Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-03-08

and adjacent counties, as an easy and
cheap means of access to the Mississippi
river.
end. ResoiUed, That said improve
ment is best adapted at present, TO the
use If the farmers and other business
persons of the country;--can be made at
cost entirely within their means, and
can be constructed in so short time as
to cause its advantages TO be felt imme-
diately. .......
Ord. Resolped, That by union. ener-
gy and concert of action of those inter-
ested in the route, the entire work may
be completed in time to transport to mar
kel their produce in the year 1851.
4th. ResoiUed, That in the opinion
of this Convention, said road would not
only afford great facilities to commerce
and travel, but that experience on similar
works through communities Of less
wealth of soil, settlement and produc-
tons, has proved that 1t would yield a
profitable dividend to those investing cap
ital therein.
9Th. ResolUed, That we earnestly liz
wife our fellow-citiz ens on each side of
the line Of said road to connect Herewith
by such lateral lines as they may be able
to construct, and may best comport with
their interests.
9th. ResoiUea, That as the proposed
road is not work which conflict with.
or is opposed to any of the other i'm
provements projected or commenced in
this State, The united energies of the peo-
pie of the counties through which it will
pass, should be brought TO bear in favor
of its speedy completion.
7lh. Resoiued, That while plank
roads are recommended by us for the
ease, facility and cheapness with which
they can be constructed; still stronger
argument in their favor, is the readiness
with which they can be converted into
Rail Roads at comparatively trifing
cost, whenever the business Of the coun-
try increases so as to demand it.
9Th. ResolUed, That with a knowl-
edge of the resources and great agricul-
tural capacity of the country between the
Des Mones and Mississippi rivers. we
cannot doubt that by the time the plank
Of said road are worn out, the substitute
of iron rails, to accommodate the in
creased commerce and travel, will be
imperatively called for. ..............
9th. Resolued, That taking this view
of the subject, the pank road between
Burlington and Ottumwa should be
looked to as the commencement Of rail
road to connect with similar roads, ex.
tending to the Mississippi river from the
East. .-... ..... A..
10Th. Resolued. That as choice of
markets is an object of the first impor-
lance to the people of Iowa, we feel a
lively interest, not only in the success of
the Peoria and Oquawk rail road, and
other improvements of the sane kind.
destined to give US an outlet to the East,
but also in the removal of the Obstacles
to the navigation of the Mississippi river.
On motion of DR.. Slurgiss, of Des
Moincs county, the following resolution
was adopted:
ResolDed. That although Rail Roads
are of much public utility as great Ma
iional thoroughfares, they are for the
purposes of internal commerce, neithe r
desirable nor productive of the best in
terests of the people of Iowa at the pres
ent time; but that Plank Roads, in view
of their cheapness and facility of construc-
ton, are much more economical and eve
ny way suited 10 the exigen eies of the
country and the circumstances of tn e
people. ..... .......... .....
II. w. Starr Esq. offered resolution,
to which James w. Grimes offered a
substitute, and the substitute being ac-
cepted by Mr.. Starr, was unanimo usy
adopted as follows:
ResolUed, That in the opinion of this
meeting, the route of Plank Road from
Mount Pleasant across Skunk river, at
or near Deeds Mill, in the direction OF
Brighton and Keokuk county, is entirely
feasible and worthy of the consideration
of capitalists and farmers along the route.
Resolved, That should it be found.
after reconnaissance and survey of the
route from Mount Pleasant to Ottumwa,
tina, said Deeds Mill is not in the direc,
route, that in that event, we recommend
the formation Of a company for the con-
struction of the route above mentioned
in the foregoing resolution.
On motion Of Col. Jesse Williams the
thanks of the Convention were tends red
to the Burlington Brass Band for their
attendance.
On motion the thanks of the convan-
ton were severally rendered to the citi-
zens OF Noun, Pleasant for their hos pi-
taIity, and 10 Mr.. Starr for his address,
and to the officers of the convention.
On motion, the newspapers prin ed al,
Burlington. Mount Pleasant, Fairfield,
and Otiumwa, were severally requested
10 publish the proceedings of the con-
veniion.
On motion of DR.. John F. Henry the
convention adjourned with nine cheers
for the Union of the States.
JAMES CLARKE,
President.
!; :. v %:s Ss..,., Secretaries.