The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-12-21


we must equal or exceed if we expect to sue
cessfully compete with them. We must have
thoroughly organized system OF agencies
abroad for the diffusion Of accurate informa
ton and the management OF the business
tharo.--------
We must transport the immigrant from
Europe to our shores and overland as cheal
" and expeditiously as is done at the North
and the immigrants must be as well cared
for and protected here as there and, lastly
we must secure homes for them upon as ad-
vantageons terms, all things considered, a
can be offered them in any portion of the
country. With proper organization and ct
fort | am satisfied that wo can successfully
accomplish all his.
Already semi-monthIy line of first class
steamers have been established between Liv-
erpool aud Norfolk-ex perimental at present,
but to be made permanent if reasonably sue
ccssful We can make it an assured success
with successful immigration. Thus can be
secured the transportation of immigrants
from Europe to our own shores at the slime
rates as to New York.
From Norfolk to all portions Of the State
our railroads will afford equal facilities for
transportation. and at as low or lower rates
than can be obtained elsewhere. But we
have no public lands to offer them for homes
at Government prices, and we have no organ
lied sytem for the care and protection of the
immigrants until they are settled in their new
homes.
We have an abundance Of rich and Access
sible lands for sale, and at prices much below
the average cost Of Western or Government
lands when the saluhrity and healthfulness of
our climate, nearncss to market, and cheap
ness and facilities for transportation, are ta-
ken into the account. But these lands are
owned by private citizens. each OF whom en-
tertans his own peculiar views as to price,
Hterms, and conditions of sale and payment;
and these lands are scattered over the entire
| Commonwealth and must be sought out by
the immigrant at the expense of much time,
trouble aud money. This cannot and will
not be done by the immigrant, especially
those who neither understand nor speak our
language. Some plan must be devised by
which this can be avoided, and by which the
immigrant on his arrival will be properly car
ed for, protected, and aided, until he is finally
settled. In submitting for your consldera-
ton such plan as, after mature deliberation,
[consider feasible, desire to say that if
better one can be devised | shell be but too
anxious to further its adoption and execute 1t
in every way III my power.
The plan which [ would recommend for
adoption, briefly stated, contemplates--
First The organization at the capital OF
bureau Of immigration under the control OF
board Of nine directors, to be chosen one
from each congressional district and one fTcHl
the State at large, who shall be president of
| the board and commissioner of immig ration,
and who shall be clothed with ample powers
| and have the entire control and management
Of the affairs Of the bureau, under the advice
of the board of directors and to be paid a sal
ary commensurate with the duties to be per-
formed and the ability required. The other
members of the board to receive no compen-
sation, but to have their expenses paid which
are necessarily incurred III the discharge OF
their official duties
Second The establishment in Europe by
the commissioners of Que or more agencies, at
reasonable compensation, for the purpose OF
organizing and furthering immigration by the
dissemination of correct information of the
advantages and Inducements we offer to
the immigrant and the means by which we
propose TO facilitate his settlement in our
State, and by all other Suitable and proper
means most conducive to the accomplishment
| Of that object.
| Third The establishment at Norfolk of
depot to receive the immigrants when they
land and to attend to their transhipmeut to
their various destinations in the State, and to
employ in each county and city a local agent
| for their reception, care, and assistance, until
they are settled or can care for themselves.
Fourth The preparation and publication,
forthwith, by the commissioner, Of a pamphlet
| for distribution at the North and in Europe,
| giving all the facts, statistics, and information
necessary to impart full understanding Of
our commercial agricultural, manufacturing.
and climate advantages and mineral resources,
and the means we have adopted to aid, fscli-
tate, and secure inlmi grafton.
Fifth. Authorisy vested in the commits
sioner to act as the attorney or agent OF own
ers Of lands in the State, under properly ex
ecuted powers of attorney, irreyocable except
bv consent of the commissioner. for the sale
and tranfer of such lands to immigrants. The
conditions upon which he Is authorized to act
| in saoA eAp~ e;t5 fA..oas others that ho n'ay
deem necessary being that the lands shall be
surveyed by an official surveyor and mapped
so as to show the general topography of the
lands, the springs, water-courses, and roads
thereon, the wild and cultivated portions
thereof, together with an analysis ofthe soils
and the mineral deposits ; the expenses Of
all which to be charged against the lands and
deducted from the proceeds of the sale when
made; and there shall also be deducted from
the proceeds Of the sale small commission,
say two and half per cent upon the sum Tor
which the property is sold, to be used in de-
frayiug the expenses of the bureau. The
commissioner to keep an accurate account OF
all sales, and to undertake the sale OF no
lands at prices above what he deems fair and
reasonable, aud to give suitable bond for
The faithful Performance Of his duties
This is a very plain, but, believe practi-
cal and busness-likc scheme, and promptly
embodied in suitable law, whose execution
| shall be conGded to suitable hands, with an
| appropriation sufficient for its successful in-
auguration, will enable us to surmount ali
difficulties and bring to our State in great
numbers that desirable class of immigrants
| needed to purchase and develop our unoccu-