Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-10-16
For the Delaware State Journal
The DelaWare lmproVament Assnoiaf


meeting OF the Delaware Imroyement As
sJciation was held ut Dover on the evening OF
tie fth inst. There was q good Attendance.
The President being absent. the lion C. S.
Layton WAS called To the chair and A. p. Osmond
made Secretary The Hon, n, i. Smithers gave
an eloquent exposition Of the circular and eluci.
dated the principles of the Association and its
prospective advantages to The State. lie said
We would not go South to advertise property for
sale, but North ii We wishel to obtain good
prices, and every purchase adds to the value Of
other property, 50 that in contributing to aid
the Association in its work, property holders
are only advancing their own interests. liz
showed the great advantage Of the substitution
Of free for slave labor. He considered that much
had been done with small means but more need.
ed 10 be doue which could not be accomplished
without means and he hoped the success Of tho
experiment thus far would stimulate to more
enlarged contributions. Mr.. a. l.. Osmopd. OF
Canterbury, showed that interest Mad been ex.
cited in relation to Delaware lands lie had had
large correspondence, and there had been
many visitors to see the land AMI some pur-
chases had been made. lie confirmed what hnl
been said Of tie tendency Of free labor TO I'M
prove and enhance the value OF land. The
farther you 60 South the lover the price Of land.
Having Travelled extensively in the South he
spoke from personal knowledge lie advised the
increased prosecution Of the work.
Mr.. Joseph lardry, CT Milford. formerly Of
pennsylvania, said that within or years about
fifteen families iiom Pennsylvania and N. j.
had settled near Milford, Qud their Efforts 10
improve tie land had been ubuudantly rewarded
The Chairman spoke few peItnp'', word; Of
encouragement;
Rev L. q. Lockwood agent Of tile Association.
said that about $3.50 had been expended In
travelling expenses, advertisements and the
printing of three thousand circulars, about two
thousand Of which had been already circulated
several eiatuitous editorial notices had been
Eveu in different cities, but We could not expeet
Editors 10 repeat such notices when the noyeltv
Of the enterprise had worn off, hence 10 keen
attention to Delaware lands awake there nust
be standing advertisement in leading paners
OF large circulation. Ii was questioned whether
with the small amount Of funds raised, ANYTHING
could be accomplished, worth the eG0rt. hut bv
economical use Of tue funds, il has been shown
thas the enterprise is feasible
ABOUT dozen sales Of farms have already
Deen made IN different places along the Rail
hoad, anu more expected soon 10 be made. lie
100 had large correspoudeuce as he WIS nnneb
engaged ia waiting on visitors he hoped the
friends Of the cause would not need TO be cnIled
upon but would Immediately forward a five dol
lar lee Of membership mere ur less, to himself nt
canterbury, Kent county Delaware, or to Jas
Delaware ~
1t was resolved b. tile meeting that those
present and all the friends Of the cause. be n
Committee 10 solicit contributions and forward
them as above
- The annual meeting was Fixed to be held nt
Dover, on the third Wednesday in January. 1864
10 which time the association adj ourned, unless
caiied to meet sooner ltis hoped the enterprise
Wlil have the prompt operation Of oil friends
Of State progress.
Canterbury, Oct. sth 1868.