The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-12-09
observations Of Rev. DR.. PendletOn ON
Tmmigratione

observations OF Rev. DR.. Pendleton ON
Immigration
The Rev. Dr. land GenelaD Pendleton, Of
Lexington, Va, having been requested by
an immigration society agent at Norfolk to
give a condensed statement Of facts which
fell under bis observation bearing on the
subject of immigration while ia England,
replies in the following letter:
LEXINGTON, VA, December 3, 1872.
Dear Sir,-Sent by medical direction the
ysast summer, first to Halifax, y. S., and then
across the Atlantic, had necessarily to make
the question of health and Of restorative
agencies my chief concern. incidentally,
however, o multitude of other matters could
not but claim my attention, Ms they needs
must Of any intelligent traveller in such n
tour.
Among them this topic Of immigration,
especially from Great Britain and her colo
ues of barshc>t climate northeast Of the
United States, fell under my notice. And
although, under the circumstances. my field
of observation was unavOidably limited, and
my reflections have not been specially direct
ed to any immigration scheme, cannot hest.
tate to give the brief account which you re-
guest of some facts and thoughts bearing on
this question:
l. Alike among the intelligent people with
whom met in Nova Scotia, in England, and
on shipboarG, and among the less cultivated
in each of these localities, there was more or
less acquaintance with the fact that Virginia
possesses, in climate and other advantages,
attractions for settlers from abroad, and that
there are here opportunities for Investments
IN, IN ha
skilled labor entitled to attention. And yet
the knowledge possessed on any of these
points almost always found extremely
vague, inaccurate, and seldom influential.
9 At the same time / was much struck by
the diStrust expressed, not only by inquirers
Of least culture, but also by those OF larger
view and fuller information, respecting the
validity OF land titles, the reliableness of land
agents. and the safety OF investments so made.
Also, respecting the prospect Of good govern
ment in tho country. the civil aud social re-
lations Of the African race, the more or less
extensive degradation thereby of other
laborers, skilled or unskilled, and the de-
preston of business that may long continue
from these and other causes.
3. Influences operating, besides, to carry
elsewhere Immigrants otherwise disposed 10
seek their fortune in our Virginia came dis
,inctly under my notice. individuals OF
medium intelligence and position, and with
some means, sought OF me information rs 10
pa ticular locality in this State, where they
had correspondents and where their minds
seemed made up they would seltle-eyen
more decidedly after their conversation with
myself-and yet they yielded to persuasions
coming from other quarters, and stopped far
short of Norfolk. Others with whom con-
JnI hnfp lu1,
land by correspondents beyond our borders,
and passed on to their destination.
4. But notwithstanding hindrances of such
kinds, evidence was srikingly afforded me
of strong tendency on the part of ralua-
ble English population to better their condi-
ton by seeking homes in this State, SO
greatly favored in climate, soil, mineral
wealth, water-power, staple products, and
personal and family character more like
than elsewhere the best specimens of good
old English tone, principle, sentiment, and
department. The fearruily.crowded popu-
iation of England itself, and the inevitable
pressure Of Government and other expenses
upon the middle class, compel that class
especially to lock abroad for refuge and relief.
TIE large proprietor and the capitalist can,
in the advantages they command, realize more
than compensation for costly living, and make
L the interest, perhaps, Of numerous EN-.
ploves to remain in their service. Those
of medium condition seem, therefore, the
sufferers for the most part. ana they arc
chiefly the inquirerS for foreign homes. 10
some extent, as first mentioned, many OF
them learn about Virginia, and are disposed
TO come hither. Then, however, the draw
backs occur which have been mentioned.
Besides these there are some OF larger means
and higher position, attracted by Inc sum
total of advantage with us. TWAS my for.
tune to meet with several interesting, ecu
Gated gentlemen who had already made lns
yeatments in Virginia lands--oue in one
norton, another In different quarter OF the
State. Moreover, persons of character and
substance In Nova Scotia, DC, who, In spite
of the strong virtuous sentiment Of English
LOYALTY, and the no less strong and yirtuous
attachment to the home and friends OF years,
are constrained to desire a more genial Gil
mate. sought of me information and ADVICE
az TO their removal to Virginia, and it can
scarcely be doubted that their tremendous
and protraeted winters make it so much TO
their advantage to effect the exchange that
more than few would do so could they be
satisfied on the points that have been lndl-
Gated.
Z. From these facts and considerations it
seems 70 me that the great question OF our
securing largely beneficial share OF the
English immigrants contemplated will de-
pend upon the extent to which full and
truthful information concerning everything
among us is practically impaired to the peo-
ple in England and in the provinces Of
scyerest climate northeast of the United
States, and upon the success with which
some of our most reliable minds can meet
the d;strusting queries suggested by certain
PARTICULARS of our situation. 1t is plainly Q
problem requiring for its solution the taltht-
ful exercise of tho best Intellect of the State
and the putting forth OF energy and eXPendl-
Ture OF means far beyond anything that nay
been yet attempted. SfE -
Regretting That ! have not more speclnc
acquaintance with the subject, and no ssttll'
cient time 10 enable me to reply satisfactorily
10 your request, yet submitting this state
ment. such as it is, to your disposal, IN Enc
hope that ii may not be without benefit 70
the caIse, l.ss,# ", sts.{ '.E5tSi
remain, very truly, yours,
w. N. PEEDLgToM
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