CHAPTER XXVIII
IN 1857 it became apparent that the practical navigation of the Des Moines River by a system of dams and locks could not be accomplished. Edwin Manning, in a report to the General Assembly, made January 1, 1857, states that $475,000 had been expended in six years, that but two dams and locks had been completed, that the total amount expended on the work up to 1857 had been nearly $800,000, and but three dams completed. The Legislature, on the 29th of January, passed an act by which commissioners were authorized to ascertain and pay off all just claims against the improvement and contract with any company for the sale of all lands, tolls and water rents, who would give good security for the completion of the work, such contract to be valid when approved by the Governor.
A building having been erected by the citizens of Des Moines for a State House in the fall of 1856, the State officers moved the records and furniture from Iowa City and the Capital of the State was established at Des Moines in 1857.
There were three elections held in that year. The first was for minor State officers, held in April. The Democratic candidates were M. L. Fisher for Superintendent of Public Instruction; T. S. Parvin, Register of Land Office; G. S. Bailey, Commissioner of Des Moines River Improvement. The Republicans nominated L. A. Bugbee for Superintendent, W. H. Holmes for Register and Edwin Manning, Commissioner. The election was very close, resulting in the choice of Fisher, Democrat, by a majority of 505, in a total vote of 75,279; Parvin, Democrat, by a majority of 502; Manning, Republican, by a majority of 315.
