The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1850-11-06


We have occasionally alluded to this method
of internal Improvement, whenever the subject
has been brought to our notice by the enterprise
of some of our southern neighbors in this State,
same cause, and for motives more Immediately
concerning our nearer home relations.
Our neighbors of Muscatine and Burlington,
i'll commendable spirit Of enterprise, have for
the last year or 80, been devoting much capital
and attention to the building of plank roads, and
from very recent action by public meetings, in
and around these points, it is very evident that
these towns are destined to be connected, by
such means of conveyance with the interior Of
southern and central Iowa. Various branches
of these roads are already in progress Of con.
struction and several others are projected. Their
utility il no longer matter Of doubt or specu-
laton nor is their cost and profit left to conjec.
ture or inquiry. They grow in profit the
country grows in age, and they contribute more
to the wealth, importance and prosperity of the
country than any other improvements of equal
cost Experience has taught these facts to
those who have made the first untaught expert
ments, and those who will may reap the profit.
With these facts before us, may not spirit
of enterprise be awakened in this vicinity, which
would result in contributing something artificial
to the bounties given to this place by nature ,
Would it not be prudent, not to say wise, for
those who have permanent interest in Du-
buque 10 aid in constructing it, by means of
good roads to prominent growing points in the
Legitimate trade of Dubuque is taken from her by
the superior management and we'll directed ap-
plication of little capital of our neghbors Of
Muscatine.
Dubuque has lost, perhaps forever, the trade
of Linn and other counties which belongs to
her geographically, but which now flows in the
channel cut out for it by others. Shall these
| results continue without awakening those mos
interested to proper sense of their yearly, ave
daily, loss We fear they will continue, for we
behold not here the spirit to dictate, nor the
hands to undertake, the capital to inves
in works which will not yield present SO o.
| 100 per cent. The avenues leading to the towr
may be steep or level, rough or smooth, dry o.
muddy, for all that most men care. They seen
to think that the farmer must come and so he
must for little while, but soon will his cottage
be reached by the plank road of Muscatine, and
sooner, may be, will other river points open 9
new egress for his surplus produce. Can the
farmer be blamed for availing himself of these
advantages, or, is it fault in others to Offer
him inducements which will result in mutual
advantage to himself and the merchant? Who
can think Of gainsaying the one or finding faul,
with the other?
| We have written these hints more in sorrow
than in anger. We do feel indignant at the
staid, stold Indifference of property holder,
here, and we tell them that unless they wake W
to sense Of the duty they owe themselves
they viii! make up some fine morning and fine
their streets covered by weeds and grass, and hea
the cattle lowing at their doors, instead of wit
Messing the bales and boxes of merchandise ant
hearing the busy hum of well employed indus
tIy.