The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-11-20

Tho above telegram corroborates the
news In yesterday Astorian COL, rn.ng
the breaking out OF a war between the
northwestern transcontinentals. The sub
ject was q matter OF considerable dis
cussion yesterday locally and brought
forth varying opinions as to its effect on
the future OF Astoria. At was thought by
some that an open competition among
the railroads was the thing most TO be
desired for Astoria Those who take this
view assume that one purpose in the
combination heretofore existing among
the western roads has been to prevent
the utilization OF Astoria as a terminal
b. any Of them; that the development Of
Astoria would place Puget sound at
disadvantage and depreciate the value Of
railroad properties and terminals at Ia
coma and Seattle. and that it is out OF
this consideration that the U. IL. & n.
has been allowed TO make so much more
in proportion than other roads on the
handling OF grain from the Inland EN-
phe. This theory is based upon the idea
that the o. r, & NJ. being lae only road
In position to utilize the Astoria term
inal. has exacted and received its enor-
nous profits from the inland farmers
under a distinct compact to ignore AS
toria.
Others are Of the opinion that the con-
test is due to the encroachment by the
Northern Pacific on o. r. & N territory
in tho proposed construction OF branch
lines which win drain the rich grain
country from WallIla Junction along the
Snake river to Lewiston, Idaho. 1t is be-
lievec that Sn agreement has existed be-
tween the Northern Pacific and the o.
r. & N. under which the former was
obliged to keep out Of certain o. r. & n.
territory in the Palouse country, and
which agreement has been violated by the
Ncrtheln Pacific. From this point Of
view it is argued, Astoria cuts no figure
whatever as disturbing element, and
the fight will be settled by new agree
nent between the contendhg roads regu- |
lating new constructions contemplated |
In Eastern Washington and Idaho. The |
fact also that the dispatches conveying |
the news of the rupture couples the Great |
Northern Pacific. and as joint allies OF the |
Is supposed to represent the Vanderbilt |
interests-togetaer in antagonism to the |
Northern Pacific, ans as joint aliies OF the |
o. R. & N. tends to blast the hopes OF !
local wiseacres. who have predicted a |
Vanderbilt ocean-to-ocean combination, |
with Astoria as its Pacific terminus. The |
rumor in locsl circles that Mr.. Hammcnd
is now back east negotiating deal
whereby all the transcontinental lines
are to control together majority of the
stock OF the A. & C. railroad, has also had
disuuieting effect on Astoria railroad
prophets. While this rumor is denied by
those who profess to be in Mr.. Ham
mond's confidence, 1t is safe to say 1t is
believed by a large majority Of Astoria's
people and it is thought that such an
Arrangement would effectually tie up the
Astoria props sitlon for very long future
perioi;f az
On the whole It is a fair summary Of
the situation In Astoria to say everybody
Is befogged and unsettled as to what Is
in store fer the Astoria" proposition,
and there is more discouragement felt
today as to the immediate outlook than
at any time since Mr.. Hammond first
appeared in the role of Astoria's saviour.