The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-03-25
WEDNESDAY, EvE'G. MAR. %, 1874.
INDUCEMENTS FOR NORTHERN SET
TIERS IN vIRGINIAa

THAI lTSinla OuefS " 4NoI'HcIH itnLnlbTd- |
ton. We do not claim to have found here
a state in which thriltless, indolent or in
competent people can get rich. We do
not claim that great fortunes can be made
here by competent and enterprlsing men
suddenly. We do not claim state where
nobody is sick or where all invalids will be
restored to health as quickly as they who
dipped their feet in the Fountain Of Health.
But we do claim for Virginia the following |
pre-eminent advantages:
FIRST. A geographical position unri-
vailed in regard to facilities for communica-
ton with all the world.
Second. A climate of medium tempera-
lures everywhere, modified variously by
the mountains, the far penetrating bays
and proximity to the ocean.
Third. Soils Of the most wonderful
variety and in many localities of remarka-
BILE fertility.
Fourth. Typographical features iavora-
BILE to the largest variety of productions;
affording the grandest and most beautiful
scenery, and giving to the entire state a
system of perfect drainage.
Fifth. Geologically Virginia presents
nearly every formation from the Oldest to
the most recent. Her mountains are
scanned with coal, and beds of iron crop
out in close proximity. The quantity Of
these minerals is prodigious, and their
quality is Of the best. Quarries of the
finest granite, marble, freestone, slate and
asbestos abound. The Blue Ridge Is yet
to become one of the great mining fields
of the continent.
,Sirth. The noblest rivers of the East
ern slope Of America flow through her
entire length and breadth, furnishing un-
surpassed advantages for communication,
and the grandest water-powers in the
world
Seventh. Cheaper lands, considering
quality and location, than any other por-
ton of the American continent. The
lands of Virginia will scarcely average four
dollars per acre. A large share of them
are in state of virgin fertility, we'll
timbered, watered, and already supplied
with railroads and abundant facilities for
water transportation. The worn soils are
generally very near market, are level,
smooth, free from stumps and stones, and
can be cheaply restored by deep tillage,
lime, and ploughing in green crops, and
other expedients known to skilled cutiva.
tors. It is easily demonstrated that with
adequate capital and skill these lands may
be made to pay for their own restoration,
and carried to a degree of fertility equal to
those Of the richest Northern states. The
thrifty husbandry which has made a gar
den Of the sterile wastes of New England
applied here would reap results immensely
richer Proximity to market, and the con
venience of fertiizing material will far
more than balance the superior fertility Of
Western soils.
Eighth. For fruit-growing Virginia is
equal TO any portion of North America,
not excepting California. which has of late
won the championship Of the continent in
the estimation of the public. This great
resource of the state is only in the first
stages OF development. Only few gar
dens, orchards and vineyards existed be-
fore the war, and most of these were cul-
tiyated rather as Injuries, and often in a
rude and imperfect manner. The system
attic culture of fruit is just beginning,
but enough has been done to show that in
variety and perfection Virginia fruits will
bear comparison with the most favored
States.
All along the valleys of its great rivers,
and high up the slopes of its grand noun
tains, are sites for orchards and vineyards
not unsurpassed in the world. Here every
friendly circumstance OF soil and climate
unite to give sure returns to industry and
skill. Thousands of Northern men,
whose love of fruit culture leads them to
experiment in the austere climate of New
England, and who have seen the results oil
years Of pains-taking labor lost in a single
frosty night, will find here field of effort
full of hope, and where returns are sure.
We want these men in Virginia, and with
that great host Of artisans who have made
New England hive of industry. Let them
come, bringing with them the tact, enter
prise and persevering energy which they
have shown at home, and they will not
only make q garden of the wilderness, but
secure for themselves competence.
They may be sure of warm welcome
and no questions asked on political views.
That nonsense is played out or left only
few sickly and worthless representatives
OF the Bourbon class who make up faces
at better people than themselves for want
OF something else to do. The sturdy
emigration Of the North alone is needed to
lift Virginia into the front rank of the
states.
A GOOD pencil is the best friend of a
newspaper writer. We have rarely been
able to find one so good as those made by
the Joseph Dixon Crueible Comnaoy ~