The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-09-18
KIND OF MAN HE IS
Runs His Own Business and
Keeps His Contracts.
A MONTANA MAN is HERE
Speaks of Mr.. HammOnd's Record at
HOms-SOme Interesting Facts
Work During the Winter.

Mr.. Richard Jockey, of Helena, Mont,
is in the city, having just arrived on
his return from trip to San Francisco
Mr.. Jockey was here last spring, and
had curiosity to see what was going
on in Astoria since the construction OF
the railroad had commenced.
To an Astorian representative he said:
81 have lived in Helena for 20 years
and believe in our city and country
Helena Is now the permanent capital OF
the state and the new military fort will
soon be occupied by United States troops.
Helena now has population of 10000
people, and is constantly improving. We
are some of us looking to the coast for
large business in the near future, and
if things go right in Astoria l expect to
become interested in business here. From
what l can see and learn you are on the
verge of a great change in your affairs,
and the near future win no doubt see an
increase in Industrial and manufacturing
enterprises"
"Nr. Jockey, have you known Mr.. A.
p. Hammond of your state, VINO is now
building the Astoria railroad?"
'T hdv- had a warm personal acquaint-
ance with Mr.. Hammond for rs years,
though 1 have not been associated with
him in business"
"What is Mr.. Hammonds reputation
at home for fair dealing and the full
fillment of his business contracts? Is it
such as would justify the belief on the
part of our people that he will carry
out the projects he has undertaken
here?'
II do not quite catch the drift of your
question, but l can only answer your
11xr nd tbot To-.
Hammond, and his large firm, have a
reputation in Montana of carrying out
to the letter all Of their obligations. They
have ample means with which TO do so,
and have never failed to make good
their word in the past
Did you see Mr. Hammond as you
passed through Portland, and how did
you find him?"
Yes, l saw Mr.. Hammond yesterday
and he was feeling better though he
has been somewhat unlar the weather.
He is expecting to return 20 Astoria in
a few days. He is a very busy man and
has many interests to look after besides
the Astoria road"
"There have been a good many remarks
made about Mr. Hammond and consid-
cradle feeling exhibited in certain quar-
ters because he has not proceeded with
the construction of the railroad as rap
idly as it whs thought he would and
many slurs and inuendos have been
thrown out against Mr.. Hammond
personally, through some of thee
local papers, and by those who
seem to take delight in calling others
names and naturally much comment has
been excited. DO you believe from your
talk with Mr.. Hammond that work will
proceed on the road with any large forae
this winter?"
while my conversation with Mr.. Ham
mond was only that of one friend with
another, and of n most general charac-
ter, yet from what he sail ne is going
to push the work with vigor and no
doubt the contracts lnder consideration
for the ten miles for which bids were
recently called will be let in short order
You will find one thing, however that
he viii surely conduct his own business
on his own plans and in his own way.
He and his firm always have done 50 in
the past and probably will do 50 now.
But there should be no occasion for doubt
as to his ultimate success or any
fear of failure to carry out his
agreement. He is not a man to
enter into any scheme until he can
see the end, and he certainly cannot
afford to risk mis- business reputation
on an enterprise ike this am surpr.s-
ed that any su3h questions have been
raised, but you kEOw IN al! communities,
particularly oGC like this there are al
ways those who are impatient. but my
firm belief is thar when NJ does COM
mence operations on larger scale, the
most sanguine of y1u VII be surprised
by the magnitude Of b isincss that will
be done in i short srA'e OF time"
"Will You remain here long, Mr.,
Lockey?"
mo; l shall return TO Portland We'd
nesday, and from there will go East
You viii probably sea me here again in
the not distant future"
Interviews with other gentlemen on
the same subject brought out some in
terestng facts. 1t seems that the two
objects of Mr. Hammond's trip
to Portland were to consult with
some of his associates in regard to
tte advisability of raising the grade
of the road about three feet to make it
conform to the hign water mark of the
1894 flood, and to consider certain changes
in theYoung's Bay bridge which will make
1t more modern and better adapted to
meet the requirements of heavy traffic, as
well as some miaor changes, all of which
were but recently suggested and must be
decided before construction can COM
mence. gentleman who Is posted says
that he thinks t has been decided that
1t is not necessary TO change the grade.
but that there will probably be some i'm
portant changes made in the bridge.
Mr.. Hammond will no doubt be pre-
pared on his return 70 definitely settle
these matters and there is little doubt
that a large force of men will be kept
at work all winter.
A travelling man who was here from
Portland yesterday says that he over
heard contract between Mr. Hammond
and certain contractors for the construc-
ton of this ten miles of road. now un-
der consideration in course of dictation.
in certain Portland lawyers office, and
that he is confident the contract has been
let.
As indicative that Eastern capital Is
seeking investment here, Mr. Walter C. |
Smith, whose deed for a large tract or |
land at Warrenton was filed for recerd |
yesterday, starts for the East at once !
where a syndicate is already partially |
formed for the purchase of the land. |
It is their intention to locate all kinds |
Of business enterprises here, since they |
nave become assured of the building of /
he railroad. 1t would appear from ali |
reports that Astoria can look for a /
steady Increase in business during the
winter and spring.
FOR THE BATTLE SHIP.