The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-10-29
immigration = What she international
Railroad IL Doing 20 Bring People
Into she state.
PALESTINE, Texas, October 20.

PALESTINE, Texas, October 90.
Editors Democratic Statesman - The In
ternational and Great Northern Railroad
Company has inaugurated an enterprise
which, affording facilities never before Of
fered to immigrants, is destined during the
next few months to bring thousands Of new
people into Texas. The liberality and far
sightedness of the company in tins matter
should meet with the recognition which It
deserves from all who are interested in the
prosperity and building up Of the State.
Their immigrant agent in the Southern
States, who is no less person than Gen. J.
w. Barnes, has returned from eight months
constant labor in that section. During that
time he has forwarded hundreds Of thrifty
people, who are now settled in comfortable
homes along the line Of thcroad. But Gen.
Barnes reports that there arc thousands and
tens Of thousands Of well-to-do people In
the States Of Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama,
Tennessee and North and South Carolina
who are cast down and discouraged by tho
disturbed condition Of affairs there since the
war, and are anxious to get away and come
to new country and get a fresh start.
Their eyes are turned longingly to Texas,
and they viii come at a moments notice II
we viii hold out our hands to theuD-if, IN
short, we will offer them q surety Of getting
comfortable homes here and something to
live on until they get in their first years
crop.
The project which the international and
Great Northern Railroad has set on foot. Is
one which will not only offer these people
assurances, but bring the citizens Of Texas
face TO face with them. The company viii
start an excursion tram about the twelfthof
next month, which viii 60 through 70 At
for both riding and eating, delegates ap.
pointed by the people along the line 81 its
road, to 90 there and talk with these peo-
pie and make contracts with them 70 either
come here and work plantations or take 4
tract Of land and work It on their own &C.
count. In this way we shall secure q relia-
bic class Of good white labor, for the want
Of which we have been suffering ever since
the close Of the war. We shall also receive
immigrants in largo numbers.
Besides their efforts 20 bring about THIS
matter. the managers Of the international
have succeeded in securing q reduction Of
rates for immigrants to one and two-third
cents per mile from 81 that section Of
country east Of the Mississippi river
reached by its connections. This 81 Itself
Is great thing, aud would have alone hur-
RED up the settlement Of our couhsfy.
The emigrant from Georgia can nov be
landed N the garden spot Of Texas fora
sum not exceeding twenty dollars.
have heard great deal said shout the
International road working aeainst Texas
interests. ! have heard 4 aid that tie
International wanted % grind Texas down
into the dust. This looks ike lifting Der
up. To my mind, the man who induces
one person to come INTO the State. and
make il bis home, Is 8 pablo benefaetoF
What then isa railroad which, 81 one effort,
and az the voluntary outlay Of several
thousand dollars, brings ID whole hundreds
Of people. am not losing sightof the fact
that the railroad itself Is being benefited ii
this thing, but ! know, aud nc all know.
that the main benefit and tie immediate
benefit falls 70 those who want labor %
work their crsps with, IS we'll IS those Who
have lands oseil. ana no special friend
Of the international Railroad / ara the
friend Of 81 the railroads, forI think fheF
have built up the State and enhanced Is
Development. But when corporation sris
on foot such broad scheme for the good 81
The State, e the one 81 question, ils efforts
% behalf Of the public Welfafc should Be-
recognized and.encOuraged. AsbzngoS