The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1899-10-11
THE SEATTLE EXTENSION OF
THE OREGON ROAD.

The fippant tone the oregonian is
pleased to assume toward the grave
question of Jim" Hllrs designs in fore
Irg the o. R. & n. company to extend
its line TO Seattle may fool the few
Portland people to whom that astonish-
ing piece Of news-just now an absorb
ing topic OF discussion in the railroad
World-has only penetrated as a vague
runner, hut intelligent men outside OF
Portland who read other papers than
the Oregonian will not be 50 easily pac-
fled. The Post st-Inteligencer is ordina-
rily a respectable and reliable paper.
siace the publication Of the article re-
produced by the Astorian last Saturday
morning, the Seattle paper has not
omitted in a single issue 10 devote
moro space to the reiteration Of its as
sertions and the discussion of the pur-
pose behind the o. R. & MS move and
its probable effect on Seattle.
The purpose is distinctly stated 10 be
that of diverting the trade Of the on
ent to Seattle, where it may be divided
among the members of the Northwest
railroad combination, and its effect will
be 70 build up Seattle as the chief port
on the Pacific coast for the Oriental
trade. What the Oregonian means by
its trifing illusions to the Astorian's
discussion Of so important question,
or why that paper. whatever It's opin-
ion regarding the probability Of the
oonsummation Of the plan, DOESN'T pub
lish the rumors relating to 1t as a mat
ter OF mere news. it is difficult to under
stand. 1t will not do to dismiss the
matter as Of no consequence. for even
IL the reports in circulation are untrue,
the fact, as stated by the Post-Intel-
Hgencer, that they constitute the prn-
eipal subject OF discussion among rail-
road men these days" gives the re-
ports sufficient news value TO justify
their publication in any general news
paper
II the Astoria chamber Of commerce
should take hold Of the matter and in
vestlgate a rumor 50 pregnant with
concern for Oregon and bring it to the
attention Of all the boards Of trade in
the Columbian basin. 1t is doubtful II
single member Of Portlands chamber
OF commerce has even so much as heard
Of the rumor. The Oregonian has a mo-
nopoly Of the news field in Portland
and so long as any item is kept out Of
its various publications the general
public of Portland might go on for
months and years without ever hearing
Of it.
In its further discussion Of the mat
ter. the Post st-Intelligencer in last Mon
days edition says:
The rImored movement on the part Of
the Union Pacific to extend the Oregon
Short Line into Seattle is the principal
subject of discussion among railroad
men these days. and the general ex-
pressed belief is that there is more
truth than fiction in the report.
At the present time several eastern
railroad officials are in the city. In
speaking Of the matter yesterday one Of
these in an interview, said: "The ru-
nor Of the Union Pacific extension into
Seattle is not local. 1t has been dis
eussed in Omaha and Chicago for two
weeks past If it does carry out
the policy outlined it will mean hard
blow for San Francisco 1t will mean
this-that under the combination ar
with both the Great North