The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1869-08-05
The Election To-day.

The Election To-Day.
The excitement on the street yes
terday seemed to be on the increase.
At every corner, and in front Of many
stores, groups of men were col
lected, discussing the question Of
railroads in general, and the South
ern Hin lis and Straight Line Roads
in particular, and also the question
of routes. Much feeling and consid-
cradle bitterness were manifested in
several inHtances. The character of
the discussions and the men who
took part in them, indicate that
those who have the highest interests
of the city at heart, are strong for the
Illinois Railroad. The heaviest
taxpayers, as we'll as the largest
property owners, are outspoken in
favor Of the road. They regard the
very existence of the present pros
perity Of the city as at stake, to say
nothing of future growth. They
recognize the fact that with
the construction Of every ad-
ditional railroad, which does
not touch our city, portion of its
trade IS Topped off, and that the lop-
ping process cannot be endured for
any great length Of time. They real
ize the value of the trade of Southern
Illinois to cur city, and the necessity
Of fostering it with the utmost care
and solieitude. Hence, they are for
building a road that will bind that
section OF country us so firmly
that it will never become detached
or separated.
We do not believe there is within
the limits of the United States a Sec
ton Of country so capable of improve
ment as that of southern Illinois.
We are justly proud of the mineral
wealth of our own State, and anticipate
with pleasure the immense wealth its
development must necessarily con-
centrate in our State. But we doubt
whether in central Indiana can be
found such variety and richness Of
mineral deposits as are scattered all
through southern Illinois. Besides
we have most dangerous competitors
for the mineral wealth of central In
diana, while if we are wise aud ener-
getic the wealth of southern Illinois
IS altogether our own. No city can
successfully compete with us for it.
But, Notwithstanding the plainness
OF these facts, not a few of our people
persist IN not seeing them, or in
asserting that they do not see them.
Consulting only their preiudices
against. and hostility to, certain men
and Interests, they go against their
own judgment and real interest in
order to strike blow at the objects
of their dislike. Some openly avow
that they are animated by no higher
motive in opposing the donation to
the Southern Illinois Railroad. Per.
haps there are not dozen men in the
city, with intelligence sufficient to &C
into the house when it rains, who DE-
not know that the business interest:
of our city will be better promoted by
building a road to Southern Illinois
than by completing the Straight Line
Road, if compelled to choose between
the two. And yet, knowing
this, many Of them will vote
against the proposed donation because
of the Evansville and Charlottesville
Road and their prejudice against The
men who manage it. This is not cred
liable to citizens who claim to feel az
interest In the growth of their city
Their opposition to the Southern
Road Is just as disastrous as though
they were animated by the mos
malignant hatred Of the town Il which
they live, and were laborinp To sinh
vert its prosperity.
Our reports from the country lea,
US to believe that nearly all the vote
cast will be against the road. 1t
anticipated, however, that the Vot
cast will be very small. But th