Squatter sovereign., 1857-01-27
Rail Roads

| the ldea OF ouliolng ran road anywhere
IN this territory, until we could connect
with one in Missouri, was absurd, and
would be so looked upon by every sensible
man. But the prospects are beginning 10
brighten, and we would now call the at
teniion of the people of Kansas TO the
sabject.
We publish in this issue OF our paper
the proceedings of rail road meeting at
| Weston, Mo, in relation to a rail read
from Kansas City, the contemplated ter
minus Of Pacific Railroad in Mo-, to ST.
Joseph, the terminus of the Hannibal and
St. Joseph road.
A charter for this road has already been
obtained, and we learn from a reliable
source, that three-fourths Of the stock has
been taken, and that the road will certainly
| be built; but it has not yet been deter
mined whether it will take the river route
or direct line from Kansas TO St. Joseph.
| 4 charter has also been obtained for a
rail road from Atchison 10 St. Joseph. TO
connect with the Hannibal and ST. Joseph
road and if the road from Kansas City
to ST. Joseph is located the river route, it
will pass over the contemplated route from
Atchison to St. Joseph.
The Hannibal and St. Joseph road will
be built. and in very short time, and
long before the Pacific, or any other road
in Missouri. And if the people of Kansas
territory desire to have rail road facilities
speedily, they will seek connexicn with
the Hannibal and ST. Joseph road in some
way. Taking it for granted that the peo-
pie Of this Territory, both north and south
of Kansas river, will see the Importance
Of connexion with some rail road as
early as possible. and that the Hannibal
and St. Joseph road will bs the FIRST built,
xc propose in this article calling the atlen-
ton of the people, 10th north and south
OF the Kansas river, to the most speedy
and certain plan Of accomplishing the de-
sired object.
The first great object TO be accomplished
is to secure the building OF the road from
Kansas City TO St. Joseph. And every
section of Kansas Territory are interested,
and should unite, with Weston, Mo, and
other points, 10 secure the location Of the
road on the river route. That done, we
should have a road on nearly the whole
extent Of our Territory on the Missouri
river, and thereby form an easy connexion
with the Hannibal and ST. Joseph and
Pacific roads.
When this is accomplished. Kansas Ter
ri;ory will need two roads. in order to Sc
cure prosperity, one on the south side Of
Kansas river, and the other on the north,
connecting with the Hannibal and ST
Joseph and Pacific roads at some point on
the Missouri river.
That some point near the mouth of the
Kansas river must and will be The point
or a road leading into the interior, south
Of Kansas river. TO form Il connexon with
the roads in Missouri, it seems to us no
sane man Will question. From that point
the Pacific, or Hannibal and ST. JOSEPH.
road, Or on the Missouri river route can be
taken, afofding any facility to the people
south OF Kansas river. and Santa Fee and
New Mexico.
Now for the road north Of Kansas river.
At what point, on the Missouri river, to
accommodate the people Of the Territory,
and emigration across the plains by Fort
Larisnie and OTHER points TO California,
Utah and Oregon! All we ask is that
correct map Of the country be examined,
and we venture the assertion that ninety
nine OF every hundred disinterested men
will at once say that Aichison is the point.
Atciisen is in the center of the Territory
on the Missouri river, and owing to its
peculiar location on the great western
bend of the river, gives it great national
advantages of any ether point, and makes
it nearer and more easy of access than
any other point. But without intending to
be sectional, there are ether weighty rea-
sons in favor Of Atchison being the con-
Meeting point. Aroad starting from Atchi-
son running Yves! will pass through lands
belonging to the Government, and there is
now pending before Congress bill grant.
ing lands on that route for building rail
road and if it passes. will insure the
building of the road as soon as the Mis-
souri, roads are completed. But it is next
to folly to talk aboui building any roads in
Kansas until we secure the connexions
spoken of with roads in Missouri.
We regret to learn that there is some
little sectional jealousieS existing in Platte
county as to the location Of the road from
Kansas City TO St. Joseph. This is wrong.
and should be frowned down. The road
will naturally pass by or near Parksille,
Platte City, Weston, and Ia.an, und SO on