Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-06-09
For the Courier. ,
The Railroad movement.

| iSa'uic va VIC ioH'u FioBAcSSioh w WIG
present century, and marks this age as
an epoch for the full Development of the
powers of steam in its varied uses suit
ed to the advancement of the comforts;
and in Tinis,ering to the necessities of
civilized man.
| |, is no longer an experiment. The
utility Of the Rail Road is fully proved
in every civilized country-opening as ii
does new channels of commerce where
none existed-bringing remote places in
such easy and quick connexion with the
great marts of commerce as TO almost
leave the word remote without proper
application to any civilized portion of
the globe. Though in the interior of
Iowa--in Wapello county; while we
witness the vast surplus productions of
our teeming soil, accommodating on the
hands of the farmers without the need
full facilities of transit to market, we
are constrained to admit its just applica-
ton TO ourselves. The recent settle
ment of this State, and its extreme po-
sition on the great circle of trade that
centers in the cities of the Atlantic and
the Gulf of Mexico; would leave US the
last TO be reached by the lines of Rail
Roads that are extending from those
central marss like radii to every par. of
their circle of trade. The time howev-
er, has come that the borders of our
State is reached by several lines destin-
ed to travel through its entire breadth 81
converge 70 point on or near our west
ern border, TO form jucton with the
grea: national thoroughfare to the Pacific
States.
| The construction of these roads will
be of immense advantage TO every coun-
ty in the State: yet the counties that are
fortunate enough to secure their location
within their limits. will receive the larg-
er share of their advantages, and il is
commendable TO the citizens of the coun-
ties near those projected lines TO take a
lively interest and offer suitable encour-
agement to secure these advantages
Much has been said, and broad asser-
tions made at the meetings in the various
counties in favor of the peculiar advan-
sages attending every point where those
meetings were held. As TO the facil-
tiles and cheapness of construction and
profits of the road, SO far as mere oc-
cular survey can determine, there is no
difference in the several routes propos-
ed; and all will find the location to de-
pend on two points-distance between
the main points to be reached, and aid
afforded by the counties lying on or near
the route. The frs, Of these conditions
will be determined by the good or bad
| fortune OF the intermediate points, which
10 exeriion can alter. Yet. seeming
good fortune may prove unavailable, it
suitable encouragement is not given and
adequate aid afforded. To furnish this
aid the readers of the Courier will have
observed different plans are proposed by
several correspondents who have favored
US with communications on this very in
teres,ing subject.
The plan OF the counties becoming
stockholders, has, we believe, me, with /
marked favor in every county in this
State where the question has been test
ed at the ballo, box; and il strikes US. as
judicious and proper, if suitable guards
are placed over its integrity and faithful
application. 1t should never be regard I
ed, nor assume the position of county
work, nor should the county be lead
ing stakeholder, but subscribe only
sufficient amount to show its confidence
in the undertaking.
This, i. seems to US, would be the very
best assurance we could give capitalists
ont of the State for the safety of capital
invested in the enterprise. Without
securing the confidence of operators in
Railroad stocks in the east, we cannot
accomplish anything, and it would be
folly to spend dollar of county funds
until sufficient amount was subscribed
by individuals TO ensure the entire CON
pletion of the work.
These being our views upon this ques-
ton. we are inclined to favor the sugges-
ton of our correspondent II. G. O., of
submitting the question to the voters of
the county, at or before the August cleo
.ion. We offer these suggestions at this
time, for the consideration OF those in
terested and shall probably refer to the
subject hereafter. ***
II We learn by the Burlington Tel