The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1863-07-18
FOREIGN IMMIGRATION.

Several Western States have agents in Europe
and New York, whose business it is to set before
the emigrants from the Old World the advan-
tages of their respective States as home. Ihe
idea is most excellent one, aside from the ben
efits that will accrue from it to those supporting
such an agency. Charity could not possibly be
better exemplifed than in thus taking charge Of,
and honestly directing, the uninformed home
seeking exiles Of oppression that crowd our
Shores to the boundless and fertile praires Of the
Great West. Here, homes can be obtained for
them at trifling cost, which will in few years
render them Independent. Such home as the
West affords, will enable these people the more
readily and clearly to understand the principles
of our Republican Government, and appreciate
the perfect liberty of conscience and action which
every man enjoys, than would the crowded
courts and alleys of our great cities, into which
the less informed would probably wander, if
not robbed Immediately upon landing by some
swindler. In the West, they will thrive as the
country thrives, and assume that position in
society to which the founders are entitled. In
the populous districts of the East, land is valued
too high for any of them to obtain foothold,
except those who may be blessed with large
eertion of this world'e goods. The West holds
out superior inducements to this class of people,
and justice to them, to these rich, undeveloped
Praires, and to the glorious institutions of ours,
which we desire the world to enjoy, and for
which We are now deluging the land in blood
to perpetuate, demand that they be located here,
under the provisions of the Homestead Act.
The propriety of the State of Kansas engaging
such an agent is being favorably discussed. 1t
seems strange, that with the characteristic energy
and activity Of our young State, some six or seven
of our neighboring States should be engaged in
such an enterprise one year ahead Of US. But
such is the fact and it is the duty of our people
to begin efforts in this direction which will
speedily redeem lost time. 1t is . sure field of
remuneration, in which the slightest possible
objection to q liberal investment could not be
raised. And our State has claims inferior to
no other portion of the continent. Our soil 10 as
rich and productive as the sun ever shone upon.
The political peculiarities of our people are
better calculated to impress upon these people .
reality of our frcedom-on these blood stained
prairies they will hear no defence Of wrong and
oppression. nothing but firm and consistent
battling against all forms Of tyranny. The
successful repulse given the cohorts Of oppression
and barbarism by the pioneers of Kansas will
never fade from the memory of the oppressed the
world over. Their spiri: still fingers among our
people. and it is the spirit with which to Undue
these exiles. The welfare of the country de
mands that the elective franchise be exercised
intelligently, and we know Of no better school
for them than Kansas society-they will here
learn that there is something else than the Dem
-ocratic party. In q political view, this is the
place for them. But their material interest, too,
will be more greatly enhanced here. The great
highway Of the world will pass through our State
its entire length-ten years will gee roads diver
ging from it in all directions-and consequent
wealth that but few of the older States will sur
pass. Government contracts now furnish an
ample market, and will continue 90, until the
internal improvements now in infancy will open
. ceaseless drainage upon the products Of our
soil. Every advantage Kansas possesses. If
our State will take such steps are necessary to
procure portion Of this migration, their prover-
bial industry will soon make these prairies to
I" blossom as the rose."
"