The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-03-20

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Many of our citizens are counting on an
accession of hundreds, or Thousands it may
be, to the population of Keokuk, during the
present season. And there are REASONABLE
grounds for the anticipation, ia the present
hattering prospects of the city, and the gen
eral condition of the country. For years
past our city has suffered in psblis estimation
abroad, ssd in the broken fortunes Aof many
of our citizens at home, resulting from the
flush times Of '57. Although Wa have not
entirely recovered from the terrible blow that
fell upon us in that period, causing such
widespread prostration and ruin, We have
got nd, for the most part, of the debris OF
that terrible crash, and are now prepared to
build on more solid, if a less broad founda-
ton. Our business men are sound and sub.
stantisl, and we have amongst M many
solid men of capital, available for investment
in productive industry and improvements.
= The price of real estate, which had sunk
out Of sight for time, is advancing agsin.
sndisis once more changing hands sufficiently
to indicate reviving horefulnsss, and general
confidence in better time coming. While
the general improvement of the country, and
the increase Of population and business with.
in the range of our business relations. tend
to promote the trade and prosperity ofthe
city, and assure it a healthy development, on
the basis Of already accomplished facts.
But aside from these favorable circumstan-
ces now in the full tide ofsuccessful progress,
REINFORCEMENT of the Rapids and the con-
struction of Bridge across the river, for
which appropriations and arrangements have
already been made, will have tendency TO
concentrate attention TO this point, and to
attract emigration from all directions. Indeed
we are already Witnessing the initiatory
movement in this direction, from the West
the South and the East. And even now the
influx this spring has served to fill every va
cant house in town and . man may spend q
fortnight now very industriously house hunt,
ing, without finding one at any price.
A kind ofuniversal dulness and stsgnation,
prevails generally over the country, land men
of capital and of enterprise are disposed to
seek point where public Improvements are
going forward and money is to be expended.
The Improvement Of the Rapids, and the ec-s
struction of a R6ds~ sss>ssSrS me Mississippi
river, renders it clear TO every man compre-
hension, that Keokuk is to be just such
place during the coming season, and hence
it stands forth for the time being as among
the most prominent and inviting points in the
West.
And now suppose people come here, &c
they will come, or as they would come, what
will they do. The dwellings are all occupied,
and there is no room to house any additional
population. Hence. new corners must turn
aside and go elsewhere, or buy out some of
our old citizens and send them off,
The great need of Keokuk, in view of the
circumstances, is an increase of house room
and there ought to be wisdom and enterprise
enough in the community to prc-ide at once,
for this growing necessity. II 10 temporary
necessity arising under extraordinary circrm-
stances, and 1t demands extraordinary meas.
ures to meet it. If one hundred, two hun.
dred, or even three hondred, moderate sized
houses could be put up here during the next
two months, they would all be occupied, and
pay good rent, and the population of Keo-
kuk would be increased to that extent. But
If buildings are erected on such short notice,
and in such large numbers, they must, for
the most part, be built by citizens already
here. We have not q doubt that small dwell,
ling houses, would sell at profit on the cost
of construction, during the entire season, or
pay fair interest in rent. II is, therefore,
we think, most clearly in the interests of
property holders, business men, and people
generally, who have any stock in the prosper
ity Of Keokuk, to set on foot, and prosecute
at once some general movement or enterprise
for the erection Of dwelling houses, and to
encourage private enterprise in that direction
Ii is worth some sacrifice and some risk, as
well as some effort, on the part OF our citi.
xens to give Keokuk boost ahead Just now
And it will tell immensely for good or evil on
N the future, whether we retain thousand eu-
oassse1ts this spring, or drive them away to
Sattek homes elsewhere.
W --~--
4 FIRE FLOOD AND FAxIsE alternately visit