Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1909-07-31

resulted in awakening a tremendous
public interest in the communities
named.
Several OF the cities where con-
ventions were held for two days to
discuss irrigation, good roads, open
waterways and better transportation
conditions, report having been bene-
fitted as high as 500, 900 from sin
gle session.
Many other cities that merely
sent delegates to these congresses
were enormously benefited and ad-
vertised.
1T has been publicly stated that
over $150,000 has been invested in
the Council valley OF Idaho during
the past three months as a result of
their citizens sending an excursion to
the weiser congress Hundreds of
families have b1en located in the
Snake river valley between Ontario
and Vale.
The city of Boise and its jobbing
trade have been exploited and its
business extended into central Ore
gon. Thousands OF people have had
their attention called to the wonder
ful resources of Coos Bay, and thous-
and more are turning their atten-
tion to the virgin expanse OF the
Harney country.
out OF all this state wide devel-
opment Portland is reaping a true
benefit. as naturally as water runs
down hill
Two great results have followed
this development campaign: First,
there has been aroused greater
faith in the larger resources of our
great state. Second. there has been
awakened a frmer determination on
the part OF the people to help them
selves.
by means OF the general port
act, harbors are being
dredged and waterways improved.
without waiting for aid from con-
gress. Several OF our coast harbors
are following the magnificent exam
pie set by the Port OF Portland COM
mission.
Activity II Very Great.
THE stimulus to railroad con-
struction flowing from this develop
ment campaign, which has awakened
the state and convinced the whole
world that Oregon is country of
opportunities. has brought
about condition OF activity hereto
fore unknown in oregon.
"At least 20 different steam and
electric railroad projects are ac,ually
under construction. The minds Of
the greatest empire builders the
world has ever known. are riveted up
on Oregon, 'Rnd Il can be fairly said
that the next few years may see the
largest undertakings In the way Of
construction at the hands OF
Hill and Hartman.
But in the face OF all this glor-
ous promise and actual construction,
The people OF Oregon and especially
Of Portland, should not be put TO
sleep with newspaper hot air, They
should strike while the iron is hot,
keep up the campaign of educating
our own people 70 the necessity of
still greater EFFORT In the direction of
helping themselves.
when Idaho has enacted a dis |
.rict built railroad law, and when |
he legislature of Oregon has sub
nitted an amendment to enable the |
people to construct and own railroads
md when enormous sums OF capital
ire pouring into Oregon to head on
public sentiment and build the need
ID railroads. is not a time to palter, |
grow faint or weary,
Calls Upon business Men.
Il would call upon the business
men of Portland in person and solicit
hem 10 attend our congress on Coos
Bay enjoy the splendid hospitality of
progressive community, and get In
ouch with the commercial and in
lustrial movement that will result
n putting railroads across central
)regon, east and west. and north and
outh.
Portland cannot afrord to sit idly
~ and leave communities like Coos
Bay, Burns, Ontario and other places
n the undeveloped portions OF the
tate. 10 struggle single handed for