The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1857-03-16

goth~ citizens OF k-skuk.
The undersigned ia order to correct the
Misrepresentation that have, and are vet be-
ing made. in reference to their efforts and
object in getting an arrangement consumma-
ted, by which the citizens Of Keokuk could
have daily line of boats between st. Louis
and Keokuk, that could be run through with
out change, deem ii necessary to make the
following stat ment of the facts, so that the
public may understand and form proper con.
illusions as to who have been exer,ing them
selves for the best interests OF the City
they, or those who have been so Industrious
ly circulating fnlsehood.
IL is well known by all conversant with
the business wants Of keoknk, that the run
ming arrangements Of the boats Of the Keo-
kuk and ST. Louis Packet Company, have,
for the past two or three years, been grossly
inadequate and inconvenient to the people
and business of this city; consequently it
becomes necessary that we should have an
other line, or some change for the better, in
the running arrangements OF the present
one. Therefore, the undersigned in connec
ton with other business men of the city, de-
termined that the object should In some way
be accomplished, either by getting compa-
ny TO put on and run new line, or effect an
arrangement with the old one that would sat-
isfy the wants and business Of Keokuk.
The frs. step was taken two years ago by
an organization q some ten or twelve cti-
zens, who subscribed the requisite means TO
purchase two first class passenger boats,
which We then supposed could be purchased
and brought Immediately into the trade
Two Of our Sample and Deming-
proceeded Immediately to Cincinnati, Wheel.
ing and Pittsburgh, in quest OF the boats,
but after spending several weeks were una
BILE to procure suitable ones, in time for the
opening Of the season.
Other parties, interested in the other line
finding that the business men and citizens of
keokuk were in earnest as TO their true in
terest, deemed il policy TO promise US better
accommodations, and did, tor short time,
run their boats through in quick time, ar
irving here ut midday but this convenience
Was OF short duration TO US, by q sudden
change from one extreme TO the other, towit:
by making Quincy the terminus Of the line,
and making Us n tributary or switch or
This arrangement, very properly, revived
the necessity of another effort for new
and Independent keokuk line, that might
be controlled by keokuk men. Therefore,
the undersigned, in connection with other
citizens and business men of keokuk, and
other towns and cities interested, again de-
tcrmined to make the effort and persevere
until they could succeed in some way to reme-
dy the evil. and place keokuk and her bust
ness in the position rightfully and naturally
belonging to her.
Knowing that we would have many obsta-
cles and strong opposition TO contend against,
in establishing and maintaining new line,
and believing that il would be the policy and
interest Of oil to combine our whole bust
ness and strength, we mntured and submit
ted our plan and propositions to the Direc-
tors Of the keokuk, Fl. Des Moines & Min
nesota X. X. Company, asking them to unite
with us.
To-wit We proposed to them that we, in
connection with other responsible and cxpe-
rienced parties at Quincy, Hannibal, st.
Louis, and elsewhere, would organize u CON-
pany, with a capital Of $500, 0OO, two
thirds Of which would be subscribed By as,
and a sufficient amount should be maid in
cash by as, TO procure and bring into the
trade the requisite first class passenger and
freight boats; upon an agreement with the
Railroad Co., that they might take the one
third, or as much less Of the stock as they
might deem best, without beng required to
advance anything upon it. And that we
wonli enter into a contract between the com
pauies 10 do all the carving Of passengers
and freight between keokuk and st. Louis.
and all the intermediate points, at rates
named, ,ehieh trere full t,centy-fp per
cent. iess than the rates 81 the old line for
several years past.
The Board OF Directors Of the Railroad
rejected the proposition. We then, after fur
,her consideration, made them another. To-
wit We proposed that We would find respon-
sible md experienced parties who would take
all the stock, furnish all the boats, and run
the line, and GIVE TO the Railroad Co. ONE
TssrH Of the stock and profits Of the line,
aud cutter into contract TO carry all their
passengers and freight, a, prices tnentu mrs
per ee7,i. less than has been charged ia for
years. This was declined, with the reply
that they would make no arrangement. Con-
sequently, being determined 70 secure the
necessary Accommodations in some way. we
proceeded IL look elsewhere for some reliable
arrangement before the opening OF the pres.
ent spring business,
The President OF the. old line, "beinc
fully advised of our d6fngs," then wrote
us, inviting an interview and consultation.
with the siew Of agreeing upon some plan,
by WHICH We might unite our means, ayoid
opposition, and accommodate our city and I'll
concerned
Upon this invitation, and with view of
ascertainlng what could be done, a consulta-
tlca war had, at which ii was concluded tina,
II ". sample should be authorized and re-
quested u open correspondence, and nego-
& tate, with the President OF the st, Louis
and heoAak Packet Co.. at st. Louie, with a
view 70 an Arrangement, il any could be
made, by which keokuk could have what she