The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-07-26
Col. Curtis Letter.

KEoKuK, July IS,
1880. DuSnAW, ESQ. Dear Sir: | am
told that ii has been reported in Burlington
that had presented the Pacific Railroad by
a map, which ignores Burlington and exalts
Keokuk
send you the report and map which you
will see do no such thing; Burlington and
KeokIk are both on the map equally plain.
None of the Iowa roads are presented except
the Rock Island road, because the map only
intends to show the Pacific Railroad surUeys
as made by the War Department prior to
$50, and the lines then known as Eastern
connections. ..f u
The map speaks for itself. showing that
did not prepare it and the War Department
did. You will sec the boundary line of the
State laid down from near Keokuk, which
some have no doubt, taken FIR proposed
Railroad, whereas you will see by inspection
it is no such thing. think, therefore,
am clear Of all selfish imputation in this re-
spect. having shown that did not make the
map, and second, that it does exalt not KeolIuk
over Burlington, as it places both on the
same footing. In point of fact, the map only
attempts to present accurately the routes
found to be practicable west of the Missis-
bill and map show that any of our Iowa or
Missouri roads may, by being prolonged, be.
come equally entitled to claim preference
after being united with the main trunk
Among competitors, no road stands fairer
than the Burlington road, as it runs directly
towards the Platte Valley, where I suppose
the main trunk will run; and Mr.. Corning
who was on the committee with me when
the map was prepared, and who is large
stakeholder in the Burlington road, was fully
satisfied with the fairness of the map and bill,
and aided in maturing the latter
The passage of the Pacific Railroad bin,
and the commencement Of that great western
outlet, will give new impulse to all the Iowa
and Missouri roads now progressing west
ward. and secure their early completion to
the Missouri river and their progress be-
yond.
The eastern stockholders will see way
is opening through the plains and mountains
to the wealth of India, and they will per-
ceive the vast advantage to them for our
roads to secure an early connection. The
progress Of such a work will give employ
ment to thousands now thrown out of work
and the supplies needed for feeding the en-
ployers will be furnished by our farmers in
Iowa and Missouri. In view of the ultimate
and immediate advantages which we will all
derive from Pacific Railroad, | have press
ed it as national interest inlcpcrd mt o!
party considerations; and have tried as fl,
as possible to combine the greatest sum OF
local interests The bill, therefore. starts a
road at any point on the western border OF
the State, and also another branch at any
point on the border of Missouri, which the
future stockholders may prefer-the two
branches converging so as to unite as one
stem within two hundred miles of the Mis-
sour river. All our roads can be connected
let the main line start as it may.
We have enough outside iealousies &c
contend with on this subject without rails
ing any among ourselves. The bill, mas
and reports of IMPURITIES and minoriti,s are
to be printed and circulated by Congress
and the subject is mad, special order. and
must come up for consideration in the House
on the third Tuesday of next December
consider any attempt to prejudice the
matter by false presentations and appeals t
local prejudice, most pernicious assault or
the interests of the State, for sincerely be
feve united efforts and earnest exertlons
will secure the early commencement of :
great enterprise that will revive immigration
advance the prosperity of our langushin.
railroads, secure a convenient market for ou
products and develope the vast resources o
the whole West. Very truly yours,
SAML r. CURTIS.