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 OREGON AND CALIFORNIA RAILROAD 253 and ceremony, and the West Side Company with merely an informal gathering. With this both companies began work. From that time on both companies struggled to complete the work in order to make the best showing at the legislature. On April 29, 1868, the East Side Com- pany passed a resolution authorizing Dr. A. M. Loryea to accept any donation of land that had been made to the Oregon Central Railroad. Dr. Loryea wrote to the De- partment of the Interior and was informed by O. H. Browning, secretary, "that J. Gaston, President of the Oregon Central Railroad Company, within the time pre- scribed within the act, filed an assent, which was re- ceived." 28 The East Side Company did not make applica- tion until after the time had elapsed and the only way they could gain the grant was to go again to the legis- lature and present their cause. This they proceeded to do. In the summer of 1868 a new character was brought upon the scene. The contracts let by the East Side Com- pany were taken over by the partnership firm of Ben Hol- laday and Company. Ben Holladay was a man of means with few scruples as to business methods and with a lax moral character. He was a man of great energy and daring. It was to him the East Side Company was en- trusted for the next six years. At the meeting of the legislature in October, 1868, open house was kept. Holladay saw that none were wanting treats. Political maneuvering became the pas- time of both companies. The East Side Company claimed that there had been no such company organized as the Oregon Central Railroad Company, at the time the legis- lature met in 1866. 29 The West Side Company claimed that they had been recognized and accepted by the Sec- retary of Interior, therefore said no redesignation should be made. 28 Letter of O. H. Browning to A. M. Loryea. Oregon and California vs. U. S. 29 The claims of the East Side Company are best set forth in a letter °f J. H. Mitchell to Judge Deady. See Appendix E. ,'-y..J ^