Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1869-09-02
Old Versus New Settlers,

For some time, perhaps years past
we have noticed a disposition on the
part ola few persons to create and con-
tinue an open hostility between the old
and new settlers Of this place and vicin-
ity. We regard this as wrong in every
sense of the word, and highly injurious
to the interests of the community. We
arc aware that the principle Of s1uattcr
sovereignty has been recognised to some
extent in the West, and that those who
may happen to pitch their tent first en-
q certain spot of earth arc by many sup
posed to be invested with certain rights
and privileges which those who are un-
fortunate enough to come later do not
possess This idea may be correct SO
far as ownership of soil is concerned,
but is entirely erroneous when applied
to civil rights and social privileges -
Hence, any organization, the rights CT
membership of which shall depend upon
the length of time man or woman may
have dwelt in town or city is as TN.
principled as it is dangerous. An old
settlers society or new settlers society
in place is simply a foolish combina-
ton of repellant forces to drive pco-
pie away as we'll as firebrand to create
local disturbance. Two-thirds the
improvements of every western town
are made by new corners. This is partic
ularly true Of Austin. The money to
build up the town has been furnished in
most instances by those who would BE-
excluded from an "Old Settlers" associ-
alton. But this is not all. After hav-
ing expended their money literally;
the effect Of which is to enhance others
property as much as their own, and per-
haps more, these recent comers are ap-
preached by the leaders Of the ancient
order Of squattcrs, and told that they
are trcspasscrs but, if, in consideration
ofbeinS permitted to remain, they will
yield their individuality and principles,
and become identified with the "clan,"
adopt their modes Of doing business:
and nod assent to whatevcr they may
d! it will be ::all right" otherwise they
will DC denied any voice in civil or social
affairs, will be rrHscrihcl, hunted. and
finally driven out. "Ea!gsabonds" has
bccH very common and convenient
term for certain mon to apply to people
who have recently taken mp a residence
among us, and expresses the intense bit
turnc%s Of feeling which the r!,,,ri;,. enter
tain towards all who'd MT Join thcm.-
Thisretty<pjrit ofjealousy,au1 proscrin
ton mantle. ted by old settlers has dine.
nd is doing more to injuTe Austin
than all other causes combined Every
enterprise, no matter how important o:
useful, started by Il man or woman who
does not bear the brand Of an old settler
is snecrrl at ana r;,lrlI,tl. The result
is that people Of character and ability
are disgustvtl and go away. They will
not stay where they are compelled to
wear the yoke q an old clan or be an
cutca<t Numbers Of our best citizens
are leaving On th.: account. They say
the town i run |y'a set Of ras"a!;, end
that the more crime Il nl;tn r.':i::':t:; i;?r
more popular he is. Ihrr" is too muc!.
tr,,tI, il, tl,;:. These statements are ;'!1in
Gact>, ara We say now that the only
salvation for Austin is f..r tie new
cor,c.s who are nov u large ma GRITTY. to
rally for self protection and in {, body
'lcnanl equal rights and j:'ir treatment.
They have been insultci and trau'l!~1
on lor" enough. Now is the time t."
met