Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1853-12-28
Des NIoines River Improvement.

The following is substantially the contract
entered into by HENRY O'REnLY, as the rep.
resentative of, md in connection with certain
New York capitalists for the completion of
the Des Moincs River Improvement. We are
indebted to the Keokuk Dispatch, for its Extra
containing the following
THE CONTRACT IS MADE.
The papers have been "signed and sealed. "
and Mr.. OReiley, his mission having been &C.
complished. has left Ottumwa where he had
made brief visit, and returned, with Mr..
Speed, who accompanied HIM TO New YORK
The work is to he completed on the first Of
July, 1858. four years from the lstof July
Eext.
MIR O'Reilcy is to deposit fifty five thousand
dollars with the Register, at Ottumwa, within
ninety days, or forfeit the contract. This
amount is supposed to cover the entire pres
ent Indebtedness of the Improvement"
He [Mr. OR takes the lands at thirteen
hundred thousand dollars, and is to do work
to that amount at the prices named in his con.
tract; and, for the balance of the work. is to
have the tolls and water rents. for term of
years. the state assuming the control at any
time after Is years, by paying him the excess
Of expenditure over the $1,000 900.
The work on the river is to be done accord
ding TO the plans and specifications heretofore
ncr OF its CONNER cement and progress.
The Register is constituted Trustee, and
when $50 900 worth of work is done, is to give
Mr. O'Rei!ey $40, 900 worth Of lands, less IS per
emit, retained to secure the completion of the
work.
Thus y rsss s-sssrs basis is made xbscA
promfsfs bDpA sccsifity to the State, q the
same time chat il affords to the contractor eve.
ry possible advantage for procuring the aid Of
capital.
We understand that the closing of this con.
tract was celebrated in Otumwa by every
demonstration ofjoy. The town was illumi.
mated and the people gathered together, and
addressed by Mr. O'Riely in speech which
which vas cheered with the greatest enthusl-
asm. The whole valley and State will unite
their regulations anG good wishes for ultimai e
and complete success.
From. the cons liberation which We have had
leisure to bestow upon the VAR Gus features of
this contract. We are led to believe it. upon the
whole. a judicious au1 desirable arrangement.
Whatever Of an Objectionable character, the
quick scent Of lie ready -alarmist or monopoly
hater' may aetcct. is far, very far out balanced
oy 'he interest which the State has in final
AID thorough contamination of a work, which
has dragged its slow length along so many
years, a burden and an eye sore to our citizens
G1.By the advertisement of Leonard Scott &
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