The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1896-07-11
ASTORIA'S GREAT
OPPORTUNITY
1t Means Very Much More Than a
Mere Pleasure Carnival to
the City.
DREAMS WILL BE REALIZED
Committee Doing Good Work. and It Is Ex-
pected That the Full Amount Of
Funds Will Be Raised
To-day.

For several years past the one oc-
easion OF which Astoria has had every
reason TO be proud, has been regatta
week. The event proposed for this year
is one Of interest not only to Astoria,
but 10 the Lewis and Clarke, Young's
river, Gray's river. Ilwaco. warrenton.
and Seaside. 1t is to be a gala day
celebrating the rise and prominence OF
the harbor at the mouth Of the Column
bia river. Both the states Of WASH
ington and Oregon are interested in
It's success. and should take an active
part in the festivities which will take
place at the gateway for the outlet Of
the products Of the great interior coun-
try of both states. There viii be
greater significance in the carnival
than the mere pleasure which It viii
afford TO all at the time. 1t will mean
that the Northwest coast will be as
sembled to do honor to one Of the
latest, most modern and magnificent
ships Of war ever built In the world,
and which was constructed in Pacific
waters. 1t will also mean that the peo-
pie Of the Columbia river have awak-
ened to the Importance Of their geo.
graphical situation. ard the part that
the mouth OF this great waterway VIII
play in the future commerce Of nations.
Few, perhaps, up TO the present, have
fully realized the extent and magni-
tude of the business relations about
to be established between the Colum-
bia river and the rest Of the world.
For many years dreams have been
dreamed, plans have been talked Of.
projects have been set up and knock
ed down again, until only few true
adherents remain TO see their fondest
hopes realized for Astoria. This is the
year which is the beginning OF the
end of those great works necessary to
bring about the growth and building
up Of the commercial center. The rail-
road between Astoria and Portland is
but the opening wedge which makes
possible the securing Of more import
ant enterprises. What can more fit
tingiy celebrate these events than a
grand water carnival, the presence Of
the great battleship Oregon. and fetes
and games innumerable. People must
see to believe. and with such attrae-
tions upon the program. there can be
no doubt that thousands of strangers
will visit Astoria and the lower Col
umbia and for the first time get prac-
tical knowledge Of what there really
is here.
The committees in charge Of sub
scriptions reported last night that they
were meeting with better success than
was anticipated, Several hundred dol
lars were added to the list yesterday.
and they are confident that by tonight
almost the entire amount needed viii
have been raised. The full list OF
subscribers and amounts donated win
be published in tomorrow's issue With
all these facts before the public and
with the full knowledge of this excep-
AAShoA opportunity RANSChNCa " RQP0-
larize the city and make it's resources
known as hundred books could not.
it is not strange that everybody Is
making sacrifices in order to contribute
to the enterprise.
The firemen are completing their ar
rangements for the tournament, which
viii constitute the principle entertain
ment on shore during regatta week
New companies have been heard from,
and it is certain that there will be
lively contests for every prize to be
offered. Excursions win probably be
arranged to Fort Stevens. Seaside. and
Fort Candy, during the hours between
events, and it has been suggested that
the transportation companies between
Astoria and the different points of in
terest about the harbor agree upon
schedule of reduced rates. 1t is thought
now that there is little doubt but re-
duced rates will be made by the up
river boats and railroad lines to the
interior.
A large number of calls have yet to
be made by the soliciting committee.
and the members Of that committee
urge the people to meet them half way.
Their work is hard enough and there
is no longer any reason why anyone
should hesitate about contributing.
Quaint little sweet peas the beauties
of our grandmothers' gardens, are es-
] sentially la mode.