St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1858-09-16

assistance within our power for fully
understanding the nature of the wealth
they develop. For their object alone,
a Geological survey would be
important. The information thus con-.
veycd might lead to that location of a
road which would very materially CT
feet the interests of the company and
the people. In the selection of homes
by the Inhabitants a knowledge of the
Geology of the State will be a valu.
able guide. A future supply Of fuel
and building material bccoms then an
important consideration. If there are
coal and valuable stone quarries, then
here are two important wants pro-
vidcd for. The objection that but few,
comparatively, of the inhabitants Of
the State will ever take the trouble to
look at the report to gain this infor-
nation, after it is provided for them,
is of but little weight, as it is the
duty of the State to place the informa-
ton within reach, and then there is no
one at fault but the individual himself,
if he errs through ignorance. But
some will read it, and they, through
the puplic press, and other ways, will
spread the information, and all will be
benefited in some n
1t will have IA tendency to induce en-
igration to this State. Those intend
ing to move West need just this i'll
formation. Local newspaper accounts,
and the reports Of interested specula-
tors, are Justly received at a discount.
Something reliable is wanted. The
report of such q man as Prof. James
Hall of Albany, one of the first OF
American biologists, will be every.
where received with credit, and relied
upon as the highest authority. The
report will find its way East. Efforts
are always made to gain possession
Of them for public libraries, and lectu
rers and newspapers circulate the in
formation.
Again a thorough Geological Sun
vey will define the boundaries Of tn
mineral districts, and often exten'
their area. The survey has alread.
extended the area Of the Iowa portion
of the lead region over twice its origi
nal surface, and new and valuable
lead mines have been opened, wher'
before no lead was supposed to exist
Iron has been found to some little eX
tent, and it is quite possible that ]
may he be discovered in our State Ii
sufficient quantities, and so rich as I
become an important feature in on
general wealth. But our creates
mineral wealth undoubtedly lies il
our extensive coal fields. Thes
, should be explored by competent &c
! ologists, and accurately defined
Here is soon to be our turl, and W
need to know its extent and value
' that we may best develop this genera
wealth. Geology as a science is ye
, in its youth, and therefore the opinio'
of Biologists cannot always be rclie'
upon as infallible in regard to the eA
~istence of coal, but much that is va
liable they can convey, and a Tyro il
. Geology would never have bore
through deep beds of Talcose Slate TO
;, coal, as has been dcnc at great cN
pcnse.
One great object of a Gologic'
c survey should be to advance the caus
of science. AS this does not directl
: affect our material wealth. it is tn
, least appreciated, and therefore
would press it the more earnestly
To some extent an appropriation for
, Geological survey, should be consit
5 cred an appropriation for the advance
q ment of science. The benefits whic
$ flow through this channel, though in
4 direct, arc none the less urc Will
T. out this object kept in view, muc
f that appears in Geological Reports
f might seem of little value. But W
, owe to science nearly everything tina
: is valuable in the arts. Years of pa
, tient, careful research, and study, hav
, often preceded some valuable disco,
!. cry, or useful invention. They nigh
have seemed foolish and trivial t
: those who viewed them only throug
, the light of their practical value a
f first, but they were necessary to pre-
r duce the result. So these Geologica
, surveys are gathering a mass of va
+ liable scientific facts. Thinking mind
, arc laboring with those facts, an
: gradually there is being built up
: noble science, which, if it contribute
f nothing to advance the material wealt
of man, would be performing a higl
: cr work in unfolding the counsels c
!, an infinite God. Geology is openin,
| the stony volume of Nature, III whic
: is written the history of the world to
t ages before the existence of mani
, leading us back, through a long an
: mystic past, to the fiat of Jehoval
a which called the world from chaos il
to being, displaying all along its hi
e tory His omnipotence and power, an
leading us to bow in humble rcve,
3 ence at His name. E. A. C.