The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-11-20
THE ROUTE TO THE GOLD MINES.

The Ron,c mp the North Side Of thc Platte Pos
Other Route.
Ever since it became settled, beyond the
possibility Of dispute, that the region round
about the tributaries of the South Platte,
was rich in golden sands, the press and peo-
pie of certain, sundry and divers minor
places on the Missouri river, "down below
have not been backward in setting forth
the claims of their points as QUILTING posts
for the anticipated emigration. II we are
to believe the statements Of all these inter-
ested parties, "shortest" and "best' routes
to the new Gold mines, are as plentiful rs
"leaves in Valambrosia;" or, to bring the
matter to the understanding of even the
most obtusc, they are as ''thck as the halr
on dog.' Elaborate and long are their
appeals to those contemplating migrating
to the new Ell Dorado, the coming season.
Graphic and powerful are their delneatlons
of the country to be traverscd-lts general
characteristics are dilated upon with much
custo-all ending in the sage conclusion that
theirs is the only route that can be travelled
with any degree of safety or speed.
Occasionally, however, these great ma
tional highway" shriekers, allow their zeal
to outstrip their discretion. Wehave a case
in point. First and foremost among the
clamorous crew cndcavoring to divert emf
grafton from its legitimate channel, and
where it is sure to flow, is the Nebraska City
Ners. The route from Nebraska City west
the Ne,cs says is 'thc grand route-much
the nearest" &c. &C., but it has great
drawback, and the ''imperlous necessity Is
more farmers along the road" While we
acknowledge that the lack of farmers along
that route is great drawback, we do not
admit that it is the only one. That route
is not the shortest, rs all reports ever sub
mitted to Congress, by those who have ex-
plored the country, will testify. Mr.. BECK
WITH, in his report to the Typographical
Bureau, says the distance from Council
Bluffs to Fort Kearney, ''iS mafh less man
by ann other route,' and he certainly ought
to know. If great saving in distance,
with better roads than any other route af-
fords, together with plenty ct timber and
grass, has any weight with those contempa-
ting a visit to the mines in the Spring, the
route North side of the Platte, as
heretofore, will come in for the lions share
of travel. There is no lodging that fact.
But to resume. The NerS, admits, that
in consequence of this lack Of farmers
along the route on the South side OF the
Platte, corn sells at almost fabulous prices.
Col. LANDER, who lately came over that
route, had to pay from So to 81 per bushei
for corn, from the time he left kcarney
until nearly to Ncbrask., City. BY taking
the route from Council Bluffs, on the North
side of the Platte, the necessity for such
heary OUTLAWS for grain will be entirely
obviated. The route from Omaha 10 Fort
kearney, is weH settled by good farmers,
VHD NHte nus ScuoOH ftfHtu tH'Jt 'fop' =.
corn and other grain. Anywhere between
this city and Fort kearney, corn can be
purchased for one, fourth the price 1t com
mands on any other route! 1t would be
we'll for those interested, to make 4 note of
this fact. We have no doubt those who
intend pilgrimage to the aurlferous regions
Of the South Platte in the Spring, will
scru,inizc closely the trumpeted advantages
Of the various different routes, and manifest
their preference in manner that will leave no
doubt as to which is the best and shortest
one. Tho advantages possessed by the
great Central Route, up the Valley on the
North side of the Platte, when once known
and understood, will suffice to attract the
major part of the travel tending westward.
Let the merits of the different routes be
caniidly and CAREFUL canvasscd, by those
who intend migrating, and VIC have no fears
but what the greater share of the travel
will be by the route up the North side Of
the great Platte River.