Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Tri-weekly Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1873-1874 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 7, 1873)
oy 3 .'WV "in-Weekly Astorian J . , j THURSDAY August 7, 1S73 Published by Authority. COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. JBcport on the JSdrbolmulJShipping of the port of Astoria Facts Im portant to Vie Public. At a mooting of the Astoria Cham l5$r 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 ' i the report in full. Your committee to whom was referred t&o matter of harbor, and shipping intclli- gence, heg leave to oner the tollewing: The water front of A-toria, III V11IU v from a auartcr of a mile to a mile in width affords- over six milci of secure anchorage for the largest classed vessels, in from six to twelve fathoms of water. No storms have vet visited the harbor that effected any . damage to s-hUping riding at anchor m iu3 bay, or lying at the wharf. Should the demand of commerce re qtnje, about five consecutive miles ,6f dock- je may be cheaply constructed from the ver bank to the edge of the channel, - piling being necessary but a short dis- tance at any given point. The central portion of the harbor is just twelve miles in.-ide the Columbia river bar, on which there is twenty-four feet of water at extreme low tide, and thirty-four jet ordinary mAi tide. Alter crossing the bar, the depth hold still greater all the "way to Astoria, so that any vessel able to cross can safely venture to our docks. About six miles above Astoria, at the com . mencement of Cathlament bay is the I hog's " back, a bar some quarter pf-a mil ' in length, with ten feet of water Ht low and eighteen feet 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 or shifting sand, 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 forcearid thoincqraing tide washes the loose sand into irregular "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. she 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 mown for years, but as the draft of steam . exs and vessels now coming into the river 15 "greater than formerly, the diiliculties arc becoming more and more apparent. There is the following named depths of water at the points mentioned at high -tide: "Walker's Island, in ftfor Y mile below Rainier Carr'sWoodyard " " above . Kalama " " K " St. Helen 17ft.for " Mouth Waliamet 4 PoFt Oflico IS V, " 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 carding trade of Oregon is now chieity done by vessels of light draft nd 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 andibove what they would have to pay, did they receive and take in c:vrgo at Astoria. A fair average would be, say six hundred tons capacity. Expenses would " then he as follews: Pilotage 16 feet SI up S W " Hi ' " down 04 iix days demurrage $M 300 Towage up 175 M dcwn 125 Total S7SS Equivalent to over four cents per bushel on the cargo of 600 toiis outward hound. This is but a fraction of the expense to the State growing out of present arrangement of the arrivals and depatures by sea. By careful inspection of the shipping registers, we find the average dralt of all vessels now in use, ranging between 1,000 and 1,200 tons, to be VA feet, and the average of all larger ones hut 21 feet. "While a thousand ton ship is iull larger than can reach Portland,or any point above Astoria, loaded, on account of depth of water, a vessel of 3,000 tons can alwaj'S come to Astoria, whatever the stage of water. Thus, with a point higher up on the river, the export trade mubt forever he carried on in small vessels, while from liere the shipping of the world may com pete fof freights. AsiTipdf3,000tons can carry wheat from Astora to Liverpool for twenty cents a bushel less than a 1,000 ton vessel can do from Portland, as the following figures rully demenstrate: A?hip of 3,000 tons is worth S120,000 Interest, at 10 3 cent, for four months (average passage) 4,000 Insurance at 12 cent- 4,S00 Depreciation at 10 cent 4,000 Captain, throo mates, steward, and cook 8150, $7o, SoO, $50, $40, $40 ti inonth... 1 ,C60 Twenty-four seamen $25 ft month ,400 Stores for voyage, 30 men at oUc day, 1,S00 lOKT CHARGES IX ASTOBA. Pilotage, and towage, 23 foet SS 10 206 SWedoros' bill, 3,uW tons ($ 40c 1,200 Dtmnage 200 Fort stores, etc , i00 LIVERPOOL KHAEGKS. otago and towage, 23 feet $1Q...V. ivdorn's bill. 3.000 tons 2oc.......- -230 750 S00 200 arbor fees, Jonnage dues and dockago stores..- . 5Sifcalorpenso .$ 22,460 Coxtr.C': tons ( S15 S45.000 rarinritirfA3 22.490 fdario.. ;.. $ 22,519 mtf Lfi; 12?cent.,fi Depreciation i 000 tons is worth..- S 00,000 i cent., and Insurance (T four months 4,400 atlOi-T cent VW Wages ? month, for Captain SloO, two mates Sl-in.ste ward SoU.and 12 seamen at S each 2,540 Stores for 10 men at 5:c i day 9W) PORT CHAKGKS l' ASTORIA. Pilotage and towage, 19 feet 58 10 ... 166 Port stores and dunnage 200 Stevedore's bill, 1,000 tons 5Uc v.... 500 LIVERPOOL CHARGES. rilotage and towage, 1H feet $10 190 Stevedore's billc, harbor dues, ton nage dues and dockage 650 Port stores 100 Total expenses .8 11, 753 Contra : - By 1,000 tons atSlo Slo,000 Expenses deducted 11,760 Balance 6 3,240 Or, a dividend "of 19 per cent, on cost of the larger .-hip as against 5 per cent, on that of the smaller. Or, to reduce both to 5 per cent., the 3,000 ton ship will carry wheat to Liverpool for over a third less than the 1,'00 ton vessel; that is, 29 cents against 45 cents per bushel Add to this the cost as above figured, incidental to dcla3s and river expenses of 4 cents per bushel, and it gives a net gain of 20 cents per bushel in favor of Astoria as an ex porting harbor, and the employment of such vessels P. can safely cross the bar, over the.prcsent arrangement of Portland and 'small vessels. Twenty cents, per bushel on the estimated crop of the State for 1S73, viz: 5,000.000 bushels', -gives the snug little sum of $1,000,000 that the tann er should have ior his labor. The above figures arc all substantially correct, and tell their own story. It may be said that several large vessels have leaded at Portland, but the Custom House records show that'ef the twenty vessels named below, comprising ' all the vessels ot any size thp.t have sailea irom the river with wheat, from a fourth to over one-half of 'the '"cargo Vas' brought down to Astoria" in steamboats and here put on board. And yet these records are more favorable to the city of Portland than the tacts justify, for the reason that ina ninnber cf instances, two or three hundred tons was cleared from the Portland-Custom House as being on board when in fact it was in lighters and steam ers alongside of the ship, and towed down to Astoria before being placed on the ves sel. List of vessels exporting wheat from Oregon, showing amount ot bushels taken on at Altoria and Pertland: Cnoi of 1S72. 1S72 Ships. O o J uly Oct. 11.. 11.. Annie M. Smull Manilla Navigator. Electra Lock Dee. Siam Forward, (bbls of flourj, KedDeer. :. 7,M71!42,4'i2 lo,22U 14,21 14.. " 11.. " 1L Xov. 7.. " 11.. " 2L 7,:) 7,731 3,791 7,17o l,7!b 10,177 20,052 34,57 20,(22 22,177 :!,:o3 2j,0()7 ,200 2lj,o0l 23,575 " 30.. Dec. 11.. " 17.. " 18.. 1S73. , Jan. 16.. i"6b. 1.. " 8.. " 17.. " 20.. fiiTii 8 " 10 Grasmere Zouave Naworth Channel Light Victoria Nyanza Whittington. Felix Mendelsohn. Sarah Scott ::.".:.. lloswell Sprague.. Illione Carribou Victwi'Ja Gross...v... :. 22,400 2,50.1. 17,170 8,4'Jo 0,025 21,755 44,800 31,054 33,003 30,000 35,080 30,030 32,0S3 24,342 14,8S0 11,573 1,250 8,312 0,0U5 7,705 3,828 41 14 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 barsm (lie 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 heing put on the dry dock and having her bottom examined. Shoiild'a ship be "lost under such circum stances, not'a dollar of insurance 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 he induced to undertake the navigation of the bars of the Columbia above Astoria. m 3Si ow 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 periods during which the data is complete, we are enabled to approximate very closely, and 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 losses or wrecks that have occurred on the bar since 1852, which year may be considered the beginning of wisaoAi as regards me cnanneis, currents, &c, on or about the bar. Barks IMendora, and Merrithew, lost January ,12th, 1853, came in without pilots, wind failed after getting in, and they drifted ashore. Bark Oriole, lost September 19th, 1853. Brig Detroit, lost Dec. 22, 1S55, on outer spit. Going out at night. Bark Desdemona, Tost Dec. 31st, 1856. Came in without a pilot, ran on sands six miles inside. Schooner Woodpecker lost tfay 10, 1S61, four miles inside. Bark Industry ,lost March 16, 1865, com ing in without a pilot. Bark"W. B. Scranton, lost May 5th, ISO. 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. Of this number, four were coming in withoutpilots. It futher appears that near ly every loss during the time under reveiw, was the result, not of a rengh, lkr, but of the wind failing after the'-vessel'had crossed thus leaving her to drift bn the sands. It also seems that each loss of vessels coining in occurred when they were sailing against the tide, instead otth it. There being n'O" tug togoib their relief, VeFsels xsprked thi ,() are IcnQwri to havo lightered utra tan &a '-'amount reited above. & a. ' S O i tn of course there eouTd be no rescue. It is safe to say that, had there beena tug at hand, every vessel thus far lost on the Dar might have beed saved. Since thd placing of the tug Astoria upon the bar, or pilot grounds in 1869, there has been no lss, and with prepor care on the part of tug and pilots, there need be none for many vears to come. Tkese facts warrant us infhak ing the bold assertion, thatthereis no barr ed harbor known to commerce, where the percentage of loss is so small; andfew7 if any, open harbors that can show sofarr a record. The currents and prevailing winds are such, and the land marks so well defined, that at a time when it is un safe to crots the bar, vessels outside an readily keep off, and wait a suitable time to enter. And there is good holding grounds but a few hundred rods inside for vessels bound out to anchor, and select from the spot their own time to pass out. Less trouble is experienced from fogYat the Columbia, than either to the north" cr south, as they are not frequent, and are much less dense, owing, no doubt, to fe presence of atrial currents, resulting from peculiar physical conformations. The channel is distinctly bouyed out, arid lighted by a first class light-house on Cape Disappointment, where is established , a life saving station by Government, with all the necessary facilities for rendering aid in case of accident on the bar. .Gov ernment has also made an appropriation for a light house . at Point Aaams, 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, as the rate of insurance is made up from a knowledge of the actual pro rata of loss incident to a given harbor, when such data is to be had, 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 thd land, the discrimination against the Columbia river bar should not be removed, and our insurance had at a fair rate, much less than is now imposed. Another important point gained by making Astoria the exporting harbor, would be"the employment of home capi tal in the river tranportation, instead of foreign, or outside, as is now done. The question is n6w never raised about Sandy Hook bar," at the entrance of iSTew 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 surplus pro ducts of Oregon to a foreign market at a price consistent with the cot of production, must stop at the mouth of the Columljia river, lhererore, it is a simple problemloi whether Oregon will build up and main tain a seaport town worthy of a .great State, withm'her own borders, or whether such a place will he sustained on Pugut Sound, or California," at an annual cost of one-fourth the agricultural wealth of the State. The committee are 'under obligations to Mr. VanDusen, ''Mrz-Hare, Collector of Customs, 'and the Pilots, for valuable in formation. Respectfully submitted, J. H. D. GiiAf , A. S. Mbiicer, "W. TV. Parker, Committee. Astoria, May 31, 1873. ew Stock of G-oocls ! CLOTHING OP THE BEST STYLES, ., AND THE YERY REST QUALITY, AT REASONABLE PRICES. EVERYTHING ELSE IN PROPORTION. At The Old stand of TAKE NOTICE. This is an extensive stock of well selected goods, in great variety, which I am now opening. Old Patrons, Friends and tho community in general, are invited to call and inspect both Goods and Prices. G. SUMMERS, Chenamus street, Astoria, k COLUMBIA RIVER PILOTS! P. JOHNSON, H. A. SNOW, P. E. FERCHEN. M. M. GILMAN, G.REED, C.S. WRIGHT, Agont. C" Office Corner of Main and Chonamu3 streots, Astoria, Oregon. EOR CHARTER. Tho sloop HECTOR, Having ben purchasod by tho undersigned, will hereafter bo in readiness toarry freight to'any accessible point. Tho Hector has good accommodations for keepisg freight dry and can carry 20,000 foot of lumber. For particu lars, inquire of - P. JOHNSON, Astoria. EOR CHARTER. Tho fast bailing Sloop W. H. TWILIGHT, r m lowe ::...:.: -..::::..Mastor Is now in readiness to Charter for Pleas to Parties, Freight or Passengers. Headquarter Corner Main and Jefferson streots, Astoria. WANTED A SCHOOL TEACHER FOR two children, at tho houso of tho Princi pal Light keoRer at Capo Disappointment. ta Address, J.W.MUNSON, - July lith, 1873. " , Capo.' ASTORIA ADVERTISEMENTS. Established jij. Astoria in 1S49. NE"W GOODS, CHEAP GOODS. A. VAiEr DUSEff, "Wholesalo and Retail Dealor in GENERAL MERCHANDISE, Corner of Main and Chonamus streets, ASTORIA, OREGON. IS XOW OFFERING FOR SALE ONE OF the largest and most complete assortments of General Merchandise ever before brought to tho country, and to buyers For Cash will-offer the Most Flattering Inducements In tho lino of DRY-GOODS, CLOTHING, HATS, AND CAPS, BOOTS AND SHOES EANCY GOODS, LADIES' DRESS GOODS, GENTS' EURNISHINGS, A Complete Stock of Every Article, TOO NUMEROUS TO MEXTIOS". BSyGivo mo a call, and bo convinced that my goods are of tho best quality and as cheap as can be bought of any houso in tho State. A. VAN DUSEN. MBS. A. S. MERCER, Teacher of ProfE. A. Robbies' AingriGaii Methoftfor Piano Forte Alse: Harmony andThoroughbaso! OST Tho ONLY CONCISE SYSTEM which will stand Artistic Criticism, and furnish the material upon which ovory educated Teacher can base their own peculiarities of instruction, It prosonts in a now light, based upon Natu ral Laws, tho art of Execution, arid Science of Music ftSRooms at Residence, Astoria"ui Dr. S- KINSEY, DRUGGIST AND APOTHECARY, Astoria, Oregon. PHYSICIANS AND FAMILY PRESCRIP tions filled from tho PUREST DRUGS, either at day or night A full stcck of "WINES AND LIQH ORS, EOR MEDICAL US3$, PATENT MEDICINES, - TOILET" ARTICLES, OILS BRUSHES, ETC., ftSu Orders from tho Country solicited, and carefully and promptly filled. A. J. DONALDSON. GRANVILLE EEED. DONALDSON & REED, Dealers in all kinds of ERESH AND CURED MEATS, CANNED FRUITS, VEGETABLES. FRESn REEF, PORK, MUTTON, VEAL, HAMS, RACON AND LAfU), MESS REEF AND PORK,, K3r Constantly on hand. rtS" Special attention paid to snpplyingships. nolladay's wharf, Astoria. H. 3. PARKER, Lnporter and Dealer in Wines, Liquors, Cigars TOBACCO, GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, Etc., Etc. K3T nolladay's Wharf, Main street, Astoria. J. w. COMMISSION MERCHANT, Chenamus street, Astoria. "Wholesalo and Retail Dealer in A GENERAL ASSORTMENT of Groceries, FLOUR, RACON, HAMS, SHOULDERS, LARD, RUTTER, CHEESE, EGGS, Etc. Motto" Small Profits on Cash Sales." Con signments solicited. tf Oregon Bakery. Main St., (Holladay's Wharf,) Astoria, Oregon. CHARLES BINDER, Proprietor. TiRESn RREAD, CAKES, PIES, CRACK X ers and Pilot Rrcad, always on hand. , r A RESTAURANT Is kent in connection with tho Rakery, wliero Steals can bo procured at all IiOHrs. u Oysters in overy style-in tko 8Qason.THi v Astoria Bakery Corner of Main and Cass streets, Astoria. HENRY JACOBS .'Proprietor. READ, CRACKERS. PILOT BREAD, Cakes.Grocories and Provisions of aU kinds always on hand. iShip storos furnished. S Connected with tho establishment is a Reading Room. Cigars and Lager Boor served. PETER H. EOX, MERCHANT TAILOR, Corner of Main and Jefferson stroets,-Astoria. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS f'ND made to tr er. Cleaning aad repalsiig. ASTORIA ADVERTISEMENTS.. Keadguartors ! Headquarters! I. W. "Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Dj Gooisr Clothing, Groceries, Provisions, Notions, Aztd General Merchandise, Wishes to announce to thepue- V lie that he has a verv sunorinr nnd wnll selected Stock of Goods in tho above line, be sides which may be found in great varietv, tho best quality of OROCKERY, GLASSWARE, 'HATS AND CAPS, , BOOTS AND SHOES, BLA2TEETS, ELAIpTELS, .&, .. "Which is being offered Cheap FOR CASH or PRODUCE ! i&J Having had years of experience I think I know tho wants of tho people, and as thit? stock is nearer complete, and embraces a GREATER VARIETY than any other stock in Clafeop .county, L will guaranteo that yon will do as ,weU,if not better, by trading with me than at any other establishment. fl5T"Having reduced my expenses materially of lato I propose to give my customers tho boneiit of the reduction, and any person who doubts whethor I, will sell as cheap as any ono FOR CASH! can bo convinced by giving mo a call at Headquarters, " Caso's Corner," Chona mus street, Astoria. I. "V. C. S- N. AR REG ONI, Occident Hotel Block , Astoria? . "Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Choice Brand Liquors The Einest in the Market CONSTANTLY ON HAND! Which will be sold in lbts"to suit purchasers OCCIDENT S. N. ARRIGONI...J! Pbofkietoi:. Astoria, Oregon. THE REST FURNISHED, MOST CONVE nient and in ovory respect popular hotel in Oregon. Owing to its location it is considerea A Very DeHglilfal Summer Resort. - XKtTMagnificent Suits of Rooms for families. The table is supplied with tho choicest delica cies of tho soason. "Wino and Billiard Room f attached to tho Hotel. Baths Hot, Cold, and Sliower Baths ! AT OCCIDENT HOTEL, HAIR DRESSING SALOON. "WM. Uhlexhart Proprietor. R355 Special attention paid to LADIES' CHILDiilkVS HAIR CUTTING BSTPrivato Entrancofor Ladies'U and GLOBE HOTEI Main Street "- - Astoria, Oregon. N.KOEEOED, PROPRIETOR. This Houso has been refitted and newly fur nished in tho Heatest manner, and guests will find all their comforts well attended to. Tho Tablo always supplied with tho best of tho season that the market affords. w5 Those who desire to have a good square meal go to tho Globe. Terms moderate. HENRY BERENDES, EasMonable BOOT MAKER! Chenamus street, Astoria, Oregon. Manufactures to orddr the bes tonality of Roots and Shoes Repairing of alTKinds"H COME AND SEE ufWrsrJPoultry r)'4T."PT? f!lifnnmiic ctrnof m: A J MEGLER, Chenamus street M. MEYERS' ASTORIA BREWERY! TAVING ALL THE MACHINERY NEC JQL ossary for first class work.skilliul Rreweiv and using none but the best Uuality of niatori- rals, tho Proprietor is propared to Manufacture ULGER 3KER ! Shipment i lies and keepers of Public Mouses promptly and regularly supplied. M ME Y Eli, rrop'r Astoria Market., Cenamtjs Street Astoria. HOBSON cfc WARREN, . Wholesalo andRotail Dealers in all kinds 5f Fresh and Cured fileatsh Butter, Eggs, Cheese, Mams, Bacon and LQ.nl! Canned Fruits and'Vcgctahles; f Constantly on hand. B5?" Ships supplied at lowest rates. ' H. A. SHAW & SON, House, Sign and Steamboat Pairiters ASTOttIA, Oeegox. Graining,Paper-liangi5ng and Glazing Donoto k-rdor with Neatness andDispatch." Established 1867. Hemlock TANHERY ! (3. LEINEN WEBER, 1 li.iROWN. vfR RS. XSW Jan-Goic all Xnh -,'1 Batks! IfegSli m