Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-10-16
VANDALIA:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1888.
ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN RAILROAD


sire is manifested 10 carry into execution the
ong contemplated Improvement. The agi-
alton of this question at this time, is prob
ably owing, in part, to the rapid emigration
10 that section of country north Of the Illinois
river, and the practcability of making the
northern route the channel for the trans
of merchandise, which can no,o be
made at cheaper rate, in less fine, and with
greater certainty than by the way of New
Orleans. The want of railroad from lake
Michigan to the Illinois river, must soon be
very sensibly felt, as that section of state is
in population to degree unparaE
ed in the history of any country. With these
facts before us, we should lose no time in ma
king necessary preparations for the con-
structlon OF so important work, and which
is likely to be of so much benefit not onlv to
thrs state, but the whole western country.
1t the state have not the means sufficient to
justify her 10 commence the work upon her
own footing, they are at hand, and may be-
applied to that use if right course is taken
to obtain them. There is but little doubt
that capital IN abundance could be procur-
ed, upon equitable terms, to carry on the
Improvement to its final completion, in the
course of two or three years; whereas, il
delay be made until the state becomes able to
meet the expense from her own resources.
posterity only can be benefited.
As to the practcability of calling sess-
ion of the Legislature for that purpose, as has
been urged by the citizens of Chicago. we
think will not be questioned, provided some
plan should be proposed that would be likely
to meet the appreciation ola majority; for at
the last session the "rail road'' bill, which
was then thought to be the best that could
be offered, received very violent opposition
in both branches Of the legislature, particu-
larry in the senate, and was finally laid on.
the table to an indefinite period.
We have understood that the governor is'
not averse TO calling a session, provided it
be the wish of the people. Public seni-
men, could be ascertained by the citizens
meeting together throughout the state, and
make known their views on the subject.
We deem it proper at this time, to lay be-
fore .be public the sentiments of the COVER
ernor to the last and present legislatures, that
all may have a fair opportunity to Judge of
the course which he will pursue in relation
to the construction of the contemplated rail-
road.
The iollowingis contained in his message
Of eighteen hundred and thirty.
The contemplated canal between the ILL.,
nois river and Lake Michigan. if we regard
the mere location Of it, being entirely with
in this state, is local; but if we regard the
benefits resulting from it to the whole na-
ton, and as connecting link to the great
chain of inland water communication be-
tween New Orleans and some of the Atlans
tic states, it is clearly national. The sx~
tent of inland navigation, which will be o.
pened when this canal is completed, will
not be equal'ed in any country; and its BEN
etits will be very generally and extensively
fet. The political effect Of all such works
is also very apparent. They will bring and
bind more closely together, the various parts
OF the extended confederacy. The report Of
the canal commissioners will be laid before
you: by which you will learn all the impor-
tant facts connected with that great, and to
US and the adjoining states, beneficial work,
1t is evident to my mind, that we have not
the means within ourselves for its immediate
complexion. Nor is there any prospect for
the speedy sale of the lands granted by con-
gress. sufficient to carry on the work. Some
plan tor raising fund should be adopted;
and If the legislature should be opposed to
loanIng money on moderate interest, I
would recommend an application to congress
to grant scrip, receivable at the land Offices
IN this state, in exchange for the lands here
tofore granted and remaining unsold. This
subject being presented to congress in its
properer light, there is no doubt the appica-
ton will be successful.
As the the adjoining states of Indiana and
Missouri, have great interest IN the cons
pletion of this canal, would recommend
you to invite, respectfully their attention to
it, and ask their cooperation in memorial
10 congress on the subject.
In 1882 the governor resumed the subject.
and seemed inclined to the belief that to
charter company with proper restrictions,
was the most practicable mode by which tho
contemplated improvement could be carried
into execution as the following will appear.
Among other objects of improvement Of
interest and importance, which
will claim portion Of your consideration,