Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-03-23
OAKLAND g. OTTAWA RAILROAD

the adjournment of the Legislature, but continue
to evince disposition to push forward the
work as fast as possible. They have engaged
the services of Robert Higham, Esq, one of
the first Engineers in the State of New York
formerly Engineer of the Auburn q Rochester
Railroad, and Superintendent of the Hudson
River Railroad. He will superintend the sur
veys, with view Of ultimately becoming the
resident Engineer of the Road, when completed
Mr.. Hgham, with Mr.. N. p. Stewart, principal
stakeholder, and Charles Howard, Of Detroit,
and G. o. Whittemore; of Pontiac last week
passed through the contemplated route of the
Road, VIA Fentonvillc, Owasso, Lyons and lonia
to this place, arriving here on Saturday evening.
They expressed great satisfaction with the fea-
sibty of the route, and think they can obtain
straight line route from Pontiac to Fentonville
also, from Fentonville to Owasso, and from
Owasso to Lyons. From Lyons to this place
the route is not as feasible, in consequence of
| the river bluffs but they anticipate no serious
obstacles. Mr.. Whittemore remained after the
others left, for the purpose OF ascertainng the
most practicable route to reach and leave this
city.
| One corps of Engineers are now on the route
| from Fentonville TO Owasso, and another from
Owasso to Lyons. The citizens of Shiawassee
and Genessee counties have exhibited an enter
prsing spirit by promising the Company the
right of way through their counties without ex-
pense. As soon as the route shall be surveyed
and located, the subscription books will be open
ed at Detroit, Milwaukee and along the route.
We hope, when that time shall arrive, our cti-
zens will give substantial evidence that they de-
sire the construction Of railroad to Grand Rap
| ids.
A single glance at the map, and the slightest
reflection upon the Importance Of the construc-
ton of this route destined, as it is, to be great
thoroughfare, must convince any candid and i'm
partial mind that its construction cannot much
longer be delayed. West of us the State of
Wisconsin, and the city of Milwaukee, in partic-
ular are more deeply interested ifpossibe, than
we in its early construction. Chicago is push
ing out its railroad arms in every direction, and
is thereby drawing to itself, with the rest, the
trade of Southern Wisconsin and Milwau-
kee is sensibly feeling the effects Of this. To
protect herself and preserve her commercial po-
sition, she is pushing on to completion the Mil
waukee and Mississippi Railway with all posi-
BILE dispatch. The Milwaukee Wisconsin, Of
the 25th ult., says:
"The advertisement of the chief engineer Of
the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railway, shows
that this railway is to be finished to Madison,
while the the other companies talk OF going
there. We hope to see the cars running to
Madison by the lst of Dec. Time is of vast
moment in securing the trade of central Wiscon-
sin. But the company will not stop at Madison
as we learn that the surveys from Madison to
the Wisconsin river, will be commenced to-day
and as soon as the location and the necessary
arrangements can be made, that section will be
put under contract. This road is the backbone
of our city's prosperity, and all will rejoice that
the company have both the means and the ener-
gy to push the road on to the Wisconsin Riv-
err"
This road runs due west from Milwaukee to
the Mississippi; as Milwaukee lies directly OPP
posite Grand Haven, it will be readily seen that
our road is necessary link in their chain Of
communication with the east. Until this Road
is completed, passengers arriving at Milwaukee,
bound eastward, must turn right angle at that
point and 90 to Chicago before reaching any of
the great eastern and western trunk lines of
travel. Since railroads have superseded steam
boats, with the travelling public going west, Mil
waukee is more than ever tributary to Chicago
While all the travel went round the lakes, via
Mackinac, she was a rival town with Chicago
and struggling for ascendancy; but the revolu-
ton effected by railroads has given her rival an
impetus and rapid advancement which she can
not hope to attain She can be placed upon
great thoroughfare; prevent being mere out
town, sort Of appcndage to Chicago, only by
the early construction of a railroad eastward
from Grand Haven. With Milwaukee, it is al
most matter of life and death. If we look
eastward, a like interest is felt in its construc-
ton. Detroit has vast, an incalculable inter
est is felt in it. The Central New York line,
and Boston Roads too, are deeply interested in
preventing the travel from Wisconsin and north
ern Michigan from being drawn off upon their
great rival, the southern route to New York and
Boston. The struggle between those two great
interests has been long, active and uncompro-
missing. There is a unity Of interest in each
line from Boston to the Mississippi, and we must
suppose the northern interest to be stupidity
blind TO their own interests, if they would de-
lay the construction Of this important link in
their chain of communication with the Missis-
sippi, until their great rival, the southern Road,
has run up its arms over Michigan and Wiscon-
sin, and drained this large section of its travel
and business. They are not thus blind, but full
ly awake to their interests and are determined
to secure them. The result will be, as We con-
fdently believe, we shall have Railroad, and a
brighter day is dawning upon our now flourish
ing City. Grand Rapids Enquirer.
BUFFALO Custom HoUsE.-Persons abroad