Iowa news. [volume] (Dubuque, Upper Mississippi Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1837-1841, 1837-12-09
JOHN PLUMBE, j..
Ftom the Grand River Times.

From the Grand River Times
Michigan STATE IMPRovEM ENTs-1here is
no subject agitated in this state, ofequa con-
sequence with the oae, which has for its obect the
benefit of its citizens, and revenue to the govern
ment. Internal Improvements ofall kinds should
be encouraged, SO far as they viii enhance the in
terests of the county. But when we extend such
improvements beyond the means and exgences of
the state, then we exceed the bounds of good poll
ucal economy. There are in this as in most other
sa'es iaporite objects contemplated by individuals
directly interested III particular locations, and il
would Mt be singular five find some, which should
appear better i'll theory than i'll practice. 1t should
20 the object of those who have the control Of the
government committed 10 them by the people, to
secure in all cases the rights ofther constituents,
the interest OF The community, and the welfare
OF the whole. In making appropriations for any
particular purpose, 1t il always important, thai the
interest Of the whole community be consIted as
well as that of the few, who may be directly affect
ed i'll the final result Ii would not be good policy
Tor the state. to expend large amount Of money in
commencing IN Improvement, from which II would
not receive sufficient revenue to defray the con-
tingent expenses. But we consider tina, there arc
iii this state some important contemplated improve
ments, which Will, as soon as completed, BIS sure
of afordMg nett profit, that will soon reimburse
the suM n the first expenditures, and become a
perm4A nurce OF revenue 10 the government
Sue fnreOvements are those which open COM
mugjta6 with the interior of a wealthy, densely
popul31h country, or connect nayigabe waters, by
MhlsAs distance is vastly lessened, and the time,
The latter instance is found il, the route of rail
road, connecting the water of the ST. Clair with
that fGrand River, which can be done with about
one hundred miles rail road aud a few thouse nd
dollars improvement to the river.
The ground is quite favorable, and the present
expense of uniting the two lakes by this route will
not exceed one third the nmount required TO ac-
complsh the object at any points upon the peninsu
|la-Though it light not be considered good poll
cy TO extend the rail track at frs, farther than
the nayigablc waters of Grand River, still there
will be every inducement to continue, us the road
may warrant, the improvement through to Lake
Michigan. The distance will be much shortened
and the rail road required in winter, when the riv-
er is not navgable-and so fast as the demand of
tho road will warrant the extension of the improves
ment, it shouldbe made.
The direct continuation Of the rail road through
Canada, to waters navigable to Milwaukee. and
thence to the Mississippi, affordng the travelling
community one OF the most direct and beautiful
routes found in the United States, are not all the
advantages TO be derived by this route. II would
save the transportation Of all tho productions of this
and the western states, all tho articles of commerce
which go round the lakes, FIVE hundred miles of
dangerous havigaiiohs ana open direct commune
cation to the extensive beds of coal lately discover
ed in this vicinity, and the salt springs which arc
equal to any in the states. The time is not far dis
tant when the salt springs within short distance
Of this place. owned by the state, will afford
revenue sufficient Of itself, to refund all expenses
required TO put the works in operation, and build
rail road which shall carry that valuable product
at all seasons Of the year 10 Detroit the grand en-
porium of Michigan. With such advantages, with
such inducements, IN. state will have no hesita-
ton in putting this route under Immediate contract