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About The daily morning Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1883-1899 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 24, 1884)
ra Wxt gailtj storfett. ASTORIA. OREGON: THURSDW lAXUAKY '21 1RSJ A LOST PRIZE. Ok the 4th of May, 1870, says the San Francisco Chronicle, through the influence of Senator Mitchell, of Oregon, congress passed an act grant ing alternate odd numbered sections of land for 20 miles on both sides of the road to a corporation known as the Oregon Central Railway Com pany. There was also a proviso for indemnity lands 25 miles each side of the road, which was to have run from the town of McMinnville, in Yamhill county, in the Willamette valley, to Astoria, near the mouth of the Co lumbia river, distance 144 miles. The grant was substantially for 12,800 acres of land for every mile of road and aggregated 1,849,200 acres. It ran for six years, or till July 187G. During that time the company built 27 miles of road, all in the compara tively level and easy region of the "Willamette, where the land was then worth $10 per acre and is now worth $40. The grant was never renewed, and no more road than these 27 miles has been made. Through their friend Mitchell the corporation recently ap peared before the house committee on public lands and asked, first, that no part of the grant of 1870 shall lie declared forfeited and restored to the public domain; and second, failing in this, that they bo awarded the 12,- 800 acres per mile for the 27 miles of road constructed, or the matter of 345,000 acres, worth now anywhere from SIO.000,000 to S13,000,000. The committee denied both requests and are about to report a bill to tho house for the forfeiture of all the grant and its restoration to the public domain. They do this on the theory that the object of the grant was to secure an outlet by rail from the Willamette valley direct to shipping at Astoria, and that having failed in this, the company has essen tially failed in all and violated the intent of the grant. During all the intervening thirteen years the belt of country in which tho grant was made, including indemnity lands 50 miles wide, has been withdrawn from home stead and pre-emption claimants, and remained tho unbroken wilderness it was for a distance of more than 100 miles of the route That is to say, in this area of 7200 uquare miles, an area equal to that of the whole state of Massachusetts, no man could settle and make improvements on an acre of the land without peril of ejectment by the aorporation grantee and the loss of his homo and improvements. The land is either small open valleys or covored with a dense forest of the most valuable timber on the coast. The timber alone, with a railway to earry the lumber that might be cut from it, is easily worth $40 an acre. But so sure was the corporation that its lapsed grant would never bo de clared forfeited that it remained in active for tho last ten years, not building a mile of road in that time. And now its game is up and the cov eted prize forever gone from its gaze. There were other grants to wagon road companies in Oregon and in California made prior to 1870, which aro in justice as forfeitable a3 this one to tho Oregon Central. They cover several million acres, and the committee should now turn its atten tion to them also. These are the things which have so long obstructed immigration, settlement, cultivation and production in both states. Fbiekds are rising tip to our slan dered hog in all parts of the country. Congress has already spoken for him. Mr. Frelinghuysen has set in motion the machinery of tho state depart ment in his behalf. The boards of trade and chambers of commerce all over the country are hurlincr thai: indignation against his oppressors. The army and the navy have not yet been ordered out, but if Mr. Bismarck and the French republic persist in their insane course it is only a ques tion of time. Even abroad allies are trooping to his assistance. The Paris Clarion, tho organ of tho Koyalists, defends him in a spirited three-column leading article, declaring "that he is of more importance to the great masses of the French people than the revision of the constitution." The western hog may -et restore tho Bourbons to the throne of their an cestors. A touxg and beautiful Maine girl sued a member of the" Legislature for a failure to keep the pledges he had so fervently made. He was adjudged guilty and ordered to sign his check for nine hundred dollars in order to heal the heart he had so cruelly wounded. Two questions suggested themselves with respect to this ver dict One is, "Are broken hearts held at so light a figure in Maine?" and the second, "Is a bachelor legislative heart in that commonwealth worth only so paltry a sum?" Hero in Ore gon, if one of our Assemblymen or Senators could be so ungallant as to jilt one of his fair constituants she would receive at least fifty thousand dollars instead of a wretched nine hundred. This is one great differ ence between the Webfoot State and Mr. Blaine's little patch of pine woods. The house committee on Pacific railroads will soon report a bill com pelling all the land-grant roads to pay the oost of surveying and select ing the lands given in aid of construction. A LONG SEARCH ENDED. Fob the last forty years hopeful people have been digging and fishing under the waters of the dreaded hell gate in the sound right off 2ew York City for the treasure supposed to be buried in the wreck of the British frigate Hussar, which sank on the 25th of November, 1780, while on its way from that city to Norwich, Conn. Tradition has it that the vessel con tained 5S0,000 guineas, intended for the payment of British troops. For sixty years the alleged treasure boxes lay in the water. Then people began to fish, and as fast as one company gave up, another one took hold, so that since 1835 there have been wreckers always on that spot. About $100,000 in all have been spent. The water is ninety feet deep and the sweep of the tide is almost irresistible. A score of plans have been tried. The wreck has been blown all to pieces by powder, a forest of piles has been lost, no end of diving has been done, and the sum total of interest ing articles recovered consists of half a dozen cannon balls, a few coins corroded beyond recognition, some bits of copper and other odds and ends. Nevertheless, such is the fas cination of fishing all men being more or less gamblers by nature that tho stockholders kept on and it has always been easy to raise money. Now it turns out that a hard-headed New York contractor, to whom theHussar scheme was pro posed, took the precaution to go to England before beginning work and find out exactly what was on board the vessel when she sank. He em ployed a competent lawyer, who re ported that if there was any treasure on the Hussar no record of it i$ to be found either in the quarter master's report of what was on the Hussar when she sailed from England, or in the treasury reports of England for 1780. This effect ually disposes of the whole story. The divers who have been making a good living out of the tradition for the last forty years are highly indignant, and their friends promise that they will bring something valuable up within the next ten days even if they have to take it down with them beforehand. They expect a thousand delegates to the Mississippi river convention in St Louis in February. The point that they will mako is that, no mat ter what tho volume of traffic on the river may be, the river should bo ready to carry the produots of the great valley, so that tho railroad companies may bo restrained from charging unreasonable rates for freight. To dike the river properly, and thus insure the millions of acres of rich bottom lands against semi annual overflow would cost 850,000, 000. This is not to bo urged; but it is to bo proposed that the channel shall be narrowed so that there shall be a swifter current to carry tho sediment that now makes now bars every year. It is so long since wo have heard from Mr. Schuvler Colfax that we had forgotten that such a shining light in the Republican ranks ever existed. He is still alive, however, and rises to tell a St Louis reporter that in his opinion Mr. Arthur has an excellent chance for the next presidential nom ination. The ex-vice president says that he has made a splendid executive and that his administration is as sat isfactory to the country as any sinee the time of Mr. Lincoln. He doubts if General Garfield, had he lived, would have made so happy a political family as the president has done. Mr. Colfax is not, wo are inclined to think, fully informed on this harmony point. NEW TO-BAY. HAY FOR SALE. THIRTY TONS OF THE BEST CALI fornla Oat Hay for sale. Enquire of E. A. QU1NN, at O'Brien's Hotel. FURNISHED ROOMS TO LET. . T MRS. GEO. IHLLER'S, NEXT DOOR L to Weston Hotel. WM, EDGAR, Dealer In Cigars, Tobacco and Cigarettes Meerschaum and Brier Pipes, GENUINE ENGLISH CUTLERY Revolvers and Cartridges. NOTICE TO PILOTS. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL whom it may concern that there will be a meeting of the Washington Territory Board of Pilot Commissioners for Columbia Uiver and.Bar, held at Hwaco. 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. December 25th, 1S83. d4t-wlt The nbove meeting Is postponed to Satur day, the 2Gth Inst,, at the same time and place. For Sale. TJUVE 2TONDRED CORDS DRY HEM JL' iock wood, which I will deliver at the houses of customers for $4 a cord. Braying or all Kinds dono at reasonable rates. - R. R. MARION. Stockholders' Meeting. A MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS of tne Cape Fox Packing company will be held at tho company 's office In Astoria, January 28th, 1884. By order of the BoanT of Directors. Vi. F. M'GREGOR, dtd Secretary. . Br. Bark Chas. Cotesworth. Browse, Master, from Liverpool, NETTHERTHEMASTER NOR CONSIGN ees of the above named vessel will be responsible fer any debt that may be con tracted by tho crew. -3t MEYER, WILSON & CO. To The Ladies. s ON Thursday, January 24, at 2 P. M. FIRST-CLASS Millinery Ms COUSI.VTIXG OF BOXN'ETS tnd HATS, trimmed and entries- Bed,FElTlIER3 and TIPS, ORNAMENTS. ; BIRDS and FLOIVERS, and Latest j STILES Of TEIMMIXC. These Gool"? ae f the fcttc-st ra-hion, , and have been -cIi-chnI In the Hist ult.li the -greatest care lv an a-complKl:eu Milliner who Intended to Mart in mstnea la the city of 'o:tlaxi(l. but vmiti:j n iu- conclusion, that then an a rca-iy more establishment-: j of ihe Kind in ht city than is actualh needed, the ladv h-is -onrluded t dispose of the stock at puullr auction. The Hale is nMtlve. ami caau win or . provided tor bidders. ; r.-ill nml Y:iini!if (oods before .IIP. K. C HoI.UKX, Auctioneer. 0CC1EITAL HILL TWO NIGHTS COMMENCING THURSDAY. JAN. 31. 1884. Special Engagement of the Charming Com edienne, Popular Favorite Vocalist, and Queen of Protean Star. MISS KATIE PUTNAM! Supported by her EXCELLENT COMEDY COMPANY Who will present on THURSDAY. JANUARY 151st, The popular four-act Comedy entitled Lena, the Madcap. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1st. OLD CURIOSITY SHOP! Admission as u&nnl. Reserved Seats at The New York .Novelty Store, without extra charge. J. II. FERRIS. Manager, n. A. B. WILLIAMS, Secretary to Miss Putnam. Copper Paint. IN HALF GALLON TINS. At WILSON & FISHER'S, erA Liberal Discount to the Tr.ide.3"" CHAS, A, MAY, New Store, New Stock Toys, Fanry (toods. Tobacco and Cigars. FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC FH.UITS A EUSTE ASSORTMENT. Squemoquastrect.nextdoor to the Empire Store. nl7-cm PETER BLANKHOLM, Dealer in FIKE CIGAB-S, IMPORTED AND DOMESTIC. THE BEST BRANDS OF TOBACCO. SMOKERS' ARTICliJLS Cur. Squomoqim and Olney Streets Astoria. CANNERYIHEN PACIFIC METAL WOBES Importers and Manufacturers of WHITE METALS. Canners' Solder a Specialty, Strip Lead, for Leading Lines, Plate Zinc, for Cutting Acid, Bar Copper, Pig Lead and Pig Tin. 48 Xorth second St.. Portland, Or. 115 Jb 117 irt St.. San Francisco, California. Boat Building. JOS. P. LEATHERS Formerly ovrr Arsdt i Frchen' M&chine Sbo IS BUILDING FIRST-CLASS BOATS IX the shop formerly occupied by M. John son on Concomlvi street, one block vet of Hansen Bros' Mill. Jlodcl, .Material and Finish First-class. A. M. JOHNSON. C..T. JOHNSON. Astoria Sail Loft. MANUFACTURERS OF SAILS, TENTS, AWNINGS, TARPAULINS, And everything else pertaining to our business. Lowes tPrice and Best Work For your foney, At the Old Stand. Leave your orders and Ret your work uone at once. JOHNSON & CO. Oregon. Astoria, Notice. OFFICE OF THE OREGON RAILWAY and Navljratlou Co.. Astoria. Orezon. All parties interested In the salvage of goods picked up from the Steamer Queen or the Pacific, In September last, are hereby no tified that settlement trill be made on or Special Auction about i-eu. I5tn, at tnis omce. No claims will be pa'd without surrender of the receipts given by this company. Tho amounts to be paid will be CO per cent, of the net proceeds, as per bill of sale. E. A. NO YES, 19-iwk Agent. You Are Sure AT Leading Furnitur OP ASTOBIA. CHAS. HEILBOBK F TJ E N I T E THKBlla FOR THE Office, Library, Parlor, Chamber II and DINING WAL1TOT, CHEHRY, We are without a doubt showing' line of CHAMBER SUITS in this manship and Finish. CARPETS, We Carry an IMMENSE STOCK OF CARPETS of All Designs and Colors in Body, Roxbury, and Tapestry Brussels, Three Plys, Extra Supers and Ingrains. FOSTER'S THE illiard Parlors Are not excelled by any north of San Nothina dispensed, and every convenience for the com fort of guests. Imported Wines, Liquors and Cigars. The Most Complete Establishment in Astoria. AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE 0. E. & N. DOCK. KEEP Your Eye HERE! to be Suited THE F TJ I T U B ROOM, in ASH, AND MAPLE. th- Lurgest and Mo3t Complete city, unequaled in Design, Work EXCHANGE. and Olub Francisco. I but the best b PIANOS -AND ORGANS SHALL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OF ALL KINDS. FINEST VIOLIN STRINGS, JBl3Lo1; Music, Piano, and Organ Instructors -CELEBRATED STECK & KNABE PIANOS ! -USED BY President of United States" "Governor of Oregon," Astoria Musical Society, Mrs. J. W. Conn, of Astoria, And other prominent persoas. Piano3 and Organs of many leading makes, wholesale and retail, including CELEBRATED TABER ORGANS. AND WOXDEBFCL LITTLE GIANT STECK PIANO Largest House on This Coast. GARDNER Bros., 165 First St., Portland, Oregon. ; The Portland and Astoria STEVEDORE COMPANY Is prepared to contract with masters and I consignees or vessels for the Loading and Unloading of Vessels AT EITHER PORT. Promptness and satisfaction guaranteed in all cases. House i i i Really for Business FRANK Le i Fresh Fruits FANCY GROCERIES. i'v?S m 0r. I'j'.iir'Hn TER apply to the Captain, or to empire: stores re-opening ! Fine Goods Reduced Prices Ladies desirous of procuring Goods unequaled in Style and Pinisn 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. 7olm A. Montgomery, SUCCESSOR TO .TACKfNS & MONTGOMERY.) xJBlllliiiiiiL PLUMBING, GAS FITTING, AND CANNERY WORK Attended to Promptly on Reasonable Terms. CI1EAA3ICS STREET, Xext toC L Parker's Store. ASTORIA. - THE NEW MODEL A nJLI, STOCK Two doors east of Occident Hotel. J. OUSTAFSOX. MARTIN OLSEN &, DEALERS IN E? FURNITURE 5 BEDDING. Corner Slain nutl Squcmoqua Streets. Astoria, Oresea WINDOW SHADES AND TRIMMINGS; WALL PAPER' ETC A Complete Stock. PRICES AS CHEAP AS QUALITY WILL AFFORD. AIT. KlUmS OF FITRWTTirRF. REPAIRED AK1 VA11ISHE. YOTT CAN TAKE THE CAKE! And by Buying it at F. B. ELBERSON'S SEASIDE BAKERY You will be sure that It is worth taking. Every Variety of Fine Cakes and Confectionery Special Inducements For the Holiday Trade. Candies, Christmas Tree Trim mings, Etc. The Best Quality of IJjel Bread. Delivered every Morning SEASIDE BAKEEY, F. B.EIjBERSOX, Proprietor, Will you suffer with Dyspepsia and Liver Complaint? kmp teedl Simon's v itauzer is Suaraiite lement. uaranteed to cure you. Sold by W. E. PARKER. Vegetables STEADIER CLARA PARKER Eben P. Parker,Master. For TOWING, FREIGHT orCHAR H. . PAIKBB. DKALKli iy Tin, Sheet Iron and Copper Wart. A General Assortment ot HOUSEHOLD GOODS. Agents (or Magee Stoves and Eanges The Best lu the market. Piumbing goods ot all kinds on hand. Jot) work done In a workmanlike manner. RANGE CAN BE HAD m AS TORIA ONLY OP E. 1. MWflf, AGENT CALL AND EXAMINE IT. YOD WILL BE PLEASED. E. R. HAWES is also agent tor th Bntt patent Mm M And other first-class stotes. Fnraace Wari, Steam Flt JnZB. etc., a apeialty. ALWAYS ON HAND. ASTORfA, OREGON. A. JOHNSON . CO. California Exchange The best of California and Foreign Wines and Liquors Kept Constantly on Hand Domestic aad Foreljp Clears f the best .Braada, NATIONAL BREWERY BEER. On Concomly between Benton a&d Lafa yette streets. OEOBGE GOBLIEB I. "W. GASE, IMPORTER AND WHOLES AL2 AND HX TAIL DEALfeR IN " ; GENERAL MERCHANDISE Corner Chenamus and Can. streets. ASTORIA - -OKBGOH