The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1857-05-14
Correspondence Of the 0ats City.
Er ann the CAwafAl.

Correspondents Of the 0ate City.
From the Capital.
Scarcity Of Gratn-- Wsathsr-l ndiaas-
General Prosperity Of The Coansyy-
Prices Of Property Railroads.
DIS MoRn, May 9th, 1857.
The scarcity OF grain, and oil kinds Of feed
for man and beast, between Keokuk and this
place, 10 much greater than is generally sup
posed. After leaving Keokuk j. is scarcely
possible to find hay or straw for horses at
any of the hotels, and by the time this CITY
is reached, one will have ceased even inquir-
ing for those articles, so necessary for the
comfort Of stock.
AtEddyville corn could be found at Sl
and $l,25 per bushel, and ~ teams profta-
bly, haul from that place to this, the prices
here are not to be 30 much wondered at.--
Here, corn is considered cheap at ~, and
can scarcely be had at that. | hear OF man
selling to-day small quantity at 1926, and
it 10 reported that IS is tho regular price in
many places between this and Council Bluffs.
A wealthy farmer near this place. who has
taken great deal of pains in rising fancy
stock heretofore, has had to sell out to keep
from starving out; and n gentleman informs
me to-day that he feeds his cartilage horses
here in the city, wholly on wheat. But as
spring SCENE at length to have fairly opened,
land the weather never Was more delightful
than il. has been the past week, } the grazing
must very soon be good. Indeed the grass Is
commencing to look quite green on the prai-
ries, but dead horses and cattle along the
road have been ordinary sights. Wheat
seems to be nearly as scarce as corn and hay.
Flour ia selling at IS and $5a per hundred,
and prospect Of further advance in prices.
Notwithstanding all these immense draw
backs the immigration seems steadily coming
in, and this city and country are increasing
in wealth and population most prodigiously.
Persons visiting Des Moins who were here
but = year ago, scarcely recognize the place.
The East side where your correspondent is
'puttng up at the Grant House, "a new aud
very comfortable hotel,) contains probably
500 people, and with the new State House
on the hill and many handsome dwellings,
with the numerous small frames and shanties,
presents most favorable aspect. Altogether
Dcs Moines (the Sort is now invariably
| dropped among the citizens here) contains
probably 5000 inhabitants. Property of
course is high. On this side, near and be-
yond the capitol square, $500 per acre is
considered low, and nearer the river lots CON-
mand various prices from 81 900 to $500,
and on the 'West-sde' much higher prices
| in the present business localities. There is a
great deal of building commenced. The
Savory House, (l32 feet square, intended to
be 'the finest hotel in the State has its
foundation walls up, and corner pillars set.
1t is located on the 'West-side' very hand
somely, and will command fine view of the
city.
The people hero were much alarmed last
week, by very startling reports from Fort
Dodge, varying greatly in character, some
even asserting that the place had been at
tackled by the Indians and oil the inhabit
ants murdered A band Of music psrnded
the streets for volunteers for rescue and ven
geance, when in the midst OF all the hubbub,
later arrival proved all to be wholly I'M
called for, nothing whatever having hap
pened at the Fort to mar the peace and hap
piness of the community.
The people Of this city are extremely nnx-
ious for railroad, with no immediate pros
pect Of getting one. 1t is said Farnham is
"mad' because Of the failure of two or three
counties along the line OF the NJ. l. NJ. X. X.
to vote subscriptions, and threatens to drop
that road. The talk there is to change the
course Of the Muscatine road, now contract
ed to Oskaloosa, running it from that point to
this up the divide ria Monroe. Cannot the
Keokuk and Fl. Des Moines road push their
forces and yet be No. II
Yours, respectfully,
ISAAC G. DILLON.
P. S.-The temporary State House is sit.
uated on the high bluff, about mile from
the river, on this side; is a very fine, large
substantial brick edifee. without crack OF
| flaw, and commands most beautiful anS
extensive view Of the city and river, ant
rolling country in all directions.