The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-01-05
The State of Illinois.

The completion of the census of Illinois re-
veals the astonishing tact that, since 1860,
the population of the state has increased
about 10000 or nearly 33 per cent. Such
an increase in ordinary times, would be al
most Incredible and it becomes trebiy so
when one reflects that this growth has oc.
CURED during the years In which the state
and the nation were engaged in a costly war.
Could a citizen of Illinois In 1860 have fore
seen the evil conflict, he would have con-
cluded that, during the years of its continu-
ance, Illinois would have lost in the mum
Der of It's population.
1t adds to the magnitude of the conclusions
reached by the census of 1865 that, during
the last four years, this state has furnished,
in round numbers, 100, 900 men for the serv-
ice OF the federal government. To this mum
Der should be added the not uncomfortable
| total found in men who have followed the
regiments In various capacities-servants,
spectators, cotton dealers and others whose
| business and pleasure drew them to the
| southern states. Ii is true that this numb Der,
amou nting in all to not less than 200, 600
| taken from the state by the war, has not
been so much lost TO our population for the
greater part of this number has returned -
Still the casualties of battles aud marches
have been large; and, in addition to these,
there have been MANY men who have become
residents In the south. We must, therefore.
in making up balance sheet, deduct all
those who have staid south to transact bust
ness, and all those who have been lost in
battle. Despite all these, the increase of the
total population of the state has been half a
million.
Ii Is doubtful whether a similar record can
be produced In any other state Of the Union.
In fact, one may very safely challenge the
nr1s M ho Arld 10
growth, it We exclude such unusual cases as
California. Australia, and other points, to
which population has been drawn By excep.
tional forces.
There are abundant reasons why Illinois
should always be favored in the selection of
immigrants but it astonishes even the most
enthusiastic lover of the state to witness its
prodigious growth under circumstances dur.
ing whose continuance no one would have
been disappointed had there been falling
IF in our total population.
There is no state in the Union which at
fords as promising a field for settlement as
Illinois. Its great length. from the lakes to
the Ohio river, includes all the more desira-
bic characteristics of the temperate zone. 1t
reaches far enough south to obtain the de.
lightfui temperature that exists mid way be-
tween the temperate aud torrid zones and
it stops. In its northward course, at a point
which possesses the bracing healthful, rnodi-
fed frigidity that forms the southern bound
AIRY of the extremely cold belt of the western
continent.
Its soil includes almost every possible cap
acity OF production, from cotton, in its south
ern portions, to the cereals, which form the
staples of its central and northern parts Its
fruit growing capacity is equally varied and
extensive, there being already nearly FIVE
hnnhrad nf fr,t L.
naturalized and which are productive and
promising
If these qualities of climate and soil are
not sufficient to draw immigration hither,
abundant Inducements may be found In other
directions. On our northern boundary ia
Lake Michigan, connecting us with the east,
and vast extent OF tributary and. product.
I've country; On our western boundary rolls
the broad Mississippi, connecting US with the
gull and the old world and through our IN
terror IN every direction penetrate railroads
and canals, bringing the producer and the
consumer into close connection
1t behooves the men and corporations, who
occupy controlling positions, to adapt them.
selves to this wonderful development of the
state. We want men who can comprehend
this extraordinary growth and ads pt them
selves, not merely to its requirements, but 10
the demands and interests of the future
Legislation, railroads, and public and private
enterprises should comprehend this growth.
and they should become liberal and compre
hensive in order to meet it, Extortiop. iiIib.
erality, miserly economy, and the com biua
ton OF the interests of few against those of
the many. will surely eventuate in loss. Let
pubic opinion become extended until it an
preciates the wants of our powerful and grow
ing state, and, in little while. this pnbl;c
opinion will have the molding of ali enter
prlses, and will force them into shane sinh.
servient to the general interests Chieaoo
Times.
The st. Louis Republican puts a very per.