The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1896-05-09
Times- sWu,lutaineer.
SATURDAY.. MAY Q. 1885
AN IMPORTANT ISSUE.

Some Of the patrons of the TINES
MouNTAINEER appear to have wrong
conception of the motive that has actu-
ated US in taking the stand we have
concerning the situation at the Cas-
cade Locks, apparently believing that
we are endeavoring to build up pol
itical capital out of it to further the
interests of the democratic party in
the coming election. In this we have
been misjudged. Our aim in the
management Of the TIMEs-MoUN-
TANNER is to so conduct 1t as to fur
ther the interests of Eastern Oregon
in general, and Wasco county in par
ticular, regardless Of persons or parties;
to make it useful in advocating all
matters that have tendency to better
the condition of the entire community.
Had we no higher aim than to make
the paper ''party organ" and con-
duct it in the interests of a party or
an individual, its publication would
cease with this issue.
The question Of opening the Colum-
bia river is of vital importance not
only to The Dalles, but to all OF East
ern Oregon, Eastern Washington and
a large portion of Idaho, hencewe can
not be too earnest in our efforts to se-
cure this end, nor can we be too severe
in condemning those who have re-
taYt1ed the work by which it was to be
accomplished.
The improvements at the Cascades
being in the second congressional dis
trict, the representative in congress
from this district is naturally looked
to as the one who should most care
fully guard the appropriations that are
made for this work. and see to it that
they are not squandered, and also to
see that the work is not delayed
through the influence of those who
are in positions to effect delays.
Had Mr.. Ellis been active, energetic |
and faithful in guarding this matter,
we would be among the first to COM
mend him for it. and would advocate |
his reelection regardless of party |
preference, for we believe the opening |
of the river is today of vastly more i'm
portance to Eastern Oregon than any |
other question that congressman
has voice in debating to. But the |
manner in which the con-
tract for constructing the locks was
awarded, and the DELAY that has oc-
Cured in prosecuting the work, is
sufficiently convincing that he has
been derelict of his duty, therefore we
maintain that 1t is to the best interests
Of the Inland Empire to prevent his re.
turn to congress. Then whom shall
we choose to replace him, Judge
Northup, whose property interests are
conferred in Portland, and who may be
actuated by selfish motives to allow
the river to remain closed, or shall it
be Judge Bennett, whose every in
terest is with Eastern Oregon?
We believe that party preference
should be laid aside this year in the
selection of congressman to repre-
sent the second district, and that in
Eastern Oregon especially the ques-
ion Of who can and will do the most
% secure the opening of the Columbia
liver to navigation, be made the issue.
If there is any foundation for the be-
ief that the work at the Cascades is
,eing retarded by the influence of rail-
'oad corporations, it Is necessary that
congressman be elected who can
epell this influence, one who is not
,fraid to incur the displeasure Of such
one who will, if such in
luences exist, investigate them and
ee that they are removed. Judge
3ennett's practice in the state and
ederal courts, in cases against rail-
Dad corporations, has fitted him. for
he duties of discovering and repelling
fforts they may endeavor to exert for
he purpose of frustrating the work on
'nblic improvements, hence of all the
andidates before the people at this
ime he is the best qualified to rep
esent them in congress at this parti-
ular time. An open river to the sea,
3 question on which all voters of
EASTERN Oregon can unite, differ as :
hey may on all other issues, and the
who can render them the ,
est service In this matter is of greater
enefit to them than one who repre-
ents their particular views on the I
naucial, tariff or other minor ques-