Cz gfts gteilrj Vston&an ASTORIA. OKEGON: I. C. IRELAXI JBttitor. ASTORIA..... ...Jitxe 24, 1871) The Benefit of Railroads. It is not alone in the increased fa cilities for travel and freight trans portation, nor the rapid development of unoccupied territory, that railroads are beneficial. The Railroad World, which is good authority on such subjects, states that the railroads of the country give employment to 400, 000 persons, and that five times that number depend upon the railroads for support. It is also estimated that be tween $300,000,000 and $400,000,000 are annually paid to employes and to persons who furnish the companies with supplies of various kinds. The authority above quoted adds: " This vast business lias sprung up in the lifetime of one generation, and its growth is still rapid. What another quarter of a century will develop in this field, would doubtless seem fabu lous could it now be foretold." liaily Correspondents' Hepresentath e Acklin and his sense of honor, as a story goes, are in a pre dicament. Not long ago he and his affairs were the subject of a lively sketch in a Washington letter to a southern newspaper. He got leave of absence and went to the city where the paper is published with the intention of securing satisfaction from the editor. The latter declined to accept the responsibility, but thrust it upon the Washington correspondent. Acklin demanded the name of the correspondent, and was given the ad dress of a well-known lady writer. He returned to Washington in a delemma. He cannot fight a duel with a lady, so now he wants the name of hsr best friend. KORTH RIVER VALLEY. A Fertile Section of Washington Territory. DESCRIPTION OF A COUNTRrOF VAST " NATURAL RESOURCES A FINE FIELD FOR INDUSTRIOUS IMMI GRANTS. Believing that a brief descrip tion of this little-known section of "Washington territory will prove of interest to intending immigrants, I send you the follewing: North river empties into Shoalwater bay five miles northeast of Bruceport. Passing by the high lands at the river's mouth, we come to a fine large tract of open tide-land, consist ing of several thousand acres cover ed with fine bunch grass, aflord ino; one of the best stock ranges in Pacific county. Continuing on up the river, the hills and timber lands gradually close in, until the country bordering the river as sumes a rough and rugged ap pearance, which continues until the first fall or rapids are reached, -when the hills become less abrupt and gradually recede, giving greater width to the bottom lands bordering the stream. The river has been explored for some 30 miles above the fall, and there is alder and vine-maple bottom land of the very best quality, easily cleared, sufficient for 200 families at the very least. The lower part of this valley is not more than eight miles from Shoalwater bay. The-river is navigable at common hiodi tide for boats drawing" five feet of water, for fully six miles, aud a good wagon road can be constructed at a small expense to any pare of the valley above. The soil is A RICH SANDY LOAM. Deep and entirely free from rock or gravel, and "will produce all kinds of grain aud fruit, except grapes, corn and melons, as well as any place upon the Pacific coast. The climate here is cooler in summer and warmer in winter than in localities further inland, there being seldom any snow. During a residence here of over 25 years, I have never seen ice over four inches thick, and that only during three winters. Man3r winters ice does not freeze thicker than a window glass, while grass remains green the year round. Upon a new range, such as the North river bottoms -will afford, stock would need no feeding what- ever. J noticeu in the Uregonian last summer a statement that it cost S20 per ton for freight from Walla "Walla to San Francisco, which 1 suppose is correct. Freight from Shoalwater Bay at presents is but 4, making a difference of S16 on every ton of freight ship ped. Supposing that the farmer ships one ton of freight per year for each acre of ground, the differ erence in freight alone between here and "Walla "Walla would in many localities on the Xorth river J more than pay for clearing Ins land in one season, to say nothing of the advantages of timber for building and lasting advantage of being near ocean navigation. There are thousands of acres of land now Iving vacant in the North river vallev, of which a man who under stands the business can get an acre READY FOR BURNING In from three to four days time. There are thousands of places upon the coast and further inland, already settled up and improved, that have no part of the natural advantages of the North river val ley. Shoalwater bay is acknowl edged to be one of the best bar bors between the Golden Gate and Puget Sound. The North river has an immense tract of the richest and easiest cleared land on the Pacific coast, with splendid water power and the best of timber. Its many natural advantages form its strongest recommendation to men looking for homes and men of capital who wish to improve what nature has already bestowed. I doubt if there is any place upon the Pacific coast that is more free from fever and ague and all mala rious diseases than Pacific county. There are three oyster companies now in the bay who have vessels running to San Francisco; also about two vessels arrive per month for lumber. There is a railroad in contemplation to connect Shoal water bay with the Columbia river. Thus it will be seen that there will always be a chance to ship pro duce. There are also three stores here, which generalty keep such as sortments as are usually found in country stores. Everything, in fact, upon the North river appears destined by nature for the conven ience and prosperity of a large and thriving settlement and manufac turing town. The lower fall at the head of tide-water will furnish power for MILLS AND FACTORIES "While the valley above can sup ply them with material. Thus Nature has done well her part in furnishing those natural advan tages already found in this section. Extensive productive lands are the first requirement for a thriving, prosperous settlement; good chan ces for transportation next. These the North river valley possesses. Vessels drawing eighteen or twen ty feet of water can enter Shoal water bay. Produce can be shipped cheaper from here than from Astoria. Thus, what it costs the farmer in eastern Oregon or Washington territory for freight down the Columbia to Astoria would be clear profit to the farmer here. A large majority of the people of Pacific county have been, and are at present, engaged in the oyster business, which accounts for the large amount of valuable land lying vacant. Another reason why the North river valley has not been settled up before now is, that the country is unsurveyed, and supposed to be partly within the limits of the Northern Pacific railroad grant. This, however, instead of being an injury, I con sider an advantage to people who desire to locate lands. Had the valley been surveyed it could, and no doubt would before this, have been gobbled up by the speculators. So that men wanting claims could not get them. As it is, as soon as a few settlers lo cate here they can hire a surveyor and run a preliminary line up the river, fixing the section corners, thus enabling them TO LOCATE CLAIMS "With the certainty of coming on government land when the country is officially surveyed. The cost of running such a preliminary line would be butii trifle. There is an abundance of wild game, such as elk deer, and bear, ducks and geese. The streams abound with fine salmon and mountain trout, while Shoalwater bay is justly fa mous for its oysters and many J kinds of shell-fish, which combined form a bill of fare to suit the most J fastidious taste. Some persons who have been here looking at the country evidently expected to find claims already located for them fences built, roads cut, etc. I agreed with them, and just here would say that the fewer of such men we have on North river the better. "We want men with fami lies who will buckle into clearing land, and who as pioneers are not afraid to undergo some privations while commencing on a new place. "With an emigration, or better still a colony of such men, the North river valley would in a short time be one of the gardens of the Pa cific coast, teeming with busy life, while ruddy health casts its cheer ful glow, and prosperity rewards the energy of the pioneer. TSW ADVERTISEMENTS. SALEM FLOUR. TO OUR CUSTODIERS. In Asking tor Salem Flour Sec Tliat You Get it I Salem Fouring Mills, Bakers, "With Centennial Medal printed on every sack. JVOSE OTIIEIt GEXUHVE. SALEM FLOUIUNG MILLS CO. ;Mm dtw FOURTH OF JULY AT GATHLAMET. The Anniversary of onr Independence will he celebrated at the above named place. First Glass Music Furnished. An Oration "Delivered. During' tlie Day. All Kinds of Refreshments to be had on the Grounds. DAXCIXG TILROUGII THE DAT "A Grand BaU at Night. Every arrangement made for the enter tainment aud comfort of the public All are cordially invited to attend. II. HALLETT, Proprietor. Mbs. : R. A. Derby. Has just returned from San Francisco with the finest selected stock of MILLINERY GOODS, Ever offered in Astoria. Embracing every novelty in the line. lW Or, Warner s Health COESET Cnn only be purchased in Astoria at Mrs. Derby's, Main street, between Squcmoqhe and Jefferson. Astoria, Ore gon. I. "W. CASE, IMPORTER AND WHOLESALE AND RE TAIL DEALER IN GEffiRAL lERCHAMSE, Corner Chenamus and Cass streets. ASTOKIA - OREGON. Kid Gloves of Every Kind. 3 BUTTN KIDS, JOUVINS, PEERLESS, And other best grades. tsnvould invite special attention to this stock. ' GEonGE R0SS' & Billiard Room.lpvf The onlv Billiard Room in the city whtie no liquors are sold. NEW TABLE JUST PUT UP. GEOKGU. has a cosy place and keeps on hand tnc Lest brand of Cigars. Also, soda, canuy nuts, etc Opposite Altona Chop House. GEO. ROSS. Proprietor. W. UHLEXHABT. Occident Hotel Hair Dressing Saloon. ASTORIA - OREGON. Hot, Celd, Shower, Steam and SalpfeHr BATHS. SrSpecial attention given to ladies' and children's hair cutting. Trivate Entrance for Ladles. a TO ml S8 W TILL TAKE THE LEAB 1 1 IN Umirau rfteifeKiAW Csr Best Btook mi Lowest Prises! To which we call particular attention. OTJR FANCY GOODS AKE COMPLETE. In Hosiery, Lace, White Goods and Embroidery, "H'E ARE TITO BOSS. OUR CLOTHING AND FURNISHING GOODS Are all of the Latest MAIN STREET, IW SPRING sflrf Tp offer extra inducements this season to purchasers, and although we are nor. selling AltObr, Ave defyain house in this city to compete with our priees We mean it ! Come, give us a calf and see for yourself w hat we can do for vou. A. VAN DTJSEN & CO. Have just received a full line of Spring and Summer goods of the very finest quality, wliicb were bought during the lecent tumble in stocks, when cash ct n.n amis a premium, and are therefore prepared to sell the same at liss rates than the sune quality goods can be pui chafed elsewhere. These goods consist in pait of Clothing, Gent's Furnishing Goods, Hats and Caps, readies Iress Goody. Muslins. Prints. Hosiery, Boots and Shoes.. Kublier Hoots, Oil Clothing. In addition to the above have laid in a full stock of BUIX.INGISS MATERIALS, XAIX.S. PAOTfcS. OKLS. ETC. The quahtv of our CROCKERY AXI GEASSWARE. IA35PS. ETC.. Cannot be excelled and our prices defy competition. Family Groceries and Proiision a Specially. Oregon City Im perial Evtra Flour at So 50 per Barrel. WARDS CLATSOP BUTTER ALWAYS IN STORE. ES""Agency for Singer and "White Sewing oillce, comer of Cass and Jefferson street. The W$3K& MJUJXk i x i. ONE PRICE CASH HOUSE OIF ASTORIA, IS THE PLACE TO PURCHASE TOUR DRY GOODS, CLOTHING-, BOOTS, SHOES, ETC., ETC., AT- EXTRAORDINARY LW" JKQtiRBB f Our stock cannot he surpassed in Price, Yariety, or Quality by any store in the city, and we can, and WILL, undersell all competition. "We are now receiviug NEW GOODS per every steamer, and have just lau( in an extensive line of LADIES LINEN SUITS, Which will he closed out cheap. Remember these are no mere assertions, and ask you to call and satit'y yourself. We 3Ic:m Business. COHEN & COOPER. IXL STORE. -OF LATEST STYLES- o .axju SIZES, JZLTS? 1ST. LOEE'S, Alain Street, Astoria. OF enms St. .3 &&XI3&AJLAk& I have always on hand all kinds of Fresh and Pure JFRENCH AKD AMERICAN CANDIES. MOLASSES TAFFEE, CHOCOLATE CARAMELS, AND ALL IvINDS OF FRESH O .A. IK. :E3 ss. Also, ITrcsIi limits, Sucla as STRAWBERRIES, CHERRIES, PEACHES, ORANGES, LEK2GKS AND LIMES. W EOXfcEETG? CAKES Made to order, and all kinds of Wedding Cake Ornaments at S. SGHMEER'S CONFECTIONERY, m si CO X O & CO OPPOSITE THE JOHN HAHN, ASTOBIA, Manufacturer of and Dealer in Lager and Bottled Beer. SSTThe Columbia Brewery has every facility, and using none but the best materials and employing experienced brewers, will warrant satisfaction in filling, all orders. Orders from abroad promptly attended to ,; J& &2r 3? Styles and Designs. ASTOBIA, OKEGOX. SUMMER 8T06K Machines, Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express ERE ! S "2? O C SL sd 'Oreaffi Q O K BELL TOWEE. PROPRIETOR, QIRJEJCS-OINr.