The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-01-24
LOCAL MATTERS.
IMMIGRATION.
Meeting of the Joint Committee of the Two
Houses ON Immigration.

This committee, Senator Kirkpatrick, Of
Lynchburg, in the char, had meeting last
night in the Hall of the House of Dele
gates. At the suggestion of the presiding
officer, a committee consisting of Messrs.
Holiday and Lovenstein) was appointed to
wait upon His Excellency Governor Walker
to invite him to appear before the commit
tee and to assist them in their conclusions,
with full expression of his views.
The Governor responded to the sum-
mons, and took the floor. He said we
need not discuss the Importance or neces-
sity of immigration. We all know its i'm
portance and necessity well enough. We
have vast farms unsettled and uncultivated.
Our one and quarter millions of people
are all busy ; and yet we can support five
millions. Assessments made upon our
lands twelve or eighteen months ago are
too high. Why ? Because there are no
sales and their value has decreased.
How are we to induce immigration, is the
practical question to be considered now.
The first hindrance to the influx of popula-
ton is prejudice the second, want of in-
formation. The first is dependant largely
upon the second. Agents are in England
operating against the South and for the
" CSl. ouL ID tllc lIulIl ODSJdClG
to immigration from foreign countries as
well as from the Northern States.
One of the most important features of
the movement for the Legislature to look
after is the collection of facts as to our re-
sources-mineral, vegetable, price of lands,
&C., and distribute them literally through
out all Europe. Another feature of prime
importance is preparation to receive the
immigrants. 1fyou expect the immigrant
to leave home without some definite idea
as to his destination, and the means provid-
ed for his accommodation and assistance in
settling in his new home, you are mistaken.
Let your agents be prepared to satisfy him
on all these points.
To sum the question up: We must pro-
vide an office at home, send agents abroad,
and have matters so arranged that nc mis-
takes can occur through which the immi-
grant will be swindled and deceived. Now
appoint your commissioner. Let him be
an earnest, energetic man, with his heart
wholly in the work; and with such man
at the head, success will follow. Obiec-
tions are raised as to the expense of the
organization but my idea is to organize by
degrees, and asyou progress appropriations
will follow. He thought the bureau could
soon be made self-sustaining. This bureau
need not conflict with local and private
agencies. Get the best man to be commits
sioner, and pay him well. Have one gene
raj agent in Europe; then have all steam
ship agents your agents.
There is no other road out of our dis
tress but through immigration. Our peo-
pie are suffering from too much land. We
must look to immigration as our only
hope.
At the conclusion of His Excellency's
remarks, Lieut.. Governor Marye took the
floor, and substantially indorsed the Gov
ernor's views. General lmboden read a
letter from prominent French resident of
Chicago, who had been active in settling
French colonies in Texas, Arkansas and
Michigan, asking for detailed information
concerning Virginia, and expressing the be-
lief that our soil and climate are better
adapted to the requirements of the French
immigrants than any other of the United
States. Especially is this true with regard
to the vine-growers of France.
On motion, the meeting adjourned until
half-past seven o'clock this evening.