The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1882-11-04
]. N. DoLpH's OPEN LETTER.

In the Oregonlan OF October 3lst
appears letter directed to John Mich
el Esq, editor of Times -Mountaineer
the Dalles, Oregon. The letter of Mr.
Michel is not published, but a synopsis
is given by Mr.. Dolph, which gives the
whole business the appearance of his
having written letter to himself, III
order that he might rise and explain
He says: 'The questions propounded
by you are as follows:
"1st. Do you intend to retain youi
position as Weep President Of the o, r.
&.N. Coz
ed. Would you oppose any furth
er appropriation for the completion Of
the locks at the Cascadesl
"3d. Are you in favor of the re-
moval of the impediments to naviga
tion in the Columbia river SO as te
make it . highway for commerce to the
ssaboardl
"4th. In case any matter of intern
al improvements should come before
Congress, which, seemingly might clash
with the interests Of the o. r. u n. OF
N. p. r. R. Cos, would you consider
it your duty to support corporation in,
terests rather than the people's2'
To the first question I answer no. !
expect to devote my entile time and
energies to the duties of my Office.
To the second question: answer, that
not only will | nos oppose any further
appropriation for the completion OF the
locks at the Cascades, but / shall en-
deavor not to be behind our present
representative or any former senator OF
representative in Congress from this
State, in my efforts to procure further
appropriations for the continuation of
tnat Important work.
To the third question I answer, that
] believe Congress has the constitutions
al pswer to appropriate money for the
purpose of internal improvements, and
that it is the duty of the general gov
ernment, in the interest of commerce,
to improve our rivers, lakes and har-
bors, and / am in favor of the re-
moval of impediments to navigation in
the Columbia river, SO as to make it a
highway for commerce TO the seaboard.
To the fourth question 1 answer that
when enter upon the duties of Sena-
tor from Oregon I shall become, if l
may be permitted to use the expression,
the attorney of the State, and shall en-
deayor to serve her with the same en-
ergy and fidelity with which I have in
my long professional career served my
clients
/ shall endeavor faithfully to repre-
sent all her interests; [ shall to the
best Of my Judgment, act Justly in all
cases towards corporations and individ-
uals, and upon every question which
arises, endeayors to protect the rights of
every section Of tho State and to pro-
m0te alike every legitimate enterprise
for the development Of her resources.
My own interests and the interests
of corporations and individuals shall be
made secondary to the interests Of the
people at large. For fear some one may
think the foregoing not specific, I will
add that in the case mentioned in your
question, shall consider it my duty to
support the peoples interest; and furth-s|
er, shat should the occasion arise when
the people demanding protection for
their interests against aggressions,
should call OH me, should not hesitate
to urge, but would gladly urge such
radical measures as good Judgment and
a just regard for the rights of all might
require.
/ de not wish to be misunderstood, |
however. While / shall jealousIy |
watch and protect, so far as l can, the [
of the people, i believe that
every additional facility for transpor-
tation is direct benefit to every legi5-
innate enterprise in the State, and that
the building of railroads which have
beon completed and are in pro cess of
construction by the o. r. Il N. Co.,
and the completion of the N. P. R. r.
will prove of incalculable benefit to
IBIS State and the whole northwest.
and that I should be false to the true
interests of the people if should throw
my obstacles in the way of their pro-
yress."
This is,all there is of this very thin
arce, if we except some "highfalutin'
,laptrap about the future of the great
northwest, under her rapidly increasing
facilities for transportation. Mr..
Dolph's great northwest centers in
Portland, and our Republican friends
4 Southern Oregon wllo voted for Mr..