Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 16.djvu/142

 Mr. F. E. Leefe, Junior Engineer. Mr. W. G. Carroll, Junior Engineer. Mr. Jas. Brownlee, Junior Engineer. Mr. J. H. Polhemus, Junior Engineer. Mr. Frank Saunders, Junior Engineer. Mr. A. Seymour Fleet, who designed the gates for Cascades Lock, also designed these gates.

It is but due to Mr. Fred C. Schubert to state that he has been with the work throughout its entire life, and a more enthusiastic and devoted officer it would be hard to find. I have gone into these details at some length in order that justice might be done to the Corps of Engineers of the United States Army, which corps has in charge, in addition to its other duties, the work of the river and harbor improvement of this country.

The result of this particular improvement demonstrates that where the engineers have the opportunity they secure results. The handicap they labor under, what with intermittent operation and various limitations, both under the law and otherwise, is but little realized by the public generally; and I am glad to have this opportunity to express my respect and honor for them, representing as they do a branch of the service that has been distinguished throughout its entire life for honor, integrity and ability.

On October 22, 1805, and again on their return on April 19 of the following year, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, inaugurated and made possible by that great statesman, Thomas Jefferson, made a portage around Celilo Falls. It is interesting to note that the obstruction to navigation at this point has been used as a never-failing means of extorting tribute in one form or another from the public, for its control meant not only the control of the traffic in general but at times of men as well.

From the time of the first settlement on the Columbia River at Astoria by the Pacific Fur Company on April 12, 1811, until after the arrival of Dr. John McLoughlin as