Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-03-25
IMMIGRATION = HOUSE HELP
AND FARM HANDS.

We have received the following letter
from the Rev. E. Strobe, one of the first
divines of our city. 1t treats of subject
of vast interest to our people at this time:
To the Editors of the Union and American:
CHICAGO, March 22.-I have been So
iourning in this metropolis of the North
west more than month, and among va
rious subjects of interest occupying my
attention, have been led to consider, Sc
riously, one of growing Importance to the
people Of the South, viz: That of labor,
connected as it is, inseparably with immi-
grafton. Much, indeed, has been written
by different parties, expressing various
opinions as TO the manner of obtaining a
supply of reliable ''helpn for the field and
the household. All agree as to the in
crcasing demand. Mississippi seems to
have entered practically on the work, to a
greater extent, perhaps, than any South
ern State, and some three or SIX thousand
immigrants, mostly Scandinavians, have
already found homes and employment
among the planters and manufacturers Of
that reconstructed" commonwealth.
Tennessee and North Alabama have
not, as yet, taken any action IN
the matter by any organized effort. as
far as lam informed, though embracing a
soil, climate and varied resources far bet
ter adapted to the laboring classes OF
| Northern Europe, than the Gulf region
propcr. Now it is a fact well established
| that immigrants of this nationality arc
| most desirable, as residents and opera
tives, being of the same race, of industri-
GUS habits and good morals, and can usu-
ally read and write. | find this general
| opinion sustained by parties here, who
| tell me what / know to be true of this
people by personal observation, that they
combine those qualities best suited to the
| planters and farmers of North Alabama
and Tennessee, and also as mechanics and
factory operatives.
Asib obtaining a supply of labor,
find. also, that the facilities are favorable
70, affording any number required, with
the proper assurances of comfortable
quarters, fair wages and good treatment.
/ am in communication with a Swedish
firm here engaged more directly in furn
ishing lands to immigrants, who yet in
form me they will engage TO sup
ply adequate labor for our section
of the State and North Alabama, if proper
arrangements are made by the citizens in
terested-that is, some organization eff
fected by which it may be known how
many laborers will be required, what wa
ges will be paid to the males, regulated
by age and capacity, and the compensa
ton for females as house servants. Thi
implies, of course, that immigrants vii
come by families with view of settlin!
upon our surplus lands as they may b.
able to purchase from time to time, ye
affording by constant influx all the labo
needed. Transportation is given to la
borers and immigrants from this place a
two cents per mile, and doubtless tn
same arrangements could be made wit
the lines from New York to Nashville.
| hastely note these facts that the at
! tention of our people may be directed t
, this source of supply. Asone interested i
, | the welfare of the South, suggest tina
some action be taken soon on this subject
and if needed, viii add other informs
ton touching the labor question at a
early day. Yours truly
L. STROBE.