Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1853-04-21
FROM THE PALMYRA WIG

Mr.. EDITOR = Having noticed in your
last issue a communication from "More
Anon" relative to the construction of a
Plank Road from our village to some OF our
neighboring towns, feel called upon tot
urge this matter forward, and beg leave to
suggest few reasons why think such a
project ought to be devOutly wished for
and speedily consummated.
As twas to "More Anon,' so its to me,
matter OF surprise thai some action has
not been taken in this matter long ere this,
and more particularly since the Rail Road
has been located on the Southern route.
Had it been located on the Norther n route,
(as in our opinion it ought most certainly TO
have been,) there would perhaps be no ad-
vantage or necessity of Plank Road as
there are no places of importance except
on the Northern route TO which it would
be practicable to extend it; or none at least
which are not so far South as to prefer car
ryng ther produce to Hannibal, even
though there were Plank Road TO palmy-
or. But there are three several places, on
ar near the Northern route, to ore OF which
we ought by all means to extend such a
road, viz: Philadelphia, Huston, Shelbyvie
or New Ark "More Anon" seems to
think Huston the most desirable of the four
places, but we think to PhiIadel pha and
thence to Shebyvile, direct and branching
off 10 all or any of the others would be
the most practical and decidedly preferable;
beside both places are able and willing to
contribute literally to the project. And
having been SO openly sighted by the "six
wise acres in council met" they arc anxious
20 meet US half way. Besides we are
credibly informed that the people Of Shelby,
2 through their County Court, have been ia.
B. king some action in regard to the matter
and committee were appointed to take il
into consideration.
Furthermore we feel as sure that they will
contribute the amount subscribed TO the railroad
viz: 1926, OOO and this amount would easily
complete plank road to the county line, when
b by the assistance of those along the line, anC
about Philadelphia, we are able and ought TO b'
willing, to complete it without calling upon tht
county for a cent And is it necessary to re
espitusts the many and great advantages neces
4 Ssrily accruing 10 us, in order TO rouse up AM
secure the cooperation of the citizens of Pal
myTa? Need cite them 10 similar projects il
other places and mention their advantages
q Need | give geographical descripio,
Of the vast extent OF fine agricultural coIntr,
lHne west Of us, now making Canton or La
grange their shipping points, and would, wer
such Road constructed, make our town tn
aucleus OF their Transactions. Surely all,ca
see and appreciate these advantages and neceI
! Sitss. Then why, ask, should we not ente
into the work with heart and hand and let it 2
bTavsly on? Palmyra has the reputation of sci
ing more dry goods than any other place j
Northeast Missouri. Our merchants are wen
d, thieT, and in fact more anxious TO accumulat
\. than any others we know; and yet, like old Sc
q ting hens, they are the same old seven-and-si'
year in and year Out-now and then going O
\. the nest TO fill their own craws No entel
prise, no public spirit, no regard for the inte
e's est of any save themselves. Our town cou
do ~ much trade in produce as any other, al
more particularly when the railroad is compl
ted, and we are transferred, as il were, TO Il
banks Of the Mississippi. All the trade fro
the Northwestern counties which former
passed us by with contempt and proceeded
Hannibal, will now make Palmyra the great d
pot, provided such roal be built. But sliou
Il not, Lagrange, Canton, and even Quincy W
be preferred. Then. as we have said befor
let us to the work True, there are some In O
midst wealthy and able to build the road Of thel
selves; but whuE rysoperr 'Fsss-4!feS gves
90 squeeze picsyune till the eagle would SOU
= a.1whose souls are SO small that yon could bic
them through aahumning- birds quill into I
"a an .,,i and naNar rnake N Wink--Vho a