed.
The projected railroad building will
open up a vast and wholly undevel
oped country as large as an empire, but
with a scanty population.
Work has been commenced on . the
Oregon Western, the road Into the
Coos Bay country from the main line
of the Southern Pacific. This project
has attracted wide attention and has
led to a general building up of the
rich Coast country through which It
will run. From Drain, where the new
road leaves the Southern Pacific. main
line, to Coos Bay Is 62 miles. The
building of this road will cost over
$3,000,000, and It Is estimated that it
will be completed In two years. The
first 20 miles is being built by Con
tractor C. E. Loss.
A new road that means much to Port
land and the Stats of Oregon is the
Oregon & Washington, a line projected
north from Portland to Puget Sound
and destined to be a unit in the great
Union Pacific system. Construction
on this road will soon be commenced.
Steel rails have already been ordered
for the first section.
Another project of the Harrlman
lines that will be given definite form
during tho coming year is the building
of the Columbia Valley Railroad from
the vicinity of Kelso, Wash., where a
connection will be had with the Oregon
& Washington, to Knappton. Connec
tion will there be made with the Il
waco Railway & Navigation Company,
forming an all-rail Harriman route to
the Southwestern Washington beaches
from Portland. The I. R. & N. is now
being extended from Ilwaco to Knapp
ton, where deeper water will permit
the landing of steamers at any stage
of the tides and will allow a regular
schedule from Portland during the
Summer. The extension is 14 miles in
length and will be completed In the
Spring.
Some of New Feeders.
Feeders from the main lines of the
Southern Pacific and O. R. & N. are
being constantly pushed out The
Umatilla Central, from Pendleton to
Pilot Rock, Is the latest such project.
It is now under construction. It will
tap a rich wheat country.
The line to Joseph In Wallowa Coun
ty from Elgin Is an Important piece
of railroad building. It will cost"$l,300,
000 and is well along toward comple
tion. It is also an O. R. & N. feeder.
About $12,000,000 has been appropri
ated by the Harrlman lines for ex
tensions and the building of new mile
age in this state. This Includes the
lines under way and the Oregon East
ern, work on which will soon be begun
from Natron south to Klamath Falls.
In addition huge sums have been
spent during the year on new tracks,
bridges and general maintenance work.
The rebuilding of the main line of the
O. R. & N. between Bonneville and
Troutdale, eliminating curves and
grades, now in progress, will cost $620,
000. During the past year the main line
of the Southern Pacific from Ashland
FAITH IN CITY
and Electric Plants
in Service Result
horsepower each. Units will be added
to the power as demanded, giving, when
complete, 60.000 horsepower at flood tide
This plant will cost J2.000.000.
The most extensive work before the
Portland Railway. Light & Power Com
pany for 1907 is the placing of Its wires
underground in the business district.
Work is soon to commence upon thin
change, which will cost the company
about $500,000. It cannot be completed
during the present year. " Simultaneous
with this work the stringing of many
miles of overhead wires to serve the
residence districts goes forward. The
wiring system will also be revised to
meet the requirements of an ordinance
recently passed to provide greater safety
to linemen.
Another project before the company for
the present year is the Installation of a
steam heating plant. A franchise for
this was recently obtained from the city
and plans for the system are now being
completed. Steam heating pipes will be
extended throughout the entire business
district.
The consolidated company has estab
lished offices during the past few months
in a building at First and Alder streets.
It Is probable that larger quarters will
be secured either this year or next. Be
fore the merger had been made, the Port
land General Electrio Company had com
pleted plans for a fine office building at
Seventh and Alder etreets. It Is poesible
that these plans, with the necessary
alteration will now be followed out,
although no definite decision In this mat
ter haa yet been reached.
MAEGLY JUNCTION.
Brilliant Future for This Young Gi
ant Where) All Railroads Meet,
Favored by nature and favored by
the railroads, Maegly Junction, which
a few months ago was practically un
known, has Jumped with a bound Into
unusual prominence, and. Judging from
the building contracts that have been
let. Its growth will be little short of
phenomenal. Shrewd business men
predict that In the near future Maegly
Junction will be a thriving city with a
population of from 60 to 75,000 people.
The reasons given for such optimlstlo
preaictions are numerous and only a
few of them will be mentioned In this
brief article. All of the Coast railroads
cross and recross each other at this
point, which Is the gateway to Port
land. Columbia Slough will soon be
dredged, so as to admit ocean steamers,
and Maegly Junction will become the
greatest shipping point In Portland,
both by rail and water.
The vast business Interests of the
country, ever on the alert, were not
slow to see the advantages of this
favored spot, and Swift and Armour,
the largest meat packers in the United
States, have already- made plans to
erect a plant costing $2,000,000. An
eight-story brick building will he
built at once by the railroad interests
for the purpose of housing the neces
sary force to handle their freight ex
change business.
Maegly Junction takes Its name from
A. H. Maegly, a well-known citizen of
Portland.
to Saginaw has been relald with heavy
steel rails, at an expense of $1.120,nno.
Now steel bridges along the Southern
Pacific now hoing Installed cost $592.
000. Bridges replaced by fills cost
$137,000 more.
The O. R. & N. and Southern Paclfio
are regarded In Portland as home roads
because of their headquarters here
and the well-known- Portland men at
their head. With their annual payroll
In this city of almost $2,000,000. and an
additional annual disbursement of ap
proximately another million in this
city for supplies, Portland may well
regard the affiliated Harrlman lines as
the greatest factor in the city's mag
nificent growth.
Portland Holds Exclusively.
This opinion Is emphasized by the
fact that of the territory that Portland
holds exclusively against other dis
tributing centers, through terminal
rates and local rates outbound, the
Harrlman lines supply over 90 per
cent. This does nottako into consid
eration any counties lrr Oregon tho
Harriman lines do not touch with
their rails.
All of this means that the Interests
of the Harriman lines are closely al
lied with the city's interests. The 40
foot channel to the sea, Portland's
foromost purpose, finds Its strongest
support perhaps In the Harriman roads,
which reaflze its importance.
Death of a Pioneer.
- Charles K. Besselleii, a well-known
farmer and pioneer, died yesterday at
his home at Sunnyside, Clackamas
county, after five days' illness, aged 8
years. He came to Portland 36 years
ago, where he lived for 11 years, pur
chasing the Sunnyside farm In 1881.
He engaged In dairying and general
farming. His wife died In 1904. - He
is survived by two sons, James N. and
Henry B. Besselleu. Mr. Besselleu had
a long and eventful life. Born In South
Carolina, January 2, 1822, he was sent
North to New Bedford, Mass., to be
educated. Afterward he made his way,
with a band of adventurers, to San
TMego, Cal., in 1842. From here he
shipped on a whaling vessel, which
carried him north to Kamchatka, on
the Siberian coast His trip on the
whaler was one of thrilling interest. -He
left the ship and returned to Mas
sachusetts, and came to Portland In
1870. The funeral will be held today
at 9 A. M., and the Interment will be
in Lone Fir Cemetery.
Weight Is no measure for coffee and
tea; it's the name Schilling's Best.
THE L. Y. KEADY
INVESTMENT CO.
Can and Will Give You
information regarding
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INVESTMENTS
IN STOCKS,
BONDS AND
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Phone Hals 125S. Portland, Oregon.