The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-04
HILL VS.. HARTMAN
Hill Chases Hartman In Central Ore
gon, and Controls Strategic
Deschutes Canyon.

The reason for Hartman 8 long de-
layed activity in Central Oregon rail
way matters is now apparent. Hill is
chasing him for the territory. and by
a hold stroke. the Great Northern man
has acquired the Oregon Trunk, pro-
jected line up the Deschutes which is
the logical outlet into the Central
Oregon country. The Portland Jour-
nal says:
James J. Hills acquisition within
the past week of the controlling inter-
est in the Oregon Trunk Line up the
canyon of the Deschutes river, coupled
with the fact that two crews of engi-
neers were Immediately thrown into
the field, is stated by those close'to the
workings of the railroad king to te the
Eugle call for one OF the biggest rail
road wars which has ever been known
on the coast.
In consequence of activity toward
the central part of the state on the-part
Of the two railroads magnates and
I Hills disregard of tacit agreement
vocched for by hartman attorneys
that Hill would not invade the terri
tory south of the Columbia and Harri-
man would respect Hills rights to the
region lying ncrth. it is apparent a
struggle has been precipitated which
will not end until one or the other
withdIaws or two lines are constructed
into the interior.
Hills requirement of the surveys
and rights of way of the Oregon Trunk
Line, which have been held by W. f.
Nelson, president of the road, became
known as result of his visit into CEN
trail Oregon in company with two
mem bers of the firm Of Porter Bros 81
| Welch, the contractors who built a
large stretch of the north bank for Hill
and who also constructed 20 miles of
line out of Spokane, afterwards turn
ing it over to the Great Northern.
Prior to the announcement, few
days since, that Nelson had sold the
controlling interest in the Oregon
Trunk to the Hill interests confer ence
between the same parties was held
in Spokane. Immediately afterward
Nelson. accompanied by4two mem bers
of the firm of Porter Bros. & Welch,
contractors, who built long stretch
of the north bank and prior to that
time constructed 20 miles of line ont
of Spokane, afterward turning it over
to the Great Northern, made an ex-
tended tour of Crook county and CEN
tral Oregon in an automobile.
While oonferring with some of the
bankers and business men in Priceville
relative to the railroad situation and
an extension to the county seat, Mr..
Nelson confirmed the report that the
Hill interests had purchased control
of the Oregon Trunk. He also an
nounced that road would be built in
to central Oregon without loss of time,
preliminary work to start Immediately.
Hills surveyors. less than week
later, established camp at the mouth
of the Deschutes and at present are
working swiftly up the canyon of the
/ river.
In the meantime Hartman, follow
ing out his definite promise to Cover
nor Chamberlain aud f. s. Stanley
head of the Deschutes Irrigation &
Power company, that he would i'm
mediately begin the construction of
liue into Crook county, has two crews
of surveyors in the same Geld invaded
last Saturday by Hill.
Hartman as yet has not announced
what route will be followed to react
the irrigation district and timber bell
in Crook county, both of which form
the objective points for the construo
tion of new railroad. He did state
however, that following final con
ference with Julius Kruttschnitt al
Pelican lodge. decision would bt
reached relative to the route ovel
which the new road would be projected
The conference with Mr.. Kruttschnitt