Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-07-01

The GERMAN EXoDUs.-It is rather curl
| Gus fact that just at this present moment, when
the fortunes Of Germany appear to have
reached the top of the wheel, the number of her
sons who are DESTROYS of leaving her and seek
ing home in the far west is greater than 1t has
been at any former period The emigration
question is assuming very serious dimensions in
some parts Of the kingdom of Prussia but more
especially the provinces of Pomerania, West
Prussia and the more nOrtherly districts of
Posen. In most of the districts in the first men,
toned province, many of the peasants houses
are either empty or being pulled down, and the
small propretors are selling for twenty-five per
cent under recent values, in order to realize
quickly and reach the land of promise with the
least possible delay. Little holdings which
only short time ago were very much in de-
mand, are now mere drug in the market and
it is difficult to find purchasers at any price.
Pomeranian land owner writes that his own
village, which is only a very little one had lost
thirty of its most able laborers on the first of
April, and that another village in his neighbour
hood had already lost all its inhabitants except
three families, and these intended to follow the
lead in few weeks. The place would then be-
come deserted village in the strictest sense,
though not at all like that of Goldsmith's
Sweet Auburn" as the desertion is not occa-
stoned by the rich mans vanity of park but
is directly against his wishes and interests. He
would gladly keep his poorer neighbors with
him if he could, for with them his wealth will
emgrate too.
1t is easy TO obtain an ocular demonstration
OF the height of the present emigration fever by
paying an evening visit to the Pottsdam or
Hamburger railway station. AT the former
have often seen hundreds of emigrants encamp-
ing on the bare boards, sitting on their Luggage
surrounded by the wreck of their household
goods, and soothing their babies while waiting
for the next train for Bremen, where they will
embark for America.
The first instructive feeling at such sight is
AI hut - N.a.a La
placed, as the emgrants are for the most part
extremely happy IN the hopes that have prompt
ed their step, and which in most cases are full
filled.
Unless some Unforeseen circumstances should
check the present westward current, land must
fall in the depopulated district, and then, per-
haps, tue new corners, who will have bought
cheaply, will be able TO pay the next generation
wages sufficiently attractive to keep it at home;
but IN the meantime the small landed propre-
tors viii have suffered severely. Some, indeed,
are already following the example Of their men,
and enhgraiing too. The Pomeranian Agricul-
tural society, at recent meeting held AT Stettin,
passed two resolutions from which II hopes for
some relief. In the first place, 10 petition the
chancellor TO instruct the German consuls nj
American ports TO inquire how many able
bodied emigrants were staying at the same and
willing TO return to their native country, ON the
condition OF free passage; and secondly, to
recommend that emigration be placed under
more stringent police regulations than it is at
present.
IL would be incorrect however, to suppose
that the loss OF population 10 the Pomeranian
villages is due entirely to the fascination OF a
backwoods life IN America; a very different sort
OF life in the towns is also a great temptation.
The peasants daughter takes a housemads
place in Breslau or Berlin. aud writes home
flaming accounts of concerts and lheaters. The
brother sir9ightway reads them aud throws down
his spade or pillow TO try his fortunes in the
same great world that has made his sister such
fine, great lady. Railways aud the UNIVERSAL
iiy Of a certain amount of education render
such an ambitious step easier now than for
merly.