Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-02-19
COMMUNICATION.
For the Courier.
Oltumwa, Feb. 18th, 1852.

4
Oltumwa, Feb. 18th, 1852.
Mn. Enron:
Feeling, a. LIDO, deeply interested in
the efforts which are now making, not
only IN our young, vigorous and enter
prisirg State, but also in the States Of I'LL
nois, Indiana and Ohio, 10 procure from
the Congress of the United States grant
Of land To aid in the construction of a
rail road from Lafayett in Indiana, by the
way Of Peoria in Illinois, 10 Burlington,
and from thence 10 Council Bluff on the
Missouri River, and having been, by un-
avoidable circumstances, prevented from
attending on or participating in the DELHI
erations Of the Convention which met al
Ottumwa on the 18th inst..I am con-
strained thus to respond 10 call which
was made upon me by that Convention.
When we look upon the map Of this
mighty Republic--These powerful and
prosperous States, extending across this
vast continent, from ocean to ocean, and
trace out tina localities of the cities of San
Francisco, Burlington, Peoria, Lafayette,
indianapolis, Columbus Pittsburg, Har-
risburg, Philadelphia. New York and
| Boston, i. needs bnt little foresight
moments reflection, to sec that the points
arc destined soon, very soon, TO be united
by one continuous railroad connection
Already there are uninterrupted railroad
connections between some ofthose points,
| whilst between others Of them routes are
fixed upon, contracts made, and roads are
being built. In fact he who is posted up
IN the movements of the cauntry east OF
Burlington, cannot fail To see that a yieor-
Gus cooperation is at work looking to ,
direct connection between New York g.
Sacramento. That such a connection is to
De effected in few years, may be regar-
ded as one of the '.freti facis' Of this age.
The exertions which are being put forth
in the more eastern States, will not stop
at Burlington, but will progress on west
ward and westward until we shall be in
dissolubly united with the wealth and en-
ergy Of the Pacific States. 1t needs no
argument to convince of the fact, that TO
create, foster and maintain those feelings
Of attachment between the people of the
Atlantic, Middle, Southern and Pacific
States, necessary TO keep them one and
united, closer connection is es-
sential.
/ Constant and reciprocal intercourse be-
tween distant territories is indispensable
to good will, harmony and prosperity
Without a railroad connection between the
distant territories Of this Government,
such state of feeling can never lie crea-
ted and preserved, but with it these re-
mote parts Of our vile spread country
will be brought IN almost daily contact
with each other, and will OF necessity feel
united together in the bonds Of common
brotherhood, each realizing the impor-
lance Of The otEer's prosperity, each con-
tribuiing by its variety Of pursuits and
| productions TO the other in its onward
march to a common greatness. 1t is the
hope entertained by our people west of
the great mountain chain, Of one day
being more closely connected to their
brethren Of the older States, which keeps
alive in them their attachment to our com
mon country. No one believes for mo-
ment, that if the citizens of California,
New Mexico ana Oregon could be con-
WINGED that there never would be more
speedy means Of communication than now
ars between them and us, they would any
longer regard themselves as belonging to
one general Government, to one Union
protected by one flag & the citizens Of one
country with us. These are undenioble
truths. fixed in nature, and cannot be
overlooked, or disregarded by our gov
eminent with immunity. II the General
Government from its own sense Of JUS
tice, is not prompted to extend its benif-
cerce, in aid of such fraternity, its con-
scionsnes. Of self preservation will con-
strain tito de SO. In addition to the So
cial, commercial and agricultural advanta-
ges resulting from such connection, il
would be powerful and an essential in
strument in the hands Of the government,
OF national defence.
In what may this country's greatness Ce
said to consist? In its extent Of domain,
fertility of soil, variety and salubrity Of
climate, immense mineral resources, the
/ variety of its agricultural products, its
mighty rivers. tie liberal principles Of its
ins :it.:tions, the mental power Of its states.
men, III. ircn nerve and unconquerable