Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-06-30

A FACT stated day or two since in casual
conversation with one of our enterprising
and public spirited citizens shows the benefit
of introducing industrious and intelligent
immigrants into the community, and affords
an argument in favor of the policy that
should at once enlist the energies of every
citizen of enlarged views in its favor, and
serve to enlighten those who are enveloped
in the mists of prejudice.
A few years before the war gentleman of
this city, on visit to New York city, en-
gagged the services of one who had been re-
commended as directress of general house
work and governess of children. Inciden-
tally she mentioned that she had a relative
in a neighboring city who was skilled
mechanic, and who might be induced to seek
his fortunes farther west. The gentleman
referred to gave his consent that she might
write to him TO come to this city, assuring her
that he had no doubt that he would find a
field of employment affording him better
compensation than he then had.
The offer was accepted and the result
is that the mechanic whose invitation to
settle here was a chance suggestion, is
now one Of the most thriving business
men in the city. Entering work as jour
neyman, he has by industry, sobriety aud
uprightness, become n master workman, and
is to-day the owner Of property worth one
hundred thousand dollars, and is going on
from prospecting to prosper. The success,
however, of single individual is compare
lively a small matter. The case in question
illustrates the general rule that an active,
thorough-going, energetic man of business
influences others, and infuses his own spirit
into the community. In this single instance
perhaps one hundred have been induced
10 settle among ms, and some of them can
exhibit evidences of thrift and success which
may be regarded as remarkable, while all
Of them, doubtless, have done their share -
increasing the business and adding to the
wealth of the city.
We cite this fact to controvert many
pleas, some of them only plausible, and others
the result of prejudice, which seem to favor
policy of Indifference, if not Of hostility, 20
the idea of opening this region to the free
ingress of new-comers-of men, be it under
stood though, who come to work and to cast
their lots among us as workers, and not as
Adventures who seek to take advantage of
the troubled condition of our people, and
become the oihcious and offensive emissaries
of political principles and social views which
are at variance with their known senti-
ments There is a wide difference be-
tween the two classes and we would be
far from encouraging the introduction of the
latter among us. The feeling which has
been excited against them is natural, but
the misconduct Of such should not serve to
condemn the general policy we advocate.
The good and the bad, the industrious and
the indolont, when the doors are open will
come together, but the Chinese wall system
is out Of date, and its supporters will find
themselves behind the times If given fair
play there is virtue enough in Southern
to rescue them from their
present condition, and to prevent all mis-
chiefs, political or otherwise, WHICH may re-
suit from any population who may settle
among us To reject or give them back
handed welcome is at onceto confess distrlst
in ourselves and refuse the advantages
offered