New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-01-18
THE EXODUS OF WOMEN.
The Enterprise q FaiIure-The Induce
ments 10 Emigraie, and the Enemies Of
sAe Project - disappointed New.En-
slauders - Departure Of tho Conti-
mental.

The necessity for a larger proportion
women in the population of Washington Territory ha
been so severely felt by certain who determined Il
make that portion of the West their future home tina
one Of them was impeled make effort to suppl.
the demand by importing all who were willing 10 &C
cept homes on the Pacific slope from those Eastern
States lie deemed greatly blessed with the presence
of feminine graces and influences.
An experiment on a small scale made in the Spring
Of ls6i by Mr.. a. s. Mercer at that time member OF
The Territorial Legislature perhaps suggested the idea
Of another attempt upon larger scale and he geute.
who Is months ago gave The addition Of 80 or 10
females TO the population Of Washins.S. ITO, u
sent here with the anthoyy as is alleged, Of the
Territorial Government Tor the purpose Of taking back
with him sbiplOad Of the feminine youth and beauty
that graced the towns cities and homes OF the East
ENEMIES OF The ENTERPRISE.
Delay often unavoidable and always dangerous, in
the present lnsarte proved almost fatal 10 the enter
Prise The difficulty o. procuring transportation grew
with the passage of time and the Government ship,
which the emgrant agent expected, was finally refused
cad be WIS compelled 10 purchase vessel expressly
for the purpose. The money was advanced by Mr..
Eenj Holiday Of California and the steamer Cont.
mental secured.
Another enemy Of the enterprise recently appeared
upon the flank OF the agent, while he was maneuvering
with the Secretary of the Navy IN 'front.' in the person
Of Miss Anna f. Dickinson who used the full force OF
Ier earnest inyective in NewEnglaDd and elsewhere
against the design of Mr. Mercer Her arguments
indeed many to abandon the project and return the
duties TO which they were accustomed here.
THE INDUCEMENTS.
The inducements offered to female emigrants were
principally based upon the fact or rather the assertion
that the proportion Of males to females in Washington
Territory 10 as ten 10 one This suggested marimony
always interesting 10 the feminine mind and heart; and
visions Of homes, happiness and maternity foated
bewderingy before their mental eyes Female labor
OF all kinds. but more especially seanstresses and
SeDs he en- COST OF beg
there than here, made pecuniary consideration OF nc
little weight. These were the arguments used in favor
If the emigration of women, and that they have mol
been more successful is doubtless because the proof Of
tie existence OF the facts not sufficiently conclusive
DEPARTURE OF THE CONTINENTAL.
Tuesday afternoon the Continental left her moorngs
at Pier No. North River and steamed down the Bay
shor distance where she remained until the following
day, when she took her departure for Seattle, w. L.
About l2 passengers sailed with her, 20 Of whom
women. Last August Mr.. MERGERS prospects seemed
admirable for cargo Of 1000 feminine souls; but as
time passed they became small by degrees and beaut
fully less until, at the time Of leaving he bad scarcely
tithe OF the number ana il s than probable that
If he had remained few weeks longer he would have
been compelled 10 make the journey alone.
PARTY OF DISAPPOINTED NEw-ESGLANDERs.
An hour or two amer the departure Of the Cont.
mental half dozen women who came this city last
Sumner from Maine and exhausted their means while
waiting for the vessel TO be made ready for the voyage
informed that they had been put ashore by the
san Of the ship who told them the aeen, had paid the
passage Of IS persons and they were not among the
number. They complained bitterly of Mr. Mercer and
(Oh5iueIoI thchseNes uiiVuSu his representa-
fions Whether their statements are true or not we
have of course no means OF determining; but as the
affair was purely private enterprise. and q large
sy suspect the women have good feel az.
grleved.
THE VOYAGE.
The enterprise has proved failure in almost every
respect and have little doubt thst the few who have
embarked viii regret ii, unless the novelty of the
voyage should prove compensation.
The journey. which will se entirely by sea no doubt
a ono afta fhc trSt
sickness sha have been conquered. The Summer sea-
son south Of the equator with its long days and moon
lit nights ihe scenery in the Straits u Magellan, the
opportunity TO visit Rio JanerlO, Valparaiso and San
Francisco together with the library which has been
furnished for the Of passengers VIII tend 10 make
tie expedition. while route, bota entertaining and
Instructive.
The adventureeses are on their way; but what
hopes are trobbiDg what fears beating IN their hearts
cannot be told. What awaits them afler they shall
have reached Seattle will be Developed only by Time,
she Edpes that reads all riddles; bur, since they have
departed. we can only wish them smooth seas placid
thies, Kin DIV stars. and nnbounded successs