The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1856-05-13

will become great commercial emporium.
/ Railroads arc therefore of vital interest to
our CITY, and the success Of every election on
the question Of subscribing stock, shows the
/ deep interest taken by our citizens in The car
I ly commencement and diligent prosecution Of
/ this character d work. The road leading
West, up the valley of the Des Moines, the
kcokuk, TT. Des Moines Minnesota Rail
road, lis rapidly progressing on the first
section of thirty miles, preparatory to receiy
ing the iron, which IS purchased and probably
on its way TO our city. The road leading
North, the Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant K Musca-
tine Railroad, has also made arrangements
for iron, and the first section, extending TO
the head of the rapids, is about ready for
laying the track. On the opposite side Of
the river, two roads are contracted, one lead
ing up the river to a junction with the Bur
hngton and Chicago road, the other leading
more directly East, and destined to open a
way also TO the Southeast. These Eastern
roads are the works Of our enterprising
nclghbors of Warsaw, but they are so located
as to serve as Eastern and Northern connec-
tons for both cities. Our city will partic-
pate IN the advantage, and our citizens should
therefore participate in their construction.
The road TO the Junction on the Burlington
road is in the most advanced condition, and
offers the best prospect of an early Eastern
connection. This work, which was commenc-
ed some years since, has been recently re-
sumed hnd IL now vigorously progressing.
The section of the Wabash & Mississippi
road recently let, extending to Carthage, Is
easily graded, part of it having been done
many years since 1t is already commenced
under favorable prospects for an early COM
ctty hoe aru3.-sara1
subscription to the road last mentioned, and
through that trunk we expect to secure n con-
nection with the Wabash valley. and also
with line Of roads leading through the cap
itals of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and thence
70 the capital of the United States. We
have therefore four lines Of road, commenced
and progressing in four different directions,
very advantageous in their locations for the
future welfare of our city. They all APP
proach the foot of the rapids, where they con
meet with our great Mississippi lines Of
steamboats,, and oil bad fair to become good
paying roads. But all these roads are In
their infancy. The shrill notes Of the loco
motive have not yet disturbed our valleys
and hills. Although our city has subscribed
literally, she may yet have to do more. The
county, city, and individual effort will have
TO be strained TO the utmost before all these
arms can be extended where they can be
graspcd By exterior interests and prolonged
indefinitely Such is the vital Importance
OF Railroads TO our success, that present
their interests as prior and paramount to oil
others. If need be, let other matters DELAY :;
let us submit TO inconvenience let US defer
other works of Importance, and acts OF mu-
nlbcence let Us exercise stringent economy
tor the purpose Of putting our Railroads be-
yond the reach of doubt or danger. Upon
the success of our lads, upon their pro-
gress this year, Twill depend the future pros
perity or adversely Of our city. Ny occupa-
tlonfor years past has given me an opportu-
nifty Of viewing heOkuk from different posi-
tons. know something of her strength,
and something Of the struggle against Der
interests and am convinced that upon tins
years success hang such fearful issues that
present II AS a crisis in our history. |
know that this feeling Is entertained by our
citizens generally, who have laid aside party
and personal considerations for the purpose
OF securing those TO the city councils who
are presumed to comprehend and desire the
best policy IN relation to our public improve
nents In owledgemcnt Of the delicate
trust, rely on the hearty cooperation Of
the Council, the Railroad Companies. and
.-AA NftA Why oAlCtEs libHtSt dEN0tlOl 10
the public welfare, and untiring exertions,
are especially needed and expected durin. the
present year. The business Of the season
has commenced under propitious auspices,
and a struggle Of year will most likely re-
suit IN entire success. With anxious desire
to advance the public interest, and an undi-
vded affection for the place Of my adopted
home, | shall apply my energies to your in
terest, trusting results to that over ruling
Providence which guides our destiny and viii
determine our future peace and prosperity.
While We thus seek to advance the phys
cal proportions and prosperity of our young
city, it is more important that we should
carefully promote the Arts and Sciences,
Religion and Morality, which we trust will
secure to us distinguished and spotless
name, Us mpershAble as that Of the ancient
cities Of Greece and Rome.
/ | submit herewith the reports Of the
Treasurer, Recorder and Harbormaster,
which recommend shall be preserved among
our city archives, so that posterity may COM
pare the realities of maturity with the hopes
Of our infancy.
/