Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1849-12-12

able within ourselves to extend to
our State the benefits of a railroad
communication, Congress is in JUS
tice bound to extend to Iowa the
same liberal aid by grants Of land
for the construction Of internal i'm
provements that has been extended
to other States of this Union.
Resolved, That our Senators and
Representatives in Congress be re-
quested to exert their influence to
procure grant Of land to this State
for the purpose Of aiding in con-
structing railroad from Dubuque
to Keokuk, according to the memo
rial of the General Assembly Of the
State of Iowa, dated January 22d,
l848, and the joint resolution Of the
same approved January 18th, 1919.
ResoIred. That this convention
| deems the project of a railroad from
Dubuque to Keokuk, having as in
tcrmediate points, Cedar Rapids,
Iowa City and Fairfield, as present.
nently adapted to the interests Of the
State, aud first of all worthy Of the
attention Of its citizens.
ResolOed, That in procuring a
grant of land to this State, our dele
cation in Congress be requested to
exert themselves in favor of the route
specified in the foregoing resolution.
Resolrea, That this convention
concurs in the main features Of the
bill as introduced in the Senate of
the United States at it's last session
by Senator Jones in relation to the
Keokuk and Dubuque railroad.
Resoived, That the practicability
Of the contemplated route is no,v a
matter beyond dispute, and its advi-
stability in view of the vast agricul-
tural and mineral resources of the
country, is a question equally at
rest.
Resolrea, That in seeking a dona-
ton from Congress to aid in the con-
struction Of the Main Line, we need
have no cause of quarrel with the
interests, or come in contact with the
sectional feelings Of the citizens of
our State either east or west of the
contemplated route for it will be
the beginning of good to ala point
from which may radiate innumerable
routes to every section of the State.
Resolred, That as a portion Of the
people Of Iowa, we viii neither
slumber nor sleep in our efforts until
our wishes aregratified, and the whis-
tie of the steam car shall make glad
our fertile and beautiful prairies.
On motion of John t. Ely, Esq,
The resolutions were unanimously
adopted.
After which, the committee selec-
ted to draft the memorial, though
there chairman E. Drown, Esq, re-
ported that the committee after de-
liberation, and for the purpose of
harmonious action with the Anamosa
Convention now in session at that
place; which, the Committee were
informed, had previously concluded
to adopt the address and memorial
published by the Iowa City Conven-
ton, have concluded also to adopt
and report the same to this Conveu-
ton, which was then read by their
said Chairman as follows:
Having published these docu-
ments heretofore we deem it unncs-
sary to do SO again.
Which, upon motion of DR.. Bal
lard, was enthusiastically adopted:
On motion of Mr.. Negus.
The Secretaries were requested to
forward copy of the proceedings of
this convention to each member of
our delegation in Congress.
On motion of Mr.. Goodrich,
The ediotrS of Fairfield, kcokuk,
Iowa City and Dubuqe papers, be
requested to published the proceed
ings of this convention to be Furnish
ed to them by the Secretaries, and
also, that all other papers in the
State friendly to this contemplated
railroad, be and arc hereby reques-
ted to copy the same.
After which the Hon. Cyrus Walk
er of Illinois, (who happened to be
presently made very able response
to call upon him, in favor of this
project, setting forth in clear and
lucid manner, the great benefit, prac-
ticability of construction, &C., &C.
of the improvement.
He was succeeded by Mr.. Preston,
of Linn county, who, in a very |
statesmanlike speech, on the feasibil- |
ity and benefit of the road, enter
tanned for some time the convention.
Mr.. Drown, then in his usual neat
style and energetic manner, address
sed the convention, and urged the
necessity of untiring zeal and efforts
On the part Of the people of the State
in behalf of the work; and he was
followed by DR.. Ballard, of Johnson
county. and Mr.. Rowlette of Kan