The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-01-25

order an examination Of the Columbia
river bar, with view Of increasing
the depth Of the bar channel to 40 feet
al mean low water. In connection
with this last item. II may be encour-
aging to say that General Wilson, chief
Of United States engineers, visited the
mouth Of the Columbia in May last:
was Interviewed by the president Of
the chamber, and General Wilson then
expressed himself in favor Of securing
a 40-foot channel and has since made
an official report to that effect
Fourth-The marking OF route lines
from the mouth of the Columbia river
to ports in the Orient, on the Pacific
pilot chart; this has been accomplished
after an effort lasting two years.
Fifth-For the appointment of a
representative Of the Pacific coast to
1ll the vacancy in the interstate COM
meree commission. In which request
we asked the cooperation OF the
chamber Of commerce of Portland,
Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane.
Sixth-For the utilization of Fort
Stevens as an available point for the
einbarkation and debarkation OF Uni
ted States troops.
Seventh-For the early establishment
of u United States quarantine station
and marine hospital near the mouth
Of the Columbia river. We are now
informed by Senator Mcbride that this
work will soon be commenced and car
ried to completion without further de-
lay
Eighth-The extension Of transporta-
ton privileges of bonded goods to the
port Of Astoria. This has now been
granted.
Besides these efforts in connection
with government works, the chamber
has corresponded with the presidents
OF all the Pacific coast transcontinent-
al railways and exerted its influence
in other directions to secure to Astoria
common point rates with Seattle and
Tacoma; and initiated a movement to
obtain for the port Of Astoria some of
the benefits to be expected and real
ized fron the prospective trade be-
tween the Orient and Pacific coast
ports at the close Of the Philippine
war. 1t has also, during the past year
taken an opportunity to prove the
hospitality and public spirit Of the
clti ems Of Astoria in taking a promi-
nent rart in the entertainment Of the
National Editorial Association, num-
bering some 800 delegates, on the occa-
sion of their visit to this city. Through
this Medium Astoria has received a
vast amount Of advertising as is mani
fest by the papers received from the
different parts Of the United States;
also. in arranging an excursion from
Portland to the mouth of the Colum-
bia river during General Nelson A.
Miles inspection visit to the coast for
tiications.
With your sanction the president
and secretary have superlntended some
much needed improvements in the
room of the chamber which 1 trust
will meet with your approval.
Our membership has been increased
about 40 per cent during last year.
The secretary's and treasurer's re-
ports will show the financial standing
Of the chamber which is much better
than it has been in the past.
We have had the cooperation of our
citizens aud business men in the gem
eral work Of our organization, which
is very gratifying.
l attach hereto statement Of YES.
sel5 cleared from the Columbia river
for foreign ports; also list Of foreign
vessels and coast-wise vessels that
have entered and cleared during the
year 1899.
Very respectfully,
B. VAN DUsEN,
Astoria, January 5, 1900.