The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1872-08-02

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FLoRENcEvILLE, Iowa, July Goth 70
To Editor Of 1o,ca Plain Dealer, Cresco.
GENTS: Through the columns Of you,
esteemed journal, I would like to say q
word to the. public about the ''Iowa
Eastern Narrow Gauge R. r." now ir
course of construction from McGrego1
to Elkader. On Tuesday the 18th
ult., an excursion party (under pro-
tectorate of Hon. +. H. Williams,
'sthe Iowa and Minnesota champion
of Narrow Gauge Railroads. visited
that whole-souled and hospitable city,
Elkaker. Among the excursionists
we noticed with pleasure such men as
Hon E. Odell and his worthy son Hiram
A. Odell, Gregor McGregor, J. W.
Sannon, Dudley Williams, Jas. Nc.
Alvin, NJ D.; also, Geo. G.. Gourand,
capitalist from N. Y. City, who's
favor is full and complete success to
this road. This being our first look at
a narrow gauge r. R. we tried to be
observant, and among the many favor.
able items we noticed as to this enter.
prise we will mention few:
First and last (and may it always be
SOY the entire work is we'll done.
End. The citizens all along the line
of this road are aUake to the great
benefit that results from it's construct.
ion through their wealthy, populous
and beautiful country.
Sd. The cost is less than one-hali
that Of the broad gauge roads
4th. The expense of operating is
much less.
9Th. Their capacity is fully adequate
to, and in excess Of the demand of the
country as to conveying freight and
passengers.
9th. We are fully convinced that
these roads can and will be built and
operated successfully Gas to finance, }
where the broad gauge road cannot be
made to pay without an excessive bur-
der resting upon the citizens in their
construction and operation.
It'll. This question of the utility of
narrow gauge railroads has already
been tested to considerable extent: and
as yet no decision has been unfayor-
able, but on the contrary they are
steadily and surely working their way
to public favor aud endorsement, des-
pite all the opposition that is pitted
against them.
Sth. The character of the men who
are engaged in this great work Of the
greatest good to the entire citizenship
Of the country, is sufficient guaran-
tee that the work will be prosecuted in
an energetic and financially safe man
ner, which will result in the complete
and triumphant success Of this great
rail road movement by which the pro-
ducing population of the whole country
and in particular that of the great
/ Northwest is to be almost intellectually
benefited.
Lastly, let us one and all give this
subject our candid attention, and if
found worthy, would it not be well to
use every reasonable effort and means
to secure to ourselves and our posterity
this modern railroad blessing, and also
to do all in our power to strengthen
the hands, hearts and purses of such
men as Hon. 4. Fl. Williams and his
co-workers who are efficiently carrying
through this herculean task.
Finally as the developing of the re-
sources Of our vast and glorious country
is the work Of our lives and centuries;
let us see to it for ourselves, that the
onward march of Improvement is not
retarded by any lack Of interest mani
Tested by the people.
Truly Yours,
W. w. BARNARD.