Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-02-12
Pitiflai Inuendoes.

For several weeks we have noticed a
spirit of enviousness displayed by the
Keokuk papers, towards Burlington, that
little becomes either high minded editors
or liberal citizens. Nor has Burlington
alone been the point of assault; Ouum-
wa, too, must come in for a share Of the
silly ridicule, which those who can only
deal in ridicule and abuse--ins,ead of
turning their energies and talents TO u
good use-know so well how to use.
The last Vuiley Whig makes the fol
lowing thrust at Ot!umwa:
THUS at Ottumwa, we find The peo-
pie called upon, by a Circular prompted
at Burlington, TO assemble in Conven-
ton in favor of Railroad from Burling
ton Council Bluffs, through Otsumwa."
We can assure. the editor of the Wing
that no prompting was ever received by
Ottumwa, or any of its citizens, from
Burlington, TO hold Convention. On
the contrary, the whole proceedings and
promr.ings originated in O.tumwa. TO
be sure, the example Of Burliugton's in
domi.ablc enterprise induced, in some
degree, that action on the part of our
citizens; still no "runners" from Bur-
lington las is insinuated by the Whig)
honorel US with their presence, neither
did scratch Of pen (excep: in the
newspapers come 10 This place from
Burlington on the subject of said road.
But supposil,g there had been prompt
jngs" sent US from Burlington? If they
had been to our interest should we hesi-
tate as to the course we should pursue!
Should We daspatch messengers TO Keo-
kuk to ask leave to do that which we
esteemed right and for our own interest,"
We think not, and neither ridicule nor
Misrepresentation can drive US from our
chosen path Of duty.
/, seems 10 us that the Keokuk editors
could not pursuse a better plan to alien
ate forever the people and the trade Of
this part of the Des Moines Valley from
their city, than 10 pursue the course they
are now following. We can assure
them that tits notan inevitable fact that
the trade Of this valley should go several
miles up the Mississippi, after i, leaves
the Des Moines, in preference to stop
ping at The mouth or going on domn
stream, to that great commercial mart,
st. Louis. Sympathy goes great way
and SO far as is consistent with interest,
this part Of the Des Moines Valley sym
patllises with Keokuk; and would still
wish TO cultivate and maintain friend
ship and trade with her. but not at the
expense of being bully-ragged and ridi-
caled by those who lie. envy overstep
the bounds of judgment.
Keokuk has displayed nothing hut
mastery inactivity, and sometimes has
acted in direct opposition to projects Of
improvement that would benefit this
whole valley, and at the same time Sc
cure to her fair portion Of our trade,
provided she acted generously towards
US. And now, when she sees that a
much dreaded rival is striking to obtain
what she, by the proper course. may re-
tain, flies off in passion and resorts to
ridicule and abuse. Just go~Ahead,
make as many ungenerous and false as
sertions as you like. but we shall not be
responsible for The consequences. Keo
kuk is MOI invincible, nor are the people
Of this Valley lost to feeling and spirit
of resentment.
Vine ALmANAc.-This valuable work