The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1878-02-14

migration from the centers Of population ~
| the East, 10 say nothing OF the thousand.
7 who annually come 10 Us from the Stztes !,
Northern Europe. | am sure that, Il YOU
could travel through many Of the more re
Gently settled portions Of Kansas, and note
me measure Of comparative com.
Tort and independence 10 which
these people have in a short time attained
you would feel your zeal renewed, and your
determination 10 do what YOU can 10 pro-
mote the more rapid settlement of the Wes,
strengthened. The pressure Of hard time,n
Is, indeed, teit there as with you, and here
anu elsewhere through the East, but il
rarely extends to real or threatened depri-
Na'ioh oil the necessaries of life With the
great sdVantages OF production afforded,
anu Win ordinary thrift and foresight.
these can rarely be wanting. n.y.
l have not vet been able to give the sub-
Iect sufficient reelection 10 determine in INV
own mind whether any system of Legislation
can or ought 10 be devised, in addition 10
our benehcent land laws, to promote west
ern emigration and the consequent relief OF
the over-populated portions OF the East.
The subject is, as l have said, one which
merits the attention OF the wisest and most
experienced OF our statesmen. Iou will
lind me ready and anxious to co-operate in
any practicable plan consistent with the
proper relation OF the general government
TO the states and the people.
i have my doubts whether YOU do not Law
too much stress upon the advantages to be
derived from settlement in colonies. MANY,
II not all, OF the special inducements which
you mention are offered quite as freely and
fully TO the individual immigrant. Ii
would be difficult to find any part of Kan
sas TO which settlement has extended where
the educational, religious and social adyan-
tages offered are not equal at least to those
which characterize the agricultural commu-
mites OF more Eastern states. What Is
true OF Kansas in this regard is doubtless
equally true Of other portions of the West,
to which public attention is now being
turned. Individual settlement must en-
courage self-reliance and prudent calcula-
ton, without which success is doubtful II
not impossible, in any field. 1t is possible
that the association of persons together in
colonies might tend to relax this principle.
as well as possibly TO encourage injurious
l do not speak with confidence
on TINS point, however, As ! know of MANY
colonies which have achieved marked
success.
Your article shows an intelligent appre-
citation OF one OF the most pressing and vital
economical questions of the time. and |
hope the press and public men of the couu-
try will strive together TO give it practical
and beneficent solution.
Truly your friend,
L. Il. PLUME.
We are obliged to our old friend the
Senaror, Tor both his concentrations and
his criticisms, and are glad to Law before
our readers the suggestions OF one who has
so much practical knowledge of the actual
fruit OF emigration in the west.
1t seems to us that Congress might omen
the way for the organization Of chartered
National Colonization Company, and might
further facilitate the prosecution of the
enterprise by legislation which would place
government lands more directly and prompt |
Y into the possession of the class referred TO. |
l his Is large question and requires the
nest thought as well as the best talent in
and We should be pleased if |
'ur brethren OF the press would give due
'ttentlon to this general subject and assist |
n giving publicity to the suggestions which |
rave been made in this direction.