Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1855-01-31
Tho Removal Of the Seat of Government ---Iss
Bearing upon Iowa City ---Introduc.ory.

Among the acts of the late General Assem-
bly,, there is none, possessing that impol lance
to the State at large. or SO nearly affecting the
private interests of it's citizens generally and
TO such an extent, as the Bill providing tor the
relocation Of the Seat of Government. Al the
same time, also, it is a consideration worthy
of the utmost attention and of particular note
that the character Of euac,me mt of the session
of which anything a. all is publicly known is
less understood by the masses Of the Poop e
whom IL most materially affects none, in the
introduction and passage of which, their sen.
tments and desires were more completely
disregarded, unknown or misunderstood 1t
shall be our attempt TO set / he nature, effect
and tendency of this great enactment, plainly
before the public eye, that i,s features may be
carefully scanned and comprehended, the in
terests which cluster at the bottom of The
whole affair be laid open lc :bic criticism,
the objects which it conlemplates be unveiled,
and its effects. as regards the private citizen
and public credit. be made plain to the duliest
comprehension. In this effort, we solicit the
cooperation Of CO. temporaries, who feel with
US, that, however beneficial the bill may prove
10 certain localities. or companies, or land.
holders or monopolies. or by motives however
honorable, sincere and irreproachable, mem
bers may have been actuated in their votes for
its passage. nevertheless its benefits, exclusive
in character, are to I've secured only by the i'm i.
position Of an onerous buroen upon the peo-
pie, and members, in the indulgence of just To-
cal pfepossessio"s or perhaps equally warrant.
able prejudices. or determined to hush at, once
long agitated and time wasting question
may have failed to consult with care the re-
mote or immediate consequences OF the enact
ment
As to the interests of Iowa City and John
son county, they are but slightly affected BY
this act, one way Or the other; 80 it is with all
central Iowa The presence of hundred le-
gislators. sojourning among US six or eight
weeks out Of one hundred and four, concerts
our business prosperity but indifftrenty,
where the entire country around is populating
yearly, with its permanent thousands, all
pouring their trade into the lap of this prosper
Gus market; while the character which thSSeoad
Of Government 10 said 10 confer abroad, is ~ 1
thin and unsubstan'lal nature, and becoming
more and more 80, with every revelation Of
political trickery and underhanded legislation,
usually rendezvous ing at the Capital
Nature has bestowed upon US springs of
wealth, whose outlets are daily new opening
TO tie hand Of industry'--springs which can
flow from no extrancous influences, and are
not dependent upon human lesisl alton.
Our City has steadily aud rapidly advanced
IN population and trade. scouting abundant
and enriching support from neighboring coun-
ties of the highest character IN point of fertii-
ty and other attractions, and taking long
ways the lead Of all inland towns IN the State.
The soundness and magnitude of her traae,
the wealth OF her old settlers, the intelligence
Of her society. are assaredly not owing to the
casual admixture Of five score strangers with
the guests at cur boarding houses. They can
be traced, and only traced, 10 advantage of
situation and coil. and the enterprsng stamp
OF her inhabitants; advantages which we sill
possess. and which point out for US a brilliant
c ommercil and literary future.
We therefore feel tha. the Removal Bill is
very far from delria,eutal to our prospects, or
to those of our county. /. is worse than idle
lit is absurd. to talk Of dependence for our
strength Of sinew and vigor Of growth, upon
such mere incident Of Legislation. our selec.
ION IS the Capital.