The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1853-04-20
0U1 FORT DEsMOINEs CoRREsPoN.
- Il - MINT

S0U9 FORT DEsMOINEs CoRREsPoN.
DENT.
Olfeld and much esteemed friend F., who
has rec{stly established himself at Fort Des-
moises, ~ laid US nnder special obligations to
him for a4communication which appeared in
eurpaper 81 Wednesday last.
Our correspondent seems DESTROYS that an
interest should be excited in Dubuque, in be-
hall Of r41 road connection with Fort Des-
mo;nes. We cheerfully and cordially respond
to the sediment. Not because we regard it as
the most 1ayantageous rail road project which
has been proposed in the State, but because it
possesses nuch, if not more merit, than any
which seems 70 unite the countenance and sup
port Of majority Of our people. The Du-
buque and Keokuk rail road project, was the
FIRST proposed in the State, and in our humble
jodgueas, possesses advantages, which no other
route can possibly acquire; Blu, through legis-
lative log rolling, combination and treachery, it
has been formally and solemnly repudiated, and
It becomes the trne friends Of the State now,
10 advance such other projects ass will best ac-
commodate the general interests of the State,
and will most readily command the confidence
Of the people. Routes running East and West
seem to have obtained by general consent; and
q the last legislature gave this new line of poll
icy its solemn approval, we are disposed to make
virtue Of necessity, and contribute our might
to advance a system of improvements, which
in our judgment, might have been more ably
devised, but will nevertheless rebound greatly
to the interest of The State. To the proposition
then, Of 4 road from Dubuque to Fort Des
moines, and other points named, we yield cor
dial amen, and whatever we can do to interest
Eastern capital in the policy and advance the
enterprise, shall be cheerfully done. We speak
of Eastern capital, because have lost all
hope Of ever obtaining any aid from Congress
for the building Of rail roads in Iowa, and are
firmly OF the opinion, that whatever is accom-
plished in this way, must be done by private
companies. Some may regard this as forlorn
hope, but we do not. Five grand rail road lines
are seeking q terminus the Mississippi be
Iowa. One opposite Burlington, another oppo-
site to Davenport, two opposite Dubuque, and
one terminating at Prairie du Chine. These
are roads which are definitely settled upon, and
are under process of construction, that there
can be no doubt as TO their ultimate, and we
apprehend, speedy completion. When these !
roads are once completed TO their destined
points, it will be the undoubted policy and de-
sire of the companies owning, or having them
in charge, to increase their business by compe-
ting for the trade of Iowa To do this success
fuly,it will be necessary for them to extend their
roads West. The profits ofthese roads may be
greatly enhanced or diminished by the trade they
are able to SECURE West ofthe Mississippi. An ac-
tive competition must arise for the supremacy
in this particular. Indeed. it is percepible even
now. in the anxiety displayed by each company
10 reach the Mississip 81 at an early period, and
the vigorous prosecution of the respe Give lines
Self interest is the main-spring Of all our ac-
ions. II is especially with corporations
and bid for the trade Of Iowa will not be made
without a vigorous and unceasing eff,rt to Sc
cure it. We therefore readily come to the
conclusion, that there will be no lack of desire
,r means to push hese roads West, SO soon as
hey reach the Mississippi Any well directed .
.fforts put forth by those residing in the State,
ind interested in the improvements, will have
tendency TO forward the object desired, and
hould be promptly and cheerfully contributed, .
y all who feel an interest in the advancement i
f our young State. While it is not in the pow.
: Of the people Of the State to construct these
Dads involving as they do more capital than !
hey have at their command-it is in their pow l
=, and is essentially their duty, to do all that 8
heir me ans will justify, in rendering the access
f companies through the Slate easy, whenever
hey shall desire to lay down their tracks,
This can be done by selecting the probable il
ousss which these extensions will require and p
blaming the right Of way. The right of way { {
railroad companies, is one of the most diff =
u, and generally the most e EMBARRASSING obs,a o
le 10 overcome. To be prepared to say to the f
'entral Illinois, or Southern Wisconsin COM :,
anes, when they reach the Mississippi. we have Ii
right Of way on the most practicable route, y
ON Dubuque to Fort Desmoines and Council =
luffs 10 bestow, dispose of on reasonable ii
rms, would beyond question guarantee the Il
peedy building of the road. II is in such a ir
irection then, it seems to us, that our efforts q
Mould be made; and we sincerely hope, that, r
Though the railroad spirit in Dubuque has lain I;
ormant for some months, the people are not l.
ntirely dead 10 the weight Of railroad response =
Ility which rests upon them, and to the vast ii
Importance which such works are to the state u
nd to every locality. A route is already sur
eyed and the right of way obtained to Cedar q
'apids. which is in all probability the mosldif-
cult part Of the proposed line. To extend the
nrvey to The Missouri would involve but a tr ia
ing expense and to obtain the RICH, of way, s
'ouid be no very difficult task. Such con ..
would without doubt secure the n
peedy construction Of road from this point to al
orr Desmoines and the Missouri A. least, if =
would not secure its speedy construction, it "
'ould lay the foundation for an ultimate i'm tc
rovement Of the kind, which is all important %
, the prosperity of Northern and Central = =
DIVA. O,
Let Us think Of this subject little.
CoNNErIcur ELEcTIoN-The democrats !,
vel the State at the election On Monday last &
eek, electing the whole democratic ticket as >