Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1854-05-04
RailrOad Meeting.

Pursuant to previous notice the CHI.
zens Of Burlington aud vicinity assem-
bled at Marion Hall on the evening OF
the 9Th of April aud was called to Or
der by w. f. Coolbaugh, Esq. upon
whose rolion Ills Honor l.. D. Stockton.
Mayor Of the City, was called to the
Chair. VIM. Thompson was appoin-
ted Secretary.
Hon. J. G. Hall was called upon to
state the objects of the meeting. In
response he referred TO the early action
OF this State in relation to grants OF land
for Rail Road purposes. He said that
our population was small aud our set
dement's sparse when the Railroad policy
was first agilatel.' That il did not at
once call forth the attention Of the whole
people.
Railroads had not at tha, time scarce.
ly reached Ohio from the Eas, and the
matter was no. canvassed. In 1872
This subject come before the people, and
was canvassed with ,horoughness and
intensity never before witnessed. This
Legislature of 1852 3 were elected in
the midst of that discussion. They
come from the people labeled with ,heir
sentiments. That Legislature changed
the previous apparent policy, ard settled
dowa almost unanimously in favor of the
policy embraced in the present Iowa
Land Bill, as i. has passed the Senate of
the United States. II was unquestiona.
bly, the true voice of the people. This
done and our people had rested in secu.
ritv, they had done their work, they
anticipated no further trouble. But
how did matters now stand! We were
all at once awakened and as,onished
with the news which comes from WASH
ington, tha. new Rail Roads have sprung
up-new objects have arisen which
threaten the cherished policy of th,
State. They had became our rivals ut
Washington before they arrested our
attention or commanded our respect al
home. They had quietly and s,eal,hilv
crept upon the ear Of Congress and by
system Of outside influence and par.
tial representation from home had Sian.
deretl the true interest Of the State. and
abused the confidence Of Members of
Congress. They were endangering all
appropriations Of land fn. railroads by
the enormous quantity asked for-and
crushing our hopes by destroying
policy which should stand or fall to.
gether. :.
The object of this meeting was to dis.
abuse the ear of Congress, 10 arouse our
people to action and to advise Congress
what the wishes aud wants of our peo-
pie truly are. Our voice should again
be heasaas w ashipesoo. and oYr National
Legy [03e beosde know The true wants
an1 6ishes 81 the people. Our ci,ixens
Ila4 ~ var 70 make upon oiher projects.
b6k 6hsn attacked would defend ever.
He called upon the people Of tha
S,ale % speak out, without delay. il such
voiea - might not be misunders:ood
or long remain anhesded.
The meeting WAS further addressed by
Messrs Coolbangh. Dr.. Harvey aud NJ.
d. Brouning Esqrs.
On motion Of Ms. Coolbaugh ordered
that committee Of Ave be appointed 10
'olaft and report resolutions sxpressive
of shs sense OF the this meeting.
Whereupon the chair appointed The lol.
lowing gentlemen said Committee vix:
]. F.. fallant. J. G. Hall. f. H. War.
Feu. w. F. Coolbaugh, NJ. D. Brown.
ing.
3rhs committee then retired and afseran
abS(oee ef some time Nh Tallens ehair-
man portsd tho follouihe Sesololions
which were unanimously sdop,ed.
Whereas. Tho citizens Of the city Of
Burlington in common with tho people
of the southern portion OF the State.
feeling deep interest in the great Inter.
nal improvement system. 40 adopted in
the several memorials Of the Legislature
at their session Of 1882 8. and anxiocs-
ly looking for the action Of Congress to
aid them by appropriation Of the al.crn-
ate sections of the public lands ~ pray
ed for in said memorial. They believe
that the action of our Legislature in re.
lation 10 the Railroad Grants, and The
memorial to Congress, were in accord
ance with tho wishes OF large majority
Of tho peopla Of the entire State. and
present fixed and settled Policy which
should be adhered TO, advocated and
carried out BY our Senators and Repre-.
seatstives in Congress-. They have here.
tofore confidently believed that Congress.
in making grants OF public lands. for in
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