w
tlt guUjj IMiwfan.
AdTOttlA. OKEGUJS:
SUND KVl FEBRUARY VO, IRS?
. THE LAND.
The United States may be re
garded as the ideal Republic. The
conditions, which dreamers arc so
fond -of .picturing exist here as a
matter of fact. There are no ex
tensive landed estates. Lands are
held in large tracts by speculators
and railroads only. But nowhere
is the idea of turning them into
manors imcHordty domains enter
tained. So long as the assessors
are elected by the people thei c can
be lib great monopoly of land.
The assessor lepresents the prin
ciple of -divestiture for the support
of the- government. There is, as a
consequence, a complaint in this
co.untry, which is found nowhere
else-in the world it is the poverty
which is entailed by the ownership
of too much land. There is such
a thins: in the United States as
being land poor. Land, as a con
sequence, is about as free as it
could well be' made. The propri
etors!. oYJarge tracts are only too
read' to sell. The government
has always millions for sale. The
man or the "woman in search of a
homestead can get one for nothing.
Thejhomestead which can thus be
secured is as large as a moderate
sized estate in other nations. Ex
cept among cattlemen, and with
them only temporarily, wide areas
aFe alone held or claimed, and
these for grazing purposes only.
The" result of this general system
for over a century is that nothing
like European civilization, as re
spects the ownership of land, has
grown up here. There has been,
from time to time, the delusion
that the European method of be
coming great and powerful that
is to say, the acquisition of land in
large bodiesr was possible in the
United States. The fathers were
not wholly free from the notion.
.JBut most of them who loaded up
with real estate found the burthen
too heavy for them and were
forced to lay it aside with more or
less pecuniary loss. Since those
days, individual efforts of a like
nature have frequently been put
forth, but generally with the same
result. There have been numer
ous instances of failures in that
direction in this state. Land can
not long bo held in large bodies,
for tenancy does not take root in
this soil, and the share method is
wasteful and ruinous. No man can
profitably handle more land than
he is able to manage himself. No
fairer or moie just methods could
be invented. Land has been as
free as air and water in the United
states. There are millions of acres
which are still in the same condi
tion. When thee facts are taken
into consideration, the claims oc
casional advanced by communis
tic "writers in this country assume
rather a queer aspect. Land any
man can have who is willing- to
workit. By a few yeais of labor
he can render himself practically
independent.
But it would appear that what
is wanted is not irgin acres, which
have to be cleared and reclaimed.
It is the comfortable homesteads
which other and more vigorous
men have created that are regard
ed with jealousy. This cannot be
said to be a wholly new or modern
desire. JMen in all ages have been
cevetous of their neighbors' acqui
sitjons. The only thing distinctly
modern is the formulation of a the
ory which is supposed to gild over
and render respectable theft and
dispossession. It would be im
possible for any human society to
make a more just disposition of
the land than that set up in the
United States. After long expe
rience, we find no great inequali
ties or unequal distribution. The
immense majority of the land
owners of the United States are
farmers, pwhing moderate tracts
in fee simple. The most surpris
ing thing, therefore with which
we have to deal, is the introduc
tion and propagation of doctrines
'.as "respects land, f which are wholly
and absolutely without application.
Land in many of the European
countries is n ostly held by the
lobles. There is no wav in which
it can be acquired by the gre t
body of the people except as ten
ants. In England lands are en
tailed and descend from the father
to the oldest son. There is no
power of alienation. The owner
lias only a life interest in the es
tate. All that can be done is to
put mortgages on it. In ordinary
cases the father cannot create
these incumbrances without the
consent of his son and heir. In
Prussia, for a long time, the coun
try was divided into the lands of
the nobles and the lands of the
common people. Neither- class
could acquire lands belonging to
the other. In the time of Harden
brough some modifications were
introduced, but the aristocratic
system is still maintained. In all
these countries there are strong
grounds for a movement for thc
liberalization of the land system.
Not only justice demands it, but
the tendency of civilization is forc
ing it.
Modern society has brought
about a reversal in the matter of
property not often noticed. For
a long way down tha pat
real estate was the only prop
erty that was considered to
be. valuable or to need the protec
tion of the law. A tedious cere
mony had to be gone through be
fore it could be transferred. In
old Rome the official weigher of
money and a cloud of witnesses
had to attend. The object was to
fix the memory of the transaction
in as many minds as possible, so
that thereafter there should be no
dispute. All this time personal
property passed freely from hand
to hand; It was thought to be a
kind of property too mean to be
surrounded with legal safeguards.
It first began to assert its im
portance in the case of the Licinii,
the great Roman contractors.
Since then what is generally re
garded as personal property has
gone on increasing in importance.
Nearly all the wealthy men of the
world are the owners of personal,
rather than real property. There
are some exceptions, such as the
Astors in New York, and the
Grosveners, or the Dukes of West
minster in London. Personal
property is supposed to be moro
valuable than real propeily for a
number of reasons. It is, in the
first place, more easily handled;
and in the second, can more read
ily elude the assessor, who is the
foe of all large landed possessions.
This circumstance, in conjunction
with our system, has loosened the
grip on land completely in the
United States, and is gradually
loosening it in the old world.
It is clear from what is above
advanced that communism is an
exotic in the United States.
There is no place for it here. All
that could be done to secure the
free distribution of land has been
done. The presence of theorists
of the class to which reference is
made, is explained only by the
fact that they know no civili7ation
but that of the great cities. They
have no knowledge whatever of
the country, its social forces or the
lines of its development. On the
face, perhaps, the form of society
in our great cities is not dissimilar
from that of Europe. There are
rich and poor in strong contrast,
There are palaces and hovels
There are great landlords and poor
tenants. These conditions appear
to be inseparable from the crowd
ing together of large masses of
people. But they are not nearly
so absolute and unchangeable with
us as thev are abroad. The law of
distribution is as actively at work
in our cities as elsewhere. But
the form of society in them is as
different from that of the country
at large as if the two did not be
long to the same political system.
"Wild Cherry and Tar.
Everybody knows the virtues of Wild
Clrerry and Tar as a relief and cure for
any affections of the Throat and Lungs,
rombined with these two ingredients
are a lew simple neaiing remedies in
the composition of Dr. Bosanko's Cough
and Lung Syrup making it just the
aiticle you should always have in the
house for Couehs, Colds, Croup and
Bronchitis. Price 50 cents and 1.00.
candies uctft cvm vy o. it . vvuu.
NEW TO-DAY.
All Kinds of Tvpe Writing,
MANIFOLDING,
Cflndncr l-tntlV..i.1iitr m ilnno fit
shortest notice. Lepai vioik aspeciaty.
vstorla Agent for Hammond Tj pe Writer.
W F. Armbruster
WATCHES,
Clocks, Jewelry and Musical
INSTRUMENTS
TteDnlred on tlip Klinrtpst- Kntim nf rea
sonable Kates.
Chenamus St uext to Spexarth's Gun store.
ASTORIA
Wood Yard.
Keep Constantly on hand.
Fir Wood. Red and Yellow,
HEMLOCK "WOOD.
ALDER "WOOD,
SPRUCE LIMBS.
MAPLE LIMBS,
SPLIT ASH WOOD,
ASH LIMBS.
AND CRABAPPLE
Anj desired length from four foot to eight
inches long.
Leae orders villi Frank L. Tarker or at
the j ards.
Telephone 36.
Get The Best
The New Improved Family And
Manufacturing
SINGER Sewing Machine.
Call and Examine at the
American News Depot.
A. BALM AN NO,
AGENT.
PATRONIZE HOME INDUSTRY
There is no occasion for the most fastidi
ous of our citizens to send to Portland or
Sau Francisco for
Custom Made Clothes
As they can pet Better Fits, Better Work
manship, and for
Less IMoaaoy
By Leaving their Orders with MEANY. He
has Just recei ed a large stock of Goods from
the East. Fine Business Suits from $35.
Call and See Him and Satisfy Yourself.
P. J. MEANY,
MERCHANT TAILOR.
Boat Building.
JOE LEATHERS
Is on deckand prepared to build boats
that lie will guarantee. -is to work and dur
ability. Kefers to all ho have used boats of
his construction. All ork guaranteed.
JOB PRINTING.
Neat, Quick And Cheap at The
ASTORIAN JOB OFFICE.
ASTORIA IRON WORKS.
Benton Street, Near Parker IIousb,
ASTOKTA, - OKEGON.
GENERAL MACHINISTS AND
BOILER MAKERS.
LANMlTfiffiEMES
BoilerWork, Steamboat Work
and Cannery Work a spe
cialty. OASTIIKTG-S,
Ofal! Descriptions mide to Order
at Short Notice.
A. D. Wass, President.
r. G. IIubtier, Secretary
L W. Cask, Treasurer.
JOHN Fox.Suponntendent.
Cannerymen and Fishermen,
Attention.
1AM NOW PREPARED TO LEAD LINES
with my patent leading machine, guar
anteed to do first class w ork, my price is
8 cts. per lb. and furnish lead, For particu
lars enquire at Occident PKg. Co.
EKIK TUAUXULA.
W. E. DEHENT & CO.
ASTORIA, - - - OREGON
Carry in Stock,
DRUGS, CHEMICALS, TOILET
and
FAHGY ARTICLES.
Prescriptions carefully Compounded
Notice To The Public.
OWING TO MY INABILITY TO COL
lcct from the present undertaker, par
ties wlshinc craves ducat Clatson ceineterv
must accompany the order with five dol
lars to insure the graves being dug.
A. Y. Ul
KUBB.
City Sexton.
Clatsop Cemetery,
For Sale.
THE GROCERY BUSINESS OF FRANK
L. Parker, a good business in a central
location-, A rare chance to step into a good
paying business. For particulars enquire on
the premises, Astoria, Oregon,
tfR Piacttcal jS5i
JV& WATCHM VKER ffiM,
Comic, Long Jokers, Fault Finders, Hit 'Em Hards.
. Trade Comics, Sharp Darts.
New Lace Valentines, Gems of Love, New Sachet, Love's Airovcs Cupid
Darts.Satin Novelty Valentinea and Valentin' of iU descriptions in hug variety"
AT
The Crystal
CiLHXi ,&BIjEB., Manager.
Mt ai" -"m i a m i iiitmmiMMBt"AiiamfmimMmiLxr
Just Received.
110 Bolls Mjajnr aM Decorations
Of the Latest Designs and
THIS
50 Leather, Plush and Carpet Rockers.
In Elrgant New htjles: .Ijist the thing fot
jA. :oiolc3.vy Present
Call and See Us. CHAS. HEILBORN.
MURRAY & CO.,
GROCERS
And Dealer? in
Culfiry SllltaliFaiicj ami Staple Groceries.
Special Attention Given to Filling
Of Orders.
A FULL LINE CARRIED
And Supples furnished at Satis
factory Terms.
Purchases delivered in any part of the city.
Office and Warehouse
In Hume's New Building on Water Street.
r. O. Box 153. Telephone No. 37.
ASTORIA. OREGOiV.
GK A. STINSON & CO.,
BLACKSMITHiNG,
t Capt. Koeera old stand, corner ol Cus
and Court Streets.
Ship and Cannery work, Horseshoeinp.
Wagons niado aBd repaired. Good work
guaranteed.
BOOTS and SHOES.
Genuine English Porpoise Shoes Tor Gents.
Ladies Flexible Sole Shoes in French. Knnearoo and Doncola Kid
Boys and Youths Shoes of ail Kinds, Misses and Chilurcns and Infant I100I9, and
spring hccis. K dhai. jrv immm'S Am shoes ojjl.
P. J. GOODMAN.
A.V
Wholesale and
FANCY AND STAPLE GROCERIES,
PROVISIONS AND MILL FEED,
Crockery. Glass and Plated Ware. Teas, Coffees. Spices. &c. &c.
Fresh. California Butter,
Swiss. Holland and New Cream Cheese: Smoked Herring, Holland
Herring, Caviar, Anchovies, Tongues and Sounds. White
Fish and Mackerel. Schrimps, Lobsters.
French Sardines and Oysters.
Shrewsbury Ketchup. Chill Sauce, Tobasco Sauce, Celery Salt, French and
German Mustard, Lelbig's Ex. Beef, Sea Foam wafers,
van Mougmon's jocoa.
Triticrai, Gerra, Epicnrean Fool, Oat Porriilp, MM Oats.
Oranges. Lemons, Nuts. Figs. &c. &c.
City Book
A Full And Complete Stock
Fine Stationery,
School Books and Supplies,
Blank Books,
Artist's Material
Musical Instruments, Violins, Guitars, JBanjos, Accordeons, etc.
Childrens Carriages, "Wagons and Velocipedes. Agents for Paciflc Coast
Charts and Tide Tables.
GRIFFIN & REED.
Palace.
Shades.
WEEK.
Also to Arrive
rank L Parker,
Dealer in-
Flour Feed Potatoes
Headquarters For
ASTORIA WOOD YARD.
Dressmaking.
Mrs. F. E. Hudson.
Ilavtug returned from the East, is now pre-
pareu 10 uo .tasuiouauie jjressmaKJnjj,
She can be found at Mrs-. P. W, Farker'o
residence on Polk stieet,A est side, between
unenamus ana uoncomiy.
Jtetaii Dealrr in
Store.
Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!
At
Fall and Winter Stock Complete
IN ALL STYLES AND GRADES.
No more need to send away or a Fine Shoe, as we have a Full
Line of the Celebrated DR1AL & CO.'S FRENCH SHOES, and
LiTBB, SCHOBER & MITCHELL'S FT2TE SHOES of
which we are Sole Dealers in Astoria.
We also handle BOOTS and SJWE from all the Leading
Factories in America.
Men's Heavy Boots and Shoes n Specialty.
LOWEST P1UOES and SATISFACTION Guaranteed.
W. T- ?&EEEE, Manager.
ORAf
Hay, Oats, ant Straw, Line, Bricl Cement, Sail ana" Plaster
Wood DelWerert to Order.
TEK appij to the Captain, or to
Furniture and Upholstering,
Mattresses Made and Repaired.
Paper Hanging, Carpets Sewed
and Laid.
Furniture Sold on Commission.
Snoi. corner Main and Jefferson Streets
MARTIN OLSEN.
J. 0.
OOXJSTTT
Coroner's Office, Undertaking Rooms next to
feaWggKiTar- Skvr-1-1 fc-p
:3&&,&TW
hAc$
J. R LEESON
BOSTON,
SOLE AGEXT-s AND BIPOKTEHS.
Prize Linen Threads
AVI)
Salmon Net Twines,
g$ r. Jh
The only Linen Threads awarded a Prize Medal
London 1851 and New Orleans Worlds Exposition 1881.
Did not exhibit at Philadelphia 187G or Taria 1373.
First Prize Awarded Wherever Exhibited!!
r
Eeferencos for the Scotch Salmon Net Twines:
EVERY CANNER or FISHERMAN who bought
it last- season. IT GAVE UNIVERSAL SATIS
FACTION. Agents for the Pacifio Const :
KITTLE & CO.,
202 Colifa St., San Francisco, Calaj
The
Hi IS
brajlusr, Immlns and Vprps Buslne.
sTKAMER
ilMHA IMiiKliil
bn P. Parher.Master.
2 For TOWING, FREIGH t? or CHA t;
11. B. PAHKKR.
TrTfyTTlnflfru cr--iJ-"'"IIBimnllll 1Vr- ""''
AmericanNews Depot
SALE-
The latest Magazines aud Illustrated
papers of the day.
Swedish, Danish and German papers,
Eools and Dictionaries.
Lovell and Seaside Libraries, School
Books, Stationery, etc. A. BAL"MANNO,
Cuenamus St. near Main.
ROSS,
C0E103S"E3 3EL,
A
. Pirst Class Undertaking Eatablisnment
A FINE HEARSE,
Newest stjle Caskets and Funeral Material,
ETerythlng Neat and Well Arranged.
Abtorian oftice, (B. B. Franklin's old stand,)
&C0.,
(Scotland anil Grafton (Mass.)