The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-07-06
The West Side Subsidy Almost
Completed.
ONE MAMMOTH ENTERPRISE
Astoria the Head and Center Of the
Columbia Valley Commerce
Seaside Railroad Deal.

Mr.. Hammond is here and has come to
prosecute matters to a finish. He was
unable yesterday to say enough In praise
Of the work done by Astoria in securing
the subsidy and right OF way for the
railroad. The unanimity Of action and
persistent determination to accomplish
the object in view is worthy Of the high
est commentator.
To complete and round out the entire
scheme 1t is necessary yet to secure the
subsidy as originally agreed upon and
promised upon the west side OF the bay.
There are three or four laggards, but it
is expected these will come to time at
once. The road to Astoria alone would
not in any sense fully develop the traffic
of the Columbia valley and the business
Of the city of Astoria. Astorias limits
practically include Warrenton and Fla
vel, Within the present limits OF the
city there is not room enough for the
erection of all the warehouses and ele-
vators which WIN be needed to carry
on the business Of the future. The prop
erty on the west side Of the bay is almost
entirely owned by Astorians, and cannot
by any means be left out of the enter
prise or be considered a separate un-
dertaklng. The acquisition and full de-
velopment Of the Seaside railroad, the
bridging of Youngs Bay, the opening
UP and development OF the immense coal
fields and timber resources on the west
side are absolutely necessary to place AS
torta in its rightful position and round
out and complete the scheme as originally
planned and outlined. 1t is quite certain
that today the deal will be consummated
for the purchase Of the Seaside road,
but its development and connection with
Astorga.-w.ll depend upon the completion
Of the subsidy deeds to the west side
property which have been promised.
There can be no reasonable doubt but
that the same spirit which has so cred
itably been displayed in closing matters
on the east side will be shown In the
west side part OF the deal, and that the
few who are stun In arrears will come to
the front and make 1t possible for the
carrying out of the entire proposition and
the early starting of the work Of con-
struction.
Astoria is not like Portland, for she
realizes the fact that her interests In
clude both sides of the bay equally and
that Astoria will always be Astoria and
the center of business on the lower Col
umbia; the great port OF the Pacific
Northwest and that nothing can take the
business away from her. Portland is, and
Will always be, the metropolis of the
state; her bankers and fnanciers will
always lead in the business of the state,
and her benefits from the building Of the
railroad to Astoria will be commemorate
witt, her Importance and population. But
II is well known fact that some Of her
leading citizens, and even the press, have
been opposed to the road because Of indi-
vidual possibl losses, losing sight OF the
general gain to the city and state at large.
1t is also well known that persistent and
influential pressure was brought to bear
In that city upon Mr. Hammond to aban-
don the Astoria railroad project, but to
no avail. It is noticeable and pleasing
fact, however. that this sentiment only
prevailed among the few, and that all
will no doubt see the folly of It in a
short time.
Now Is the time for the prevalence of
the Astoria idea the length and
breadth OF the entire state-Ore-
gon for Oregonians; the building
up of every enterprise that will
place the state In the front ranks of
commerce and make her the successful
leader to which her geographical location
and climatic conditions entitle her. To the
winds with sectional jea1ousies and fac
tional d.sputes Unity OF spirit and con-
centration of effort will secure grand re-
suits and fill the state with that class
OF immigrants who make desirable citi-
ems and prosperous and happy society.