The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-11-02
THE MICHIGAN AND MISSISSIPPI
CANAL.


The delegates to the canal meeting who
went to Chicago by Wednesdays night
train, returned this morning. They were
Mayor Mott, Maj Connolly, Capt. Robin
son, Capt. Peetz. Judge Adams, Capt.
Geavelsnd, Sheriff Reticker. Drs. Craig
and Eyster, and Messrs. Gest. Hoffmas
ter, Sturgeon, Olsen, Hurst Guyer,
Blanchard, Warren and johnson.
The members of the commission were:
President, j. NJ, Allan, Geneseo, ILL.,;
vice president. James L. Camp, Dixon,
H.; secretary. Edward Russell, Dayen-
port. Iowa; treasurer, T. ]. Robinson,
Rock Island, ILL.,; board of directors, Jesse
Spaulding, Chicago; L. D. Whiting.
Tiskilwa, ILL.,; Williamson barley, Hen
nepin; T. D. Brewster, Peru, H.; s. G.
Hastings, San Francisco; John L. Switz,
Schenectady, N. Y; Heyton Ranney,
Kalamazoo, Mich; J. H. Foster, Madison,
Wis; Charles II. Deere, Moline, ILL., ;
Nathan Cole, St. Louis, Mo-; s. M. CLARK,
Keokuk, Iowa: o. C. Merriman, Mime
apolis, MINI.
The Grand Pacific was headquarters
where meeting was held at ten O'Clock
Wednesday morning, to enlarge and re-
organize the commission official
body which has had in charge the main
movements for the construction of the
canal. Only three members of the commits
sion were absent-they were from Califor-
MIA, Minnesota and Missouri. This
showed an interest in the project that
was ereditable and encouraging The
commission was increased, the number
being limited to about fifty, with view
to taking in representatives from every
point at which an interest in the project
would be manifested A number of
Chicago, New York and other members
were added and power given the COM
mission to add from time to time as deem
ed expedient.
The commission reorganized by select
ing Hon. J. G. Dore as chairman, Charles
Deere, of MolIne, and L. Fl. Holman, Of
New York, vice presidents, Edward Bus
sci, of Davenport. secretary, and Capt.
Robinson. of Rock. Island. treasurer. A
vote of thanks for bis efforts in behalf OF
the canal was rendered the retiring presi-
dent. Major Allan, of Geneseo. This
change gives Chicago live member in
Mr.. Dore at the head of the commission,
and with the addition of the new Chicago
members it is thought that great city can
have little life on this question infused
into it.
In the afternoon large meeting was
held in the Appellate court room of the
Grand Pacific. Mr. Dore presiding, and
Mr.. Clark, of Keokuk. acting as secre-
tary. Speeches were made by Mr. Dore
Gov Bross, Mayor Harrison, Senator
Cullom. Hon. G. c. Bonney. Congressman
Springer, Henderson, Niece. Hit, and Ed
ward Russell, of Davenport, and others
At the request of Mr.. Springer, Maj
lanyard gave an interesting statement as
to the estimated cost of construction, ton
mage. etc. Congressman Murphy, from
Davenport, after few remarks, offered
the following preamble and resolutions
which were UNANIMOUSLY adopted;
WHEREAS. Agriculture is the greatest
industry of these United States, and CHEAP
transportation alone enables products tC
command the markets of the world;
AND WHEREAS, Said products consti
tute four flfths of the entire exports Of
this country; therefore be it
ResOlred, That no other industry hal
equal claims upon this government anC
no expense necessary to retain its foreign
trade should be withheld.
Resolced, That the construction of thu
Michigan and Mississippi canal and thu
enlargement of the Illinois and Michigan
canal are necessary to cheaper imports
and the retention of a foreign market TO
the northwest; and that the improvement
should be made by the national govern
ment with the least possible delay.
There was large number of congress
men from Illinois, Iowa and other north
western states present, all of whom
showed great interest in the matter. Tn
speeches were good, and to the point. 4
positive and united effort, now, it is hoped
will be put forth for this great nationa
Improvement so as to give it definite shap
and insure its success. Hereafter thu
canal will be known and designate,
as the Michigan and Mississippi
canal. When completed from Chi
cago to Rock Island, it will assume
national importance not now anticipated
In case of war with Great Britain it woul
connect the great lakes with the Missls
sippi river and its tributaries as we
as with the Gulf of Mexico. Thus vas
Iempire within the heart of our countr
could be made tributary to and used il
transporting supplies and munitions O
war great enough for any army whic
might he organized. And if congress
should conclude to make it wide and dee
enough to float vessels propelled by stear
II would become grand link in supply
ling the great lakes with naval defence
scarcely now dreamed of.
Town Talk.
This was delightful fall day.
The Josephine Reiley combination LEI