The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-03-04
LETTER FROM OMAHA.
OMAHA, NEB., Feb. "a, 1871

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last weeks paper, that some of your citi-
zens were about to organize colony to
one of the Territories. This is the right
step in the right direction, and you are to
engraft into your bylaws one of the most
praiseworthy features-ne grog sellers to
accompany the expedition. Add another
amendment to the law--no drinker of the
ardent shall be member, and my word
for it, your colony will never regret it; for
if you can find a spot, on what is termed
this green earth, where the liquid fire is
not to be had, I don't know where it is
situated but would like to-
On this subject, l was recently in CONVEX
sation with an intelligent mountaineer, who
has been connected with some such organi-
cations, and he is favorable to small COM
panies-not to exceed fifty in number
Where the companies are too large, they
are sure to disagree and dsband, which is
often attended with disastrous consequences
You will find a great advantage from
having all trades and professions. The
colony can soon be self-sustaining, and
WELD considerable influence for good.
| hope your colonists will pardon me for
few gratuitous suggestions : If mining
for gold and silver is one of the principal
objects of the colony, We might suggest
Montana or Colorado. If for coal, or iron,
or "copper" then Wyoming. But if for
agricultural pursuits, we would first recon-
mend Nebraska, as superior; the land
north of the Platte River being sufficiently
high and rolling for any purpose, and for
raising stock has no superior, while the
land south of the Platte is equally good
for grazing and for most kinds of grain,
besides being more level, but not SO con-
venient to railroad communication. The
State over 300 miles, most of which land is
superior for all agricultural pursuits. The
south side of the Platte will soon be pene-
trated with railroads sufficient for trans
portation, &c.
Some portions of Colorado may do for
agricultural pursuits, without irrigation,
but we fear many portions will require it,
in order to succeed in producing good
no superior. So, also, with regard to Mon
tana and Wyoming. Apart from the cold
in the latter, Dakota is equally desirable in
this respect, and for lumber and timber, has
the advantage of the former, while some
portions OF Wyoming produce considera-
BILE pine timber, at least.
There are many arguments in favor Of
Nebraska for colonists. 1t is not liable to
be troubled with Indian depredations to
the same extent of the other less inhabited
Territories, besides the facilities for OBJ
tanning all things necessary for comfortable
living, as your colonists have been accus-
toned to, the deprivation of which would
always be a source of discomfort to the
colony. Lumber and building materials
generally are attainable at much less cost
beside ready market for all the products
of the colony.
Should your colonists desire or determine
to go still further, and reach Oregon or
Washington Territories, there are some
portions of both which produce superior
grain-wheat weighing 20 lbs, in some
instances, and fruit of a very superior
quality. The same may be said of Califor-
mia and Nevada, with regard to grain and
fruit, as well as some portions of Idaho.
But after all, we adopt the opinion of
one of your most intimate friends, a men,
Der of the Bar, in your town, that Nebraska
is good enough for me, and think could
your colonsts visit all the foregoing Terri
tories and States, they would be of the
same opinion.
There is much excitement, now, over the
silver mines of Utah, but we are of the
same opinion of their President Young
that nine-tenths of those who engage in
mining loose more than they make and
consequently he counsels his people to let
the mines alone and turn their attention to
agriculture and manufacturing - good,
wholesome advice, corroborated by thou
sands who have been engaged in mining in
California and Nevada, as well as Wyoming
and other points. The mining of coal and
iron in Wyoming is destined to be a very
successful and paying business. The min
ing of coal is now paying very handsomely.
The Union Pacific Railroad has thousands
of acres of land yet for sale in Nebraska,
Wyoming and Utah. will send you, for
the information of your colonists, cata-
losue of their lands; any information in
regard to their lands will be furnished by
Commissioner Davis, on application, who
can offer many valuable suggestions to col
onists, having had much experience in the
sale of western lands.
suppose your colonists are aware they
can each homestead 80 acres, ON any of the
public lands, at cost of S14, when they
can buy, attached to it, any number of
acres they desire, additional.
Hope you will pardon the liberty l have
taken unsolicited, and be assured am ever
Yours, sincerely, OCCASIONAL.
[*Our correspondent may find that place
at Vineland, New Jersey.-ED.]
LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA.