ALFRED HOLMAN.
Among the young men of ability in this State who have come to the front is Alfred Holman, associate editor of the " Oregonian." He is twenty-five years old and a native Oregonian, having been born in Yamhill county, on the farm of his grandfather, the late Dr. James McBride. Until the age of fifteen he attended public schools and academies,. and then began the foundation for a career in journalism— began it in the composing room and took " Excelsior" for his motto. His first reportorial work was in 1876 , and he served at odd times on each one of the Portland dailies. In the position of reporter and of city editor he showed great energy as a news- gatherer and excellent judgment in handling the multifarious matters which every day come under the supervision of a local editor. He did not follow the beaten path of a plain record of passing events, but stamped his news items and comment with individuality of style that always made them readable. In the spring of 1878 he was engaged by the " Oregonian" as news editor, in which capacity he served three years, when he was promoted to the assistant editorship. During the past year he visited various sections of the new Northwest and contributed to his journal numerous descriptive articles. They were marked by evidence of keen observation, accuracy of statement and freedom from dry detail. They gave just what the public generally, and intending immigrants particularly, desired to learn, and no more, except occasionally descriptions of persons and places in a humorous vein. The letters attracted much attention and have been incorporated into pamphlets descriptive of Oregon and Washington for foreign distribution. He represented the "Oregonian" as editorial correspondent at the capital during the recent session of the Legislature, and while his daily contributions by no means pleased those who opposed the course laid out and followed by the journal in the Senatorial question, he showed vigor of thought and expression which opponents were compelled to admire. His writings, as a rule, evince terseness and strength. He has already attained a high place among Oregon journalists, and few young men of the State give promise of a brighter future.
S. A. MORELAND.
Editor-in-chief of the Portland "Evening Telegram," first saw the light of day in Jackson county, Tennessee, November 1, 1836. When he was twelve years old his parents removed to Illinois, where they resided for four years. Young Moreland, then a rugged lad of sixteen, started across the plains to Oregon with his parents, and like many another eminent pioneer, drove an ox team. In the fall of 1852 the family located at Hardscrabble, in Clackamas county, which was not a particularly inviting region at that period. The subject of this sketch was am ambitious youth, and soon tired of the plow on his father's farm. He came to Portland in 1857 and after- wards entered the law office of Hon. L. F. Grover, the present U. S. Senator from Oregon, where he prepared himself for the legal profession. While studying law he supported himself by his pen. Mr. Moreland has been honored by his fellow citizens in Portland in various ways, having been
