The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1894-08-30
THE NEW RAILROAD.

commerce OF Portland the other day, to
hear the report Of the transportation com
mittee to whom was referred communi-
cation from the Portland, Vancouver &
Northern Railway, asking for the sane
ton and cooperation OF that body in the
building of railroad from Portland to
North Yakima, the following statement
was read, which although somewhat
lengthy is replete with interest for this
section and is therefore reproduced 10 its
entirety:
To the Chamber OF Commerce, Port
land, Or: Conference.-The undersigned
committee, to which has been committed
by the president the communication ad-
dressed TO your honorable body by the
Portland, Vancouver & Northern Railway
Company, having investigated by inquiry
and examination OF sundry statements
and reports, and given careful considera-
ton to several points set forth in the
communication. especially as to the prac-
ticability Of line OF railway through the
section as proposed, its value to the city
and community and its ultimate advan-
tsges from commercial and traffic stand
point, hegs leave to report and recom-
mend as follows:
First-The examination OF reports OF
recounoissances made by several engi-
neers and other gentlemen OF known re-
pute and broad experience in western
railway affairs and work, shows the ply
steal conditions to be more than ordinar-
lily favorable that the maximum grade,
~
would probably not exceed % per cent,
and this for comparatively short dis
lance; that the highest elevation above
sea level would be under $500 feet; that
the conditions of the country are such
that the line can be built 80 as to avoid
snow and landslides, and the consequent
interruption of operation and delays to
traffic and attending increase OF expense
and loss OF revenue.
Second-These reports and documents
further show that the distance from Port
land to North Yakima by way of what is
known as the klickitat pass through the
main range OF the Cascade mountains,
tbence through the Simcoe range and
down via the Toppenish river, to be about
III miles; that the grade throughout this
region will be uniform and quite easy for
q mountain system, which without snow
sheds and tunnels will prove of incalcula-
BILE value in the practical operation Of
such line, as we'll as q large and appre-
ciable saving in the cost of construction
and maintenance. The course OF the line,
according to the reports examined would
be about this: In northeasterly direc-
ton from Vancouver to crossing OF the
north fork of Lewis river about IS miles /;
thence along said river to Klickitat pass,
35 miles; thence to summit of Simcoe
range, So miles; thence to and along Top
penish river to North Yakima, 4S miles.
Third-The resources of tire country
through which the surveys and recon-
noissances have been made. and as we'll
the tributary valleys and sections, are al
ready well known and publicly recognized
by men of affairs as of great merit, and
under development by line Of railway
such Is the one proposed is exceedingly
valuable. They will undoubtedly afford
and empty into the city of Portland q
large and varied traffic and trade of tim
Der and coal and othes minerals from the
mountain sections, while the fertile val
leys westward of the range, when denud-
ed OF the timber, are suitable for fruit.
dairy and agricultural pursuits, which in
time will contribute large and increas-
Ing volume OF high-class freights and pas
sengers for the line. Recent analysis OF
the coal found along the line of surveys
shows its quality t, be exceedingly good
and the volume sufficient to last Portland
for many years TO come. The territory to
the eastward-the great and fertile valley
OF the Yakima river, now under develop
ment by extensive irrigation enterprises
all becomes directly tributary to Portland
by the proposed route. In the Yakima
valley connections will be made with
eastern transcontinental lines, the man
agements of which have already signified
their willingness to make favorable ar
rangements for the interchange OF local
and through traffic, as shown by the cor
respondence OF quite recent dates conf
dentially exhibited to and for the infor-
nation OF your committee.
1t is, therefore, the sense and recon-
mendation OF your committee that this
chamber should encourage to the fullest
extent the early construction of this i'm
portant line of railway and feeder for
Portland. and accordingly commend it to
the earnest consideration of the business
men of this city and vicinity, and urge
their CO. operation and financial assistance
a. far as practicable.
Respectfully submitted,
Railroad and Transportation Com.
Edwin Cookingham, chairman; Geo
Batty, secretary; w. l.. Boise, I'll. E
Battin, l. Lang.
The report was adopted by a unani-
nous vote. Mr.. II. +. Battin then made
an enthusiastic speech in advocacy OF the
chambers doing something in behalf OF
the enterprise. He said il was an easy
matter to pass complimentary resolu-
ton, but he thought it the duty OF every
member OF the chamber to bestir himself
in lending assistance to the promoters OF
the railroad. He was sure il would give
new impetus to the business interests OF
Portland, and would certainly greatly en-
large the field Of trade.
General Kapus and Mr.. II. r. Duniway
followed in ear est speeches 10 behalf OF
the chambers being awake to this oppor-
tunity to help a worthy enterprise. Mr..
w. III. Sehofeld, president of the railroad
company, then explained at some length
the object OF the company, and the assist
ance the chamber could render by its
sanction of the position, in the floating
OF bonds He also thought the chamber
would render assistance in the matter of
raising funds in this city sufficient to give
II good local backing, by the sale OF stock
All this would help insure the money
lenders of the East of the solidity and sim
certify of the company.
The chair was then instructed to ap-
point committee OF five to cooperate
with the company in accomplishing the
desired purpose. As soon as the commit
tee is named active steps will be taken 10
them to subscribe for sufficient stock to