Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1878-06-14
COLONY PLANTING.
Report of the Boston Commissioners
who Visited Tennessee-Her Re
sources " More Varied than
those Of Any Other state
in the UniOn.o

Boston Advertiser: Those who are inter-
ested in the recent movements to plant per-
manent and prosperous colonies on the rich
unoccupied lands of the west and south will
read with satisfaction the report brought
home by Mr.. F. w. Smith and his asso-
| ciates from their long journey. While
| the new States and Territories offer abun-
| dant and attractive opportunities for set
| Element in alternate sections, there were
found very few tracts of sufficient ex-
| tent and variety for occupation on as liberal
| scale as they contemplated, and to those
few there were defects of title or other 90
| lection. This was especially the case with
the fragment of AN Indian reservation In
Kansas, which they would gladly have taken,
but under the laws of Kansas the owner, a
Pennsylvania corporation, could give no title
whatever. Mr.. Smith and his friends then
turned their attention to the south, and seem
to have found in Tennessee the new Atlantis
which they sought. We commend their &C
count of it to all who are interested In these
movements.
Here follows as much of the report as re-
fers to the Cumberland table-land in this
State. One conclusion is this: That emigra-
ton in the aggregate does not obtain perml-
nent prosperity at an extreme change of lati
tude. Climatic influences control health,
mental and physical energy; upon these de-
pend industry, happiness, success. New
Englanders should not change to a great va
ration In temperature from that of their ma
tivity. Upon this consideration decision
was made against any attempt to colonize
south of Kansas, unless it may be IN the
plateau region of the middle States, where
elevation compensates a warm latitude. The
fourth exploration by the board was made in
May to the table-land of Tennessee. This
unparalleled geological development-an up
ward lift of strata of iron, coal and sand
stone above the limestone formation which
underlies almost the entire VESTS one of
the most interesting features of our continent.
A territory averaging fifty miles wide across
the State from north to south, larger In area
than Connecticut, is abruptly elevated three
hundred to five hundred feet above adjacent
levels. fifteen hundred to two thou,
the Mississippi, clear of malarial inhu-
ences. Its undulating surface is covered by
varied forest, with such slight underground
as to take the name of openings" 1t is a
series of natural parks, with deep gorges cut
by mountain streams, shaded and frineed
with verdure. For fruits and vegetables the
climate OF this upland region IS unsurpassed,
and for such culture the soil in many places
is specially adapted. For intelligent, eco
nomical industry, utilizing stone and timber
for building; minerals and water power for
mechanical pursuits; gathering the profuse
wild products-oak tan-bark, sumac, GIN
seng, turpentine, nuts, berries and honey;
the exhaustion of soil; planting orchards
and vineyards, which come more speedily
into bearing than at the north, with more
perfect fruitage; and by late improved meth
DDS of preservation and transportation, deliv
ering the product into home or foreign mar
kets; with increased means, adding to herds,
hocks and poultry. By such thrifty develop
ment these lands may open homes of comfort
and independence to a large population.
This is not theory. Colonies of Swiss at
Greutti, and of Germans at Cullman, who
celebrated their joyous fifth anniversary on
the twenty second of April, have demonstrate
ed its truth. Andrew Jackson predicted,
from frequent personal observation, that
''their table-land would become the garden
spot of the Union" While large part of
the lands described are yet too far from rail
communication to be available, the board are
advised of tracts in West Virginia, west
North Carolina and East Tennessee and Ala
bama, that can be readily reached, and have
access to seaboard markets. The Cincinnati
Southern railroad company will probably ex-
tend its line over grade and bridges COM
pleted to Chattanooga within few months
across the Cumberland plateau. 1t may be
suggested that the temper of the southern
population is barrier against people
from the north. OF East Tennessee this
cannot be alleged, for its Swiss-hke
courage and loyalty are historical. The
committee, on their recent journey, made
circuit OF the State, and are glad 10 record
their conviction to the contrary. The gov
ernor and other officials of the State, officers
and privates of the Confederate army, and
citizens of various classes and pursuits, were
emphatic in assurance that northern popula-
ton would be welcome. Those who fought
In the southern cause were most DESTROYS of
peace. They maintain that politicians who
strive to renew the conflict between the States
would again carefully avoid the brunt of bat
tie. They claim that the intelligence of the
southern States desire business prosperity,
not political agitation. We quote the noble
words of an aged and eminent statesman,
who has held the highest Office In
his own State, and national diplomatic SER
vice in Europe: "Wise or foolish, criminal or
innocent, the issues of that struggle are dead. |
We would not disturb them, but would pro- |
coed to restore our material prosperity, and |
gladly receive the labor and industry of the |
north to aid in the task" The resources of |
Tennessee are probably more varied than any |
other State in the Union. Between the |
mountains on the east and the Mississippi |
ON the west, all the productions of the |
United States may be found Colonel j. b. |
Killebrew, secretary of the bureau of agrl-
culture and commissioner of emigration,
states that sit is the only State whose agri-
culture may fill every blank In the tables