The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1870-01-19
i Confined from First Page. ]

ties thus offered. Old issues are passing
away; the questions growing out of the
war are gradually ceasing to distract
the thoughts of the masses; deeply root
ed preiudices which heretofore repelled
immigration, are rapidly disappearing.
All parties and races can now stand to-
gether on the platform of material pro-
gress; there is nothing partizsn in grain,
or coal, or lumber; nothing Hostile to
the public welfare in commerce, inter.
nal improvements, or the education oil
all classes.
By common consent immigration Is
now regarded as indispensable 10 our
advancement. BUTT cannot % secured
on o large scale without legislative
action; nor even then without the ear
nest cooperation OF the people. TO
induce foreigners to settle among us,
they must first know the advantages we
offer them; and this knowledge must be
put into the possession of the emgrant
classes, in their own language, before
they leave their cid homes in Europe to
seek new ones in America.
Joint action on the part of several
States 10 suggested by some as the most
effective and economical mode of &C
complishing this object. This plan
oontemplates the appointment of agents
residcnt in the several foreign countries
to publish and circulate statistics con-
corning the States which they represent.
The proposition made by persons VINO
have paid much attention to this sob
ject, that West Virginia, Virginia, Ken
tucky and Tennessee should contribute
Jointly to such an agency has already
met with considerable favor; and will
lingly recommend it to you as one de-
serving fair share of consideration.
The Northwestern and Southern
States, and those springing up as if by
magic along the line of the Pacific rail-
road, are making prodigious efforts just
now to attract immigration. The cheap
ness and fertility of their lands are
supposed to give them some claims su-
perior TO ours; but it will be found,
upon examination, that this superiority
10 more apparent than real. The soil Of
West Virginia is adapted to much
greater variety of cultivation than that
of most of them; the seasons are re-
markedly regular, and the climate pro.
verbally healthy; while our proximity
to the great markets of the country,
gives as advantages possessed by none
of these States. 1t cannot be doubted
that were these facts extensively known,
thousands who now locate in the far
West would find more desirable homes
in West Virginia.
It is q well attested fact Of history
that the main reliance of every nation
is found in its hard working farmers
aud artizans; men who own their homes;
for there is semet,-tpg in tie mere pos
session of home, which raises the
owner to intelligence, dignity and
manhood; and makes him love the gov
eminent which protects him in its
enjoyment.
We especially want from the other
States of our Union and from Europe,
small farmers, capital and skilled labor
Of all kinds. The presence of these
would soon be felt for good in every
community, andspeedilG dissipate that
strange misconception, too common yet,
that every new conner is to be regarded
with suspicion.
Such additions to our population are
sure to smeliorate the physical condi'
ton of people; and where this is the
case, there is certain to be correspond.
ing advance in their intellectual and
moral condition. Schools, churches and
libraries are pretty sure to be found II
every such community.
At the present time, there is strong
desire expressed by many per.ons IN the
Northern and Eastern States to settle
among US. These people have but re-
Gently become alive to the fact that oul
State is peculiarly suited for prescott.
ing most of the branches Of industry IN
which they have always been engaged
more particularly manufacturing, min
ing and stock raising. There can be nc
more desirable accession to our popula.
ten than these people; and it will be 6
fatal mistake if we do not make a spe
cial effort to turn the tide of immigra
ton from these States, as we'll as from
Europe, in this direction. Such an ef
fort, L feel confident, would add in q
. brief time several thousands of intelli
gent, ingenious and thrifty settlers to
our population; aud thereafter the num-
Der would be certain to Augment rap
idly.
But any plan for securing immigra'
ton, TO be entirely successful, must have
the sanction of the Legislature, and the
assistance of our enterprising citizens
The pnaided efforts of the State Com
missioner of Immigration, or OF private
individuals, however we'll directed, can
avail but little.
Awell organized voluntary associa
ton, composed of upright and clear
sighted business men, say one from eact
Senatorial District, Cor three separate
ORGANIZATIONS, one fer each Congress
sional District, might be better), i
clothed by the Legislature with prope
authority, would do much in the wa!
of disseminating reliable information
in regard TO the advantages which oul
State offers to settlers, and would effec
tually assist Commissioned of Immi
grafton in the d 'scharge of his duties
Such men, it is believed, would &C
without compensation. In order Il
meet with any great SUCCESS, we need
and must have something that will
bring the united energies of the PEG
ple to bear upon this point. This once
fairly done, but little effort will be re
unired to keep up the interest after
ward. Could those whose eyes are nov
turned to West Virginia as their future
homes, receive from responsible parties
acting under State authority, and from
unselfish motives. positive assurances
of the genuineness of titles to lands of:
fered for sale; the actual extent of coal
timber, ores, water power, public i'm
provements, education, certainty o.
freedom from bad government, socia
ostracism and intolerance, the tide O.
population from the old world and thu
old States, could hardly be kept from
flowing into our territory, taking pos
session of our vacant lands, and filling
up our waste places.
SALE OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY A
HARPER'S FERRY.
Pursuant to an act passed at the las
session of Congress, the government
property and privileges at Harper
Ferry, in this State, were sold in No
vembar last, on q credit of two years
As West Virginia has residuary interest,"
in the proceeds of this sale, it might b.
we'll for the Legislature to take suet
action as would be most likely to secure
this interest. Congress evidently in