Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1851-05-08
The Rail Read Meeting

OF last Friday night, the I'd inst, was well at
tended and the proceedings were highly interest
ing and important. These proceedings will be
found in another column; but we cannot dismiss
them BY this bare allusion. Although the night
was stormy and the streets were muddy, the num-
bcrs and the character OF the crowd that semblea
on the occasion demonstrated the deep interest,"
they felt in the object Of the meeting AHer
was organized Mr. Grimes introduced A. I. HARD
ING, Esq, Of Warren Co., III. Mr. n. gave iuii
and an interesting history Of the road. us present
prospects, and the beneficial results that wou'a
grow out ofts completion, both to the farmers along
the route as well as to its stockholders, and all
who might embark in the enterprise. He alluded
to the various projected works that might be rivals
to this. He looked upon the Rock Island and La
sale road being certain to be built. In speak
ing or the proposed road from Quincy, running
north and south through the Military Tract, and
which has to some extent diverted the minds OIL
the people of portion of Knox and Warren coun-
ties from our road, we understood him to say that
those individuals thus affected were now unani-
mousy willing to fraternze with the Peoria Com
pany and aid in the construction Of the road,
which is to tap Iowa at this place. He gave as
surances that the people along the whole line, in
the various counties of Illinois were anxious to
see the work completed, and that they would do
their part towards its accomplishment. The facts
and data introduced by Mr. Harding commended
themselves to the good sense of all present, and
they showed their appreciation Of them, by their
cordial response to his statements in the shape Of
their vote of thanks as well by the applause Civ.
en- at the close Of his address.
H. w. STARR, Esq, of this city, gave very
common sense view ofthe importance of construct
ing rail road from this point to Peoria. He COM
pared the route PROPOSED from La Sale to Rock Is
land with the one from this place to Peoria, and
showed that while the FIRST might appear important
on the MAP to any one not acquainted with the
country, yet in view Of the profile of the routes and
the amount of population and improvements, the
latter was far more important than the other
This, taking into view its connection with Iowa, is
made most apparent, rs by the last Census 10 ex'
hibted the fact that more than half Of the ~hoie
population Of Iosca is found TO be south Of the norfh
line Of tins county. Here we already have Plank
road that is to stretch far away into the interior,
and which will, with its branches, drain the most
fertile and most populous part of our State, and
which win find vent for its surplus products at
this point to the east. On the supposion that the
Peoria, Oquawka and Burlington rail road is aban-
doned, then, as the Rock Island road is sure to be
built, all the interior towns will point their i'm
provements either north towards Rock Island or
South towards Quincy. The importance Of taking
hold of this work in earnest was fully demon
strated, and from the unanimity with which the
resolutions were adopted, we believe our citizens
realize to some extent their responsibility in this
matter.
For several years we have felt the importance
OF having an outlet for the surplus produce Of the
acknowledged granary Of Iowa its transit to the
east, through the very channel that's contemplated
by the construction of rail road from here to Peo-
ria. To the property holders of Burlington, and
to the owners Of land in this, Henry Jefferson and
Louisa counties, this work is OF immense impor-
lance. Mr. Harding gave several illustrations of
the inevitable of the value of land in
cident to such improvements. Our own plank
road experiment has demonstrated this fact al
ready. AS mere pecunary speculation all those
who engage in it will find that in less than three
years they viii realize sufficient quid pro quo for
all the shares they may take in this road. There
is not frmer in either Of these counties, who
could not ~ usAsatiy represented in the stock of
this company at the rate Of one share for every
eighty acres he may own. THERE'S not property
who could not probably invest the amount Of one
share in the stock Of this road, for every $500
worth of real estate he may own. Some such pro-
portion should be subscribed without any delay
The time has come for US to act, and as the COM
mittees may be engaged in their duties We bespeak
for them not only welcome, but liberal sub
scriptlon, commensurate with the importance of
their mission.
Suppose for an instant this work TO he aba ndoned
or even delayed for year. What would be the
consequence Instead Of Plank roads throughout
the interior pointing they Go to Burlington, they
would divergc to the north to meet The Rock Is
land road, to the south to meet the contemplated
Quincy road. Burlington and the country contigu-
would be left solitary and alone, to ship what
casual produce might happen to be brought in, Ell.
Their to Rock Island St Louis, accordance with
its destination north south. Its trade would be
confined to narrower circle than ii is at present
real estate would depreciate in vaiue-and houses
would be tenantless. Never Lad region of coun-
try stronger incentives to prompt action than has
| ours at the present moment. A little delay may
deprive us forever Of the advantage within our
reach. This is no lottery. This is no doubtful
| pertinent. The result ofany course Of action was
is already ripe for the reapers aud it seems to be
asking, "who will reap?o II Burlington and the
surrounding country say GIVE will,' then may they
anticipate golden harvest-home. Then may they
lock forward 10 state Of prosperity which, in five
years from this time, will double population and
add largely 10 our other resources of wealth.
gence and happiness.
We do not know that there is any necessity for
thus urging our citizens 10 take hold Of this matter
in such right good earnest at the present time.
We think there is not, except in the case of indi-
yiduals, who may not discover that in the affairs Of
| communities as well as men
There is tide, which, taken al the food
| Leads on TO fortune.
We speak as unto wise men, judge re what we
| say.
Filming q Man.
singular genius has been engaged in peddling
an article which seems to be no more nor less
than the colored paper used in the manifold letter
writer's. The principal use to which he put it was
to take Impressions from leaves Of trees. These
| impressions were very pretty and natural, but as
some Of those who bought the article that he sold
could not produce similar imrre ssons, it is thot
he must prepare the leaves beforehand to produce
the effect. After beng here several days, he was
arrested on the complaint of citizen for peddling
without license. His defence was that the Mayor
hal told y NH.oN.