174 T. C. ELLIOTT
and the individual investors ; but it was of value in hastening the completion of the Canal and in opening the way to resump- tion of regular boat service on the Upper River.
Another chapter in the history of this particular stretch of the River will be written at some time in the future when its on-rushing waters shall have been harnessed and electric lamps of a million candle power shall reveal by night the beauty of the Falls and the swirling current of The Dalles. But even now in thought it is possible to hark back to the year 1803 when that far-seeing statesman, Thomas Jefferson, the President of the United States, sat at his table, in Washington and in the dim light of the candles then in use with his own hand penned in- structions to Capt. Meriwether Lewis, who was soon to explore a way to "communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado, or any other river may offer the most direct and practicable water communication across the continent, for the purposes of commerce."
And while commercial expansion was the motive of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, President Jefferson in his won- derful letter was exceedingly minute in reference to informa- tion to be gathered as to the people, the flora, the geology, the natural history and the climate of the country to be passed through. Thus did culture go hand in hand with commerce in the first contemplation of the Columbia River region ; and as participants in its present growth and achievements it is well that we do not forget to recall and retell the deeds and achievements of the past, and thus be true to our birthright.
