m
Wxt gnitjj gtstorimt.
ASTORIA. OREGON:
WEDN FD Y JAXr ' !Q. 1PM
THE ASToEIA. E'LEOAD.
The Bonos of $200,000 and Terminal
Faci.ities.
But the Land Grint is in tie War, u
Uual.
In December, 1882, it was generally
understood in Astoria that negotia
tions were in progress wherein eastern
capitalists, recognizing the import
ance of this location and desirous of
profitable investment, had turned
their attention to the building of a
railrjad from this port to the Willam
ette valley. At that time, as for years
before, The Astobiax was agitating
the matter of forfeiture and reitera
ting its demand to Villard, "Build the
road or forfeit the grant" Virtually,
Villard's answer to us was, "I won't
build the road until I get ready, and
I won't allow the grant to be forfeited
while I consider it to be to the inter
ests of the companies I represent to
hold it Now, what are you going to
do about it ?
That was all right from Mr. Vil
lard's standpoint; it was very unsatis
factory to us, but the idea prevailed
that when he met the chamber of
commerce, on the occasion of his next
visit, some definite plan of action
could be decided upon, some definite
agreement reached. Accordingly,
last April, the proposed hit rview took
place. Mr. Villard's remarks were
full of nullities, devoid of positivism,
destitute of assertion. We knew no
more after the interview than before
it, except having it made a little more
plain that whenMr. Villard thought his
railroads needed Astoria the 100 miles
would bo built and not till then, at
the same time resting confident on tho
security of the grant.
Meanwhile, informal negotiations
were kept up, and, when Mr. Villard
from the pinnacle of last September's
greatness deigned to inform us that
he could not build the road, he kindly
supplemented the information by
stating that he would not place any
hindrance in the way of others,
should they undertake it If that
language didn't imply that he would
not fight the forfeiture of the grant,
then the English language has lost its
meaning.
However, Villard is fallen, and is
not now worth discussing. This much
has been said as a preface to a state
ment of the present negotiations
lately in progress. The news con
cerning the probable action of con
gress in relation to these unearned
land grants has given renewed inter
est in the matter, coupled with tho
fact that for the last five days there
has been in the city a represontative
of the eastern parties to whoso negoti
ations we have so often previously re
ferred. On the 17th inst. there arrived on
the Oregon a gentleman who regis
tered at the Occident 'Jas. D. Negus,
Ogden, Utah," and since then Mr.
Negus has been iu consultation with
many of our leading citizens concern
ing the proposed building of the line
of road between here and Forest
Grove.
Hearing, yesterday afternoon, that
he was to leave for San Francisco on
to-day's steamer, a reporter of The
Astobiak called at the Occident yes
terday evening and found Mr. Negus
coming out from dinner. The report
er opened the conversation by stating
who he was, and that the great intet
est felt by the citizens of Astoria-and
vicinity in the matter of the railroads
must be his excuse for obtaining in
formation. Mr. Negus gave prompt
and evidently truthful answers to
every question put to him, and from
his answers is learned the following
particulars concerning his visit, its
purpose, and result
He came to Astoria to make nego
tiations concerning tho immediate
construction of a standard guage rail
road from here to Forest Grove.
From his knowledge of tho country
to be traversed by the road it must be
of standard guage thoroughly built
throughout, well ballasted and pro
vided with all safeguards against
washouts, etc. The road, in his judg
ment would cost to build from here to
Forest Grove about two-and-a-quar-ter
million dollars. His proposition
was for Astoria to give toward the
building of this road the sum of $200,
000, and suitable terminal facilities.
It is reported on the street that at a
meeting held at the Chamber of Com
merce rooms on Saturday afternoon,
Col Taylor promised 34 acres of land,
and accompanying tide land and wa
ter front at Smith's Point, being
worth at a fair valuation $40,000, and
that other citizens present had so far
expressed themselves concerning the
amounts they would give, varying
from $1,000 to $5,000 as to leave little
doubt but that the $200,000 would be
immediately forthcoming. Mr. Negus
went on to say that the parties for
whom he wa acting were satisfied as
to the financial desirability of the in
Testment, and only looked on the giv
ing of the bonus named .and the facil
ities asked for as a fair expression on
the part of our citizens. He said
that the proposed road would not be
in the interest of, nor would it be
owned or controlled by any existing
corporation now on this coast; that
he was fully prepared to negotiate,
-and that could everything prove sat
isfactory the work of cocstruction
would be immediately begun at As
toria, and pushed to a speedy com
pletion. In answer to a question as
to who the parties were Mr. Negus
declined to say more than that he
was one of the principals, that the
corporation when organized would be
composed of Massachusetts men, and
that the money required would be
raised in London.
The question, "are you not aw i
that when the road from
reached Forest Grove yo
there find the railroad aheaut uuai
that far presumably disposed to exact
high rates?" elicited the following
answer: "Perfectly aware: but it
would evidently be to the interests of
that road to make concession and
establish low rates of freight rather
than risk our pushing farther on, as
we would surely do were a different
policy pursued on the part of exist
ing corporations."
This the reporter considered tho
most important part of the inter
view as showing the probable intent
of the road's projectors, and the evi
dent study they have given the sub
ject. In deference to Mr. Nevus's wishes
much that was said is n t here set
down. In response to the query as
to his future movements and the
probable result of his visit he said
that that was as yet undetermined.
His visit here has given him a large
amount of information concerning
the place, its prosperity, and proba
ble future; he was most favorably
impressed, and now that he had vis
ited Astoria he was more than ever in
favor of building the railroad forth
with, but that the matter of the
grant was still to be disposed of.
Were the grant out of the way the
fall of 1885 would see Astoria in rail
road communication wtth tho re
mainder of the country. The road
that he proposed to build must run
through a country covered by the
present grant, and while arrangements
could and possibly would bo made to
allow the building of the line, 3'et
nothing but the forfeiture of the
grant would insure the best results
derivable from tho enterprise.
Eight here, as always, the whole
matter seems to hinge; while the
grant spreads its shadowy grasp over
the magnificent scope of territory
between here and Forest Grove it de
ters any capital from building the
road. In the present instance Asto
ria has sufficient proof. Here
among us is a man repre
senting millions, a man who
has made the building and operating
of railroads the study of his life,
whose attention has been attracted
by the inviting field for investment,
who has become convinoed of the
financial desirability of the enterprise,
whoso requests have been liberally
responded to by Astoria, and who
goes on to-day's steamer with nothing
definite arranged, solely because of
the uncertainty occasioned by the ox
istenco of a grant which was in all
justice forfeited eight years ago by
non-compliance with the conditions
coupled with its creation, but which
still floats like a low hung storm
cloud between that territory and the
bun of prosperity.
Mr. Negus's intimate acquaintance
with railroads and railroad managers
makes his opinions respecting them
of unusual value. Talking of various
railroad men, the reporter happened
to mention the name of Mr. Hams,
the newly-elected president of the
Northern Pacific railroad. "There,"
said Mr. Negus, "is one of the best
business men in the country. In
selecting him, the Northern Pacific
directors did the best thing they
possibly could do. He is a splendid
organizer, and is just the man that
road seems to need. He is essential
ly a railroad man, and no matter
what his private ideas or wishes may
be, while he keeps his present posi
tion ho will be president of the
Northern Pacific railroad, and act
with air eye solely to that road's best
interests."
Mr Negus talks like a man that is
fully conversant with his subject, and
desirous of stating the case exactly
as it stands. Wishing him a pleasant
trip on the Oregon the reporter in
quired when he would return, "Prob
ably in March," was the answer.
The house of representatives is
"whooping it up" in reference to
grants. Both parties seem deter
mined to make a good record, as wit
ness last Monday's legislation. The
real fight of the people versus the
.railroads begins when the bills go to
the senate, where each monopoly has
its paid attorney on tho floor of the
chamber.
Befeeekoe to the Washington dis
patch regarding congressional aclion
relative to land grants shows that Mr.
George of this state, was one of the
eighteen that voted against thobilL
Mr. George evidently does not be
lieve in a political hereafter.
Ik the house on Monday, Repre
sentative George introduced a resolu
tion authorizing the commissioner of
Indian affairs to "make an investiga
tion of the massacre of Dr. Marcus
Whitman and others in 1847.
Should Mr. George "want the votes
of Olatsop county in the future, he
shall find the record of January 21,
1884, very hard to explain. Mr.
George is digging his political grave.
i- . m " -
Senator Dolph's record in the
senate is sufficient refutation to the
malicious charges against him. Thus
far he has shown himself a friend to
Astoria and Western Oregon.
THE EX-SENATOR.
While ex-Senator Mitchell was
making an argument beforo the house
public lands committee . last Thurs
day, opposing the forfeiture of the
lands granted to the Oregon Central
railroad, Bepresentativo Payson pre
sented a petition, signed by over 1CKX)
citizens of Astoria and other parts of
Oregon, af king that the grant be for
''oied. There is no doubt that the
.1)1 of the citizens will prevail, as
tLe house is concerned at least,
though tho committee will not act on i
it finally for several days. j
When the ex-senator was before the
committee of the house, pleading that
the land grant to the Oregon Central '
railroad be not forfeited, be was asked J
how the railroad stood. He said it j
had built twenty-t,even miles, which j
it was now operating. He was then
asked if he could state, with any de
gree of certainty, that the road would
ever be finished. His reply was that
he could not The committee will
hold" that the entire grant shall be
forfeited; that the twenty-seven miles
do not give tho road any right in the
matter, in view of the other fact that
the entire road has not been built
Our dispatches this morning show
a terrible tumble in Oregon stocks.
Can it be that the failure of Villard
in '83 is to result as disastrously as
that of Jav Cooke in '73!
The election of Bobt Harris as
president of the"N. P.B. R.,5s claimed
to be a coalition of Boston and Phil
adelphia stockholders against New
York.
In the house last Monday, the bill
repealing laws providing an "iron
clad" oath passed by an overwhelm
ing vote.
NEW TO-DAY.
Copper Paint.
IN
HALF GALLON TINS.
At WILSON & FISHER'S,
sr-A Liberal Discount to the Trade.-a
To The Ladies.
Thursday, January 24, at 2 P. M.
FIRST-CLASS
lasMonaWe Millinery Ms
CONSISTING OF
BOSKETS and HATS, trimmed and ontrim-
med, FEATHERS and TIPS, ORXAMEXTS.
BIRDS and FLO ITERS, and Latest
STYLES of TRIMMIXG.
These Goods arc of the Latest Fashion,
and have been selected in the E.ut with tlic
greatest care by an accomplished Milliner
who intended to Mart in business in the city
of Toitland, but coming to the conclusion
that there are already more establishments
of the kind in that city than is actually
needed, tho lady h.ts concluded to dispose
of the stock at public auction.
The Sale is PoitIve. and chairs will be
pro ided for bidders.
OH and examine (Joods before Sale.
II. C. IIOLDKN,
Auctioneer.
OCCIDENTAL ILL
TWO NIGHTS
COMMENCING
THURSDAY, JAN. 31. 1884.
Special Engagement of the Charming Com-
eaienne, ropuiar ravome vocausi. ami
Queen of Protean Star.
mss
KATIE PUTNAM!
Supported by her
EXCELLENT COMEDY COMPANY
Who will present on
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st,
Thp popular four-act Corned v
entitled
Lena, the Madcap.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1st.
OLD CURIOSITY SHOP!
AdmiHglon as usunl . Keserved Seats
at The New York Novelty Store, without
extra charge.
J. H. FERRIS. Manager.
H. A. B. "WILLIAMS,
Secretary to Miss Putnam.
Stockholders' Meeting.
A MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
of tne Cape Fox racking company will
be held at the t-ompau) 's oince in Astoria,
January 28th, 1SS4.
By order of the Board of Directors.
W. F. M'GHEGOR,
dtd Secretary.
Notice.
OFFICE OF THE OREGON RAILWAY
and Navigation Co., Astoria, Oregon.
All parties interested in the salvage of
goodn picked up from the Steamer Queen of
the Faclflc, in beptcmber last, are hereby no
tified that settlement will be made on or
about Feb. 15th, at this office. No claims
will be pa'd without surrender of the receipts
given by thts company. Tho amounts to be
paid will be 50 per cent, of the net proceeds.
as per bill of sale.
t.A.XVUlli3.
iy-iwK
Agent.
NOTICE TO PILOTS.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL
whom it may concern that there will be
a meetinK of the Washington Territory
Board of Pilot Commissioners for Columbia
Kiver and Bar, held at Ilwaco. W. T., on the
15th day of January, A. D. 1SS4, at 10 o'clock
A.M.
Done by order of the Board.
C. A. REED,
Secretary.
December 25th, 16S3. d-wlt
The above meeting is postponed to Satur
day, the 26th inst., at the same time and
place,
Spial Auction Sale
ON
You Are Sure
AT
TI1E
.eaciing nirniiure
OF ASTORIA.
OHAS. HEILBOBN.
F
U
R
N
I
T
XJ
SL
E
FOR
Hall; Office, Library, Parlor, Chamber
and DINING ROOM, in
WALNUT, CHERRY, ASH, AND MAPLE.
We are without a doubt showing- the Largest and Most Complete
line of CHAMBER SUITS in this city, utiequaled in Design, Work
manship and Finish.
We Carry an IMMENSE STOCK OF CARPETS of AH Designs
and Colors in
Body, Roxlmry, and Tapestry Brussels, Three Plys,
Extra Supers and Ingrains.
FOSTER'S
THE
Billiard Parlors
Are not excelled by any
north of San Francisco.
Nothing but the best
dispensed,
convenience forthe com
fort of guests.
Imported Wines, Liquors and Cigars.
The Most Complete Establishment in Astoria.
AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE 0. R. & N. DOCK.
HOSPITAL,
ASTORIA,
OKEGOS
THIS INSTITUTION, UNDER CARE OF
the Sisters of Chanty, is now ready foi
the reception of patients.
rnvaie rooms ior uie uccommoaauon 01 1
any desiring them.
Patients admitted at all houi s, day or night .
No physician has exclusive right, even S
patient is free to and has ths privilegr of
employing any physician they prefer. ,
United States marine
Seamen who pay Hospital Dues, art enti
tled to Free care and attendance at this Uos-1
pltal during sickness. Penults must he ob
tained lor United States Marines at the Cus- j
torn House. i
SI8TKIIX OK CllABITt
Peruvian
BITTERS !,
Wilmerding & Co., San Francisco.
Loeb & Co., Agents, Astoria.
Executors7 Notice.
THE COUNTY COUTtT OF CLATSOP
County, Oregon, having appointed- the
undersigned executors of the List will and
testament of Truman P. Powers, deceased,
all persons haying claims against said estate
arc requested to present the same with the
proper vouchers, at tne office of C. Lclnen
weher. Upper Astoria, within six months
from this date.
C.LEINENWEBEK,
"WM. WADHAMS.
Astoria, December 14, 1883.
to "be Suited
F
N
I
T
XT
E
THE
EXCHANGE.
and Glub Rooms
and every I
i
PIANOS
AND
O RGANS
SMALL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
OF ALL KINDS.
FINEST VIOLIN STRINGS,
Slieet Musio,
Piano, and Organ Instructors
-CELEBRATED
& urn pianosi
-USED BY
President of United States"
"Governor of Oregon,"
Astoria Musical Society,
Mrs. J. W. Conn, of Astoria,
And other prominent persons, rianos and.
organs 01 many leauing inaxes.
wnoiesaie anu retail,
including
CELEBRATED TABER ORGANS.
AND WO.VDEBFUL
LITTLE GIANT STECK PIANO
Largest House on This Coast.
GARDNER Bros.,
165 First St., Portland, Oregon.
The Portland and Astoria
STEVEDOBE COMPANY
Is prepared to contract with masters and
consignees of vessels for the
Loading and Unloading of Vessels
AT EITHER PORT.
Promptness and satisfaction guaranteed
In all cases,
jyiiigjKByB h
My for
Busks
FEASK L.
Fresh Fruits
FANCY GEOCEEIES.
g .mt.JCTaJ.iJ" iiii..ijii''L""""?"iMMWSMB
TEP. apply to the Captain, or to
empire: stores
re-opening i
Fine Goods Reduced Prices
Ladies desirous of procuring Goods
unequaled in Style and Pinish will
take pleasure in examining our
Stock of
SILKS, SATINS and DRESS GOODS.
IN THE
GENTS' FURNISHING DEPARTMENT,
Everything is Complete
and of the "best.
PRAEL BROS.
John A. Montgomery,
fSUCHESROK TO .IARKINS & MONTGOMERY.)
PLUMBING, GAS FITTING, AND CANNERY WORK
Attended to Promptly on Reasonable Terms.
CJIEAAJIES 8TKEET, Xext toC L Parker's Store.
ASTORm.
THE NEW MODEL
A PULI. STOCK
jes. h.- :o:
Two doors east of Occident Ilotel.
M. OLSEX. J. OUSTAFSOK. A. JOH2JBOX.
MARTIN OLSEN & CO.
DEALERS IN
FURNITURE Ss BEDDING.
Corner Slain and Squeraoqna Streets. Astoria, Oresea. -
WINDOW SHADES AND TRIMMINGS; WALL PAPER! ETC
X Complete Stock.
PRICES AS CHEAP AS QUALITY WILL AFFORD.
&1T. ItnmS OF FlTRNlTirRF RF.PAIRF AIfl TARWI8HKI.
YOIT CAN
TAKE THE CAKE!
And by
Bujlugltat
F. B. ELBERSON'S
SEASIDE BAKERY
You will be sure that
Itisuonhtaklnp.
Every Variety of
Fine Cakes and Confectionery
Special Inducements
For the Holiday Trade.
Candies, Christmas Tree Trim
mings, Etc.
The Best Quality of
S'laao Bread
Delivered every Morning
SEASIDE BAZEEY,
F. B. FJLBERSO.V, Proprietor,
Will yon suffer with Dyspepsia and
Liver Complaint V Shlloh's Vitalizer is
Siaranteett to cure you. Sold by W. E.
ement.
PARKER.
Vegetables
STEAMER
CLARA PARKER
Eben P. Parker,Ma8ter.
'-gsa For TOWING, FREIGHT or CHAR-
11. B. FARKfiR
DKALKK iy
Tin, Sheet Iron and Coppir Wirt.
A General Assortment of
HOUSEHOLD GOODS.
Agents for
Magee Stoves and fianges
The Beat In the market.
Piumblng goods of all kinds on band. Jot
work done In a workmanlike manner.
OREOOR
RANGE CAN BE HAD IN AS
TORIA ONLY OF
E. B. MAWE9,
AGENT
CALL AND EXAMINE IT, YOU
WILL BE PLEASED.
E. K. HAWES Is also agent for tte
M patent (Mini Store
And other first-class stoves.
Furnace Work, Steam Kt
riaKs. etc.. a specialty.
ALWAYS ON HAND.
- A.sTOr:E8s.
ASTORfA. OREGON.
California Exchange
Tho best of California and Foreign
Wines and Liquors
Kept Constantly on Hand
Domestic gad Forelsa Clears.
tho best firas&s.
NATIONAL BREWERY BEER.
On Concomly between Benton and Lafa
yette streets.
lm GEOEGE GOBLIBB
I. "W. CASE,
IMPORTKR AND WHOLESALE AND XX
TAIL DEALER IS
GENERAL MCHAMSS
Corner Cheoamus and Cms street.
ASTORIA, - - - - OIXOOH
.