, 1860-05-05

But II Ii uemocfatlc quarrel, and We DO not
wish to interfere for fear our motives might b.
misunderstood.
CHICAGO RAILROAD INTERESTS.
In all the early development OF tho Chicago
railroad system there were two leading aod
otten rival interests. They were known here
as the Michigan Southern and the Michigan
Central interests; but in fact they extended to
the sea ho8rd; the one embracing the South
Shore and tie Erie roads, and the other the
Canada Great Western, the New York Central
and the Hudson River Roads. The competi-
ton between these powerful lines was for
several years active, and often bitter and un-
yielding. When cur roads were projected
Westward towards the Mississippi the same
rivalry was manifest in their progress, the
Michigan Southern interest was supposed to
push forward the Rock Island Road, while
the Gaiena was charged with MAIN
tanning not very secret alliance
with the Michigan Central To counter;
act this aud secure direct line west to tho
Mississippi, the Michigan Southern managers,
then largely under the control Of the Litcl,-
fields, projected the St Charles Air Line, and
spent very considerable amount Of money in
locating and grading the road. This forced
the Galena Company to build their Air Line
to Fulton aud to buy out the St. Charles line,
i ne mistake not for 100000. 1t was also
understood that the Galena Company should
thereafter maintain The position Of neutrality,
between the two rival interests. The Rock
Island road WAS completed, the Mississippi
was bridged, anu the Mississippi and Missouri
road vigorously ezteudcd westward. The
Michigan Central interest look hold Of the
Burlington road and finished it first to Burling-
ton and then an extcusiou Of it to Quincy, and
in February 1853. the Hannibal and St. Joseph
road was opened To tho Missouri
The commercial reyulsion Of 1857 finally
forced tue Michigan Southern and the Michi-
gan Central into a compromise. Some ar
zsnsemsnt WAS perfected, by Which tho bitter
rivalry which had markod their movements
from the commencement was discontinued.
1t is manilsstly both wise and just for these
roads 81 well as their extensions TO the Sea-
board, TO maintain good understanding, for
by that meaas the best interests Of their
stockholders will be subservcd, while the bust
ness public should be willing to pay reasonable
prices fo- travel and ircights.
Since tho compromise Of which we have
spoken was elected, the Pittsburg Fort
Wayne and Chicago Railroad has come in on
the south ai1e Of the older roads and the north
shore lines, east Of Detroit, lnve q powerful
competitor in tie Canada Grapd Trunk Rail
road. 1t will take year or two more to de-
teruins tho tull bearing Of these now elements
Of competition for the travel and the commerce
0? the West
It ls manifest, however, that these old rival
ries must in some measure be revived when
vigorous Efforts arc made as they soon must
be to extend any one OF two Of the leading
railroad lines across Iowa to the Missouri.
The Central interests will not rest quietly
and see the Rock Island road extended to
Council Bluffs, and tho Galena Company can
not afford not to secure the completion Of the
Cedar Rapids and Missouri nivar road W tie
Missouri by tic time the Mississippi and Mis-.
souri, road is finished. The trade Of Kansas,
Nebraska, the Upper Missouri and the gold
fields is too rich prize to be carried oil by
either of the great rival lines whose extensions
a.. Yo,,., -o,ae ,-;-4,+,1!,- oro Thu ropd froy,
Rock Island is now steadily progressing
westward, and arrangements arc made to add
sixty miles to the line during the present sea-
son. An united effort is soou to be msde both
here and at the cast and especially among the
stockholders Of the Galena road, to build the
Cedar Rapids and Missouri River railroad as
fast az it can possibly be done. What those
interested in the Burlington and Missouri road
are doing We are not ut present informed.
From what information We now have We
should judge that little wholesome rivalry
will complete tho Mississippi and Missouri ant
thu Cedar Rapids and Missouri River road:
much sooner Than either one can be finished 1
is the interest Of Chicago that both should b
finished as fast as men and money can do it
We have some facts in regard to the prospects
and the necessity for both Of these lines wlicl
wo propose within the next two or three week
10 lay before our readers. We trust We shal
he ablo to convince our citizens that their ow7
best interests nre ut stake in opening at one
one or both these roads to the Missouri
IMPRISONMENT FOR DETET--A DIS
GNACEFUL RECORD. ;
Justices Of tie Peace have tho power t
issue warrants Of arrest and writs Of attach
meut IN civil cages, on certain atlidavits bein