Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 7.pdf/126

120 Valley to Astoria. This was not what was desired, but it was the best that could be secured at that time. And in the partition of Oregon local interests then seeking recognition at Washington City, it was agreed by the Oregon delegation in Congress that at the next session of Congress this grant should be extended from McMinnville to Eugene. And upon this basis it was further agreed that Mr. B. J. Pengra, of Eugene, then also at Washington, and representing the proposed railroad from Winnemucca to Eugene (incorporated as "Oregon Branch Pacific Railroad,") should also have a grant of lands for his company. This scheme carried out would give a continuous land grant from the Central Pacific Railroad in Nevada, to Eugene, and Portland and Astoria. And upon this foundation, C. P. Huntington, then in the zenith of his power as a railroad financier and constructor, agreed to furnish the capital and build the railroad from Winnemucca to Eugene, Portland and Astoria, giving Oregon a more direct connection to the East than by the California route. This scheme was defeated by Ben Holladay, then also at Washington, who within ten days after Congress passed the Oregon Central grant to McMinnville, induced Senator Williams to amend the Pengra bill by providing that the Winnemucca road should connect with the Holladay line at a point in the Rogue River Valley. This provision would of course prevent all connection with the McMinnville line, and give Holladay control of all roads from the Rogue River Valley to Portland. Holladay was quick to see that the Pengra bill would bring to Oregon a giant in energy and ability who would dwarf his own pretensions and soon drive him from the field, and with a selfishness and vanity which knew no limits, he demanded the sacrifice of the interests of the State and the ruin of the man who was willing to befriend him. Upon this change being made in the Winnemucca bill Mr. Huntington