The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-05-16
ADDRESS
OF X. T. N JKEAN: Esa.
Be}ofc tie Railroad Conren.ion at UeaAetsfeM,
Henry Co., M .W1y Cd 1850.


Bejotc tie Railroad Correction at UeatAersfeM,
Henry Co., M, May Cd 1880
Ms. PREsIrEsT IL offer 10 this convention
few thoughts in reference TO the r. !. and La
Sale Railroad; and in communicating my opln-
ion as 10 is nature and Importance trust that
il may, IN its various connections, suggest the
adoption of useful and efficient measures.
This enterprize should i be considered ms
RqIroad designed merely for the accomplish
ment OF ordinary purposes orof imitednfluence.
Its natural position aud great physical advanta-
ges, claim for il degree Of superiority, which,
when fully made known, will not only give 10
il an unusual measure of interest and impor-
tancc, but will place il first on the list OF West
erm Railroads. In order 10 satist. myself OF the
fact thatt should be selected 10 form part OF the
grea. chain OF r. Roads eventually 10 stretch
across this continent, and 10 be able to state ns
an engineer, thar 6y suitable exertions the
friends of the project may establish its preeeden-
cy. have explored this district Of country with
considerable care. have traced two distinct
lines. throughout their whole extent and have
eailed. as ! believe, correct Typographical
kuowege, for an average breadth Of u miles
Comparing these with my previous explorations
in northern Illinois, / have no hesitation in say-
inp thar no line can he found, between axe
Michigan and the Mississippi which can be
compared with it when extended so as to form
The entire communication. Bnt the world is apt
tore gard oar profession us they do many others;
and however honest IN individual may be, how
ever extensive his experience, orhow perfect his
Judgment, something more than the mere opin-
ION is called for, before men, not Immediately
interested, will invest their money in works OF
this description There must be absolute proof
from instrumental examination, and no sinai! m
fuence 10 back il, at least with those who live
at distance or whose interests induce them TO
propagate opposite opinions Alawyer may De
very learned and understand very well the
,is.ce Of his cause, but his eloquence would be
OF little avail in court Of Justice, without SUBJ
tan,ial evidence 10 sustain H..
Y The Rock island and Ii Sale Railroad is
plainly marked out blythe hand OF nature asihe
true route upon which to extend the main
branch of Eastern Railroads, but it is not exempt
from the effect ofcircumstances-it IS not yct
in safe position. HAD supposedly "a few weeks
ago, when heard of the spirited movements
thai were made in its favor, that II was in tait
way TO bid defiance 10 all rival proje and take
undisguised preccdcncy.
The company, however, has failed to organ
ize. and the spirit OF procrasinatlon which has
since existed, will render its final success more
and more uncertain., Twill endeayor topoin'
out the reasons why delay will place its inter-
esis in jeopardy. Within year and hal', oF
two years at most, an unbroken chain OF R1ls'
road will be in operation from Chicago to 'h'
Atlantic, to PhiladelI hin well as to n. York
and Boston. II would not be surprising i tht
success of the Michigan Central Road, and thu
heavy business which is sure TO ind its way owe
the Chicago and GaIena Railroad next tall, al
T as EIgih, Should suddenly give new d'rec'
lion for Eastern capital, and cause investments
to be sought for in Railroads west OF Lake
Michigan. The Charter OF the Chicago anc
Gllena Road allows the company TO extend
branches wherever they choose Their hnc tol
the fist 80 miles isnearly due west, and tits AREA
yaquestion with them whether eastern men vii
not prefer direct line to the Mississippi 70 ~. h
order to effect this obec. they extend their linz
j from Fox River, through Dixon and thence e
The Mississippi at Fulton or Albany. The,
would naturally prefer TO do this under. the
own Charter rather than 10 divcrge sontnwaTt
1 10 NEE, this line, and thus supercedo the r. l
II ,ad Ii lis main object. This is far from benz
mere conjecture The subjec, has been recent