North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1868-02-12
Special M e ssagc.


On the oath Gov. Merrill sent special
to the Legislature. 1t is n well-written
document. We admire it for its brevity
and express regret that our space is so
taken up that we can only condense and
clip.
The Gov. congratulates us on the sue
cessful settlement of the claims of Iowa
rs. the National Government, commends
Col. Dewey for his work in cffecting the
settlement, advises his retention as claim
solicitor at Washington until all is closed
up, and suggests an increaseof compensa-
ton.
The Gov. then goes for Railroads as
follows
The development of our agricultural
and mineral resources is largely affected
by the completeness and extent of cur fac
ilities for transportation. This fact renders
it imperative that the state pursue liber-
al and generous policy in dealing with
this class of corporations.
The Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad
Company, having failed to comply with
the essential conditions upon (which their
land grant was conferred, l would unite
with my predecessor in recommending its
assumption Ey the STATE when that shall
have been done let it be bestowed upon
some company affording the most indubit-
able assurances Of a rapid and energetic
extension of the road, Whatever corpor-
alton shall be invested with this valuable
land grant, let the condition of time be
made especially prominent, SO that the
fertile region which has so long awaited
the completion of this line may be placed
in early communication with the great
markets of the interior and the east.
The act of congress approved May 18th
1864 conferred upon the state, Il grant of
land '.to aid in the construction Of rail
way from point at or near the foot Of
Main Street, South McGregor, in west
erly direction by the most practical route
on or near the Add parallel of North Lat
itude.n This grant of land was conferred
upon corporation known as the McGreg-
Western Railway Co., but no patents have
vet been issued to them by the secretary
of the interior, on the ground that the
conditions of the grant have not been
complied with by the company. This
action was taken only after careful ex-
animation of the subject by competant
officer Of the department Disclaiming
any other feeling than an earnest desire for
the promotion of the interests Of that Sec
ton affected by the non fulfillment of
these terms and consequently of the state,
/ cannot perceive how the action of the
secretary could have been otherwise in the
| premises. The line Of road now construct
ed does not start from the designated
point, and does not run in the direction
proposed by the law of congress. While
road from McGregor to st. Paul is a
most commendable enterprise, and merits
as it receives, the gratitude of Northern
Iowa, a sense Typographical: propriety for
bids US to harbor the idea that such road
comedies with the 43d parallel, or secures
the object intended in the land grant.
The company then which was the ben
effciary of the grant, having failed to ex-
ecute in good faith the trust reposed in
them. Ideem it the early duty of the state
to resume it and hold it for the benefit of
some corporation which will undertake
and prosecute the work in accordance with
the letter Of the law, to its early and final
completion.
Whatever may be the authority of the
state over railroad corporations already
formed coded, it is plain that in the dis
position of those which may hereafter re-
vert to the state, regulations may be i'm
posed for the protection Of the interests of
the people against the impositions Of
monopoly.