Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1859-08-10

| rrospscts, dc.
fVor the Democrat
Drs MoraEs, Iowa
Aug 9Th. 1859.
| To one Who visits. for the fret time,
thi. much talked Of Northwest portion Of
the Union. every thing connected with its
past, its present and ito probable future 10
frsught with interest. We invariably figure
to the minds en- yhst We expect to witness,
even before I Rive a, the fact. through
the agency Of the organ Of sight This ca
pacity Of our nature is just IS likely to re-
suit in erroneous conclusions. - in correct
ones. had imagined that this newly set
tied State. which. but few days ago, vas
admitted iuto full compsnionsLip with her
sisters Of the Coufedersoy. would present all
the attendants Of infancy-wOuld exhibit
the contrast which distinguishes the feeble,
creeping babe from the full grown, fully
developed stature Of maturity. Ny expecta
tions have not been realized. Iowa in the
developer ent Of her resources-in the cul
ture Of her soil. unsurpassed, if not unequal.
ed. in fertility-in the rearing. IS it were
by the power of incarnation, beautiful cities
and towns upon the banks Of her streams
and sprightly villages upon her widely ex-
tended prairies-in word, in her attain.
ment Of a front position in the onward and
upward" progress Of this Gland OF the free
and home Of the brsve"-has counted
months as years, hours As days. minutes -
hours.
1t is manifest to even casual observer
that business Of all descriptions is now ID
boring under an oppression, the conse-
quence Of the failure of crops last year, the
misfortunes attending the gathering in Of
those Of the preceding year, and the over
action which characterized the operations
in land speculations during the inflated
prosperity Of the whole country for con-
siderable time prior to the lste reaction
But the causes which have produced the
present stagnation have ceased to exist
the effects are beginning to disappear. Mo-
ther Earth now evinces willingness to be.
stow her richest gifts upon such as possess the
industry-the heroism-to contend for
them. All that will be required to resusci-
tate trade in all it's various ramifications,
are united energy and the observance Of
prudence for the future
entered your State at the city Of Daven-
port Here, on the very threshold. all my
pre- conceived opinions Of the situation. sur.
roundings and general appearance of the
metropolis of Iowa were dispelled. ex-
pected to find town of ordinary dimen-
sions. evidencing mushroom growth. and
only dignified by the name of city, with
out possessing any of the characteristics
Of one. When | witnessed your magnificent
buildings, occupied IS hotels. banking
houses, mills, warehouses dc, could only
conclude, that such marks of prosperity
must have some basis, and could not be the
result Of forced appearance of substantial
advancement. Then. the superb private
mansions which sdorn the bluff" that
raises majesticslly from a convenient line
back from the river front. are conclusive TO
my mind, that those who built them intend
ed to make these beautiful spots a fixed
home for life.
Nstur. has done everything to render
Davenport distinguished city-a CONNER
cial center. Being located at the foot of the
Rapids, and at the head of navigation which
can be relied upon during all portions of the
year. except when obstructed by ice,S for
West and North. West Iowa it is the natural
point for transhipment to all portions Of the
valley Of the Mississippi and those Of its
tribntaries Its railroad connections are
only beginning to be projected 1t is law
Of trade to seek means Of access and
egress the most easily to be secured, and
best adapted for the attainment of the oh.
ject in view. This occasioned the construc
ton ofthe Chicago and Rock Island Rail
road. and the commencement. and partial
completion Of the Mississippi d Missouri
/ Railroad, from Davenport W estward.
Much might be written upon the beautie,
and eligible location of Davenport, but
have neither the time nor the necessary
powers Of description to do the subject full
justice. can not refrain from saying that
your city was, no doubt, enhanced in my
estimation, for the reason that there met
several old friends from Pennsylvania, the
cordial shake of whose hands made me feel
at home. The Society of these boon compau
ions of former days. and the comfortable
quarters, magnificent fare and gentlemanly
entertainment Of that Prince of Proprietors'
Col. john G. MAoELL Of the LIE Claire, wer,
Of themselves sufficient to attach me to Da
venport.
While reviewing and admiring the natu
raj advantages which distinguish the Stat,
OF Iowa, and looking with astouishment O
the improvements which have been effected
In few years, by the enterprise of her On.
srgetic p:oneers, have not failed to reflect
upon her strange position in politics. II
view OF the historical fact, that the unsx
smpled march Of civilization, from tn,
western frontier of the original States to
wards the coast Of the Pacific, has been tn,
result Of the almost continuous predomin-
mcs Of the Democratic party since tn
organization Of the Government. the specta
Gle presented BY love being DOW marshallet
under the banner Of the Opposition to tina
party, 10 unaccountable. Her position is u
unnatural one. Is there candid and intel
ligsnt Republican who win maintain, that
If the Democracy had been in the minorit,
from the period Of Je6srson's administra.
ton to that of James Buchanan, this Stat