The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-02-13
NEW OFFICERS ARE ELECTED

The most important meeting held by
the chamber OF commerce for many
months took place at the chamber
last night. The meeting was largely at.
tended and intense interest was shown
In the great amount OF important bust
ness that came up before Il. Being
an adjourned session Of the annual
meeting some Of the reports Of officers
FOR the year were submitted, among
these being those Of the secretary treas
urcr and committees. The report OF
the treasurer was of exceptional in
terost, showing thriving condition OF
the chamber, and indicating, by the
receipts. an increased interest in the
organization over last year.
There was aso an election OF officers.
Mr. Van Dusen was reelected presl-
dent In his denomination warm
tribute was paid TO his services dur
ing the past year, as Il was shown
that he had taken exceptional and un-
trims Interest In the success and OBJ
jeots OF the chamber James W. Welch
was elected vice-prcsldent, G, w.
Lounsberry treasurer; T. c. Holden
secretary. +. ]. Taylor +. w. Tallant,
J. II. d. Gray were chosen as mem-
bers OF the executive committee.
Probably the most important dis
cussion coming up before the meeting
was that relating to good roads, It
was apparent that there was deter
mlnation on the part Of the chamber
not to be discouraged over recent set
backs. After long and general dis
cussion OF the subject II was decided
to appoint a committee OF three mem
bers to act In conjunction with n sim
ilar committee from the Push Club for
the purpose OF formulating some def
mite plan Of action for the future. Those
who were appointed on this committee
were j. W Welch +. j Taylor and
Mr.. DeIln.
The committee on commerce and nav
igation for the Improvement of the
harbor submitted communication
from Major Langhtt In regard to the
proposed improvements Of the Astoria
harbor, The same committee also made
a report relative to freight rates be-
tween Astoria and Tillamook.
An important letter was read from
Mr. e. l., Lomax, general passenger
und tt,lFat ayaot 90 tha Ifninr naoiRc
railway at omaha. This was in reply
TO a letter recently sent him by the
chamber relative to an adjustment Of
freight rate between Astoria and East
tern points, In their letter to Mr.. Lo-
max the chamber Of commerce con-
tended that the rates from the East to
Astoria for passengers We're greater
than those from the same points to
other Pacific coast cities, particularly
in Washington. Mr.. Lomax stated that
the matter would be Immediately in
Vestigated ana closed his letter with
the assurance that an equitable adjust
ment from the East to terminals of
the Northern and Great Northern
roads would be made without delay.
Mayor Bergman was present at the
meeting and called the attention of
the chamber to n receipt of u telegram
from Mr.. Hearst Of the New York
Journal concerning fortifying the Mic
aragua canal. The members agreed
that the matter was Of great import
anoe and should receive immediate at
tention, voting to refer II to a special
committee with instructions to make a
report at the next meeting. The tele-
gram In question Is as follows:
Astoria Is now beyond the reach of
effective European attack. The Hay
Pauneefote treaty, forbldding us to
Interfere with the passage of hostile
lleets through the Nicaragua canal,
would lay the Pacific Coast open to the
navies OF the world. The British navy,
with 81 effective battleships and 157
cruisers; the French navy, with sc bat
teships and SO cruisers, and the Ger
man navy, which, when the pro-
gramme ls carried out, will have So
battleships and Go cruisers, will all be
brought within striking distance Of
Astoria, Cannot you urge the oregon
senators to demand an amendment,
leaving us free to fortify the canal
for the protection Of the Pacific Coast