The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-12-10
A HOME INSTITUTION
Is the Oregon Railway and Nav
igation Company.
Has Done Much for the Merchants
and Farmers and Deserves the
Support Of the People.

The present controversy between the
Southern Pacific Company and the o. II
and N. Co. on the question of rates, bott
passenger and freight, has caused much
comment and speculation both among
railroad men in the East and at home;
while Oregon people are wondering where
the fight will end
A well known Portland agent for an
Eastern line, who was in the city the
other day, said to an Astorian represent
ative that there could be no question as
to which company was entitled to the
support of Oregon shippers.
The o. r. and N. is q distinctively
Oregon corporation and has done more
for the development of this state than
any other one agency. 1t has always
sought to induce proper immigration ana
to foster and develop manufactures. IL
has aimed to give the farmer fair rates on
his products and access to the best mar
kets. Its rates to and from points in the
eastern interior of the state are most rea-
sonable and satisfactory BY its aggres-
sive policy on the Willamette river, wher-
ever its boats could reach, the merchants
and farmers of that fertile valley have
been relieved from the heavy tolls and
burdens imposed by the Southern Pacific
Co., and have obtained concessions from
that company undreamed of and never
before hoped for.
''The o. r. and N. in connection with
the Great Northern at Spokane, has open-
ed up another transcontinental line, which
has been of the greatest benefit to the
people of the state at large, even in the
willamette Valley where once all busi-
ness was locked in the arms of the com,
pany whose boast is that It has never
admitted a defeat.
THE present controversy is one for a
"inciple, how 1t will terminate cannot
We foretold. 1t has worked some hard
ships on Oregon merchants, because of
the thousands who have taken advantage
OF the low rates to go to San Francisco
where they have bought many goods that
would otherwise have been purchased az
home. Abnormally low rates always af-
feet trade conditions to the detriment
both Of the people and the transportation
lines and the present fight is no exception
to the rule.
Whether or not the present difficulty
's soon settled, and whether when the
line comes to take the o. r. and N. out
of the hands of the receiver II shall re-
main an Independent company, or be-
come part of the much-talked-of Van
uerDHt Ohon racine reorganization, or
be absorbed by the Great Northern, II re-
mains a fact that this pioneer Oregon
road should receive the support of the
people OF Oregon Its present efficient Of
hcers are men OF ability and broad prin-
ciples and are for Oregon first and last
Receiver Mcneil and all Of his assistants
are unit on this point.
"As matter Of patriotism and right.
to say nothing of self interest, Orego
mans should stand by their own railroad.
Portland and Astoria are under peculiar
obligations to this line. and when the rail-
road to Astoria is completed, the o. r.
and N. will be found in the front rank
as factor In your growth. She viii brina
the wheat Of the interior to your port for
shipment, find markets for your lumber,
and give you two transcontinental routes
for your fish and merchandise"