ization, as recognition of his efforts in that direction. So at their suggestion I saw Gaston and told him of their kindly feeling in connection with the proposed incorporation.
Soon after this, when it seemed time to organize, and prepare for Elliot's coming, I was informed by my friends that Gaston had already drawn papers that they had signed, supposing he was working in harmony with me. When I saw Gaston he promised that my signature should be added before the papers were placed on file; but never gave me the opportunity. Later we learned that Gaston took these articles to Portland and disposed of the signature of friends, who had so kindly tried to advance his fortunes, to Portland capitalists, whose intention was to build a railroad on the west side of the Willamette Valley, in direct opposition to our interests as residents and property owners on the east side.
When we learned this it was instantly determined to incorporate anew, so I drew articles under the same name—The Oregon Central Railroad Company—that were hastily signed by J. S. Smith, I. R. Moores, and E. N. Cooke, that were placed on file with the Secretary of State, on the 17th of November, 1866, while Gaston did not file for his Portland company until November 215t, four days later. These dates are given me by secretary of State, Hon. F. I. Dunbar, in a recent communication.
The situation then was, that these Salem gentlemen undertook to incorporate The Oregon Central Railroad Company, when their agent, who had the articles they signed, unknown to them turned the articles they had signed over to an opposition company. They then executed other articles that were placed on file with the Secretary of State, first of all bearing that name and for that purpose. Had not their agent betrayed their trust, this
