The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1874-02-06
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\ RAA7AAAO N"AAASAp3 ASSSAAVAJ WAObO =
communication for the Orego,sian, in
which he strongly and sensibly ad,
vocated the improvement of the vii
lamette by the citizens of the several
counties through which it meanders
He says sit is not worth while for the
farmers Of this valley to expect an
appropriation from Congress to dc
us any good. It will take all the
money they can steal to fill their own
pockets" This is pretty strong Ian.
guage from one who has always been
a persistent adherent to the fortunes
Of the dominant party, but it is never
theless true, and we admire Mr.. Fin
layson's pluck in proclaiming his
sentiments in such plain, unvarnished
language. But to the subject: Mr..
F. makes the following pertinent
suggestions:
"Supposing the farmers of Benton
and Polk counties would raise $50,-
900; this would be a very small
amounts per cent. on their million
bushels of wheat. This can be easily
accomplished, for it would not be
lost money By doing SO, they
would, in return, probably next fall,
get 15 cents per bushel more for their
wheat il tho river was open from
Corvallis to Astoria. This would
actually give them 10 cents per bush
el more for their wheat, besides
opening the river. Now, if Benton
and Polk will raise $50, 900, Linn
and Marion will raise $50, 900 more,
and the work is done. This is the
Maiakotf Of all the farmers move
ments in this valley. Now, the far
mers of these four counties have this
offer made to them by Teal & Co.
They offer to give bonds to the
amount of $200,0 if the farmers
of these counties will raise $100, 900,
and they will have the river cleaned
out and in good boating order by the
coming harvest from Astoria to Cor
wallis, and not only that, but they
will give 81 900 in gold towards this
grand movement. Now, farmers,
here is your golden opportunity. II
you lose no time now, but go to work
as farmers ought to, you will have an
open river by the coming harvest to
carry off your wheat clear down to
Astoria. Besides, this steamboat
Company offers to carry your wheat
from Albany to Astoria for seven
cents per bushel. Now, I would res
commend large mass meeting of
farmers to be called by the leading
farmers of these four counties some
time between now and the first of
to assemble at Albany, to
take proper steps for opening the
river. Let the farmers
take hold of this in u proper way
md the work is DONE"
This letter Of Mr.. Finlayson's ap-
peared in the Orega',ian over three
weeks ago, and we have waited pa
tiently and watched anxiously for q
response from some quarter. The
time designated for the meeting (the
Iirst OF March) is fast approaching,
and yet we hear of no action being
taken nor effort being made to fur
ther the project or hold the meeting
suggested. |
This is an important matter, and |
should not bo allowed to slumber
md finally die away or swallowed up
n other less momentous PROJECTS
It has been truly sAid that nothing
'an be expected of Congress. Ore
gon is young and comparatively |
obscure State, with few claims to fed
,ral patronage or Congressional as
'istance, The appropriation al
'eady recommended for the improve
nent of the Willamette-fftee thou
'and dollars-is only u tantalizing
'rumb, thrown to Oregon for food |
or federal official pets, and will
hardly be used for tho purpose de-
signed. 1t only remains for the res
dent owners of lands and property,
armors and merchants, citizens Of all
,lassos who are Interested alike in
heap transportation and in an UNI
rammeled commerce, to come for
ward with n determined will and
nifty of purpose to this important
movement, Naught remains for us
nut action. Let the meeting sug-
tested by Mr., Finlayson be held. If
he citizens of the various counties
Interested cannot find it convenient
o meet in Albany, let those of each
ounty hold meeting simultaneous
y in their county seats, talk over
'lans, exchange views and organize
nd inaugurate the movement, To
Ir Finloyson we would say; Since
on have taken tho lead in this mat
or in Linn, show your zeal and ear
Iostn6stness in the good work by
irculatng paper and securing sig.
aturOs to a call fora meeting at the
ourt house in this city at the earliest
time, Let some leading
itizen in each of the counties of
iano, Benton, Polk and Marion do
kewise, and thus inaugurate by dc.
'oa what idle words will, never ac.
omphsh.
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