The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-10-12
THE ASTORIA ULTIMATE.

The real essence of what is known
all over the Columbia Valley in particu-
lar, and in a general way over the bal
ance of the State of Oregon by the
astoria situation is now on the verge
of development and is rich in promise
for the whole commonwealth. 1t has no
dubious meaning for any peculiar Sec
tion OF Oregon and least of all to Port
land; but it does contain elements OF
change that may effect her maritime
status without, in the smallest degree,
weakening her prerogative as the COM
mercial center of the state, nor militat-
ing against her influence as the supreme
market of her territory.
If, as is now supposed, the Hill inter
ests are about to establish terminal ia
ciities here for their North Bank system
OF rail lines from the great grain empire
to the eastward; if the vast bulk of
that commodity is to find home and
foreign distribution from the ware
houses and elevators to be erected by
them at Flavel, and 60 hence in bot
toms that never ascend the river; if
this phase of the shipping business is
to expand, in time, until other cargoes
shall arrive here and shall be despatched
from here; if the purposes and plans
of James j. Hill and his confreres shall
compel E. H. Hartman to center his
terminals here and share the business
the Hill people are launching, and the
Union Pacific shall build and operate
and succeed On practically the same lines;
if other coast and tranocontnental
lines shall follow suit, and come in here
to do business at the new and altogether
logical seaport of the northwest; if, in
other words, this city and harDor is to
be made use of in the scheme Of pro
gress that is everlastingly unfolding in
a worldwide way, Portland will be ever,
and primarily, at the head and front of
the movement, though the exact point
of work and labor and the phy sical
agencies of the great project snail be
transferred to the water -frontages west
OF Tongue Point.
The ultimate OF the situation, as it is
understood here, is, that Astoria will, in
the course of short time measuring
by the standard of time it has taken
this thing to come about, take her place
and rank among the Pacific marine de-
pots, for the doing of an eyer-increasing
share of the commerce of the northwest,
and the whole Of Oregon's interest in
that. This means that she must take
on growth and strength and the infinite
obligations inherent in such a future,
and to do these things successfully, must
set new standards and higher ideals and
adhere to them faithfully; conserving
every natural and organic advantage
she possesses, applying them quickly,
consecutively, wholesomely, as their
need shall become apparent. The task
is no light one and must be met and
studied and understood to its last phase,
that she may intelligently assume her
place and function and spread the name
and fame Of the port to the uttermost
fields of commerce.
To do this we must have the good will
of all Oregon; Portland must be not
only our friend, but sponsor as we'll;
and this is no more a matter for As
toria than it is for the metropolis. We
believe, that with the exception of a
small group of English shippers at
Portland, their organ and champion, the
Oregonian (newspaper) there are mighty
few people up there to gainsay us in
the turn that things are taking; that
there are thousands of people who have
long believed, and known, the logic Of
all that has come, and is coming, to pass
here And feeling, we declare our pur-
pose to make the most Of our future,