The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1860-02-04
County Lines Meeting.

at Emporia, Breckenridge county, Kansas,
January %, 1860, called for the purpose OF
considering the question OF changing
the county lines of Waubonsa, Brecken-
ridge. Madison and Greenwood coun-
ties. the following were the proceed
ings Meeting called to order by the ap-
pointmeht of F. G. Hunt. of Cottonwood,
Breckenridge county, President. John Hold
son, of Dragon Creek, Waubonsa county,
Jas. NJ. Wheeler, of Eagle Greek. Madison
county, and Mr.. Huntley, OF Madison coun-
ty, Vice Presidents; o. A. Trip and j..
w. Randall. of Breckenridge. Secretaries.
The following were appointed a commit
tee on resolutions
L. D. Bailey, of Breckenridge county,
W. 8. Cook, of Forest Hill, Breckenridge
county, w. II. Priest. of Eagle Greek,
Madison county, J. S. Pigman. of Neosho
Rapids. Breckenridge county, and John
Conner, of Americas.
Several gentlemen then addressed the
meeting. In response to call, G. V. Esk-
ridge, Esq. said he believed, and would
state emphotically, that change of county
lines was needed by the people. The rea-
son why this movement was not before start
ed, he believed, was on account of the i'm
preston entertained that it would meet the
very decided opposition of the central por-
tons of the counties. The Inconvenience
arising from the present order OF things
could not longer be borne. Ii was feature
noticeable to all that. according to the pres
ent arrangement, all the heavier settlements
are near the outside of the counties, and,
besides all the central portion of Brecken-
ridge county was composed of dry prairie
land, while on the south line of the county
IL. IL
was to be found all the heavy timbered
lands in the county. Towns, Mills and all
manufacturing establishments would con-
consequently thrive better in this locality
than in any other, and should be placed in
central position in the county.
DR.. Newton addressed the meeting in ia
vor of the change, stating as his reason
that it would throw the Cottonwood and
Neosho rivers in the center of the county,
and thus profit the interests of the settlers,
the majority of whom are located in this
portion of the county, and he was in favor
of the measure as it would Enthusiastically
enhance the interests of the community in
general. These remarks were intended to
apply only to Breckenridge county, but be
believed equal benefits would result to the
other counties by the change
Mr.. Gallaher alluded likewise to the
fact that communities having similar inter
ests were separated by the present arrange
ment, and thus local interests would con-
flict and cause differences ruinous to gen
eral prosperity, DC. The change would
have to be made, and now was the proper
time to do it,
j. M. Rankin, Esq, next addressed the
meeting. He said change of lines which
would throw those portions Of the counties
having the best natural advantages-water
and Enthusiastically would induce emf
grafton, while the present arrangement tends
to discourage it. He alluded to the present
condition of the Virdigris country, and
thought the change would greatly favor its
settlement. He said that the present ar
rangement of the counties was made before
they were much settled, and he thought it
no new thing to petition at the present time
for change of county lines. Several 9th
ers also participated in the speaking, when
the committee on resolutions reported the
following, which, after being debated at
some length, were passed unanimously:
Resoloed, That counties and county lines should
be established with view to the greatest good of
the greatest number.
Res0tred, That we deem it the part of wis
dom, so to locate county lines, as to unite contig
uous settlements, thus securing unity of interest
and harmony of action
ResofDed, That the present division of counties
made without reference to the natural conforma-
ton of the country in disregard of the great geo
graphical characteristics, and without consulting
the views, wishes, or interests of the settlers,
lmperatlyely, requires alienation and amendment
at the hands of the law making power. and we
deem the present Legislative Assembly, as it is
the first in which Southern Kansas has been fair
~ represented-pecularly qualified to make the
needed notifications.
RESOLVED, That we most earnestly appeaI to III
Representatives of the people, to improve the
present opportunity to quiet the conflict of local
interests by re-adjustment of the county lines
IN accordance with the natural conformation of
the country. and the settled course of trade and
travel.
ResOlDed, That the valley of the Kansas River,
the Santa Fe road, the valley of the Cotton wood
and Neosho and the valley of the Virdisris Riy-
er are the four great landmarks which should be
regarded in the adj ustment of county boundaries
IN that portion of the Territory comprising the
present counties of Waubonsa, Breckenridge,
Madison and Greenwood.
ReSoLced, That in the opinion of this meeting
the organization of new county from the south
ern part of Waubonsa, and the northern part of
MISUNDERSTANDING the Santa Fe Road for its
central hne-another from the southern part 6f
breckenridge and the twelve miles from the north
ern part of Madison, embracing the valleys of the
Neosho and its branches-and third from the |
southern part of Madison. with the present eoun
" OF Greenwood. lying in the valley of the Yer |
dlgris and its branches, would put final period
to the conflict of local interests which has here
tofore prevailed.
ResoLced, That should the members of the pres
ent Legislative Assembly act promptly and faith
fuliy IN obedience to the wishes of the people. |
with an eye single to the public good by making
suea changes in the exis ing system of counties
as TO meet the wants and wishes of the masses
they VIII have conferred lasting benefit upon
the Territory. and entitle themselves to the
heartfelt thanks and lasting gratitude of the
people.
Resoiced, That in all ordinary eases counties
should be bounded by the township and range
lines of the u. S Government Surveys
Resotced, That in favor of moving the
east and west lines of the counties herein ra.nr.