Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-07-03

70 tho old DOMINION, Is the great decrease
in emigration within few years past
Heretofore, Although the State abounded
in fertile lands, in forests, in streams. in
minerals and all the great subjects ofPhys-
ical wealth-her citizens were seen flying
by thousands to the South and West
Now, not only is there marked diminu-
ton in the number of those who are leav-
ing, but there is to some extent a counter
current, coming in from the other States
and foreign countries. The rich lands that
lie between the Alleghanies and the Ohio
River are attracting hardy, honest and
thrifty population who, in time, will add
much to the solid wealth and power OF the
State.
A very considerable deduction, from
the population of Virginia. has resulted
from the heavy sales and deportation OF
slaves, within the last ten years. In late
number of this paper we published table
showing the relative increase in population
in the different States, by which it appear
ed that Georgia had steadily gained upon
Virginia, and that her ratio Of increase
was greater than that of any other State.
Georgia is certainly growing. and will
soon be a great Commonwealth. For
many reasons, we rejoice most heartily in
her prospcrity-but the table ofwhich we
speak was calculated to produce an erro-
neous impression, from the fact, that while
the enhanced population ofthe State was
taken as evidence ola corresponding in
crease in all the elements of wealth-in
truth, it has been measurably an exchange
of means for men--of money for popula-
ton. An almost countless number of
slaves have been carried into Georgia
from Virginia, Maryland and other States,
who have tended very materially to swell
her figures in the census table. Her pop
ula,ion has increased while her means have
decreased, in like proportion; and so on
the other hand, while Virginia has lost
thousands that she gave birth to,she has re-
ceived compensation in accessions to her
means.
While it is nothing more than just that
the State whose relatively declining con.
dition is made the theme Of SO many lam
entations, should have the benefit Of this
explanation. yet we trust she will not con-
tent herself. with any theory or facts, which
account. however truly,for Estate of affairs,
which she should deplore and might rem
edy.
One of the great evils, to which Virginia
and the slave States generally are prey,
is the want of an adequate home-market,
and in the building up of such market
is to be found an easy and sufficient relief
Notwithstanding the very great increase
in the population of the cotton-growins
States since 1910, yet the quantity Of cot
ton produced in that year was equal to the
average amount, in the last three or four
years. Why has it not increased in like
proportion with the other evidercesofpros-
perity mot because there was then an
over production, but because no sufficient
effort has been made since that time to in
crease the demand. The true mode of
raising the value Of all articles, that are pro-
duced by agriculture or mechanical labor,
consists in creating fresh markets, in aug
menting the demand, in multiplying the
number Of consumers, by rearing manufac-
tories, on the spot where the staple is pro-
duced. The consumer should be placed
side by side with the grower, that the pro-
ducts of the earth may be converted into
manufactures, without the waste oflabor
and wealth, necessary to transfer them
from distant points for conversion.
When we behold the extraordina.
ny facilities for manufacturing, possessed
by most of the Southern States and in an
eminent degree by Virginia-we have nc
federation for the short-sighted and suicidal
policy, which has led them so long to neg
lect these great natural gifts, and go a
broad to avail themselves of the factories Of
othercountries, sustained at every disadvan-
tageand prosecuted, ifnot against the laws Of
nature, certainly agains: every natural and
commercial convenience. Why it is TIA,
the products Of our own soil should be
sent abroad to be operated upon by the in
dustry and skill of foreign mechanics, and
artisans and then returned to US, to become
a part ofthe necessary consumption ofour
citizens, is something it may be, too deep
for us to understand
There is no reason in nature, why Vir-
glnla should lose any of her children
The good old state is endearcd to them,
by many holy recolections, by many high
hopes. Were her policy such, as to make
home among her hills cndurable, they
would remain; were it such as to develope
all her power and all her means, thousands
of those who have wandered from her
borders would return. The glory and the
power that have departed from her would
be restored and she would stand once
more queen amid the sovereign sister
hood.
sNS
The Judith Dam.
This work, situated, as most Of our read.
ers are aware. AZ miles above thisplace.and
which will have a greater elevation than
any dam of equal length in the U. S. ex-
cept perhaps one, is again stretching its
rocky barriers across the James. The Ca
nal Company, in its reconstruction, have,
we think x,.isolx, ,b.nJoaoJ IL.