Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-06-13
The Grief Of Gen. Jones.

The Grief Of Gen. Jones.
The inhabitants Of Iowa, and espe-
cially the jewellers in the Des Moines
valley, have had occasion TO notice with
astonishment the innumerable variety OF
letters which the Hon. A. G.. Dodge,
has caused 10 be published over his sig
nature, in relation TO the Grant Of Lands
for the Improvement of the River. Ev.
er since the first settlement of the val.
ley, the grand panacea to alleviate dis
satisfaction, or to stimulate the faithful
TO sound abroad the praises Of Dodge
and democracy on the Des MoiEes, has
been the River Grant. No occasion fol
parading his name before the public in
connection with this subject has beer
suffered to pass unimproved, and many
times he has foisted himself upon the
attention Of the public, when the occa-
sion did not require itat all. Ovations
of triumph, and peans Of glorifcaiion
in honor Of his exploits, we have had
time and again over each new report sci
afloat to satisfy The people that a fayora.
BILE decision had been made upon the
question:. But as soon as these reports
had answered the personal, or political
objects which originated them, they
were suffered to pass away, and all
things remained as before.
Recently, however, Gen. Jones, Of
Du Buque, has become fugleman foi
Dodge, and is now doing the blowing
and striking for the concern.
A short time since the commissioner
of the Work addressed letter to Dodge
inquiring as to what had been done by
the Secretary of the Interior towards
the settlement of the question. This
was two months after the adjournment
of Congress, and it appears that the
Senator was unable to give any informa
ton on the subject, and Jones happening
along very OPPORTUNITY in about the
length of time required for his attend
ance upon summons, the two Senators
unite in letter to the Secretary of the
Interior, urging speedy decision of the
question. And then Gen. Jones writes
a communication to the Dispatch. to lie
the public know how deep an interes
he and Dodge had felt in the matter, ant
appends letter of the date of Marcel
End, signed by the two, aud addressed
TO the Secretary of the Interior. Gen
Jones says in his communication tina
Secretary Stuart promised TO write on
decision confirming Secretary Walkers
decision in favor of The State of Iowa
within fifteen days after the 4th o.
March. And she ,cas much surprised
and grieUed TO learn, few days since
that nothing had been received from the
Interior Department on the subject"
Is il not most remarkable fact tha
Senator Jones should not have thought
how strange il was, that the Secretary
decision had not been made public fol
two long months after it was TO have
been forwarded to our State. II he and
Dodge had really felt that deep interest
in the matter which they profess, il
strikes us that their wonder at the delay
would have been excited without iht
prompting of a letter of inquiry by the
Commissioner.
Now, the truth is, as we think, thai
the matter was one which excited no in.
terest in their minds, and after leaving
Washington they never thought of i. one
way or the other, till they received q
letter from General Van Antwerp, call.
ing attention to il. Then, however, they
thought it an excellent opportunity lo
get into the papers, and they anticipated
the Commissioner by writing TO the Sec
rotary of the Interior, that they nigh
have the glory of publishing the favora.
bic decision over their own signatures
and, in the mean time, their vain, glori
Gus stomachs are stayed by letter ant
communication upon the subject in the
papers.
The people of the Des Moines valley
have sufficient discernment 10 appreciat,
the grief of the Senators, as well a.
place their real interest in the matter n
its proper value.-Keokuk TaiIey U,hig