Joseph Nathan Teal

“ The great river itself, the snowclad mountain peaks, the wild Gorge of the Columbia, and the waterfalls dashing from mountain heights, the stately palisades, the great forests, so impress one, the practical side is apt to be overlooked. ”

“ Between Portland and the sea there is a constant procession of deep sea ships flying the flag of every nation. Portland is the largest lumber and wheat shipping port in the United States. It has commercial relations with every nation under the sun. The coast tonnage, to and from Portland, is very great, and its people appreciate the importance of the use of water as a transportation agency. Portland has spent millions of dollars, raised by taxation, in the work of improving the river between that city and the sea, and this work is in constant progress. ”

“ Vessels drawing 28 feet of water have no difficulty in reaching Portland even at low-water stages. Ocean navigation turns into the Willamette River to reach Portland, Oregon, which is situated on the Willamette River about 12 miles above its mouth, and occupies both banks. The work of improvement of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers below Portland has been done partly by the United States and partly by local interests working under a corporation known as the Port of Portland and on funds secured by taxation of property situated within the limits of the port. ”