Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-02-04

The committee also reported the following
resolutions, which, together with the above
basis of representation, were adopted, though
not without animated discussion and various
attempts at amendment:
Resolved, That this Convention is in favor of and
will do all that can be done to aid in building the
r. r. from the city of Desmones by way of Pella,
Oskaloosa and Ottumwa so as to form southern
and such eastern connections as will be thereby
afforded with the Capital of the State.
Resolred That we have full confidence in the good
faith of the Keokuk, Fl. Desmoines L Minn r. Il.
Co., and if it can show itself in condition to build
the road speedily, this Convention would recon-
mend the extension to said Company of such aid
by counties and individuals as will insure its COM
pletion at the earliest practicable day.
Resolued, That this Convention is in favor of
what is called the central road to the Pacific, and
recommend such action on the part of Congress as
will insure its early construction.
The Burlington delegation objected strongly
to the resolutions, but they were adopted by
200 majority, Jefferson being the only county
voting with Desmoines in the negative.
During the session of the convention,
several spirited speeches were made. Will
Tomlinson led off in an attack upon the NJ. &
NJ. r. r. Co., which was ably defended by
Hon. j. B. Grinnell, of Poweshiek county.
Mr.. G. also responded to number of inter-
rogatories concerning the company from Hon.
F. H. Warren, of Burlington, and by his wit
and readiness at repartee kept the assembly
in good humoI for some time.
During the evening session, speeches were
made by J. C. Hall, of Burlington, Hugh L.
Reid, of Keokuk, and j. Scott Richman, of
Muscatine MIR. Hall was excessively bitter
against the NJ. 4 NJ. R. r., and entreated the
people of Mahaska to drop it and build a
branch to the Burlington road. To this end,
he violated the ninth commandment, and
adduced several Smiles and anecdotes in
extremely bad taste. He flattered Keokuk
with the idea that it and Burlington, like
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, were united
to fight the "Russian Bear" (Muscatine y
Unfortunately for Burlington, however, as
well as for the trutkfulness of his inelcgant
figure, Keokuk did not act with her, but left
her in the posture of the heroine of one of his
anecdotes waiting for what might come !"
Mr.. Reid, in his speech, disclaimed the idea
that there was any selfshness on the part of
Keokuk in desiring the passage of the rcsolu-
tons. The B. & NJ. r. R., and the X, Ft
D. & NJ R. R., crossing each other at almost
right angles, ought to be of mutual advantage
instead of rival roads. He rcjoiced in the
prosperity of the Burlington road, and hoped
it would meet with no obstacles in its lcgiti-
mate route.
Mr.. Richman refuted the false assertions of
Judge Hall concerning the NJ & NJ. R. r.,
and showed the people of Oskaloosa the
advantage of securing this road in preference
to branch from the Burlington road. He
assured them that the road would be extended
from Washington, but not necessarily through
their county and city unless they gave the
proposed aid. The company, he remarked,
could do without Oskaloosa, but Oskaloosa
could not do without it. fthey should build
a branch and refuse aid to the Muscatine road,
they might be suffered to have branch only,
and see rival city built up on the main road.
He assured them of the interest felt by Mus
catine now as in times past to secure railroad
connection with Oskaloosa, and showed that
the delay was occasioned only by the hard
times, which have frustrated the designs of
all men.
The convention, as will be seen from our
report, resulted in nothing new or definite.
We are satisfied, however, that the Burlington
branch project has received its quietus, and
that is certainly something accomplished.
We wish our neighbors at Burlington success
in constructing their road on its proper route,
but when they trespass upon the territory Of
other roads, and seek to win the people to
their project, We hope they will meet with
Just such discontinue as on this occasion.
The delegates from Muscatine to the con-
vention were six in number--viz: j. Scott
Richman, Geo. C. Stone, j. Bridgman, VIM.
G. Brewster, S. B. Reid and John Mahin.
We were informed before we left Oskaloosa
that county convention would be held next
Saturday, the 9Th, to determine upon the
proposition Of the n. & NJ. r. r. Co. to re-
commence work on the road upon certain
conditions