The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1896-03-13

srGGEaTloNs


March II. 1896.
SUGGESTIONS.
After the reading Of the report. Chair.
man Bowlby. Ia a few well chosen re-
marks. set forth the plain statement that
tho whole question had now reached a
point when u must be decided whether
the Scow Bay site would be provided
quickly. or whether there would b. no
depot and no construction work done
this year. lie said that thosa ps.ople WHO
lived IN the central portion OF the city
and did business there and who were
more largely Interested IN the matter. did
not appear TO care very much about the
location OF the depot. Many Of them
would Just as soon SEE II go elsewhere
But he thought everybody would be in
tercstei In getting 4 depot at that site
when u Nas understood that Il meant
construction this year or poEtponemeni
indefinitely Judge Bowlby's WILL known
hard work In the matter and his good
judgment seemed TO carry weight with
his words. and earnestness was exhibited
everywhere amongst those in attendance
Chairman Parker. OF the special COM
mittse said that they had done evs,y.
thing In their power Every means had
been exhausted 20 arrive az q Satisfactory
settlement Of the question. but as their
report showed. II was still fer from a
settlement. He said further: AS we
seem TO have come 10 this point where
no further begging or soliciting will
avail. and as I understand Il nothing
but the securing Of the Scow Bay site
Will satisfy Mr.. HAmmond's require
ments. have TO offer the suggestion
that we put all the deeds we have now
In bank In trust. and then proceed TO
obtain the values OF the balance OF the
property ! would then suggest that
the same committee or another be ap-
pointed TO nnd out from Mr.. Hammond
or from other sources. what will be the
cost OF condemning such property as can
not be obtained amicably. and II the
railroad company VIII accept this site
and commence construction. We might
form a committee somewhat similar 20
the bond guarantee committee. and get
sufficient subscriptions TO the bond to
enable Us to assure Mr.. Hammond that
the site would be furnished him. This
believe would be satisfactory TO him,
and We then could arrange the details OF
securing title TO the property. after
wards"
After some discussion OF this propcsi-
iion, Mr., u. II. Welch obtained the floor,
and said; a good deal has been said
in the papers and In the meetings. In
regard TO my standing In the way OF
a settlement OF this question. | want to
explain my situation. cannot under
stand Why after having done all that we
have done, we should be called upon to
give up everything We have. | am will
ling to be one to help secure the " s.
Kinney property. and have so stated II
Mr., Hammond or his associates say that
they must have this particular piece OF
So feet lying to the south OF the track.
then as FAR as l am concerned. the way
| feel now, the matter don't 20. That
block is not for sale at any price. l
have given the so feet north of the
line besides other pieces. and feel that
| have done as much as most Others, and
more than meny."
Judge Bowlhy and several Others spoke
most heartily OF Mr. Welch's llberulity,
and Mr.. Parker particularly was most
happy In his expression OF appreciation
for Mr.. Welch's actions. But he prob
ably expressed the sentiment OF all those
present when said that there was still
q little question OF give and take on
both sides as between Mr.. welch and
the railroad company.
DR.. J. A. Fulton stated that he did not
understand thai the railroad committee
had ever promised depot Two sites
were already offered. and he did not
think the Scow Bay site would ever be
given, II had got down to a business
and so far as he was per-
sonally concerned he wanted to do the
fair thing. and wanted TO see the general
proposition advance as speedily as pos
sible
HAMMoND'S POSITION.
Some further discussion took place by |
Ill hands, and then Mr., Gosslin, repre- |
'enting the railroad company. arose and |
'poke at some length. He said:
The position we occupy prevents us /
rom committing the railroad to any par
icular site. have frequently asked Mr.. |
hammond TO limit the site. and have \
lsked him to cut out block 1870. but he |
,as been very emphatic In his replies to .
he effect that he needs the south half
II block 10. 1t is the only place on
commercial street where the depot
'round approaches the railroad on hat
street There are good reasons for plac-
ng price on this particular piece OF
tround, and OF securing It In the site.
Che entrance to the depot grounds Is
'ery important. II the depot is located
N the block adjoining the one in which
his tract is located. there must be ample
Iicles OF all kinds, to reach the depot
rom the street, and Mr. Hammond
tates that he cannot get along without
/. This is very true, and in making this
statement | give my own individual
Jews, l am sure that Mr.. Hammond
refers the Scow Bay site He prefers
for several reasons. The important one
: not as has been supposed, for his
wn advantage, but that he sees that
he depot located there will prove OF the
reatest service to the city of Astoria,
nd In reaching that conclusion he has
cen governed by the needs of the people
or a centrally located depot. and which |
act they viii realize more fully in the
lture The business OF the rail- DAD COM
any could just as well be conducted
rom either end Of the town; but look
lg at the matter from the standpoint of
ne who is Interested In the advancement
the town, II would be folly to main
ain that either of those sites would be
5 good as the central. Another point l
'ant to make Is that no selfish motive !
(COntinuad IN Fourth pauel