Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1849-01-31
For the Reporter.
The Report Of the Board Of PuD-
lie Works.

mlnQS me OF the Old anecdote ABOUT an OLD
maid whose opportunities for acquiring an
education had been very limited, SO much
so, that she could understand but very lit
tie Of what she read but who. neverthe-
less, like many others in the world, wish
ed to show off whenever an opportunity
offered. One day when at neighbours
house, in company with several gentle
men and ladies, she saw book lying upon
the table near her, and wishing to convey
the impression to those present that she
was quite intelligent and great reader,
picked up the book and commenced peru
sing it with much apparent interest; when
one Of the gents, noticing the very deep
interest she seemed to manifest in the pc
rusal Of the book, inquired Of her what
book she was reading: she replied, that
she did not know the author, but it was a
very interesting work indeed, and treoted
Of great voriefy Of subjects. Upon sub
I sequent examination the book was ascer-
certained to be dictionary.
This report, or book, OF the Board of
Public Works, treats of almost as great a
variety Of subjects as the old maids book,
but is one of the most wild and visionary
productions, 1t is believed, that ever ema-
mated from such source. 1t treats Of
Indian difficulties, passes an euloey upon
an individual for his important improve
ment in Daguereotype," and republishes
part Of the old and familiar history of
Mr.. Nhitney's rail road project; also,
gives something of history OF the geolo-
gical, mineral, and other resources of
| Iowa, etc. etc.
But as these things are yery innocent
and harmless in themselves. involving no
principle; and as their introduction into
| the report is merely matter Of taste, no
one it is presumed will particularly object
TO the report on account Of their introduc-
| ton.
But there are in this report several i'm
portant recommendations to the General
Assembly and people, few of which
deem it my duty to call the particular al
tention OF the people to, SO that they may
carefully and candidly consider them, as
their best interest and future welfare are
seriously involved in these recommended
tons. The General Assembly were re-
quested TO pass law to authorize the
Board to issue bonds to an indefinite
amount, in order to enable the Beard to
prosecute the work with greater rapidily.
This recommendation of the Board that
the General Assembly authorize the issu-
ing Of bonds in order to enable them (the
members of the Board to prosecute the
work, in direct violation of the act Of
Congress making the grant, md in an ulti-
mate violation OF our own constitution, by
creating State debt to large amount,
seems TO be g leader in 4 contemplated
credit system for the construction Of inter-
nal improvements, by which the State
would be involved in all, and any improve
ments, without any restrictions, except, it
may be, the discretion of the members OF
the General Assembly. The Board, in
fact, say that it was understood between
the Board and the contractors, al the Sc
cond letting, that estimates were to be
made monthly as the work progressed, and
that bonds or certificates of indebtedness
were to be issued on these monthly esti-
mates, bearing six per cent. Interest per
annum, to these contractors; which certi-
ficates the Board were exceedingly anx-
ious "the supreme power of the State"
should endorse with the fifth of the State,
for the erident purpose Of making the State
directly and ultimately Enbie for the pay
ment of these certificates, in violation Of
the constitution.
The language of the report fully justi-
fes this conclusion. True, the Board be-
stow little Jaint praise upon the people
for having prohibited the General Assem-
bly, from involving the State to an unlimi-
ted extent in State debt, yet this praise
appears from the balance OF the report to
be mere I" blind" in order to accomplish
their object by involving the State far be-
yond the limit in this clause Of the consti-
tuition upon which their praise is bestow-
ed, as they not only misrepresent the con-
stituton in order to justify their recon-
mendation Of issuing bonds, but speak of
taring the people for the express purpose
of making up the defci, which will ne
cessariIy exist by the completion of the
improvement, after the entire appropria-
ton shall have been expended. But lest
should be accused Of disappearing
the Board | will give their own words,
to wit: "By making the best possible
disposition Of these lands, a protection is
offered to districts and counties remote from
the grant, as they must bear their proportion
of ony tao which may be imposed by The
State TO supply DEFICIT in the appropri-
alton, and an influence is thereby created
which generally preserves the trust from
improvident abuse" Report page 81.
Here, then, the Board have expressed the
object they had in view, in recommending
the General Assembly to authorize the
issuing Of bonds. 1t must have been to
make the State responsible for the whole
amount necessary to complete the improve
ment Of the Des Moines river as far up as
the Board might please to extend it, after
the amount Of the appropriation should
have been expended; so they should not
90 above the head Of the river, or out OF
the State.
In attempting to carry out this bond sys-
TEN, bill was introduced into the Gene
raj Assembly, (Which bill it is believed
was drawn up or dictated by the members