The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1854-09-27
TO The MERCHANTS AND BUSINESS
MEN OF DUBUQUE.


Let rs address a few oh ervatons 10 the busi-
ness men Of Dubuque. The time has arrived
in the history of this city, when men must
allow their vision to extend beyond the corpo
rate limits Of Dubuque, and must have an eye
to the outside world, as well as the almighty
dollar at home. II is an irresistible fact that
tn. position and location Of Dubuque, have
done much to build up city here; but unless
efforts are put forth by those largely interested
in the growth and prosperity of the place, its
natural advantages will not ave it from de-
generating into a mere trading poin, for the in
habiran,s few miles around. Enterprisng
men Who find their enjoyment in the thrift and
turmoil of business, will seek 'ther poiu's
above or below; and by their industry, sagacty
and public spirit blu Id up successful rivals to
the city and in a brei period Of time, totally
annhllate the idea Of its retaining the repuia-
ion IF commercial superiority and maintaining
Its character Of tie most populous and prosper
Gus city on the Upper Mississippi. The faclll-
lies for in ERGO nmunicaiion from poin, T. point,
have becom, so general within few months,
that the West, 80 far as geo raphical knowl-
edge and business relations are concerned, is
being rapidly transformed into the East and
essentially Eas,ernz d. Every avenu. leading
to the Wes, is crowded with active young and
middle aged IN. n-shie~d observers and prac-
teal Misunderstanding points for location and
permanent r-sid. nee. The beauties of the
climate and co in,ry and its physical resources
are becoming rap div !amiIiarizrd to he people
If the Fast and South. Its lands being
rapidly transferred from Uncle Sam, to the in-
dustrious settler and its immense wealth in
a. rapidly developed. While this unceasing
and increasing and Interchangeable activity is
going ON around us, must we remain unmoved
and unstm ulated to deeds Of vrtuous enter
prise, depending upon what nature has done
for Us, to give us position and renown in the
Commercial world We want many things
and to our modification be it said have accom-
plished bu. few. In the language Of sacred
writer, we have done those things which We
ought not 10 have done and have left undone
those things which we ought to have done.
With the completion of the illinois Central
Rail Road through to this point next Spring,
will dawn upon US a new era. Ii will bring
in its train hundreds and the usands to snatch
the opportunities which we see, bu, fail to I'M
prove What then do we wants We want
the cultivation Of more liberal public spiri,
among all classes, especially among the large
properly holders. We want a respectable
steam baat interest controlled at this point-if
possible line from this city to ST. Louis and
St Paul-placing it in the power Of those vino
desire 10 trade with Us to do so and by this
means overcoming the prejudice which the
steam boat company Of Ga'ena has created and
is industriously and daily administering to- We
want some plan specifically settled upon for
improving the Harbor and the work conducted
with more spirit and energy. If the old plan liz
to be- abandoned, abandon it at once and adopt
a new ONE and drive it to a contamination.
While we are dreaming over plan tor improv-
ing the Harbor, golden opportunities will be
lost to Us, to the advancement and enriching Of
other points. We want more energy and well
directed system in the public improvements of
the city. 1t cannot be claimed that we are par.
simonious in our expenditures, but it is a pro-
per subject Of complaint, that our plans for
public improvements are i'll defined and our
expenditures loosely and imPerf.ctIy directed.
We want a reformation and a Reorganization
of public sentiment among our merchants and
it is devouily to be hoped, thai Board Of Trade
If established, will bring about this des rable
result. The truth may well be told first as
last, the sooner the better, that the policy Of
merchants has been dictated by narrow selfish
dollar. The merchants OF a place, more than
any other class ofcommunity, have IT'S destiny in
their hands 1t their course towards the farmer is
liberal, reasonable and honorable, he effect will
be seen in general and individual prosperity and
nowhere more percep,aoly than in their own bu-
siness. On the other hand IL their course is
dictited by rigid parsimony, contracted
liberal,ty, and chronic tsghtness, grasping and
avaricious in their dealings with customers and
wholly Indifferent 10 the interest Of those with
whom they are dealing, the effect is sure TO be
seer in the gradual and steady loss of trade,
diverted in another direction. When once your
trade 10 gone, it is no childs play to regain it.
Need the olo merchant in Dubuque be referred
to 1889 and so, wiss.n the farners and country
dealers Of the Western con,iies, for one and two
hundred miles distant, used to crowd our streets
in Spring, Fail and Winter, to illustrate the pra'
position we lay down. Need they be told that
what legitimately belongs to Dubuque, Dubuque
possessed once and ought to possess now, but is
serving to build up and enrich the towns below
US! No surely. These facts must be apparent
to those who reflect upon the subject. Is there
not chance for us to reinstate ourselves in pub
Inc confidence and regain what we have los, p
Undoubtedly there is. Let the Merchants ad
vertise literally in country papers and by that
means make it an object with country editors
to befriend the place and their business-make
their living and if not their living, at least their
depend upon friendship to you and
the place. Interest yourselves in what interests
the farmer if possible attend agricultural meet
ings in the country and become acquainted with
the people; see to it that the highways leading
TO the city are kept in good order and thereby
avoid the necessity at present, for the farmer
to obtain a life insurance before he starts for
Dubuque. Take an interest in what interests
the farmer; contribute occasionally to public en-
terprises in the country, that remotely, if not
directly benefit Dubuque; fathom the inmost
recesses OF the heart of the country and obta n
and If possible retain its affections; pay liberal
ly for wha, the farmer has to dispose ofand fur
nish him what he wants at reasonable profits
secure FIRST, his respect aud then his confidence;
treat him as eanal and mark it, rapid and
brilliant change will be witnessed in the business
and prosperity Of this city.
Consider the subject, adopt prompt measures
foe carrying any plans which your judgment
may furnish and tho result will be such, as to
both astonish AID delight you and the commu
nifty.