Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-07-13
CHAPTER II.

"The subject wished to converse with you
on" said Mr.. Sandford to Graham, when they
were out of Marys hearing, "is-emigration."
Emigration ?" interrupted Graham, inter-
negatively.
"Yes. 1t is subject, as you are aware, at
present undergoing much discussion in the
public journals of the day and there is a
special article I have cut out of one of the
newspapers, which I would like you to read,
and think over"
He handed the extract, thus alluded to, to
his companion as he spoke. Graham read it
with attention. 1t was the sketch of a project,
recently set on foot by certain number Of
men, to travel with their families to the far
West, and there make themselves home. 1t
portrayed, in glowing colors, the advantages
Of the scheme, and the immense success likely
to accrue from it. A magnificent tract of
land, favorable in point of soil and climate,
rich in natural vegetation, watered by the
purest mountain streams, and abounding in
picturesque scenery, lay awaiting cultivation,
its only present occupants being few scat
tered Indians, who could easily be bribed or
coerced into abandoning it to its new claim
ants. The difficulties Of journey thither
might be great, but for all such difficulties
those who chose to make the venture, would
be amply compensated when they reached its
end. Once arrived at that glorious region,
they could build up for themselves a settle
ment which, it would only need little time,
industry and care, to render one of the most
Aourishing and prosperous in the Western
Hemisphere. This and much more did the
prospectus embody, embellishing, with good
deal of exaggeration and unnecessary rhodo-
montade, some sterling and practical truth
and good sense The arguments in favor Of
the move were plain and satisfactory, evident.
ly the result of careful inquiry and prolonged
consideration and, in conclusion, the writer
entreated all, in whose hands it might fall, to
give it an attentive perusal, hoping that the
number of those already banded together for
the enterprise, might be sweled by new re-
cruits, who, with brave hearts and willing
hands, would be ready to aid them in con-
quering the obstacles in their way, and to
reap with them the fruits of their underta-
king.
"WellT' said Mr.. Sandford, as Edward
handed him back the paper with thoughtful
look, what do you think of it?"
"That l should like nothing better than to
make one of the party" was the prompt re.
joinder. "The West is fine country, and
opens wide field for labor and profit
"And speculation" said Mr.. Sandford.
Graham shook his head.
81 do not put much faith in speculation, he
answered slowly. II believe in sure, steady
work, for certain remuneration; unfagging
energy and perseverance, which, in time, must
reap their reward, provided there is scope for
their exercise. Now, here am bound hand
and foot. am powerless, because no field is
open to me. God knows how willingly l
would work. There is no labor shrink from,
yet no man will give it me to do. 1t is hard
to long to be active, ready to yield ones full
powers to any task, and yet forced to remain
idle"
"You would not object, then, to trying
your luck in a new country?"
"Object! l should glory in being able to
do so. But for me it is impracticable, as you
we'll know"
"For what reason? Simply the want Of
means?"
"That is the first and most weighty reason.
Others might be overcome-such as the risks
of the journey for my wife and child, and so
forth for risks there must always be, attend
ing schemes like these. But with the neces-