Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1847-11-24
FOREIGN IMMIGRATION, ERE.

is likely to be by foreigners, and that our
republican institutions in danger of being sub
Eerted by the influence which this class of popua-
ton, If so disposed will be able 10 bring TO bear
against them. According to a table published in a
late National Era, an extract from which was pub.
llshed IN our paper of the 18th, the whole number
of immigrants to the United States from the United
Kingdom In period of % years. from 1928 to 1916,
was but 700,000-the whole number from all
sources, not probably exceeding OO0O-making
the average yearly immigration fraction less than
10000 During the period above stated the growth
OF our native population, at reasonable estimate
was at least ,OOO,O0O-eight fold greater than the
increase by Immigration. Suppose immigration SO
to increase that in ~ years we shall have two mil
lions of that class OF population The increase of
our native population will be at least another eight
millions within that period. While orr population
gains one nuLon from abroad II gains eight millions
IN natHrat increase at home wtha native population
not less than sixteen times greater than the foreign
born population TO start upon Let this fact be no,
d,1nd calculation started to show at what point
OF our future history shall be overrun with for.
in greater numbers than formerly, and the yearly
influx IS increasing But our native population is
also increasing and should be recollccted that the
natural increase OF eighteen or twenty millions ma
tive Americans is correspondingly greater than that
Of half as great number We have neye had nor
is it within the compass Of probability that ever
shall have immigration more than equal to one
eighth part Of the increase of our native populations
There is another element of the calculation which
should not be overlooked. Taking the ordinary es-
innate of the term of human li:c as the basis from
which to reckon three per cent. of our immigrant
population die every year. Dcducting this amount
from yearly average of $4,000, we get in twenty
two years, not 100000 but fraction less than
100000. Or Supposing our yearly immigration
hereafter to average 100000. In that case we shall
acquire OF foreign population in ten years $4,000
IN twenty years l,4l0,000, and in thirty years L.
72','OO. To get foreign born population of
100000 i'll thirty years, we must have an average
yearly immigration of 10000, more than double
the average of the last twenty-five years. Accord
ing to the most careful calculations from all the
census tables of the last half century, the increase
of our native population in thirty years to come
will not be less than O,OOOO00-ten-fold greater
than immigration.
SO far, then, as the present or prospective number
of foreign immigrants is concerned there is not the
least imaginable ground of apprehension And in
respect to their character the ground for alarm is
equally slight. Where we find one of this class in
any degree hostile to our institutions, or to the
principles upon which they are founded, we find
nlnety-nlne with feelings and sympathies strongly
90 the other side in favor of Rcpublicauism. in It's
highest and broadest sense. Having experienced
III their native land the evils incident to monarchica
and aristocratic forms of government, and having
ImmIgrated to this country for the purpose, mainly
of enjoying the benefits and blessings of free insti-
tutlons they the last persons in the world who
may be expected TO engage in the work of subvert-
ing or destroying those Institutions Let them not
be disappointed in their just expectations in coming
heTe-let them be received and treated as men and
brethren, and admitted to an enjoyment of the rights
and privileges of citizenship with no unnecessary
restriction and delay, and our word for it thew will
become fast and abiding friends of the country and
It's institutions foremost in their defence either ar
the baotbox on the battle field 1t ic,ontrarv
to the nature of things to suppose that they could
be any thing else. And then we have facts in great
abundance 10 attest the uniform faithflness of the
great mass of our foreign population 10 their adopt
ed country. Their public services as citizens and
soldiers form more than one bright chapter of Anne
rlcan history; whether we refer to the time of the
Revolution, the period Of the late war, to the histo
ry of the present war to intermediate periods OF
peace.
Pursue, however, an opposite course of policy
towards them, from that above suggested-receiye
them as strangers and enemies, and treat them as
such--band together for the avowed purpose OF
prescribing them, and making them the subjects OF
civil disabiIities-on all occasions. in resnect To
public if not private affairs, exhibit towards them
unworthy feelings Of jealousy and hatred-and YOU
will be furnishing practical commentary upon
Repubcanism greatly at variance with plain |
reading OF the teXt-a commentary that will be far
from recommending our boosted institutions to their
favor and support while like begets like jealousy
and hatred will be exhibited on their part and com
oIIdllonS defensive ana offensive organized among
them, against their native American oppressors.
leading, all sides, TO the most deplorabe social
and political results.
If we but act up 10 the true spirit and genius of
RepubIicanism in respect to those who seek an
asylum among us, we shall not only confirm and in
crease the republican predictions and attachments
of our foreign population, but we shall make con-
rerts and friends of those who may have come here
with opposite predictions and attachments; and
we shall be promoting the highest good and pros
per;ty Of all
The calculations made above have of course only
general reference The proportion of foreign born
10 native population differs greatly in different To-
calites and States Three-tourths of the foreign
immigration find their way TO the North Western
States AMI Territory. Wisconsin, doubtless. has
now far greater proportion of this class of popula
ton than any other part OF the Union And vet 50
far from considering this reasonable ground for
apprehension in respect 10 the Republican charac-
ter and security of our institutions, large majority
of our native population see with every new influx
only an increase Of the elements Of strength and Sc
curlty, and stand ready to welcome to their shores