The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-06-24
lGpemins State Jollrnal
ENllGRATIoN.

winter shows that its importance was moi
appreciated by that body, and probably
indicates also corresponding indifference
on the part of the people whom they repre-
sented. Governor Walker, familiar with
what emigration has done for the West and
the best modes of encouraging it, with an
enlightened regard for the interest of his
adopted State, urged upon the Legisla-
ture the passage Of bill to secure its adj
yantages to Virginia. Nothing was done,
however, and we find ourselves now left
behind in the great race of improvement,
and making no effort to secure our proper
share of that population who from year to
year seek new homes. 4ai4ra7 t-.fr
All experience has shown that in every
part of the country the increase of popula-
ton from this source has corresponded to
the amount of intelligent effort put forth
and inducements held out by States and
local corporations. No matter what the
relative merits of localities, persistent, vig-
orous efforts to direct the current of emf
-. ~ I-....
grafton has always won population and its
resultant prosperity, as evinced in the rapid
rise of real estate, the growth of cities and
villages, and the general activity Of indus
try and trade. ~ "a .s..,..,..e II.
The Illinois Central railroad is remark
able illustration of this principle. BY an
organized effort through its land depart
ment, extensive advertising, and placing
itself in communication with the people Of
all States and countries, it has been able
to sell even its poorest lands, at such rates
as to be vastly remuneratiye. ...-.e-....
1t has secured settlers all along its route,
often on second and third rate lands,, while
far better could have been bought at
lower prices elsewhere, equally well To-
Gated. The great States OF the Northwest,
whose growth in population and wealth is
the wonder of our time, have secured to
themselves this sascendency, by freely
spending money to advertise their adyan-
tages and by extending a cordial welcome
to all corners. ba'Ta4y .tiaa7rl
If we rest satisfied with our present
stagnant condition, are content to see our
property sink in value our ambitious
young men leave for the North and West,
to find a field more promising Of effort, our
operative population rapidly going South,
recent settlers selling out and leaving, and
general bankruptcy and ruin prevailing
everywhere, we have only to shut our eyes
and sleep, as we are now doing. l.a iaalnss
II, on the contrary, we would have our
real estate marketable at fair prices, afford
our young men a chance at home, rescue
the State from financial ruin, save its good
name from contempt, make it the abode of
a great, happy and prosperous people, we
must rouse to the necessity of vigorous,
combined and persevering efforts to in
crease our population, by an influx Of that
class of emigrants who viii bring to us CAP
ital, skill and labor, to develop our re-
sources 'of soil, water-powers, mines, and
forests. ttss4 lt,,s q gfsrrrssfg Esa.s s
Iai We have first to make our people see the
necessity of this course if they would pros
per, and then to organize for the work of
repopulating our State. -'feF 'a'ii'A7s' @ ''a'
These purposes can only beiachieyed by
the combined labors of patriotic men,
through personal effort, through the press,
and by all instrumentalities which will ena-
BILE us to reach the ear of the public. To
start this movement, we respectfully sug-
gest that convention Of all persons inter-
ested in promoting emigration to Virginia
be held in this city ON the 18th of Septem-
Der next. AT that date the American Po-
mological Society meets here also, and a
large number of our citizens will be here.
Representatives Of all States North will also
be in attendance. The occasion, conseera-
ted to the exhibition ,ofone Of our most pro-
missing and fascinating industries, will bring
together body Of mem cminentlytfit to
consider a question so nearly related to
their own as well as thepublic interests.