The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1883-12-05
A ROAD FROM CLATSOP.
Probabilities A. To It's Construction.

Sometime ago THE Historian agitated
the question of building a road from this
city via Smiths point to Skipanon and
Clatsop beach; the idea was taken hold
of in practical way but it was too late
in the season to accomplish anything
and has lain IN allegiance for some time.
In conversation yesterday afternoon with
a prominent citizen and one whose long
residence and public spirit give value to
his opinions, he said: "lt Is. in NV
Judgment. one of the most important
matters before the consideration of the
people. We naturally look TO The As
ToRIAN 10 advocate what Is of interest to
Astorians and a good many of US think
that road TO Clatsop would be of the
greatest benefit TO the city, not excepting
the Astoria railroad of which We hear
so much. Take II for instance on the
selfish grounds Of profit. Every year
there are at least
THREE THOUSAND PEOPLE
who come down here from the heats and
tOrments OF the Willamette valley TO ell
ioy the cool breezes Of the coast. As il
is they scatter off here and there, and
half the time are not as as well satisfied
as they could be under different circum-
stances. Now, were there road to Clat-
sop, these three Thousand people who
Will spend on an average 500 q piecs.
would, in the main, stop at Astoria, the
greatest natural resort for health on the
north Pacific coast; here they could have
all the facilities of daily mail. telegraph,
gas, express, hotels, and the thousand
little comforts Of civilized life and when
they wanted to go 10 the beach for clans.
dips IN the surf, etc. they would get a
livery team: pateF familias would take
his wife and little ones down there and
get back IN good time for his cor
respondence, etc, and considerable
money would be spent here IN q good
many ways that would benefit Astoria"
Then, on the other hand, take the
people that live on CiatSop plains. You
very naturally grumble sometimes that
butter and eggs and garden truck come
high. but when you come 10 pay your
fare and freight, sometimes both WAYS,
there isn't a bonanza IN il by any means.
If ClatsOp farmer could load on his
sacks of potatoes and baskets of butter
and eggs, and come IN and dispose of
what he could, and carry the rest back
without expense, / think il would be
good thing for him. and / think il would
be Just as good for Astoria. ] tell you we
ought TO have that road
But" interposed The Historian re-
porter, you of course know that adverse
reports have been received relative TO the
probability Of getting permission 10
build bridge across the channel in
Young's river!''
YES" was the shrewd rejoiner, but
we can get around that. 1 really believe
that the plan / am going 10 suggest TO
you would, IN any event, be the best.
Briefly. il is this. To build road on
piles, as is customary in cases of this
kind, to the channel, and then have
ferry to the other side. A ferry that
would be worked by a chain would do
first-rate. The disadvantage of a draw
bridge would be done away with, and
there would be no interference whatever
with navigation
The idea appears a good one, and all
that remains is 10 put ii into practical
execution. Nature has done so much in
the matter of natural roadway from
Uniontown to Smiths Point that a very
little effort would keep that part of 1t IN
repair. There was some good work done
there last summer. From Smiths Point
the road could be built to the channel.
there to connect with ferry to the other
side of the channel. a distance probably
of 300 yards, and thence TO point near
Adair's slough. Some of the stock has
been already subscribed: the rest can be.