C31
tfa
THE ASTOHIAff.
TUESDAY . July22,1873
COMMERCIAL STATISTICS.
Heport on the Harbor and Shipping
of Vie port of Astoria Facts Im
portant to the Public
At a meeting of the Astoria Cham
lxr of Commerce, held in May last,
a committee was appointed to pre
pare statistics of the harbor and ship
ping of the port of Astoria, for use at
the Parmer's Convention. Following
is the report in full.
Your committee to whom was referred
the matter of harbor, and shipping intelli
gence, beg leave to otter the follewing:
The water front of Astoria, varying
from a quarter of a mile to a milean width
affords, over six miles of secure anchorage
for the largest classed vessels, in from tix to
twelve fathoms of water. No storms have
yet visited the harbor that effected an
damage to shipping riding at anohor in
the bay, or lying at the wharf.
Should the demands of conimtfrce xe
quire, about five consecutive miles ef dock
age may be cheaply constructed from the
river bank to the edge of the channel,
piling being necessary but a short -distance
at any given point.
The centraTportion of the harbor is just
twelve mije inside the Columbia river
bar, on which there is twenty-four feet of
water at extreme low tide, and thirty-four
at ordinary high tide. A-lter crossing the
bar, the tlepth holds still greater all the
"way to Astoria, so that an' vessel able to
caXKs can safely venture to our docks.
About six miles above Astoria, at the com
mencement of Cathlament bay is the
hog's " back, a bar some quarter of a mile
in length, with ten feet of water at low and
eighteen 1'ect at high tide. This is the
most dangerous point on the river, and the
most skillful pilots never attempt its pas
sage in the night, either with sail or steam.
It is formed of shifting sands, deposited by
the meeting of the tide with the annual
freshets of the river, as Cathlamet bay is
ten miles long up and down the river, and
:from seven to fourteen in width. Thus
the waters of the river are so spread out
that they lose their force, and the incoming
tide washes the loose sand into irreguhr
bars that change their position from year
to year, and make dredging useless.
Steamers are nearly always detained at
Astoria, for tide to cross this bar, and
should one arrive here, say at 12 m. when
high water occurred at 10 o'clock a. m.
$hc would have to wait until 11 a. m. the
next day, as she could not proceed on the
high tide of the night. This bar has been
known for years, but as the draft of steam
ers and vessels now coming into the river
is greater than formerly, the difficulties
.are becoming more and more apparent.
There is the following named depths of
water at the points mentioned at high
tide:
Walker's Island, 19 ftfor milo belovr Rainier
CarrWoodyard " " " above '
Kalama M " H "
-St Helen lTftforM "
JVIouthWallauiet" " "
Post Office 18 y "
Swan Island... 17 "
The channel is often crooked, and diffi-
cult of navigation, and the bar at the
mouth of the "Willamette river is subject
to annual deposts of sediment from back
water of the Columbia.
"We find that the carrying trade of
Oregon is now chiefly done by vessels of
light draft and small capacity.
That these are subject to a tax of $S per
foot draft as pilotage; from four to ten
days' delay, and 300 to 400 towage,
over and above what they would have to
pay, did they receive ana take in cargo at
Astoria. A fair average would be, say
:tdx hundred tons capacity. Expenses would
Ihen be as follews:
Pilotaso 1(1 foot $4 up . S 04
44 1(5 " " down...... (U
Six days demurrage S00 , 8(H)
Towago up 175
M down .. 125
Total : $788
Equivalent to over four cents per bushel
m the cargo of 600 tons outward bound.
This is but a fraction of the expense to the
-State growing out of present arrangement
of the arrivals and denatures by sea.
By cureful inspection of the shipping
registers, we find the average draft of all
vessels now in use, ranging between 1,000
and 1,200 tons, to be X0lA feet, and the
average of all larger ones but 21K feet.
"While a thousand ton ship is lull larger
than can reach Portland,or any point above
Astoria, loaded, on account of depth of
water, a vessel of 3,000 tons can always
meto Astoria whatever the stage of
water. Thus, with a point higher up on
the river, the export trade must forever be
carriedon in small vessels, while from
liere the shipping of the world may com
pete for freights.
A ship of 3,000 tons can carry wheat
-from Atora to Liverpool for twenty cents
a bushel less than a 1,000 ton vessel can
-do from Portland, as the following figures
fully demenstrate:
A ship of 3,000 tons i? worth $120,000
Interest, at 10 ft cent, for four months
(average passage) 4,000
.Insurance at 12 ft cent. 4,800
Depreciation at 10 ft cent 4,000
'Captain, throe mates, stoward, and cook
$150, $7x1, SW.SoU, 4U, 5H inonttt...
'Twenty-four seamen $25 ft niontb......
Stores for voyage, 30 men at 50c ft day,
POUT CHARGES IN ASTORIA.
1,000
2,400
1,800
230
Pilotage and towago, 23 foot SllL.
teveolores1 bill, 3,060 tons & 40c 1,200
Dunnage . . 200
Port stores, etc 200
LlVKKl'OOL CHARGES.
VtioUgQ and towage, 23 foet & S10- 230
.Stevedore's bill, 3,00 tons 25c 750
Harbor fees, tonnage dues and dockago 800
Vxytt ftores M. ....... 200
Dotal osponse...v. t............ $22,400
BJ jm tons (& $15..-. ,. .$45,000
yjfcx&x dodurte&....;.r.....;.,.,..... 22,400
'loe ......
$22,510
UBi
Ahip of 1,000 tons is worth .$ 00,000
Interest at 10 ft cent , and lusuranco (
12 1 cent , four months - 4,400
Depreciation at 10 ft cent 000
Wages ft month, for Captain $150, two
mates SlH5,stcward$50,and 12 seamen
at $25 each 2,540
Stores for Hi men at'oOc ft day JHJ0
roirr ciiargks in astokii.
Pilotage and towage, 19 feet 610 190
Port stores and dunnage 200
Stevedore's bill. 1,0U0 tons & 50c 500
MVKRPOOL CHARGES.
Pilotasro and towage, PJ foet $10 190
Stevedore's bill &2oc, harbor dues, ton
nage dues and dockage 650
Port stores 100
Total expenses $ 11.7S0
Co.vtr :
By 1,000 tons at $15 $15,0()0
Expenses deducted . 11,780
Balance $ 3,270
Or, a dividend of 19 per cent, on cost of
the larger ship as against 5 per cent, on
tbat of tbe smaller. Or, to reduce both to
5 per cent., tbe 3,000 ton ship will carry
wheat to Liverpool for over a tbird less
tban the.1,000 ton ve⪙ that is 29 cents
against 45 cents per bushel. Add to this
the cost as above figured, incidental to
delays and river expenses of 4 cents per
bushel, and it gives a net gain otHO cents
per bushel in favor of Astoria as an ex
porting harbor, and the employment of
such vessels as can safely cross the bar,
over the present arrangement of Portland
and small vessels. Twenty cdnts per
bushel on the estimated crop of the State
for 187S, viz: 5,000,000 bushels, gives the
snug little sum of 1,000,000 that theikrm
er should have tor his labor. The above
figures are all substantially correct, and
tell their own story.
It may be said that several large Vessels
have loaded at Portland, but the 'Custom
Houe records show that of the twenty
vessels named below, comprising all the
vessels of any size that have saifed from
the river with wheat, from a fourth to
over one-half ef the -cargo was brought
down to Astoria in steamboats an& here
put on board. And yet these records are
more favorable to the city of Portland
than the facts justify, for "the reason tihat
in a number of instances, two or lihree
hundred tons wa cleared frcm the Port
land Custom House as being on board
when in fact it "was in lighters and steam
ers alongside of the ship, and towed down
to Astonabeferc being placed on the ves
sel. List of vessels exporting' wheat from
Oregon, showing amount otbushels taken
on at Astoria and Pertland:
Crop of 1K72.
rr-r -S-3
1872
s5
Ships.
July 11.. Annie M. Smull
Oct. 11.. Manilla.
' U.. Navigator.
" 14.. Electra
' 14.. Lock Dee.
Nov. 7.. Siaiu
" 14.. Forward, (bbls of Hour),
" 21..lRodDeor.
7,j71
15,229
7,:J5!
7,734
3,794
7.175
1,7!I8
10,177
20,052
34,UJ)7
2,505
8,41)5
9,025
14,880
11.573
1,250
8,312
0,0515
7,705
3,828
42,4S2
14,021
20,022
22,177
88,853
:j,20o
2o,50l
23,i75
22,400
17,170
21,755
44,800
31,054
33,003
30,000
35,OS0
30,039
32.0S3
24,:M2
k).. Grasmero
Dec. 11.. Zouave ..
44 17..
" IS..
1S73.
Jan. 10..
Feb. 1..
44 ..
44 17..
44 20..
March 8
44 10
44 14
Naworth .. .
Channel Light...
Victoria Nyanza.
Whittington".
Felix Mendelsohn".
Sarah Scott
Roswell Spraguo
Uliono .....
Carribou .'..
Victoria Cross
Again, deep sea vessels never like to
leave the salt water. Coasters are willing
to steamboat it, but large vessels avoid
steamboat grounds. In lact, the under
writers do not allow deep sea vessels to
venture from their natural element at
will.
The striking of a vessel on any of the
bars of the river, even if no immediate
damage is discovered, is sufficient cause to
render null and void the policy of insur
ance, should she take in cargo and pro
ceed to sea without being put on the dry
dock and having her bottom examined.
bliouia a ship be lost under such circum
stances, not a dollar of inburance could be
collected on the vessel, and if the owners
were responsible, the underwriters upon
the cargo would hold them for the value
thereof. Hence large vessels will never
be induced to undertake the navigation of
the bars of the Columbia above Astoria.
!Nbw as to the safety of the Columbia
river. Exact data is wanting of the whole
number of vessels that have crossed the
bar, but from certain perioda during which
the data is complete, we are enabled to
approximate very closely, and4 set the
number down at an average of five hun
dred a year for the last twenty-one years,
or since 1S52. The following is a com
plete list of all the looses or wrecks that
nave occurred on the bar since 1852, which
year may be considered the beginning of
wisdom as regards the channels, currents,
&c, on or. about the bar.
Barks Iendora, and Merrithewt lost
January 12th, 1S53, came in without
pilots, wind failed after getting in, and
they drifted ashore.
Jiark Oriole, lost September 19th, 1S33.
Brig Detroit, lost Dec. 22, 1855, on outer
spu. oromg out at nient.
Bark Desdemona, lost Dec. 31st, 1856.
Came in without a pilot, ran on sands six
miles inside.
Schooner "Woodpecker lost May 10, 1861,
four miles inside.
Bark Industry ,lost March 16, 1865, com
ing in without a pilot.
Bark "VV. B. Scranton, lost May 5th,
1867.
Only eight vessels in twenty-one years.
Eight out of 10,500. One out of 1,312, or
one-thirteenth of one per cent, of the ship
ping coming into the river.
QX this number, four were coming in
without pilots. It futher appears that near
ly every loss during the time under reveiw,
was the result, not of a rough bar, but of
the wind failing after the vessel had crossed
thus leaving her to drift on the sands. It
also seems that each loss of vessels coming
in occurred when they were sailing against
the tide, instead of with it.
There being no tug to go to their relief,
Vessels marked thus () are known to have
lightered xooje jtkan .tk Amount credited'
above.
0U t-t
s o
i tu
r it rsprsse
of course there could be too rescue. It is
safe- to "say that, had tlrere been a tug at
handevery vessel thus iar lost on theoar
might ha vebeed saved, ince the placing
of the tug Astoria upon the bar, or pilot
grounds in 1869, there has tydenno loss, and
with proper care on the part of tug and
pilots, there need be none for many year
to come. These facts warrant us in mak
ing the bold assertion, that there is no barr
ed harbor known to commerce, where-the
percentage of loss is so small; and few, if
any, open harbors that can show s6 fair a
record, . The currents and prevailing
winds are such, and the land m&rks so
well defined, that at a time when it is un
safe to cross the bar, vessels outside "can
readily keep off, and wait a suitable lime
to enter. And there "is good holding
grounds but aiew hundred rods in&ide for
vessels bound out to anchor, and select
from the sdpt their own time to pass out.
Less trouble is experienced from fogs at
the Columbia, than either to the north or
south, as they are not frequent, ami are
much less dense, owing, no doubt, bo tbe
presence ot atrial currents, resulting from
peculiar physical conformations. The
channel is distinctly bouyed out, and
lighted by a first class light-house on Cape
Disappointment, where is established n
life saving station by Government, with
al the necessary facilities for rendering
aid in case of accident on the bar. Gov
ernment has also made an appropriation
for a light housq at Point Adams, 'and
preparations are" going forward for com
mencing the "work at once.
The commerce of Oregon has hereto
fore been taxed by underwriters far above
the proper and reasonable rate. But, aJ
theiateof insuarance $s made up from a
knowledge cf the actual pro rata of loss
incident to a given harbor, when such
datajis to behacl, or guessed at from gen
eral impressions, in the absence of reliable
information, there seems no good reason
why, if the above facts are laid before the
various marine underwriters of the land,
the discrimination against the Columbia
river bar should not.be removed, and our
insurance had at a fair rate, much less
than Li now imposed.
Another important point gained by
making Astoria the exporting harbor,
would be the employment of 3ome capi
tal in the river tranportation, instead of
foreign, or otitside, as is now done. The
question is how never raised about Sandy
Hook bar, at the entrance of New York
harbor, being too shallow and rough for
the extensive and profitable employment
of all classes of vessels, yet there is five feet
more water on the Columbia river bar at
high tide, than there is on Sandy Hook at
a corresponding stage of water. But, to
conclude, it is evident that the class of
vessels required to carry the suplus pro
ducts of Oregon to' a foreign market, at a
price consistent with the cost of production,
must stop tit the mouth of the Columbia
river. Therefore, it is a simple problem of
whether Oregon will build up and main
tain a seaport town worthy of a great
State, within her own borders, or whether
such a place will be sustained on Pugut
Sound, or California, at an annual cost of
one-fourth the agricultural wealth of the
State.
Thq committee are under obligations to
Mr. VanDusen, Mr. Hare, Collector of
Customs, and the Pilots, for valuable in
formation. Respectfully submitted,
J.H.D.Gray, A. S. Mercer, w."W.
Parker, Committee.
Astoria, May 31, 1873.
COLUMBIA RiVER PILOTSI
P. JOHNSON,
II. A. SNOW,
P. E. FERCHEN.
M. M. GILMAN,
G.REED,
C.S.WRIGHT, Agent.
JK5T Office Corner of Main and Chenamus
streets, Astoria, Oregon.
Oregon Steam Nav. Co.
WOTICE Boats of tho 0. S.
J.1 N. Company will leavo As
toria as follews:
FOR PORTLAND, and intermediate points
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Mornings,
at (i o'clock. Returning, leave Pertland:
FOR ASTORIA, and intermediate points On
Monday, "Wednesday and Friday Mornings,
at U o'clock. J. C. AINSWORTH. Pre!
The Steam Tug Varuna
"Will leavo Astoria ovory
TUESDAY and SATURDAY.
Morning, for
FORT STEVENS,
CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT,
And UNITY,
Carrying Mails, Passongors and Freight.
fiSu Other days of tho week sho will bo ready
to go anywhere that businoss may justify. Is
prepared to lighter cargoes, freight, hay, cattle
and wood. J. H. D. GR A Y Agent, Astoria.
Boat BUILDING!
V. TV. BOUTON,
Is propared to build Boats of all sizes and
descriptions pither of EASTERN or HOME
At Less tlian San Francisco Prices !
Freight doducted Orders left at the Astorian
Offico, or addressed to tho undersigned, will re
ceivo attention V W DOUTOtf , Unity, W T
KLASKANINE PACKET.
From and aftor July lstl73,the A No 1, fast
sailing Sloop '-'a.
BLUE RACER, k.
EUGENE BROCK Mator
Will nlv reeularlv bofcwnen Afitnrin nml Tv loo.
kanine, leaving every Tuesday and Saturday.
tfg-utfico at the Uxiox House, Ahtoria.
POR CHARTER.
TkoF&stSailinp 5
Sloop, IONE, -Sfeg.
R. CYRUS SHIVELY Mastor.
Is now in .readiness to Charter for
Pleasure Parties, Freight or Passengers !
llad'tirtr? at Case's Landing. -
i0- -. mtww; -v
J?ttJCS3
iBTORIA ADVERTK&HTg
Est&blislaed in Astoria Ir 1849.
NE"W tSpODS: - CHEAP tSOODp.,
a. f ait'dus'in;
"Wholesalo and Retail Dealer in
GENERAL MERCHANDISE,
Corner of Main and Chenamus strctts,
ASTORIA, QkEGONv
IS NOW OFFERING FOR SALE ONE OF
the largest and most complete assortments
of General Merchandise over boforo brought
to the country and to buyers
Far Cash will offer the Most Flattering Induceraenls
In the lino of
DRY-GOODS,
CLOTHING, !
HATS, AND CAPS,
I- BOOTS AND SHOES
FANCY G'OODS.
LADIES' DRESS GOODS,
" GENTS' FURNISHINGS,
A Complete Stock of Every Article,
TOO 2TOMEROTJS TO MErftlOX.
BSTGivo mo a call, and bo "convinced that
my goods are of the best quality, and as cheap
as can bo bought of any houso in the State.
A. VAN JDUSEN.
MRS; A S. MERCER,
Teacherof Prof. E. A. Robbine'
American Metioa for Rano Forte
Also:lIarmony andThoroughbaso!
tm Tho ONLY CONCISE SYSTEM which
will stand Artistic Criticism, and furnish tho
material upon which every educated Teacher
can baso their own peculiarities of instruction,
it presents in a now light, based upon Natu
ral Laws, tho art of Execution, and Scionco of
Music ftS"Rooms at Residence, Astoria"t?$i
Dr. S. KINSEY,
DRUGGIST AND APOTHECARY,
Astoria, Oregon.
PHYSICIANS AND FAMILY PRESCRIP
tions filled from tho PUREST DRUGS,
either at day or night. A "!! stock of
WINES AND LIQUORS,'
FOR MEDICAL USE,
PATENT MEDICINES,
TOILET ARTICLES,
OILS BRUSHES, ETC.,
KSu Orders from tho Country solicited, and
carefully and promptly filled.
A. J. DONALDSON.
GRANVILLE REED.
DONALDSON & REED,
Doalers in all kinds of
FRESH AND CURED MEATS,
CANNED FRUITS, VEGETABLES.
FRESH BEEF. PORK? MUTTON, VEAL,
HAMS, BACON AND LARD,
MESS BEEFVAND PORK,
B" Constantly on hand.
C3T Special attention paid to supplying ships.
Holladay's wharf, Astoria!' '
H. B. PARKER,
Importer and Dealer in
Wines, Liquors, Cigars
TOBACCO,
GROCERIES,
PROVISIONS, Etc., Etc.
fiSTHolladay's Wharf, Main stroottiAstoria.
CEARHARTr
COlMZtflSSION ZVIERCHNT,
Chenamus street Asteria:
Wholesale and Retail Dealor inj
Hay, Grain and Feed !
A GENERAL ASSORTMENT of Groceries,
FLOUR, BACON, HAMS, " A
SHOULDERS, LARD, BUTTER
CHEESE, EGGS,Xtc.
Motto "Small Profits on Cash Salos.? .Con
signments solicited. F tf
Oregon Bakery- r
Main St., (Holladay's Wharf,) Astoria, Oregon.
CHARLES BINDER, Pkopkietor.
iV
IRESH BREAD, CAKES, PIES, CRA'CK-
crs and Pilot Bread, always on hand."
A RESTAURANT
Is Kept in connection with tho Bakory, whore
meals can bo procured at all uours.
J&5" Uystors in ovory stylo in tho season."5i
Astoria Bakery,
Corner of Main and Cass streets, Astoria.
HENRY JACOBS Proprietor.
READ, CRACKERS, PILOT BREAD.
Cakes.urocones and Provisions of all Kinds
always on hand. Ship storos furnished.
Connected with tho establishment is a
Reading Room. Cigars and Lagor lieor served.
PETER H. FOX, -MERCHANT
TAiLOR '
Corner of Main aaa Jefferson stroetyAatoria.
T?
t V vSl
CLOTHING OF
made to order.
ALL TONDS'fcUT AXD
Cleaning and rpri
MtaMHmiitfiii.
.. '-fc ktA. ,".
ASTORL1 ADVERTISEMENTS.
Headquarter! - Hdqtiartrs-!
t. W, CA'SX,
'Wholcs'ale-and Retail Dealer in
Dry Coofti floing, frooaries, f nthloDSi Hotfa
Aitt General Merchandise, '
WISHES TO ANNOUNCE TO THEPUB
lic that he has a very superior and well
selected Stock of Goo'ds in the-.abqvo line, be
sides w.hich may bo found in great variety, tho
host quality of k
CROCKERY, GLASSWARE,
HATS AND CAPS,
n '
BOOTS AND SHOES,
BLANKETS, FLANNELS, &c,
Which is being offered ..v
Cheap FOR CASH or PRODUCE !
&3 Having had years of experience I think'
I know tho wants of the people, and as this'
stock is nearer completo, and embraces, a
GREATER, VARIETY than auy other stock
in Clatsop county, I .will guarantee that you
will do as woll, if not better, by trading1 with
mo than at any other establishment.
M
jxs Having reduced, my expenses materially
of Tate I proposo to give my customers tho
benefit of the roduction, and any person who
doubts whether I will soil as cheap as any ono
FOR CASH I can bo convinced by giving me a
call at Headquarters, " Case's Corner," Chena
mus street, Astoria. , I. "W.C."
8. N. ARRIQONI,
" Occident Hotel Blocc Astoria , '
lyholesalo and Rotail Dealer in
Choice Brand Liquors!
The Finest in the Market
CONSTANTLY ON HAND!
Which will bo sold in lots to suit purchasers
. OCCIDENT HOTEL,
S. N. ARRIGONI..:. .' .'Phoprietor.
Astoria, 'Oregon.
TnE BEST FURNISHED, MOST CONTE
nient and in every respoct popular hotel in
Urogon. Owing to its location it is considered
A Very Delightful Summer Resort.
fiSgrMagnificont Suits of Rooms for families1;,
Thofablo is supplied with tno choicest dolica-
cics of tho season. Wine andBilliard Room
attached to tho Hotol. TJ
Baths!
iSSSSw
Baths!
ffiBATHSil
Hot, Cold, and Shower Baths !
AT OCCIDENT HOTEL,
HAIR DRESSING SALOON.
"WTM, UHLENHART.v,i..:..PR05?RIET0Rs
K3 Special attention paid, to LADIES' and
CHILDRESS HAIR CUTTING
fiSJ Private Entrance for Ladies sa
U. S. MAIL AND EXPRESS.
Em Astoria to Clatsop Bead !
East HORSES! Good CARRIAGE! '
LEAVES ASTORIA EVERY TUE
Thursday and Saturday MorningsJ
Arrivo Same Mornings at tho
OCEAN HOUSE, ' ' - u
GRIMES HQTISE,
5DAY
SUMMER HOUSE,
.'! I
And SEASIDE HOUSE.
RETURNING Leaves thoo nouses c'very
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, connecting
Avith steamer to Portland each way.
JJ5" Distance-wc'nty-four3niles, faro Sl&i0O
11. B. PAUKEK, Proprietor.
I. MEYERS'
ASTORIA BREWERY!
HAVING ALL THE MACHINERY XEC
essnry for fir?t class work,skill!ul Brower
and using none but tho best quality of materi
als, tho Proprietor is 'prepared to
Manufacture LAGER BEER !
In any quantity, from a Single Dottle to a
BARREL, AiND JfOT IT Or in good' con
dition for Shipment or Immediate use", ir ana
lies and keepers of Public Houses lromptly
and regularly Supplied. M MKYEli, Prop r
Astoria Market.
Chenamus Stkeet .'Astokia .
IIOBSON & WARREN
"Wholesalo and Retail Dealers in all kinds of
Fresh and Cured Meats!
Butler, Eggs, Cheese,
Mams, JBacon and lard!
Canned Fruits and Vegetables, t -
Constantly on hand.
VftT Ships supplied at lowest rates.
H. A. SHAW & SON,
House, Sign and Steamboat Painters
ASTOtfIA, Orkgox.' '
GrainingjPaper-hanging and Glazing
Done to Order with Neatness and Dispatch.
Established 1867.
Hemlock TA1NERY !
C.I,EINESnYEBEit.t
H. AliOWN. IPsowirrow.
N- manufacture aU JcMfa CJLaJHr a