The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-09-19
,rr ans nr rur ripper MISSISSIPPI.

In an annual report Of the New Ofleans mar
le,. which fills seven OF the ample columns Of
the Bulieiia, we find that the people Of that city
begin 10 open tl,eir eyes to the fact Of the ne
cessty OF improving the Rapids, il they desire
10 retain the trade Of the tppc, Mississippi eoun-
,rv. A fact 10 which the citizens OF -. Louis
are also, at last beginning to yield credence,
In commenting upon this report the No. he
publican says:-ssNot a day passes that we 90
not hear OF projects calculated and intended 10
divert trade from ST. Louis-prolects, not ~ en-
brye, nor Of uncertain complellon.-but certain
10 be carried on, and sure TO be detrimental to
the prosperity of this city. OF these, We may
mention. that New York and Boston are quite
sure of a connection with the Mississippi above
the mouth Of the Illinois. at ttco points. before
we can hope for such Improvements as Will pre-
serve the trade Of Upper Illinois and Iowa 10 Us.
There will be Railroads from Gaiena, and from
point South Of that town, connecting with Chl-
caco, which will divert the whole trade OF that
section OF the country from US, unless we do
something TO keep the trade here"
The stpoint south OF that town. alluded TO, IS
Rock Island. In three years at iartl,est, con-
tinuous line of Railroad will connect this foin,
with New York and other Eastern ciiies. Then
The trade Of this region Of country will seek a
market which will not subject those eneaged in
il 10 the increased expense Of purchasing second
handed al S.. Louis.
We make the following extract from the Re,
por, contained in the Bullefia:-
s.The Rapids Of the Upper Mississippi, during
q considerable portion OF the year, present Sc
rions, if not insurmoun;able obstacle 10 ship
men,s from the upper towns ST Louis and this
CITY, unless at ruinous rates of freight, sufficient
" high TO cover the extra expense Of ighterage
and the necessary employment OF light draft
boats running al comparatively heavy expense.
instead OF more economical steamers OF larger
size. II will be observed, that the region above
these Rapids is unsurpassed in its fertility and
mineral wealth. There is perhaps no finer wheat
growing section within the boundaries OF the
Union Although, bu, few years have elaps
ed since Iowa was savage wilderness; il Is now
pepulous and wealthy State, and while It's
wheat commands the very highest price in eve
rs market, its mills have obtained just dlstiuc-
ton for the general excellence of their products.
..For all other cereal crors, this salnbrious
country is remarkably we'll adapted, and lis pro-
dnciive capacity seems almost unlimited. The
tide OF emigration to it deepens every year. and
il cannot fail TO exhibit vast increase in all the
elements that constitute national riches. The
acquisition OF lis trade, the disposal of lis valua
be products. and the supply Of its teeming pop
ulaiiop with the various articles of necessity and
luxury which they may require IN exchange, cam
not but become matter Of great importance 10
any commercial community, The agricultural
resources of the region on the Upper Mississippi,
it enjoys in common with other fertile sections
Of the Union, but in It's vast mineral wealth, il
stands almost alone and possessed none 9TH
er than lis lead trade TO stimulate the enterprise
Of the saeacious people OF New York and New
England, tha, would he sufficient to cause them
to make powerful effort for the PRICE,