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 to drive clear to the snow. The original plans call for the road completely up to Cooper’s Spur, but it appears that al most everyone will be satisfied if they get it up to Cloud Cap Inn.

The Hood River Chamber of Commerce is writing letters to the state newspapers, reminding them of their pledge, and soliciting their support. What we are asked, and should do, is to endorse the project. The Forest Service is willing to build the road if it feels public sentiment is for it. We under stand the appropriation of $80,000 is ready to be used. but the department does not wish to proceed until it feels the people are ready for it. All those of us who saw Mount Hood at close range know that the state needs a better acquaintance with its magnificence. The only way to get people there in these days is to build ‘em a road, so they can make it by auto. Not every one in the state would do what those newspaper folk did in making that stifi, dusty, back and leg-breaking climb up to the Legion Camp.

So, brethren, when the word comes for help, let's put in with the kind folk of Hood River, and our splendid hosts, the American Legion boys, and boost for the road up Mount Hood.

HAIRMAN ELBERT BEDE, of the newsprint committee, is hitting the ball, with a questionnaire now out to publishers getting a line-up on their needs for the coming year, and an expression of their attitude on the situation. What Bede’s committee desires to know, in brief, is whether or not the publishers of Oregon wish to pool together to purchase print paper, and whether or not they ar willing to favor local mills at a slight differential. S. S. Smith, of Medford. announced in our last as a member of the committee, has resigned, and Lee Drake, of Astoria, has been so busy with his importing company that he hasn't functioned, so Elbert is carrying the whole load at present. He has been authorized by the president to name his co-workers on the committee.

ONDITIONS generally over the field in this state are satisfactory according to a survey recently made by the writer. Out of a great many printers and newspaper men visited on a state wide tour, I found plenty of business, a good spirit of optimism, and in most cases, equitable rates and charges for the printer's product. Some of the smaller towns of eastern Oregon feel that they cannot charge list prices, but it is gratifying to note so many offices with the “ole black book” a conspicuous part of the printer’s front office equipment.

The Newspaper Directory in the state Blue Book has had numerous revisions, and even after going to press with a first edition, some late corrections were made. There have been more changes made in newspaper properties during the past six months than during any like period for a great many years, according to the records kept at this office.

Maurice Richard, of Little Falls, Minn., has purchased a half interest in the Port Umpqua Courier. Mr. Richard will issue the paper in conjunction with George J. Ditgen, who is the practical printer member of the new partnership. Mr. Ditgen is well known throughout the state by newspapermen. Mr. Richard has had about ten years of experience in newspaper work, in the editorial end. It will be the purpose of the new partner ship to make the Port Umpqua Courier one of the best weeklies in the state. Local news and correspondence from tributary country will be featured. The editorial policy will continue, independent.