Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-01-07


No. OF a series Of short papers on the Great
Wesl which, we have no doubt, will be full of
interest, for they are the fruits OF an enlightened
mind and praclised pen. We publish them with
great pleasure, TO extend the knowledge oil our
great and happy country-but we are bold enough
to believe that our own Virginia has advantages
which, if properly improved, offer abundant IN
ducemenis to her sons TO stay al home and aid IN
The development OF her high destiny:
For THE ENQUIRER.
ILLINOIS-No. l.
INFORMATION CONCERNING 1T NEEDED.
While spending several weeks in Virginia The
past season. found ereatlack Of knowledge con.
corning The West. Vitsinians are so we'll salts
fed with The sold Dominion'-ior which &C.
knowledge there is much occasion-they are un-
wiling 10 be at the trouble Of exploring other
paris OF the counuy-and they have iniermarried
so much among themselves, and have so few re-
laives ami connexions oul OF their own State,
Thai they have little inducement 10 travel, except
for pleasure Trip now ard then. And pleasure
they would think was 10 be sought at the watering
places or in visiting the large Eastern cities, or
in making the tour Of Europe. Surely no. in
visiting he wilds OF the West. Again travel
ling facilities from the lower country and the val
ley Of Virginia westward have moi been good;
So that from combination Of circumstances,
Virginans have been cut off from particular &C
ouaiDtance with this Western country.
II is however, desirable, both for them and US,
tha, they become acquainted with region which
is destined soOn-much sooner than most are
aware of-,o exercise controlling power upon
the whole Union, and by its supply OF breadstufs
and provisions TO almost fix The prices throughout
the country. Yirgnians have an interest! surely,
in Obtaining a thorough knowledge OF so imror-
tant portion of their own country; and We are
interested in imparing it, because it is only ne
cessary 10 convince them OF the facts in The case
TO cause flow hilherward OF capital for invest
menl, and, Of what we need more their sons and
their daughters Tor settlers.
At the suggestion OF several friends, | propose
publishing a series Of articles concerning the
West in The Enquirer" and the "Whig," convey
ing precise and practical information, as far as
in nv power Having resided over fifteen years
in Illinois, and travelled extensively in all the
Western States and Territories, | can speak from
my own knowledge and observation, and will
endeavor 10 write rulhtuly and without exag-
geralop, so that should any be influenced b. my
views and statements, | will not lear 10 be held
accountable Tor them at future day.
The brief space tha, will be permitted TO &C.
comprehensive as possible in order 10 secure Tor
them an inser ion in other papers throughout the
South-will cause an omission occasionally, per-
haps, OF minute Items OF information which some
readers might desire; but il unable 10 give I'LL The
truth, will al least give nothing but the truth and
the reader will please not say such and such things
canno; be, till he has been 10 see The West HIM
sell.
From my long residence in Illinois, am better
acquainted with it than with The other Western
Safes and OF course more attached 10 it, ndtkere.
fore prefer heading these articles with its name,
and some Of them will have direct reference to il,
but in general the views will apply 10 the whole
West.
Among others, the following subjects will be
treated OF: THOs. mhO sh0lld emtsra,e IN Ms Wtst;
Free and .S.0re Labor; Health and Sickness; Gene
raj Advantages; tie Pr0,ries; Climate and Pr0duc-
lions; Wheat and Corn Culture; CatAie-raislng and
Grasses HoolgrOwins; Natural jaelities )or Trans.
portatit,,; Internal Improvements; Manufacturing
Advantages; Illinois State Debt; and others, per-
haps, that may be incidentally introduced. The
articles will be published not oflener than one or
Two weekly, SO as not ~ be bu,densoEe TO any
paper that chooses 10 insert them.
/ will premise my remarks, however, with
word
TO THOSE WHO SHOULD NOT EMIdaATE.
Men past The prime Of life must have good rea'
sons for taking so important step as changing
home and friends. II al present situated IN com
Portable and independent circumstances, The pro-
h,biliy of lettering their condition is not SUI
6cienl object 10 Justify The experiment Of rcmov
ing thousand miles. Especially if their chill
dteu are settled about them and doing well, ii is
absurd 10 think Of going West SO far as gain &c
themselves is to be regarded Money might De
made by the exchange and probably would, bu
other tGings are Of far more consequence 10 those
| who have passed the mertian OF lite and have q
competent support.
MANY young men, too, there arc, who have
| good !ivnes, and whose tastes are not such as
| would make them contenled under The discom-
foIls incident 10 new country, and though IN
MANY OF the towns and villages they could ind
as MANY OF The luxuries OF life at least, as would
be conducive to health, yet The excitement and
continued changes might not be agreeable, and
| ca long as they are well enough of, they had best
mlet we'll enough alone" Others there are who
| have not sufficient means ID render Them indie
pcnden,. who are needed by fathers and friends 10
attend To their business as old age creeps on and
they had best stay where their services are so
much needed Even if more money could be
made by going West, sense Of duty 10 parents
and guardians should prevent young man from
dsregatding the reasonable wishes OF those TO
| whom he owes so much-and il he can succeed
10 good business, he is doing sufficiently we'll,
and had best mol get The Western ever.
Both these classes, however, we want Tor set
Tiers. The wisdom and counsel Of old men we
need exceedingly, for most OF our population are
young and inexp erienced, and many OF the young
men, as well as older ones, would lake along and
draw after them very much capital Tor The lack
of which we suffer greatly; yet as the interest OF
the emigrant himself is regarded, he had best be
conented in his present condition. J. S. w.
Chicago, 2lst Dec. IS47.