Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-12-02
Immigration.

At the Farmers Convention, held at Peters
burg, Gov. Walker made a speech on the sub
iect of Immigration, from which the following
is an extract
We have not one-quarter the population in
Virginia that we ought to have. | 60 heart
and soul for keeping our young men at home,
but we want others to help US build up the
Commonwealth. The importance ofimmlgra-
ton is generally conceded and it is not nececes-
sary for me to say anything on the subject
As came in the door the gentleman from
Roanoke county MR. Logan was speaking.
I heard him say that he was opposed to gene
raj immigration omnlum gatherum to over
run aud swamp the State. | agree with him.
We want no pauper immigrants nor others
to break down Virginia. We can keep that
class out. What We want is honest, indus
trious. thrifty citizens-who will come and i'm
prove and build up our lands. These we can
easily obtain, both from the North and from
Europe. But there are difficulties which must
Most immigrants 20 West. They have every
assistance rendered them, both in Europe and
New York-and when they get in the West
they find cheap lands at government prices
and have no difficulty in locating. 1t is not
essential for US of the South to organize such a
system, but there are essentials that cannot be
overlooked. Immigrants are here-but too
gradually to do much good. Private enterprise
does much-but not enough.
The first essential is Correct information,
sent in proper form, to be recognized wherever
sent While recognizing the value OF private
enterprise in this respect, there is no doubt
that it has also done much injury at times
The proper statistics showing advantages
and we have greater advantages than any 9TH
er State in the Unon-should be published.
Our facilities to markedly rail and boat
render our lands cheaper by one-half than in
other States. Such statistics should 60 abroad
by State authority, and they would everywhere
be recognized and acted upon.
The second essential is that some provisions or
plan be devised by which emigrants, when they
arrive here can find home without hunting the
State over and then probably having difficulty
10 purchasing the land he wants. This is Sc
rious difficulty The people of Virginia, like
those of the old country, have strong love for
their homes-and generally are disinclined to
sell. But still there is much land for sale. All
such land should be placed, and its advantages
given so that the immigrant may really be To-
Gated before he gets here and if the represen-
tons made to him hold good he settles down
at once.
| would like for the farmers Of this Conven-
ton to devise some plan to meet all these dlh-
culties We want system in the information
as to the location, character and prices Of our
lands-to aid the immigrant 10 finding home.
With this information scattered abroad, and
our facilities of locating them, with good line
of steamers to bring them to our shores, we
can bring into the State from three to FIVE hun
dred desirable immigrants per month. With
in one year, one thousand have been landed at
Norfolk all Of whom have stopped in
Virginia The steerage passengers BY the Al
Ian ships bring FIVE hundred each. II we could
bring every month three to FIVE hundred indus.
trious, skilful men, with capital Of $500
each, what an effect it would have upon our
State. | beg you to let your action be practi-
cal, and it will result in great good to the State
We are in peculiar position, and the crisis il
not yet passed. Men likesyou can give tone to
public sentiment, if you act properly. CUES
tons are now coming up 10 the civil govern
ment 10 which you should have voice, for
what affects the interests ef the country affects
yours also.
Thomas Smith, senior member of the firm Of
Smith & White, dry goods merchants of Pc
tersburg, and the proprietor of a large whole
sale house in Norfolk, died in the latter city on
Friday.
Governor w. D. Bloxham, of Florida, ma
tive of Fairfax county, In this State, was intro
duced TO President Grant on Saturday last.