The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1856-04-05

! Col. Curtis and the Air Line.
/ I'VE publish a brief statement made by
Col. Curtis in reference to the charge made
against him of betraying the interests of
Keokuk. We have copy Of the bill draft
ed and forwarded to Washington by him,
and letter acknowledging its receipt
1t is said that my services on the Air Line
Railroad, which runs SO or GO miles north Of
keokuk, is tortured into a charge Of hostili-
ty to Keokuk. The bill urging Congress to
grant lands to the Air Line, had no other
line Of road in it, An Omnibus bill had
been introduced leaving the Air Line out and
( also left out To have inserted the keokuk
road in the Air Line bill would have been
! ridiculous, as they are not contiguous or con-
ficting roads. You might as we'll charge me
with treachery to Keokuk when ! was con-
structing the Levee at st. Louis, where was
employed, instead Of the keokuk Levee,
where was not employed. 1t is ineonveni-
ent to 90 abroad to find honest employment,
Dut Is more tNhH LHis W 10 TtploacHcu ioT
the negligence of those whose services ut
home have been engaged and paid for. Was
|, or others employed to guard the interests
Of Iowa or Keokuk in Washington City !?
Was |, or others employed on Keokuk Rail
roads The charge of betrayal Of city
adopted as a home, where have concentrat-
cd most Of my hard earnings in real estate
investments, and daily watched and advocat-
ed her interests, is more absurd than ungen-
erous. So far from opposing Keokuk, used
all the Influence | could to have her interests
protected by the land bills at Washington.
The old Omnibus bill is again pressed in
Congress, taking in almost every project
crossing the State, except Keokuk lanes.
raised the warning voice in 1854, and was
the first to warn you tins winter. The only
bill favoring Keokuk is one granting lands
to the Kaokuk, Fit. Des Moines and Minneso-
ia Railroad. | prepared and forwarded it
to Washington on the 9Th February. Ii that
bill should be introduced, will guarantee
the Air Line will not accuse me of betraying
their interest, although they would have bet
ter ground than Keokuk or any other line
had for similar charge because of a similar
effort which ! made for the Air Line in 1854.
consider the probability Of getting lands
very doubtful. We never will by opposing
the efforts of neighboring lines. This coun-
try is broad, rich. and sufficient for all and
each. We had better unite on efforts to Sc
cure grant favorable to Keokuk rather than
review the efforts of friends who are not
likely to think more of us, or less of An
agent because he is accused of serving faith
fully those who employed hun. My devotion
to Iowa and keokuk are too we'll stamped
upon their history to admit such charge to
obtain credence. Others may deplore their
negligence or their weakness, have earnest
ly and successfully presented your rivers,
canals, railroads, and cities, through every
channel open to my cxertions. | have at my
own cost attended Conventions, drawn up
reports, published maps, and for years con-
tributed to Eastern and Western journals
for the purpose of promoting our common
interests.
am not surprised TO find negligence and
ignorance trying to hide behind those they
imagine more likely to be engaged in the in
terests of Iowa and Keokuk. They cannot
hide in my shadow. They were placed as
sentinels, not |, and the censure should fall
where it belongs, on those who have slept
upon their posts or gone over to the enemy.
SAA'L r. Curtis.
Keokuk, March 22d, 1856.