The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1881-10-07
YAoul,n sar IMPROVEMENT FUND.

4 = -e.-z
For the last several issues of the
Gazette we have beea suggesting
through its columns the propriety of
the people of the Willamette valley
pnt,iug forth a united effort by way
Of each person subscribing a small
amount TO be used in continuing the
present force OF workman IN the har-
Dor improvements at Yaquina qay
We have not made these suggestions
because we are interested in this
matter any further than owing TO our
long residence in this our adopted
State for the last twenty-eight years;
We feel q deep interest in the general
welfare and developement of our
state. During all~ot this time we
have observed the difficulties, EN-
barrassments and the large expense
that have thus far always had to be
borne and paid by the producing
class of our people in transferring
their produce down the valley to
Portland and thence to sea by way
Of the Willamette and Columbia
rivers. This large expense is much
greater than many are aware OF un-
less they have carefully thought of
tile matter. The cost of transport
aug wheat from Portland ont TO sea
by f8as route has scarsely ever been
less .tasaa from ten to fifteen cents
per bushei on the entire portion of
the erep OF this valley which is trans
ported 70 foreign markets. Which
in the aggregate would probably
amonnt on Ei,e present crop to not
less than $500 900 per annum. This
enormus sasn of money must for
ever be paid by the producers OF
Oregon SO longs they are compelled
to rely apop that long circuitous
ronte to get, their produce to the
sea.ward. We have good harbor
At Yaquina bay and when the pres
.ent improvement IL completed vessels
larger than usually come to Portl and
can enter and cary off the produce OF
the Valley. From almost any point
in the valley freight can be take n 10
Yaqnina bay, when the present Ore
gou Pacific rail road is completed to
that place, or5 less money than is
charged from here to Portland, thus
saving the eafire annual tribute Of
about $4oo. 900 per annum which the
producers Of Oregon have to pay to
get their grain fnsm Portland to the
mouth Of the Colambia river.
The evidence to the candid mind
that the Oregon Pacific will be ready
to carry wheat from the ALLEY to
'she Ocean At Yaqnina bay in the near
future is overwhelming. It appears
to be as shure aud certain as any
other of the more usual and ordinary
business undertakings. Of life. The
contribution suggested will insure a
much earlier eompietion of the in,-
provesnent Of the harbor than can be
done without it. IL the people of
the valley geneariiy contribute, 1t
will also exhibit to Congress the
great need of an early completion of
the work, and will thus no doubt in
sure . much larger appropriation
from the next Congress than can be
obtained without it.
As we have often said before three
or four dollars given by each person
Of the Valley who are directly inter-
ssted in this improvement will insure
money enough TO keep the work in
progress until after the meeting of
ueXt Consfess.
II view of all the facts, We are
most assuredlY forced to the conclu-
sion that all persons who are able and
who refuse or neglect to donate the
: small sum needed to this enterprise,
are certainly failing to do what is
most 10 their interests. But in tins
matter, like all others, each person
must judge for himself as to what j,
best to do and then act accordingly
In accomplishing this object it vii
be found highly important and neces
sary for committeeman to go forth ir
the country and interview each ani
every person, and give each one per
sonally An opportunity To subscribe
Many people who are busy will no
come to town fer the express purpos
Of giving. and unless their presenc
IS. sought many subscriptions vii
neysr be obtained, which under othe
circumstances could be had.