Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-07-30
British Settlers Association.

The following is the speech of DR. j. B. John
son in the Board of Aldermen, on Tuesday
night, upon the resolutions endorsing the officers
of the British Settler Assoc ,ation
''lIg. President-Wo have identified with our
destiny active and industrious foreign born ctl-
zens, we'll qualified by education and position to
undertake the arduous duty of inducing imml-
grafton. Their business relation of honorable
connections with our best commercial and agrl-
cultural interests is sufficient warrant that they
would not attempt or seek to introduce from
.heir native countries any but the most useful
and reliable OF their acquaintance; and their
self. respect, as we'll rs their veal, would pre-
Guide the act of inviting to the advantages OF
their scheme any immigrants but those they
could themselves take into their own confidence
and esteem. the Eng'ishman, the lrishman,
the Scotchman the Frenchman and the Ger
man, soon become acquainted with US, ana Ihey
are n t long IN cur midst before the sameness OF
pursuits assimilutes them to our habits and laws.
It is our custom to receive foreigners with frank
ness and hospitality, and bya generous assur-
snce of kindness plant in their bosoms fond
ness for our Institutions of industry, learning
and politics, and to bid it increase with each
year Of their experience until association with
us ripens an attachment for the land of their
adoption into warmth of feeling but little less
than that of enthusiasm; and meet the adopted
citizen OF Virginia whenever YOU may you Will
find that his regard for the noble old State Will
brook no unkird criticism of its condition, and
that his atGCtlDn LOT IL ana us peopIS 10 oAiJ
euualled by that love which he feels when he
looks far back over the waters upon scenes asso-
cisted with the memory of his owr natal heath:
Fratrlcidal war, like mighty flood, surged and
rolled between the North and the South and
settle ut the feet Of Virginia and overwhelming
her. Her spirited population, devastated
fields and lost industries told how severely she
had suffered and that she now needs the new
energy of revived power to renvigorate her
macy attractions and place her again in the path
of prosperity, wealth and glory. This can be
accomplished only through capital and lmml-
grafton, and once such a combination is well Sc
cured we can attract men not only of means and
liberal intelligence, but of varied skill to settle
among US. and foster detel mined energy that
will call out all the latent advantages which only
need to be aroused to give forth the generous Of
ferings of their abundant riches This the Ex-
ecutve Committee of the British Settlers Asso-
ciatioa is willing to assist US to do, and large
numbers of the better class OF foreigners can be
hsd if the proper direction and right means are
enlisted to secure the success Of the project The
officers who compose this committee are ldent
fed in business interests here, and most, if not
All of them, are property holders, and are max
ing their efforts in our behalf without any great
or pecuniary or personal interest IN tue welfare
of Virginia than Is common to any other Class
of individuals in this community and as they
are devuting their money. time and persever-
ance to mature an enterprise which, If success
full, will result in good to all, | think their en-
deavors should be met with words OF encourage
ment instead OF expressions OF indifference and
rp,Ilsph