The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1850-08-20


The following communication from one OF
our most respectable citizens, deserves the
consideration not only o: our merchants and
mechanics individually but Of our city as a
corporation. 1t treats the subject so fully,
and yet in few words, that we prefer giving
it to our readers without further remark at
this time:
Mr.. EDIToR:-In the various improve
ments conie mplated and constructing for the
benefit of Evansville, it seems strange to me
that Plank Road from this to New Harmo-
ny, is not more considered. In my opinion,
measures ought to be Immediately taken to
effect this work. 1t is known to you, | pre-
sumo, that the stock for making plank road
from Albion TO Graysville is taken, TO connect
with steam ferry from the latter place, TO
New Harmony. There is now making a
plank road from New Harmony to Mt Yer
non. We ought to meet this by plank road
to New Harmony. An inspection of the map
will show, that the citizens of White, Ed
wards, Wabash, Lawrence, Richland, Clay.
Wayne and Jefferson, will avail themselves
Of the Albion and Graysville plank road and
steam ferry to communicate with the Ohio
river; one half of the year it is the only prac-
teal route. When completed, it will be open
at all seasons ofthe year Even the inunda-
ton of the Wabash will be no hinderance TO
travel.
! To draw or continue the trade of the coun-
ties above mentioned in Illinois, is most i'm
portant to this city-it is of vital interest to
every merchant and mechanic. The expense
Of constructing Il is road is nothing compared
with the trade and business it would bring
to u.s. The highest estimate of the cost for
constructing this work, which we have heard
made, is $4,000. 1t is thought by many,
that it will not require 10 be planked the
whole distance: the nature oi'the ground over
portion of the way, being such, that. it can
be made good enough without that addition.
Ii is presumed that one half the amount can
be raised ont of the city Of Evansville
Will Evansville see drawn from her without
any effort so important part of her trade,
as that of Illinois for fear of being obliged 10
raise so small sum as $4,000 ?
There are other advantages, in my opinion,
this road may give us--it would become an
important thoroughfare for emigration. being
the shortest and most direct route from the
Ohio river to st. Louis. The rlmmigratiof
by land from the East to those going by the
way of 81. Louis, TO the West is on the roat
to the latter place, from Louisville, by Vim
cennes. The distance from Louisville TO 81
Louis, by the uay of Vincennes, is 264 miles
From Evansville to New Harmony, is 2;
miles From N ii. 10 Belleville, ILL.,, $780,
From BelIevillc to ST. Louis, over a macad
amized road, Is miles--in all, 16S miles
making a difference in favor of the last rout
of 90 miles. have not spoken of the profits
which q road might realize to its stockhol
ders. do not think that there can be an,
; doubt but that this would yield ten per cen
per annum. All the plank roads which w
: have heard Of have been profitable to tn
owners. Very few that have been made
will be more Travelled than this.
We have general plank road law in on
statutes. Nothing prevents our making u.s.
: OF it to begin this measure. Let US begi
Immediately. g..