Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-07-03
THE CALIFORNIA AND OREGON ROAD.

The press of the State. and notably so
the San Francisco press, engage just pow
in frequent expressions OF the hope that
the California and Oregon Railroad will
be speedily extended to connect with the
Oregon system. We confess that while
partaking OF the desire that gives birth to
the hope expressed, we have very little
faith in any early activity in that direc-
ton. The desirableness of the work is no
longer a matter of debate. 1t is admitted
everywhere that it would he an unmixed
blessing to the trade Of California, since it
would establish the first through direct
line from the north to the south coast, and
make Oregon trade and traffic directly
contributiye to the commerce of San Fran
cisca and the railway system Of the State
1t is useless to indulge in vain regrets, but
the present plaintive and beseecIing call
upon the California railroad builders to
further continue their lahors in this direc-
ton brings recollection into active play,
and c-tops the desire not to utter re
proaches for the past. it will be recalled
that the present tone Of the press south Of
the waist of the State and to i great ex-
tent OF commercial bodies, is very different
in character from what It was year and
half or TWO years ago upon this topic
Especially was the press then blind to the
advantages Of the now much-desired line
That Of San Francisco openly manifested
is indifference in some cases, and its posi-
tive objection in others, TO the completion
OF the line. 1t, in part at least,
unquaiiGedly and bitterly aided the
assaults upon the land grant,
upon which alone could the neees-
sary credit he based essential
to construction Some Of our metro
polItau contemporaries went so
far rs to declare that the development of
Northern California was no worthy factor
in the question, and that the penetration
Of the northern mountainous regions that
from barrier between Us and the Oregon
live was not only not desirable, but that
the investments made there by citizens
upon the expectation Of rail communica-
ton were not of Sufficient account TO I've
taken into consideration. Blind indiler-
ence, commercial Shortsightedness and the
most absurd and scnseless timorousness
characterized the action Of the business
associations of san Francisco in this
matter: while the yindictiveness Of the
anti-railroad sentiment and the dernagogic
and rcvenginl spirit Of a political and
Journalistic consciousness class were di-
rected against all attempts to further the
completion Of the road Northern Cali
fornia and its press and commercial bodies
alone stood true to the best interests of
the State, and refused TO cut of the right
hand Of prosperity at the demand Of a
self-constituted inquisition in San Fran
cisco. Very different Is The state of feel
ing now in that city and the south
sections. 1t is not TOO much to say that
at this time no man can be found in the
metropolis Of ordinary business sense, who
will lift his voice against the completion
of the road, or decline to aid that much
wished for consummation. 1t is wholly I'm
necessary to inquire into the causes that
have wrought this charge Of sentiment. It
is sufficient 10 know that ii exists has been
brought about by natural causes, and is
the result of that wisdom which graves
deeper and writes more enduringly than