Weekly hawk-eye and telegraph. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1855-1857, 1857-04-01
Capital stronger sh.n section.l,sm.

Oapltai, IKE mater, OOeyS the law OF Hravl-
tation. Wherever it is most strongly attracted,
there we may be sure it will 60. But it is neces-
sary to define the limits of the attractive power.
Our formula is predicated upon condition Of
personal aud commercial freedom, such as we
enjoy in this country, and might not be altoget-
er true under despotic government like that
Of Russia, though even there the rule would be
subject to but slight exceptions. Capital, we
have said, will 60 where it is most strongly at.
tracted, and in the long run it is sure to be at
tracted where 1t can be used to the best advan-
tage-where active and extensive business ope-
rations imperatively require its presence-where
great natural resources await the hand OF labor
to shape them to use, and develop their highest
values.
Such field for the use of capital is emphati-
cally the great Northwest, where the amount
employed in active business bears so small
proportion to the business that shortly is to be.
1t will be no news to our business men to say
that money capital is now flowing into this great
and but partially developed region in steadily
increasing streams. Hundreds Of new farms are
being opened every month; towns are springing
up as if by magic over the broad surface of our
prairies; cities of metropolitan proportions and
unexampled growth cluster around the great
lakes. The world knows that grand future is
before us, and is sending US not only its money,
but its hosts Of men and women and children,
who are worth infinitely more than money to
the country.
In this connection we are reminded of the
gratifying fact that enlightened interest has
proved itself more than match for sectional.
ism. Enterprising Southerners, in looking to
the grand developments of our favored region,
have forgotten all about the "peculiar institu
ton" if they ever felt an interest in it, and
81 ,rht 10 ~ q I'D; of <hnsr
money, and desirable home for themselves
and their families. It would be easy to reckon
up some millions of Southern capital invested in
our city alone, and more is coming from day to
day. Neither have the advantages of the coun.
try throughout the States of the Northwest been
overlooked by Southern enterprise, as we have
shown on several previous occasions.
But some facts have recently come to our
knowledge that very strongly illustrate the force
Of interest as opposed to sectronalism. Since
the death of John G. Calhoun, the most unfinch-
ing champion of slavery among the public men
Of the South has unquestionably been the Hon.
Robert J. Toombs. He was the pillar of the
last Southern Convention. His presence gave
of the late Preston S. Books. In short, he has
put himself forward on all occasions as the most
logged advocate of the extreme demands of the
shareholders. One might therefore have infer
red that he would tolerate no Northern thing or
interest, and q goodtdeal of surprise was man
fested at his able and earnest advocacy OF the
Minnesota Land Grant bill at the last session of
Congress. He took the lead in its discussion in
the Senate and his efforts materially contributed
to the success of the measure. Whence the I'M
expected milk in the cocoa-nut? The explana-
ton becomes easy when we are told, as we have
been, that be has invested money in Minnesota
lands, aud has other pecunlary interests around
Lake Superior. 1t is net at all impossible that
Mr.. Toombs may some day become citizen OF
the Northwest, and then farewell to his cham
pionship of the peculiar institution. he Will
then have other interests more strong and pecu-
liar, one Of which may be desire to represent
Northwestern freemen in Congress. Such an
event does not seem very improbable, neither
would it be very surprising, considering the ex-
traordinary changes that are now taking place
in our political and social relations
/. Senator Alexander II. Slidell of Louisiana,
only second in zeal TO Mr. Toombs as cham
pion of slavery, is, learn, also vesting capital
in the Northwest, and a fact has come to our
knowledge showing that he is better financier
than politician. His agent, who had, been trav-
cling over this State with view to investment,
wrote back to his principal that the country
was making great progress, but he thought land
was heid altogether TOO hlsn, rs qui'e no eoou
could be obtained in Missouri for q mere fraction
Of its cost. What should he do? Mark the an
swer of the pro.slavery Senator. "Buy in Hi
nois by all means" This single fact upsets the
whole southern theory Of the profitable charac-
ter Of slavery, and demonstrates that those who
hold it do not believe what they say.
These and other similar facts that might be
mentioned are unmistakable indications of the
omnipotence ofcapital over all the fallacies OF
false political economy founded upon slave la.
Dor. They are but the beginning Of the end"
II Chicago Press