The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-06-02
The Fishermen
and the Traps.

The attempt of Messrs. Kinney Nc
Gowan and Johansen to have fish-trap
piles driven near Sand Island ON Tues
day last is still source Of subdued
excitement among the fishermen, and
although they are quiet, the men say
no traps shall be constructed at the
point in question. Last year the piles
for two traps were driven on the south
west side of Sand Island for tbs Nc
Gowan Cannery, but since then, the
Gamers claim, a great change has
taken place in the channel, and now
at low tide there is only a few inches
of water between the spit and the
south side Of Sand Island. It Is also
claimed for the cannerymen that for
this reason boats do not cross this
sand belt, but instead go to the north
and westward of the point in dispute.
Some of the fishermen were inter-
viewed yesterday on the subject. and
expressed themselves in vigorous
language, condemning the attempt
to put in traps near the Repub-
lie spit, Said one: IF a boat is
swamped in the breakers near the spit
the occupants have a possible show to
save themselves If the beach Is un-
obstructed, but If the intention of the
cannerymen, as shown by their action
on Tuesday, should be carried out,
and boats upset to the eastward Of
that point, the men would invariably
get into the traps, where they
would certainly drown In addition TO
this, there would be no chance OF saw
ing gear, as it would be torn to
pieces on the piles. In fact" he con-
cluded. "the only chance the fishermen
have to save their lives when upset
above the Republic spit Is TO keep
traps from being constructed, and we
are determined that our lives will not
be wantonly sacrificed"
Another of the members Of the Fish
ermen's Union said that the attitude
Of the fishermen on this question was
shown plainly in 1891. when an attempt
was made to put traps In near tho
scene of Tuesdays occurrence, and
was frustrated. 1.-THE ground. said
he. THAT Messrs Kinney, McGowan
and Johansen wanted to gain posses
sion OF Is the only drift left on that
eide except on tho spit and II the
weather IS rough IL is AS much as q
acs s life is worth 70 go there. The
piles would close this drift mp, and
would simply be the cause Of the death
OF dozens of men. If we cannot get In
toward the shallow water so as to per-
nit the nets to drag, there is no use
fishing at that portion OF the bay, and
the cannerymen certainly have enough
of Bakers Bay already"
The Manzanita arrived in at 10
o'clock last night from cruise Of In
spection down the coast She left va
auina bay yesterday morning at 1880
and passed in over the bar just al
lark. on account Of the great number
II fish boats that are careless in keep
ng up their signal lights, the Manza
,ita was compelled to steam IN at
,ery slow speed. Lieutenant j. y
3lish. u. S. N. accompanied the tender
N her southern trip. and thorough
was made of Cape Blanco
md Arago lighthouses, and buoys Off
he Coquille, siuslaw. Alsea, and va
uina. Captain Gregory states that they
assed the Augusta on Friday last off
sehalem, but at that time she was
teaming north all right, with the El-
1ore ahead Of her some distance.
hey had fair weather the whole week,
nti today, when heavy squally
feather was met from the south and
Iest. The Manzanita will go TO the
apply depot this morning,
The report Of the Board Of Street
ssessors, consisting Of City Surveyor
larry Mr.. j., II, Mansell and Mr. VIM.
Adalr, on the cost Of improving
yall street, was yesterday filed in the
ndltcss cace. The estimated cost
the improvements is $4,s92.95. and
is stated that 'in no case does the
exceed 50 per cent Of the
x value Of any Of the above lots. ac-
riding to the city assessment roil Of
s2." Wall street viii be the first street
under the charter as amended
Z the passage OF the ordinance ere
ing the Board OF Assessors Every
! has been assessed alike. the differ
ice in the amount Of work to be done