The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-03-30

section Of the United States which has a.
hattering prospects for the coming season, -
that region Of the Mississippi valley lying be-
tween Keoknk snd ST. Paul, and the eoessu
directly tributary to it. Iowa and Minnesota,
Western Wisconsin and Illinois, are likely 70
receive larger share Of Eastern and foreign
emigration during the coming season, than
all The rest Of the country combined, and
these immigrants will not only bring labor,
but they will also bring capital 70 greater
extent than ever heretofore.
This entire section is in very Hourishing
condition, and is very rapidly developing,
while the people are as Q general rule, free
from debt, prosperous and hopeful of the fu-
ture. The prospects of home mAehet grow
ing out Of the numerous public improvements
courage agricultural industry TO put forth its
utmost energies. The demand present, and
prospective, cannot fail to induce . greater
investment and more extended enterprise in
the already immense lumber business of the
upper Mississippi. And it il evident to the
duliest observers, that oil our infant manufse-
tories and foundries Of whatever kind, and es-
pecially all devoted to agricultural imple-
ments and machinery, are already pushed to
their utmost capacity to FIJI orders, and nu>
merous manufactures of various kinds are
springing up on every hand to meet the de-
mand.
Within the limits Of the region indicated,
many hundreds Of miles Of Railroad are in
progress Of construction, or will be commenc.
ed during the present season, requiring an
outlay Of millions Of dollars while the en-
penditure for the improvement of the rapids
at Davenport and Keokuk, and for the con-
struction Of bridges at those towns and other
points over the Mississippi river, will call for
several millions more to be distributed
amongst the people, to add TO the productive
capital and deYelope the productive industry
of the Upper Mississippi Valley.
In this view ofthe case, the prospects OF
the future, present the livelest encourage
ment for enterprise in all departments Of bu.
siness, and in none more SO than agricultural
and manufacturing departments.
And while we are thus hopeful for the fn.
ture of this whole section of country, We are
more than grati6ed with the present, and full
of confidence for the future as to the share
Keokuk will have in the benefits and advan-
tages growing out OF these general evidences
of prosperity. Besides the common interest
that we would have with the rest of the coun-
try, we shall be one Of the chief points Al
which the large expenditures Of which We
have spoken will be made. And in the con-
struction of canal, Keokuk is assured
as the permanent seat Of the best and most
extensive manufacturing power in the United
States, convenient of access 10 the raw ma
ierial, and with the best possible facilities.
by river and railroad, for distributing its
manufactures through the country to its Gus
toners. While a railroad and wagon bridge
will not only give access to a large scope Of
productive country on the opposite side Of
the river to this their best local market, but
~ill insure to us the benefits accruing from
the general and widespread reputation of
great crossing on the route Of travel East aud
West, by rail and otherwise. And that We are
not over sanguine in our;anticipstions in re-
gard to the Canal and Bridge, and the pros
poets of their speedy commence nent, we
think is clear from the state Of the case, and
the interests involved; from the fact that
the appropriation. has been made.fo one by
the Government, and the interests Of rail,
road companies, and Of capitalists seeking
investment prompt themi 10 speedy con
struction Of the other.
A letter received by us Yesterday, from a
friend in New York, may serve to encourage
some doubling Thomas. and for the sake Of
the sympathy we feel for all such, we publish
brief extract from our friends letter:
" The plan for the Bridge at Keokuk is hcr.
III 10 to be double or two story structure--wsgon
and pedestrian way on top, railroad crossing be-
iow-touches the lows shore at Blondeau street,
and crossing the river diagonaily, touches the
illinois shore just below the present Ferry dyke
The railroad track will come out on the leyee and
the wagon road on First street height to be 80
feet above low water mark cost about $3.50, Geo.
l nov think the Bridge Company will be formed
mere this week, and large portion Of the money
subscribed 10 build the same MS the stock is to be
str-ilar to the Quincy Bridge stock 10 per cent
guaranteed stock-and the Quincy Bridge stock
- now per cent. above par. Contracts viii be
made for completion Of the same within eighteen
months, and work will Immediately commence.
The Commission for the Rapids Improvement
has been appointed, and that will be commenced
this spring and l now think there will be well
on to one million Of dollars expended at the
Doomed City this season in public improve