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About The Daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1876-1883 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 1879)
I J mmr- Jg&c -gailS &&l&xtem, SUNDAY Jaxuaky 19, 1879 Chamber of Commerce liep&rt. Astoria, Nov. 4, 1S78. Gentlemen of the Astoria Chamber of Cemmerce: Our constitution imposes upon your officers the duty of making annual reports. This being the close of the first year of our pres ent organization, I will endeavor to briefly discharge the duty per taining to the chair. Although we are trained from earliest intancy with the example of the bundle of rods before us, we often neglect organizations until times Of more than ordinary emer gency. For several years there had been a Chamber of Commerce in Astoria, but with few members and still fewer workers, until a .rear ago when the removal of the light-house inspector, and threaten ed removal of the buoy depot from this place, aroused our citizens to the importance of organization and unity of action. THIS ORGANIZATION. One year ago the Astoria Cham ber of Commerce was organized with constitution and by-laws, room rented and salary provided for the secretary, on whom was imposed much labor. Many of the citizens became members. The wisdom and power of the or ganization are manifest -in the re sults that have been accomplished. The effort to remove- the buoy depot was thwarted. An appro priation for the erection of a lirst class light on Tillamook head was secured from congress; also, an appropriation of $5,000 for survey of the entrance of the Columbia river, with a view to making per manent improvements thereat. The survey has been made. An appropriation was made for a tidal station but the bill was lost, (so it has been reported) by the enrolling 'clerks, and failed to become a law. RESULTS OF ORGANIZATION. The Chambers resolutions assist ed in obtaining aid for the canal at the Cascades. Through our efforts in part the revenue cutter Thomas Corwin has been retained a't this port. The known -fact of a cutter beingstationed here inspires con Jidenc'e among owners of vessels de siring to come to Astoria and the Co lumbiaftlvjer. "Steamship lines have promised to not discriminate against the mo'uth of the river in transpor tation from San Francisco to in Herior ports of this state, and vice versa. The Chamber has given a medal to one ship-master, Capt. Han is, of the Aberyswith Castle, for hu mane conduct in standing bv the ship Pilgrim when in distress. A regular and direct mail by steam ship from San Francisco is now en ,jored by the citizens of Astoria and vicinity. Other matters are under way, some depending on congres sional action for their consumma tion; others on the orders of de apartment heads. Among the first is the Astoria and Forest Grove : railroad. The senate has under consideration the extension of the lime and giving the grant to any other company that will build the road. This should pass, or the land be opened to settlement, this winter. Of the second is the mail .connection at Kalama between here and the Sound country. We hope to secure connection one way very soon, from here over. The boats from Astoria reach Kalama forty minutes after the train has left for the Sound. As they do not leave Astoria on schedule time, but two 'hours-later, the connection can be very easily made if the postal de partment would but direct it COLUMBIA lilVJUt BAR. We would call-the Chamber's at tention to the improvement of the ; Columbia river bar. Although the -'appropriations for' the lower Wal lametread: ""And Columbia river from Portland to the sea," those -in charge of the disbursements ex pend none :as low down as Astoria, except it be to note the changes made in Sand -island and Point iAdams. The special fund of $5,000 for the mouth of the Columbia was expended this summer. What plans were recommended for the future ye have not learned, but we should "urge congress to carry on1 the work. X no plans have been devised, the 'Chamber should determine on one and ask for the means to execute it. nThere are only twenty feet in the .south channel at mean low tide, "Vhich under certain circumstances may be diminished ?to sixteen or seventeen feet, an appalling fact, considering the present de mands of our commerce for large ships, our hopes to be a commer cial port, and the design of some of our neighbors to absorb our foreign trade. Within a Tcar several vessels Jaden with cargo'es have struck upon this shoal of the bar, and one sunk at sea soon after striking. All attention should not be given to the river above and the place of landing the ships. Some whose position and education would seem to lit them for judging, say that the south channel can be deepened to thirty feet at low water by the scouring process, dragging or rak ing the bottom and the current carrying away tlie loose sand and i .11 i-ii sediment. ;. 1 he shoal is narrow with deep water on each method was tried on near Tongue point, has remained open side. This Hogs back, in 1875, and without anv work since. But little time and money would be needed to open a channel in this manner. The original .plan proposed by the Chamber was to construct a dyke from point Adams out to Clatsop spit. 1 see no reason Tet against that idea. We should however ascertain at once the ideas of those who made the surveys this sum mer and had the matter in charge, that we mav take necessarv action. THE CASCADE CANAL. The engineer has recommended further appropriations for the Cas cade canal and locks. His efforts should be seconded by our resolu tions. The contract let embra ces about one half of the canal. The further-appropriations should be made immediately, so that a second contract could be let before or at least by spring. According to the plans there are about 5000 feet of crib work for break water below the canal to be constructed. It is thought by the uninformed that the great length of time re quired to complete the locks as some talk of, will be in the construc tion of this breakwater if at all. Correspondence should be at once opened with the officer in charge in regard to using the canal before this breakwater shall be construct ed, and while it 'is being built, if any great time shall be required to erect "it. Robt. A. Haber sham, asistant engineer, re- L ported in 1874 that boats could reach the foot of the canal bv a little improvement in the channel on the north side of the river. He says: "One quarter of a mile lower down (below the principal rapids) is a lesser rapid, formed br a ledge of rock which . extends across the channel from shore to shore, hav ing however, a depression 2U0 feet wide and from 40 to GO feet deep near the north shore, through which the current runs at the rate of nine miles.per hour. This depres sion forms the principal channel at this point, and by blasting a portion of the ledge, so as to in crease the water way, the force of the current will be so reduced that steamers can easily ascend to the" foot of the principal rapids just below the neck, the point which in a former report I designated as the best side, in my judgment, for a canal and locks. I his seems to have been, at that time, Major Michlcr's idea also, and the estima ted costs of the canal, locks, and blasting the ledge, was 700,000. He so telegraphed the chief of en gineers, February 12, 1S75. In December of that year' he was relieved by Major Wilson and next year we find in his report the simple statement that it will be difficult and expensive to construct the canal. Subsequently a change or new plans was . proposed. In stead of blasting the ledge it was .proposed to crib from the lower end of the canal 'down the river 5,000 feet,1 forming a breakwater. Estimated cost, $1,544,54-5. On this plan the work has commenced, but no part of the crib work is in cluded in the present contract, and only about one half of the canal distance, which is 2,100 feet, is covered bv it. Mr. Habersham's idea of blasting out a portion of the ledge is approved, for mime diate use at least, by our seretary, j who has recently Visited the place. RIVER IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED. We do not sucrjrest a chancre in the plan, but to get a quicker use of the canal, suggest a temporary connection by way of the channel over the ledge. The improvements ' dead capital, making the lower Co on the Columbia river above the -luinbia-a-beeJtive, in the .summer, Wallamet should be hastened with all possible dispatch. It is said, (correctly, no doubt), that it takes all the wheat crop of eastern Ore gon and Washington territory to pay the freight transportation up and down the Columbia river. About 9,000 passengers, and 2,500 tons of freight were carried over the portage at the Cascades in the eleven months ending June 1st, 1S76. This year I am told there will be about 75,000 tons car ried over, but of passengers I am not informed. It is said by some in the employ of the steamboat company that some of the boats on the upper Columbia have made their weight in gold several times over. Au exaggerated statement: but tends to sustain the fact of the great cost of transportation on the river. SIGNAL AND TJDAL STATION. No effort should be spared to secure a signal and tide station here at Astoria. With the tidal observatory in complete running order, there would be no necessity of vessels going down to look at the mouth oi the river to deter mine the practicability of crossing. They could read its condition more accurately in Astoria, and twelve to twenty hours in advance of a heavy sea. Long waves fifty min utes apart, which lower the water on the bar to 16 feet, but cannot be seen on the surface of the water, are accurately noted in the tide house. Much expense and incon venience would be saved shipping, particularly steamships, thereby. It might be appropriate to in quire whether or not the steamship companies would not pay some thing toward maintaining a tidal observatory here until the govern ment takes it in hand. A trip from here, to the bar and back, or lying at anchor several days can frequently be saved by consulting the tidal observer, Mr. Louis "Wil son, when the apparatus is in run ning order. our exports foreign. In the way of exports a larger amount of salmon went directly foreign this year than ever before, and nearly all of it also through the custom house at Astoria. The cheap rates of the opposition car ried some to San Francisco that would otherwise -have gone foreign dire'et. ' . Wheat exports foreign, by way of San Francisco had nearly ceased, there being but 4000 tons in 1877, but opposition rates having in creased the amount to 25,000 tons in 1S7S, this fact caused thie presi dent of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce last January to state that, should the intentions of the companies to carry cheaply be carried out, the bulk of Oregons ; surplus products will be sent there m future. Ave and, the whole Columbia valley, should see to it that as little as possilrie of any foreign exports and 'imports be carried by coasters between this port and San Francisco. Nearly all -the tin-plate used by our canneries-is-importcd by way of San Francisco. True much of it is carried there in ballast, but efforts should be made to have vessels -carrying here direct, to bring such ballast also. Exports foreign from port of Astoria six months ending Dec. 31, 187S: Salmon July and August 3 563,2S4 Wheat and Hour during the six months, together with small amounts of salmon, lumber and miscellaneous articles.. 742,3fi( Total for the six months.. Sl,o05,(w0 Total domestic exports from Astoria Oregon for twelve. . months ending June 30, 1878 S25Ti,406 Total exports from Portland same, year .-r : $,974,561 THE REFRIGERATOR PROCESS. Efforts have been made to slaughter beef here, send the choice portions to San Francisco in refrigerators and "can" the remain der. The refrigerators used were defective or at least not sufficient fn.- the work, but -irom the ex- periment it was ascertained that beef Could be so disposed of and with profit. The different canneries that are idle in the winter, might combine, secure ice this winter, put proper refrigerators aboard the steamers, ! and next spring before fishing, and jin the fall after the close of salmon season, furnish San Francisco nninures choice cuts, and have the remainder without cost to "can." CANNERIES CONSIDERED. There is much to be considered concerning tlm canneries -which would lie idle one half the year as but a desolate place the balance cf the year. Labor is higher by rea son of its short employment, and desirable laborers are scarce and difficult to obtain. Our popula tion is transient, and all business is sadly affected by the' irregular cur rent. With the salmon laws for propagation, it is hoped that the annual supply of salmon will con tinue so that when one catch is over another may be reasonably expected in its season; but the iTvirl.-iiirv annenn of the oannerv ,.V , w - J , should be lensrtnenea. canning 1 beef would assist, also, pork and beans, berries, etc. Last season, just closed, Mr. John West, of Westport, put up a number of cases of wild black or dew berries, which are as much better flavored than the ordinary canned black berries, as the fresh wild are than the cultivated berry. The quan tity of wild berries are limited, but who has tested the adaptability of the lands below Mount Coffin for growing- berries or different kinds? A. fortune may lie at our doors in this business awaiting the energy of some one to develop it. I am informed that ground is being pre pared near Fairlields Point for the growth of berries as a trial. In some parts of the United States a large and profitable business is caricd on in cranberry culture and shipment. CRANBERRY MARSIIH5. Much wealth and commere'e mio-ht be added to this county if this new field was opened up as natural signs indicate that it might be. Good cranberry meadows in the east are worth from $500 to 2,000 per acre. Wild cranberry marshes extend from Fort Stevens south the full length of Clatsop plains, and from Unity, W. T., to Shoalwatcr bay, and "beyond. The wild berries are now in our market. On the Sound also are cranberry marshes and the greater energy dis played among the people there is forming companies to reclaim and put into cultivation these marshes. In a quiet way I have been trying for several years to have this in dustry tested here, and I am glad to be able to report that one man, a stranger, came here a couple of years since with mind disposed, and means sufficient, to undertake it in a small way. Last snrimr he planted some vines received from the east, and some natives. The growth the past summer rhas been all that coidd be expected, besides producing some berries; a thing unknown in the east, where it is expected to take three years to come into bearing. The imported vines have grown faster, look bet ter, and produced finer berries, than the native. This place 'is located north of the Skipanon. LOCAL ENTERPRISES. Leather manufacture and ship building should be encouraged. The manufacture of leather in this county is increasing, but not in proportion to the growth of the state, nor is it as large as it should be considering the vast quantity of tanning material, hemlock; right at hand. Tn the last report of the officers of the Portland Board of Trade they say that parties east offer to come out to this river and start business if they could be ex empt from taxation for fifteen or twenty years. -The citizens of As toria could well .afford to o-ive property, equal to what the taxes would, be to have a good firm start here w either one or both of these enterprises. HARROW GAUGE RAILWAYS. Narrow gauge railroads are ab sorbing much interest in different parts of the United States. It is claimed that they are much cheap er than the standard gauo-e, and yet able to do all the business ex cept on the trunk lines. Such a road is in operation in Yamhill county, in this state. Companies nave organized in several parts of or btate lor me purpose of build ing such roads in their respective localities. uitizetis of Astoria should consider tte matter of build ing such a road to Tualatin plains, in Washington .county, unless the Oregon Central railroad com pany very soon extends' the Afo Mmnville road this way. A nar row gauge would be peculiarly suited to the country lying between li Li -v"1V-0,' wove. It is thought by some that with a little liberal encouragement by the peo ple of Clatsop county, a company with ample means could be in duced to build the road. Tonv n a t PresIdenWstorla diamiSofSSewe. NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. BANKING AND INSURANCE K. W. CASS, BROKER, BANKER, AND INSURANT AGEHT. ASTORIA, OREGON Exchange bought ami sold on all parts of the United States and Europe. OFFICE IIOURS-Frora 8 o'clock . until 4 o'c.cck v. 3i. 31. ilOQ UU AGGREGATE CAPITAL $40,000. lOIPEHIAIi OX? X.OXDOX. XOXTHERX OF KQXDOX. QUEHST OF IiFVJERPOOOLu FIRE AND MARINE INSUR ANCE COMPANIES. w, gj&se, JEST. ASTORIA, OREGON. In Intel Insurance Co, OF CALIFORNIA, J. . JIouonTON"-.... Chas. R. Story , JlAMnzro Boi. i .President Secretary .Agents for Oregon Geo. L. Story, i Office Northeast comer of Stark and First streets, Portland, Oregon. Net Cash received for Fire Prem iums in 1S77 -..,. $335,511 04 Assets, Jan. 1,1878 S578.CG5 & Liabilities Losses - npaid ..3.008 "7 Dividends " 1,17 00 5.HW 37 Surplus for Property Holders $572,470 47 Losses paid in Oregon in six ycars-SlHilG 7- 1. W C iSK. Agent. Astoria, Oregon. IMPORTER AND WHOLESALE AND RE TAIL DEALER IN (MEAL MCMDISE, Corner CUenamus and Cass streets. ASTORIA OREGON. JTJSSP OPENED A FULL AND COMPLETE LINE OF GOODS, IN EVERY DEPART MENT OF TRADE SUITABLE TO THE "WANTS OF TOE PEO PLE ALL OF "WHICH WILL BE SOLD ' g5??urohas8rs are reoucsted to call and Inspect my 'goods before purchasing else wbere, as I am confident of ray ability to please one iuid all. I. W. CASE, Corner Chenainus and Caas Street, -ASTORIA", OREGON W CASE ' .