Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-08-31
STEER THIS Way, GENTLEMEN.

congressman Morrow and FELTON,, of
California, Congressman Holman, of Indi-
ana, Cannon, of Illinois, Pearl, of Arkan-
sas, with Congressional Sergeant-at-A Arms.
and accompanied by the Collector of the
Port Of San Francisco and Congressman
Glascock, have been on cruise 1t was
made in the revenue barge Hartley. Con-
gresham Morrow was commander and Con-
gresham FELTON, pilot. The cruise ex-
tended from the mud fats of Oakland
across the partial basin within the
harbor of Oakland, and thence up that
noble stream with its majestic banks
and broad boSom-Oaldand creek and
estuary. The purpose of the cruise was to
present to the crew of the Hartley ocular
proofs Of the need for the expenditure of a
good many more sacks of Uncle Sans
double eagles to deepen the channel of the
creek, and open up the estuary to naviga-
ton, and thus tap for market over free
highway, the two or three miles of produc-
ing country actually adjacent to the creek.
The cruise was safely begun and safely
concluded, and the people of the interior
have not the slightest objection to it.
Though inclined to smile little broadly
at the present Importance given to Oak
land creek in view of the overwhelmingly
greater need of greater streams, and to
have oar quiet joustS at our Alameda
brethren and the harbor that has cost 80
much and must cost SO much more, we
really hope their Oakland harbor improve
ment work will get all it needs and de-
serves.
But it does pinch little to see vast
sums expended there, with realization of
the fact that every thousand dollars put in
that harbor is charged against California's
demand fer internal improvements, and
thus by Congress practically deducted from
the vital needs of the Sacramento and San
joaquin rivers.
And the course of the Congressman sug-
gests the thought that commander Morrow
and pilot FELTON, can do nothing better for
their State than 10 rc-enlist the Eastern
Representatives and steer this way, taking
up en- route Congressman McKepna, if in
deed he finds it possible to navigate ca
noe down the slough from Suisun to meet
them, where once the larger steamers of
the bays ficated full loaded.
If the Congressional crew Of the Hart
ley will steer this way, up the Sacramento
first, and ascend the stream to the
point where the slicllens-Iadened waters
of the Feather struggle with and triumph
over the clear waters descending the Sac
ramento TO that junction, we promise them
sights" that will suggest broader
mouthed and more plethoric sacks of Fed
eral money to be poured out in the inter-
ests of inland navigation than ever the
the most enthusiastic Oakland patriot
dared dream of
Seriously, what u farce it seems to
have our Congressman padding uD a
creek TO ascertain where more Federal
coin can be dumped in, while the two chief
rivers of the State, hundreds of miles in
length, penetrating the richest valleys the
sun shines on, tapping agricultural
wealth, the future of which, for immensity,
it is all but impossible to contemplate, are
being hlotted ont of existence, and not a
finger is being raised by the Federal
authority to prevent it.
If Oakland creek must be opened I'D to
navigation, let it wait until the vast
country contributive to State prosperity is
saved
If there is need for the Oakland flats to
he scooped out still more to make a har-
aor, how much greater the need to do
something to prevent the utter ruin of the
great free fresh-water highways Of the
people. If the Congressman find Oakland
creek field for the culling of useful
information, we assure them that three
hundred miles of cruise up the Sacramento
river will store their minds with such
knowledge Of inland needs IS no men