The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-11-25
Our Railroad Prospects.

Are we to have railroad? We an
swer yes! But the time has already
arrived when energetic action is called
for. We have been relying upon
connection with the Rock Island and
Chicago road, by way of Muscatine
and Davenport, but the prospect of
such connection, is rather unpromis-
ing, at present. The terminus of that
road at this time is about sixty miles
distant. The Company have not the
means to proceed any further, and we
are already called upon to aid by the
delivery Of our bonds. This would be
all well enough in case our assistance
would construct the whole road, but as
we are not able to do that, it is thought
impolitic to lend aid to build it in other
counties, without good show for its
reaching ours also. The company are
engaged in procuring or trying to pro-
cure, help, for the northern branch,
and we cannot reasonably expect much
from that source very soon, unless
more urgent and emphatic efforts are
made. Our bonds were AUTHORIZED by
a vote of the people, but the time ex-
pires next July, and it impossible for
the Company to comply with their
part of the contract. In our humble
opinion, it is high time that they CON-
mence operations or quit talking about
it. We want railroad, and intend to
have one even if we are compelled to
go to some other point for connection.
If the NJ. & NJ. r. r. intend to do any.
thing, noao Is their time.
But what are the prospects of some
other connection? We answer, Bur-
lington is pushing her road along rap
idly, and will soon reach Ottumw
The North Missouri road from st. Louis
will soon reach the State line 80 miles
South from Ottumwa. The Keokuk
road is pushing along slowly and will
also make Ottumwa a point. If zoe
mast build our o'on road, schy not do
1t IN that direction' It is not half SO
distant as Washington, and there
would not be single stream to bridge.
Not only so but Burlington wants our
trade and would no doubt lend liberal
assistance. Keokuk would be act,,ated
by motives of the same kind, and in
aiding us, would only be pushing her
own road in the direction of Demoines.
The North Missouri Company, would
also find it the direct route towards St.
Paul, its destination. Then why not
agitate this proposition little?
To secure these connections t,renty
fire miles only arW hare to he bxih and
it would give us the following outlets
soon, namely; TO Chicago via Burlinr.
ton; to st. Louis by a direct route. to
keokuk also by direct route: anl nj
timately, to Des Moines, the capitol of
the State, and to st. Paul in Minnesota.
In the direct road to st. Loui. wo
would have s'we outlet to the Sou.h-
ern market at all seasons of tho wear
winter as well rs summer. Ry tho
Burlington road. we could reach an
points east and north e0st: bv tho
X eoEnk route, we could 90 south or
south east; by the Des Moinns Road.
we would receive tho benefit of travel
and commerce, to and from, tho west.
to the Missouri river; and ultimately Nv
the st. Paul road, would have the
benefit ola northern market, and espe-
cially would we be profted by the
lumber trade from that region of 'coun-
try.
If we mist build our own road, let
MS 60 to Ottumwa, and make these
highly important connections. IF we
want help, we can no doubt get it as
well from Burlington, Keokuk, and st.
Aouis, as from the M. & NJ. r. II. Com
pany. The Burlington road will reach
Ottumwa, early next summer. and we
could get our road there in less tnan
half the time it would take to get to
Washington; and time Is cert0i,ely Of
great Importance. Citizens of Mahas-
ka county. Shall we make this effort
or not? Ifso, we cannot acitate too
soon! Our columns are open. let MS
hear from you. Oskaloosa Herald.