Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-03-10
Our Rail Road.

Our Rail Road.
The extension of the Peoria and Bur
lington Rail Road westward, through
Southern Iowa TO the Missouri, at OF
near the mouth of the Platte, we have
always regarded as empha:ically the
road with which our interests were in.
seperably connected, not only on accoun,
Of the practicabllity and importance OF
the road itself; but also on account oil
the probabilities that in that direction
would be secured the first connection
with the East. We have been strength
ened in this view by noticing the indom-
liable energy with which the Railroad
enterprises of Illinois were pushed for
ward in that direction, until it now seems
that Burlington will probably be con-
nected by Rail Roads this fall, not only
with Peoria, but also directly with Chi
cago by way of Monmouth. An ex.
tract from the Burlington Telegraph on
this subject will be found in another col.
umn.
The question then presents itself to the
people of Southern Iowa, what shall be
done? What can be done TO make avail
able TO our section this opening to the
rich and opulen, East! The door is
about being opened, and it only remains
for US 10 prepare to enter it. 1t will be
of very little importance to US, that Bar
lington is thus connected, unless we can
reach tina. city. And we may say tha,
it will avail Burlington comparatively
little, unless she can secure communi.
cation with the interior. In this matter
our interests and those of Burlington,
and We may say those of Peoria and
Chicago are identical.
What shall be done' The people cas-,
of US are alive to the importance of ac-
ton on this subject, Meetings have been
held at various places, and one recently
at Agency City, in this county, the pro-
ceedings of which We published las.
week, anG this week we publish the pro-
ceedings of a meeting of the citizens of
OItumwa and vicinity, at which resolu-
lions were adopted, and commitAe of
correspondence: with the view of calling
Convention at an early day--appoint-
ed. Ouumwa as the place and the l2,h
of May as the day are suggested. The
suggestions of time and place will, no
doub.. be favorably received, and a
convention of the people of Southern
Iowa as response to them be held. IF
SO. we shall hope to see the people here
in mass from the East and the West, in
sPired with the importance of the object,
and prepare TO concert measures neces-
sary 10 Sc. the ball in motion. Our
citizens will be happy to extend the hos
pitalities of the place 10 such Conven-
ton. which in due time will be formally
rendered through the committee appoint
ed for that purpose.
We would suggest 10 the citizens of
the counties west of US the importance
of their being fully represented in the
proposed Convention. We shall expect
large delegations from all the counties
interested between the Des Moines and
Missouri. In view of the convenience
of those counties, the convention should
be held as fas west al least. as Ot,um-
wa.
In conclusion, we commend this sub
ject 10 the serious attention of the PEG.
pie Of Southern Iowa. No more impor-
tant subject, connected with their pros
perlty can possibly be presented for their
consideration. The immense resources
and accommodating productions Of this
vast and fertile region require and mus,
have cheaper and more reliable means
Of transportation. In relation to this
matter we presume there exists but one
opinion, from the Mississippi to the Mis-
souri,. Let the people come together
and consul. as to what can be DONE
We may expect more or less assistance
from abroad; but The enterprise will de-
pend mainly upon ourselves, and every
citizen should feel an undivided interest
and responsibility in the premises, and
if possible come TO the Convention.
The Cabinet.
l. lo... .axsco. L. A.