The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-02-17
Tha Sqpattsy.

The squattsz.
In Al article two weeks ago we took
occasion 70 speak of the professional
squatter. Oar language was of thatcbar-
acter no intelligent reader could misun-
derstaad US. We spoke of those who
made tia ''trade or Profession whopass-
ed from place to place making no i'm
provements, but selling out the first op-
portunity, and passing on toauother loca-
ton. Apprehensive, that it was possible
some uhinteIligent reader might not un-
derstand the purpose of our article, we
took express occasion, in the closing par
agraph but one, to remark that we did not
aIlude to that worthy class Of pioneers
who came westward seeking homes, and
having found a suitable location, COM
menced. and perseveringly continued to
surround themselves with facilities for
home and permanent residence. .; They
were cautioned against the Profession0l
squatter. and advised to make their ov n
selections. This advice We would repe;yt,
and should any person take exception 10
our remarks, we would renew our caution
to beware of that man, as he is profess
sional squatter in disguise.
For those who leave the comforts and
refnements of the East to seek a home in
the great West, hewing out their own
fortunes as they go. we have very high
regard. The pilgrim fathers who landed
at Plymouth rock are frequently referred
to as examples of patriotism and self-de-
votion seldom or never equaled but when
we remember that they came to Ameri-
ca to avoid religious persecution in the
old world, and that the inducement with
them was akin to martyrdom; while those
who leave the endearments of home, fam
lily, friends, the best of society, and all
the advantages which wealth can give,
and remove two thousand miles overland,
and settle in wild, uncultiyated country,
divested of the advantages flowing from
the church. the school-room, the COM
mercial metropolis, or the association with
devoted friends who have been accustom-
ed to minister to every want, we think
the sacrifice the greatest in the latter, and
feel like awarding to them the palm for
devotion to country and posterity.
We love to look upon the log-cabin,
reared in the forest, around which are be-
ing made improvements which will event
ually convert it into literal paradise. Il
was in a lowly tenement of this descrip-
ton we were first permitted to look out
upon the glories of the world. 1t wa:
around that humble hearth stone we spent
our youthful days; and SO firmly were
its associations implanted in our memory
and so strong was our desire to look up
on it again, We left our family and bust
ness during the last season and journeyed
hundreds Of miles to gaze upon the deal
old spot before we set out for our new To-
cation in Kansas.
The poor but honest "squatter" who
settles upon hundred and sixty acres o
Uncle Sans public domain, and who
with his wife and children around him
erects his little cabin on the prairie, or il
the wood, and with his own hand labor,
! to make the "desert blossom as the rose,
is worthy of thousand times more con
sideration than he who with pen of NAL
ice seeks to inaame, poison, and corrup
the public mind against one who woulc
sacrifice every earthly consideration, save
his own peace of mind, to advance thei
interest.