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