Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1906-02-16
is THIS PROJECT
\ PAPER RAILROAD
The Oregonian Tries to Discover
a Big Mares Nest---But the
Coast Road is Coming
TOLEDO, Or, Feb. Is, 1906.

SOooV 4SOUN Al
TOLEDO, Or, Feb. Is, 1906.
Editor LINCOLN COUNTY LEADER:
The Oregonian of the l4th inst pre-
sents its readers with comic valentine
of first-page importance on Paper
Railroads" The innocent cause OF its
spleen was the credentials of myself to
the people of Lincoln county in refer
ence to the building aud equipment of
a coast railroad from Portland to Hum
boldt bay by independent eastern cap
ital, published in THE LEADER.
Because of the fact that the Oregon
ian was not permitted to enter the
inner circle of promotion and detail in
regard to the projected road, on ac-
other railroad interests, it attempts to
cast discredit upon the financial capac-
ity and integrity of the efficient pro-
motor of this enterprise and the enor-
nous amount of capital backing its
successful outcome.
Having in mind the peculiar tactics
pursued by the Hartman intesests in
this state, the promoters of the Oregon
Coast q Eastern Railroad did not deem
it either wise or expedient TO take into
their confidence the entire body of 565
members of the Chamber OF Commerce,
many of whom are affiliated or more
than friendly with the S. P. interests,
but confined their condolences to the
authorized transportation committee of
that body, by whom the project was
looked upon as genuine enterprise,
after extended inquiry as to the tnan-
cial standing OF the eastern investors.
The Oregonian seeks to throw dis
credit on the financial standing of
Baker & Crabtree by saying that they
are listed in st. Louis for about $50, 900
each, but fail to say anything of the
great syndicate OF capital cooperating
with this firm, of which j. L. Great
singer of New York, ex-presdent of
the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company,
and Senator William Ii. Lynn of New
York are prominent. The standing of
Baker q Crabtree can easily be ascer-
tained by reference the National Bank
of Commerce, the Title Guaranty Trust
Company and the Missouri Lincoln
Company. all OF st. LOUIS.
The Oregonian seems TO think some
thing wrong is on foot because Mr.. W.
j. Wilsey, the primal promoter of this
railroad project, is almost a total
stranger in Portland and has been in
the state bat few years. Does the
Oregonian think it unwise to develop
the states resources because the cap
ital has been induced here by one
whom it regards as paritively "a
stranger? 1t may be so, but the great
mass Of Oregon's people welcome cap
ita from whatever source and by whom
it may he induced to come.
In regard to subsidies this company
asks for nothing until the road is built,
land upon which to place settlers who
will be induced to come and abide in
Oregon and grow up with the country.
7. II. SUPPLE.
Since the above was put in type Col.
Supple has received letter from Mr..
Wilsey from which the following ex-
tracts will be OF INTEREST,"
Beg to verify wire to you today as
follows: References - John A. Lewis,
cashier National Bank of Commerce
q. w. Neman, president Title Guar
anty Trust Company Thomas II. Wag-
ner, vice-presidsnt Missouri Lincoln
Trust Company, all OF St. Louis. Tell
people to wire any of the above as to
financial ability of Mr.. Crabtlee.
With regard to article published in
this mornings Oregoniau would say that
this was inspired entirely through jeal-
ousy on the part Of the management by
reason OF our having given the Journal
first authentic information regarding
this enterprise.
Regarding references above mentioned
your people are at liberty to get to-
gether and appoint IA committee to wire
any of the above as to Mr.. Crabtree's s
ability to finance this proposition. This
may be done at our expense.
- 'o-e