Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 16.djvu/223



DEDICATION OF OREGON CITY LOCKS 203

Under normal business conditions today our transportation facilities are taxed to the utmost to handle the traffic. The slightest increase produces almost unendurable congestion and ties up business in every direction. It is my opinion that the improvement of the waterways is an absolute necessity; and I fear this will be demonstrated before either the railroads or the waterways are prepared to meet the situation, to the great loss of the country at large.

We have a right to be proud of the Willamette Valley with its varied resources, productiveness, beauty and climatic con- ditions. It would be hard to duplicate it anywhere on earth, yet it is almost in a state of nature. When we consider the productiveness of this valley, one's mind can hardly grasp its possibilities. To secure the proper results will require hard work intelligently applied. Its development will be largely aided by the fact that it has a navigable river flowing substan- tially throughout its entire length. This river must be properly improved, not only for navigation but for every useful purpose. It can be done ; and if we have the spirit of our fathers it will soon be done.

I congratulate the people of this valley on the final consum- mation of this one step. We now have a free river. Shall we make it a useful river, serving every purpose it can serve? That depends only on ourselves.

Again I thank you, not only for the compliment you have paid me in asking me to address you on this day, but in giving me the opportunity to express my regard and respect for the pioneers of this state who have left to us not only an example we should follow, but also a memory and a heritage we should honor, respect, and cherish.