The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1872-01-18

of educating teachers, the Normal
school at Marshall College. and the
| branches al Fairmont and West Lib
erty were established. They have
become almost necessary auxiliary OF
the school system. AL OF these
schools are now in prosperous condi-
ton, and are giving general satisfaction.
The school at Fairmont which was
reported last year by my predecessor
not to be in a fiourishing condition, has
had new life impaired to it by its reor.
ganizstion last summer. commend
them all 10 your fostering care. The
report of the Board OF Regents will
| give more precise information in regard
10 these Normal schools.
Under the act OF February 2S, 1871,
the Board of Public Works appointed
Commissioner or Immigratien,
his report win present to you his pro.
ceedings and also his views on this sub.
ject. With a very large qusntity OF
unimproved and cheap lands, and sur.
rounded by populous districts, our State
presents an inviting field TO the immi.
grant. But the same mode OF proceed
Ing cannot be employed here as in the
West. We have no homestead laws,
or lands to which any such laws are
applicable; We have no railroad com.
panies with immense tracts OF land for
sale on long credit. But We have a
number OF large landholders who are
willing to sell their lands on favorable
terms, and il by any means, concert Of
action can be had among them, some
thing of the unity Of action Of corpo-
ration can be secured. But these land
holders cannot consult together.
arrange plans and fix prices, and
terms OF sale. The only way to accom-.
plish these ends, therefore, is to have
one common agents commissioners
clerk-to whom these landholders can
transmit description Of their lands, the
titles, prices and terms, in q certain
prescribed form. Such commissioner
will then have the means OF furnishing
accurate information TO persons seeking
new homes. There can be no organ
lied system OF immigration unless i'm
migrants know in advance with some
degree OF certainty what kind OF lands
they may expect TO purchase, the prices
thereof, and where situated. A com
missioner possessed OF such information
as this, with a knowledge ofthe peculiar
advantages OF different localities, and
also ofthe wages OF labor in the different
branches OF industry, will be in con
dition to invite immigration.
Mere general statements OF the pecu
liar advantages we have TO offer in the
way OF cheap lands, fine climate and
remunerative prices Of labor can &C
omplish little. Many persons would
be unable aud unwilling to spend weeks
or months, perhaps, in travelling over
the State TO seek information which
might be easily gwen them under the
plan proposed The act above referred
to seemed to contemplate larger schemes
OF immigration than WAS possible 10 be
effected by the amount appropriated.
II il be your pleasure TO continue the
present policy in regard to immigration,
| would recommend that the Commits
sioner OF Immigration be charged with
the duty OF making necessary plans and
schemes as well as putting them into
execution. The responsibilities OF any
position ought not 10 be divided. and
the members of the Board OF Public
Works, il their other duties are Al
tended to, have little time 10 devote 10
this subject The people are
Coutentcd and Prosperous.
The attention Of capitalists is directed
o.our large undeveloped resources; and
we are beginning 10 feel the inspiring
touch Of commerce. and are waking
into new lite NJ a people under its influ'
ence. With ooe OF the leading rail.
roads OF the country in successful oper'
alton in the northern part Of the State.
with another in the southern portion
that promises like success already
partially opened aud soon 10 be com
pleted, we shall not only have outlets
10 the markets east and west, but our
territory will become the thoroughfare
OF fall share Of the trade and travel
Of the country.
A review OF the social and material
condition Of the State affords abundant
reason for profound gratitude TO Al.
mighty God for the many blessings He
has bestowed upon us in the past.
In conclusion, permit me to express
the hope not only that your session will
he an harmonious one and will result in
good TO all public interests, but also that
It may be the occasion OF pleasant social
relations which may ripen into enduring
friendship. JOHN J. JACOB.