The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-06-02
Emigration, &c.
From the Greensboro Patriot.


We have been somewhat startled of late at the
great number of papers and pamphlets put in
circulation in our midst, by different companies
and individuals in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Wis
consin and other North Western States. Some
of these pamphlets are of considerable size and
contain maps of all the leading lines Of rail-
road and other improvements in most, if not all
the States West and North of Missouri with
the location, population and manufacturing and
other facilities The desert ption of these rail-
roads and towns, and especially the country sur
rounding them, are written in as attractive and
captivating manner as it is possible for the in
genuity of man, when stimulated by spirit of
pride, cupidity or revenge, can make them.
These efforts are having a very detrimental effect
upon large portion of our most enterprising,
wealthy and deserving young men-and if an
effort is not put forth by our people to counter
act their baleful influence the result cannot but
prove disastrous to this portion of North Caro-
lima We know not how it is elsewhere; but in
this section of the State, our people were quite
respondent previous to the late election, and now
that it has transpred resulting as it has, it would
seem that large majority of the young men and
women have resolved, if they can make any shift
to get away from the old North State to leave,
and that speedily. Under such cir
cumstances scarcely know what to say to IN
duce our people not to act too hastily in making
the sacrifices many of them are eager to do, that
they may leave forever the land of their birth,
the homes oftheir youth, familiar scenes, kindred,
friends aud associates. The tide is flowing too
strong-the mania is too prevalent and rapidly
contagious for reason to combat or any ordinary
influence that may be brought to bear against
this wild .furore, to thwart or utterly battle.
But we think We may venture to predict that
many of those who are making such great haste
and sacrifices to get off to the far West will find
when they arrive in that land of promise they will
not find it in every particular just what they now
fancy it to be- The soil in most of those States
may be very FERTILE it is true; but there
many draw backs and sets-off against this one
advantage In most of these States the climate
is rigorous in the extreme, good timber and
water exceedingly scarce, and in some por-
| tons not to be procured without great labor and
| expense And as to the character of the popu-
latlon and society in these frontier States it is
anything but desirable and must continue to be
for some time to come. Perhaps We cannot bet
ter give the reader our idea of it than by here
copying an article taken from late Wisconsin
paper. 1t is true it is not very fattering, but
yet quite graphic portrait of the population and
Illustration Of the manners prevalent in many
parts of the most of the new " estern States and
territories. 1t will certainly amuse the reader,
if it has no other good effect upon him:
| "a minister from ncighboring town started
to 60, one day last week, on kind Of mission
airy enterprise. He drove his own team, and
when within about six miles of the end Of his
journey he met man limping along with thu
blood running down the side Of his face. The
minister asked him if that was the road to Osh
kosh eyes, you are on the right road. just
| cana from tbarn T have boep nm there havinU
little fun with the boys" About two miles
81, further on he met another man, one arm in a
sling. one eye badly bunged, and his clothing in
h dilapidated condition. How far is it to Osh-
'kosh % asked the minister. 'Only (h-i-c) five
miles," answered the pitiable object. Oshkosh
is live town. I've been up there having fun
with the boys" With sad heart the minister
drove on, falling into revery on the depravity
of man in general, and the Oshkoshians in par
ticular, when he suddenly came upon man sit
ting by the side of the road. One arm was
sprained one ear had been bitten off, and, seated
by the side of puddle of water, he was seeking
relief by bathing the part affected. The minis
ter was perfectly awe-stricken. Stopping his
horse he inquired of the man what terrible acct
dent had befallen him. 80, not any at ALL
family responded the bleeding wretch; Il have
only been up to Oshkosh, having little fun with
the boys" Il suppose you mean by that that
you have been engaged in some brutalizng
fight" said the minister. YES" said the man,
Il have heard that's what they call it down at
Fon du Lac, where they are civilized but they
don't call it by that name up at Oshkosh. There
they call it having little fun with the boys"
What do you suppose your wife will say when
she sees your" asked the reverend gentleman.
At this the man looked up with sardonc smile.
Putting his remaining we'll hand in pocket, he
pulled out piece of nose, a large lock of hair, to
which part Of the scalp was attacked, and a
piece of flesh he had bitten from the cheek of
his opponent, and holding them out for the min
isters inspection, growled out, ''There, what do
you think his wife will say when she sees him.
This was squelcher As anxious as the minis
ter was to overcome sin and do good, he was not
yet prepared to invade the devils stronghold !;
and, turning round, he returned home. The next
time he starts on a missionary enterprise to the
frontier of Oshkosh, he will take good care not
| to go alone. He likes little fun now and then,
but he don't care about having it with the boys
When We read such descriptions of Western
men and women, we are not at all surprised to
see the Railroad companies and land spectators
making great efforts to induce the people to emf
CRATE thither, for surely they are needed among
them as leaven to improve the lump SO as to make
their society at all durable.