The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1862-11-29
Our Railroads.

commenced upon 1t. We presume this
y correct. 1t is also reported that the
main track Of The Pacific Road is to run
directly up the Kaw Valley, and that
it will leave Leavenworth fifteen miles
north at the nearest point. This also
may be true; but i! i. is it is misfortune
for the city aud tie State. as Kansas
city must be The great point Of intersec-
ton between tie Railroad and the Mis-
souri, river, and therefore. in the end.
the great city OF this region.
Lsavenworth has just now tie trade
of the two cities; bu. this is only for the
time. and the result of the difficulties
growing out of the rebellion. Tie
trade thus forced to Leavenwori will
20 back 10 its old channel a. soon as
The obstruc tions are removed.
This trade. which has recently spyang
up into large proportions on account of
supplies for the army travelling south
ward, has infatuated large number cf
the merchants Of Leavenworth, and
they think there is nothing like lhe
Southern trade. That must be secured,
1t possible. before anything else. True,
1t ought to be secured; but as soon as
the army ceases 10 receive its supplies
from this base which may be in a few
mouths there will be falling off in
that trade. which viii render it of far
less Importance. But it is destined to
be growing trade for all time TO come.
after the falling OF of which We have
Just spoken; and We hope some poin,
IN Kansas will secure it. But how can
this desirable end be attained
There is but one way-make it easy
Tor the merchants of Southern Kansas,
and The region beyond. to get to Kan
sa' emporium,an they will come there.
Good roads. and the least expensive
transportation are the two grand requi
sites to success in this direction. The
present bad roads to Leayenworth from
The south. and the enormously high
rates Tor carriage to the southwark
mnAf hs re,y ae-;easiy agaiuss f,rr trus
Interests in that direction. Even afte,
the present furry is over. these thing.
Will be remembered against her.
vi course. the best way to secur
that trade would be to build railroa,
oy way OF Lawrence sou.hward. !
road 10 that direction will be only sec
ond In Importance 10 the Pacific Road
just now it would be of more impo,t
ance: but the present state of affairs wi
not do to base permanent policy upon
because it is unnatural and must 50,
pass away.
II The road located TO Big Strange
were designed as the frs; link in IN
cham southwark, and not as the com
mence"eni OF the abiding Pacific Road
We should regard it as a wise move
Ii would benefit Lawrence. Leaveu
worth and the State at large. But
1t is only to be an off shot from the Pa
cihc Road 10 Leavenworih, it is CAPITA
thrown away.
We have heard it minated that III.
L. T. d. W. R. Company had the thin,
al In their own hands, and could della,
d the construction of the line down {,
hs"sa' city at their pleasure. This il
all mistake. Before the road is ac
cepted by tie United States or paid fc
under The law. it must be completed {,
the mouth of the Kansas river. anil !
Tins were rot so the more arbitrary vii
of the Company would hardly be sus
tanned by public sentiment.
We have endeavored to advocate ;
policy for the construction Of railroad.
which would be Of the greatest benefi
10 the State At large. As a mere mat
ter OF travel and transportation. road
down the Kaw valley TO Kansas city
would answer all purposes: but as al
institution for the greatest good to Kan
sas. the Pacific Road should reach ths
Missouri river at Leavenworth. If i
does not, We lose one of the most iu.
portans results which can grow ou, o
the establishment of the read.
We have believed The gen,lem \
composin. the L. P & ". K. Compar. )
coincided with US in belief. Inleed, we
may speak with assurance on this poin.
But it seems DOW that they have adopt
ed . different policy, and are shaping
their ends TO build up Kansas city in
stead Of Leavenworth. We may be
mistaken in this but If not, we have
this consciousness. that We have faith
fully performed our duty to the State
and il after results tell 10 our hurt, the