The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1861-11-02

the Missouri river for its base line
Already are our principal cities and
towns in this quarter. and they must
always remain here as matter OF neces-
sity governed by inf1exible laws.
Il is even more apparent, if possible.
that the commercial resources Of Kan
sas must center here. Indeed they
will, by the same law of necessity, all
concentrate here. The Missouri is our
sea coast. so TO speak. and from its banks
mus: reach out our avenues OF trade
and travel.
These facls establish another, namely,
;ha. facilities for travel and communi-
cation will ,ua out from this same
basis.
We already have Leavenworlh and
Atclison cities in Kansas. and StJoseph
and Kansas cities in Missouri along this
line. besides other places Of some note.
The 6rst railroads in our State will start
from the different points along the river
the Grst of all, for the construction
Of which preparations are being made
even in these hard ,imes.is to start out
from Leavenworth city 20 Topeka. and
so westward. By glancing over any
railroad map of the Union. it will be
seen that railroads always concentrate
"a. the commercial centers. aud not at
the capitals Of States. Where State
has no commercial city, the roads will
concentrate at the capital if j! is eligibly
situated. This is the case with Indian
apolis; bu, i, is not so with Springfield.
! Illinois.
Now as all Kansas railroads will
naturally center in the region we have
specified either directly or by facilta-
ting connections. il follows that some
where in this region the Capital should
be located in order to secure the three
advantages we have laid down as requi-
sites which should enter into the ques-
lion-which, in fact, should decide it,
with little reference to other matters.
By running out lines from this base.
it will be found that they come neares,
concentrating at TOPEKA Of any other
point. For this reason, we think the
claims Of this place are worthy OF con-
sideration.
Besides the considerations already
named, the Capital should be as far ro-
moved from danger as possible consist
an. with convenience, AMI a, near 10
The means OF defense. Our troubles
OF hostile character must come from,
The Indians and rebels south of Us. II
is true, we hope and expect the prcsen;
rebellion will be put down; but il there
are any future ones. they will arise in
the same region; and il is we'll 10 be
on the safe side in all our calculations
TOPEKA is admirably situated in this
respect. 1t is well enough removed
from all points Of attack, and is easy
of access from the seat Of population.
3 Indeed, it may fairly be claimed as il,
, the region Of that population. In these
!, times Of iiibulation. all these matter.
should enter into our calculations.
The Capital should no, be too close
the river. /. should extend as far ou,
towards the center Of the State as pos
sib!e. so as not to be crippled in its other
advantages. And it should have the
means for accommodating the Depart.
ments and the Legislature reasonably
well until provisions are made for the
future requirements of the State in
this resEect.
! VIA. changes a hundred years may
make. or even fifty years. is a matter
beyond the ken of mor,als: but for the
next generation We think there is no
doub! that our positions will hold good.
We doubt if time ever will change
them.
Another point. TvrEKA has become
somewhat endeared TO the hearts Of the
friends Of our State. who have come TO
regard it as the Capital. The enemies
OF Kansas - most Of whom are now
rebels-hatc it for tie same reason tia,
the olhers love il. We do not wish ty
these remarks TO revive any unpleasant
"reminiscences. but simply to state a
TACT. aud one, too, that is not unworthy
Of consideration. We know that sci.
fish considcrati have divided the
sentiments OF many on this poiut. and
some. who once loved to look upon
Topeka as the Capital, now wish their
orn place 70 BE- selected; but the feeling
Of hatred is still a unit and i. ought