Daily Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1854-1855, 1855-09-26

The following article has been on our
table several days. We give i. publicity
though we canpot endorse its sentiments.
We believe thai Ill the small towns that
grow up in our aeighhoshood BY becoming
tributary to Davenport. will assist i, in its
growth full rs much a though the same
amouut Of capital were invested in our city.
Tue picture he draws Of Railroad villages
10 overweight and cannot apply to any of
those towns recently laid out on the line Of
the N. & N. Railroad.
For the Gazette.
REFLECTIONS.
Peoplc in their rage for speculation, TO
wit. money making in an easy and quick
way by the mers exercise of intellect, often
miss the very object Of which they are in
pursuit and which they nest desire, and in
grasping fer wealth with such inconsider-
ate rapscity, .injure themselves and the
community in which they reside. This
premise, confirmed by much experience, is
now suggested from observing the wild rage
manifested BY many OF our citizens in favor
of getting sites for towns surveyed on the
line of Railroad from Davenport to Iowa
City.
All Of those men who have taken the
deepest interest in this kind Of peculation.
and who are so urgently inviting their neigh
bors to promote their uiopian schemes, are
large property holders in aud around the
city of Davenport. This being the fact.
the question would naturally present IL
self to the early inhabitants Of our city.
who have labored with q hearty zeal for
its growth. prosperity and distinction.
what are the motives which actuate these
new town site proprie,orsi l., every man
who is al all interested consider this ques-
ton we'll. Has Davenport become so
dsnsely populated that it is expe dent and
absolutely necessary to send out colonies.
Consider what would be the consequence
il it was practicable for our men of wealth
to withdraw their capital and invest il in
one of these visionary towns. Any one
can see tina: il would result in perfect ruin
to our city. Examples are abundant. tits
apparent that the only way in which Dav.
export can maintain the proud position
which she row holds, is by increasing her
manufacturing and commercial capital
What lack Of foresight. what want Of econ
omy then for our citizens to fritter away
tneir time and money in trying to build up
little petty towns in our vicinity. Can you
forget the rivalry between this aud cur
neighboring town and county, Will you
now wantonly translate your property in
to their precincts to increase the wealth of
their county! Do you see the master spir-
its OF that rival city dividing their means
and bu lding up villages in their vicinity
would say to you who have property in
Davenport, if You wish it to increase or
even continue at its presen, value, you must
make our city mart for business. Build
your factories of all kinds here where social
enIoyments are easily obtained; where the
health Of the place is proverbial; where the
scenery is charming; where variety of
facts and novelties excite and give zest to
life. Here any number of laborers can a,
any time be obtained; bu. commence your
manufacturing operations gu, on the bleak
prairie, without barrier against the winter
wind, without tree to shade your burning
brow, or a drop of pure water 10 mois,en
your parched lips, and what reason have
you to hope for success! Can money to-
duce men to resids at such placei The
boundless prairie stretched on. before YOU,
marshes, stagnant pools and muddy creeks
within the purlieus of your place. In such
locations. with miasma s.eaminp up
around you. it requires no prophetic vision
to contemplate the misery and suffering of
the early settlers. In the providence or
God such places have their use, but when
man undertakes to convert and change ma
ture, he will be met by such violent obsta-
Giles as was Peter the Great, and success
will be obtained only by the mos, fearful
sacrifices. This subject is fruitful of reHec-
ton, but desist.
The OTHER SIDE.