The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1903-02-25
LEST We FORGET. /.

Al the public reception to United
states Senator Fulton on Monday al
most every speaker referred to the sec
tional strife that had so long existed
between the cities Of Astoria and Port
land, and al, expressed the hope that
hereafter such differences would not dis
rupt our commercial life. 1t was not
dlfficult to gather from the remarks of
the public men who spoke that the As
toria- Portland controversy was one of
great concern TO all sections OF Oregon.
Everyone pleaded for harmony. and
generally the belief was expressed that
senator Fuiton's election would do
much 70 bring about cooperation on the
part Of the people OF the warning cities.
II should be distinctly understood
Shat Astoria's contention that the best
interests Of the people Of Oregon and
the great inland empire cannot be sub
served by dragging grain ships over
saudLars to Portland, at unreasonable
cost to the producers, is in no wise les
sened by the election OF Senator Fulton.
1t has always been insisted here that
Glregon's growth would be retarded so
long as unnatural transportation con-
fiticns existed, and we see no reason
why the contention should be abandon
ed now. 1t should be the aim of ev-
cry Astorian to press the demands for
epnal grain rates for the Oregon sea-
port. and to use every means at his dis
posaI to force extension of common
point rates to Astoria. II Astoria's de-
mand for equal treatment at the hands
Of the railroads is to brand this city as
sectional" then we must bear the odi-
nm of the name.
Astoria has never contended that her
growth means Portlands ruin. That
sentiment originated in Portland. As
proof Of this We have but to point to
she statement Of one Of the most promi-
nent men Of the Oregon metropolis who,
when he was asked to give right-of-
way for the Astoria railroad through
sha property he owns in this city. held
up his hands in horror, and said in ef-
fscts
II win not grant the right-of-way.
why, the building Of the Astoria rail-
road will be a crime! What do you
historians intend to do? Do you wish
to tear down these magnificent build
ings2 Do you wish to bring about the
Euination OF Portland?'
The gentleman in question is worth
something like s25.ooO,6Oo and has long
t,een notoriously hostile to Astoria. He
believes, and so do nearly all other
T,o,tlands-s. that Astoria's advance
ment means Portland's ruin. II these
msn are correct in their views, then we
az Astoria, in working for our own city,
must Of necessity work for the downfall
81. Portland. Our efforts will not be
eu,talied because they might conflict in
any way with the development Of Port
land
The Astorian is of the opinion, how
ever. that the Portland sentiment ex-
pressed by the millionaire in question ls
not reaI.@> We have demonstrated In
mast years that Astoria's advancement
means portland's advancement, and
that the interests ol tiiS wv NAN
identical in almost every respect we
believe that Portland viii never enjoy
her full share Of trade until such time
as ali the utilities Of Oregon are en-
proy,.d to their fullest extent. We
know that the producers are not reap
ing the full benefit Of their location
because they are asked unreasonable
charges for transportation. The ore
xonian knows this, too. and 20 does eY-
cry man who has given the matter n
telligent thought. We insist that i IS
wrongful for Portland to exact such
toll from the producers, and we VIII
strive always to bring about condition
that win enable the graingrowers to
reap the greatest possible profit for
theiF crops
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