The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-04-16
From the Keosanqua Republican.
DEMOINE IMP aOvEMENT.

EprroR or REPuBLIcAN--Dsar sir: It is
but reasonable TO suppo,e that the anxious
public in the Valley are ever watchful Of their
rights, and especially their interests in what
ever aspect they may be viewed on this great
and important ssImprovement" of the State
That this Improvement should be suffered TO
langush or even delay in question that will
admit Of no argument whatever to Justify
such aconclusion, except the difficulties now
encumbeIing il should prove so inferminiable
and overwhelming as to defeat the best efforts
that may be used to progress with he work.
As to whether my investigation Of its affairs
and my efforts to place il upon basis that
would insure the Valley the greatest blessings
to be derived from this most important work
in the State, is now question for the Courts
Of the State and lot for me to decide.
The Assistent Commissioner and myself have
he'd two meetings with the agents Of the riv-
er company at Burlington. for the special pur-
pose If negotiating with the company under
the late law Isl. The Commissioners pro-
posed and sought to effect a settlement Of its
affairs whereby the State officers could make
further contracts to progress with the Improve
ment.
| 2nd. The Commissioner proposed to give
the entire grant, rents and tolls, for finishing
the entire Improvement. Finally, after ex-
haustng all propositions contemplated under
the late law. the Company declined all, and
have effected that their rights shall be deter
mined by the courts and have taken steps ac-
cordingly.
The Company win bring their suit immedl.
ately in D,moi Co., and the State will re-
spond and answer in the shortest practical
time. The State will also bring suit against
the Company, at the same time and place.
and proceedings are intended to be FASTENED
alike in each case, in order to an early and
final settlement between the Co., and the State,
or new arrangement under the late law.
| In the meantire President Johnston assures
me that the Company win continue TO prose-
cute the work unless prevented by the State.
Under the circumstances of the case I shall
not direct or require the Co., to stop or lessen
their forces, but shah allow them to 60 on if
they 20 elect, till these issues are decided BY
law or compromise. 1t is greatly to be desired,
and it is not without some hope. that these
reciprocal suits may yet fix basis Upon which
to secure the completion Of the Improvement.
Gov. Grimes, with commendable zeal, urged
an adjustment under the late law, and assured
the agents of the Company that any arrange
ment that secured the making of the Improve
nlent. would meet with hearty approval.
Thus stands our Improvement which has
fartened not few political aspirants, and en-.
tailed upon the work difficulties that are re.
voting to contemplate. The same old clique
in this county, have engineered in every COR
ner, to save DR.. Baily defeat in his own
county. These are the kind Of spirits that
have made the Demoine Improvement what il
now is.
! The present condition of the work is the
best comment upon their judgement, skill and
honesty that can be offered. Respt'ly
E. MANNING.