Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1879-08-09
Instructive Circular from the Missouri
State Board Of immigration.
STATE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION,

DEAR SR-Letters received from all sec
grafton societies are being formed, and ask
ing how the people shall proceed to place
themselves in communication with the State
gratifying evidences OF the renewed interest
felt in the cause of immigration. 1t is desir-
able that every county Should, without de-
lay. form immigration societies to cooperate
with this board, selecting trustworthy and
intelligent citizens as officers, so that official
communication may be established between
each county and this office.
Missouri presents superior attractions to
the emigrant, and well directed efforts by the
societies, win be attended with commensu.
rate success, and restore to her at least her
quota of immigration. Our efforts must be
extended to the hives from which emigration
swarms. whether they be in foreign countries
or in the Older and more populous States,
and the motives and inducements which ope-
rate upon the emfgrant to induce him to
leave his home and may lead him to Missou-
RI, we must understand and explain. The
he ssts WHICH Si emraee m the
productions of the Northern and Middle
States. as well as tobacco, hemp, cotton and
all kinds Of fruit known in this latitude; the
abundance of the most useful minerals, iron,
lead, zinc, nickle and cobalt; the deposits
and wonderful stores of marble, granite,
great variety and abundance of timber for
building and manufacturing purposes; the
trees, shrubs ana wild vines the springs and
small streams the luxurfant and nutritious
grasses and the happy blending of woodland
and prairie are important features of the
State which aid the settler, whatever his taste
or wherever he may locate, to find all the
accessories of prosperous, bright and
CHEEKY homo. Our great rivers and extensive
every county north of the Missouri River, and
stretching southwardly penetrate many
counties which afford vast supplies of tim
minerals. They also serve to bring the State
into close communication with the gulf at all
desirable points. Our railroads win also ere
a ma N a tn he
Pacific. Short, readable sketches of these
rare advantages should be published in
public may be advised what Missouri pre-
sents to those who desire not only rich and
productive lands, but all the allurements of
grasses of Missouri peculiarly adapt it to
grazing and stock-raisfng, and that horses,
mules, cattle, sheep and other domestic anil
Dor here as elsewhere. 1t is especially de-
sirable that the adaptation of the several
counties Ga & to dsaaryng s = SHOULD be presented
prices of lands, accessibility to market and
social and school privileges of each county
In the reports heretofore published by au-
thority OF the State rarely find satisfactory
answers to the important questions asked by
letter and In person at this office respecting
the springs, the small streams, grasses, fruit,
stock raising, wool growing, dairytng, etc.
Often little circumstances govern man in
the selection OF a home which are apparent
ly triding. but which must not be overlooked,
and while It may not be in the power of this
NAV % be % received. such % information lon viii wi is 5e
kept In this office open to all, and will be
drawn upon when required. In other words,
ONCE a repository of reliable informa-
ton for all who are in search of new and
desirable homes. confidently look to the
Intelligent of each county to supply the
information; without it any efforts to
direct emfgrants to your county will avail
4areat is the Importance of stating the min
in,uns prices of improved farms, Including
those offered at forced sales and recognized
tempt those who are seeking new homes to
examine what you desire to sell. Lands are
everywhere greatly depressed, and the farm
er win only leave his home for another State
when the inducement is greatly cheaper
lands. Attempts are daily made In this city
to sell farms located In almost every section
of the State, at prices much below those stated
in any printed reports which have seen.
do not doubt that II these lands were offered
to farmers In other states. or even In In our a own
here, sales could be rapidly effected but farms
can not be sold in cities except in rnre in
stances. A market for lands can only be
found among the farming classes, and to
these we must appeal. When the bargains
are disposed of and the lands now pressing
only then may we hope that there viii be q
general Improvement In demand and value.
" the first comers are well pleased with their
new homes they will, perhaps, induce others
to immigrate; II they are discontented, they
will discourage their friends from coming to
the State. Counties will do well to take it
satisfactorily located, and especially that
they be protected against imperfect or bad
titles.
The policy adopted by this board is to ex-
tend alike to each and every county. section.
interest and industry. the advantages of fair
its infiexible rule, and aided by the earnest
90 operation of the various county societies,
all the attractive features, unexampled re-
az q Quaa nf tat a
will be better understood at home and more
widely and speedily disseminated abroad, so
and secure the Immigration to which she is
entitled by her commanding position, her
soil. timber, minerals, water, climate and
The board is In possession of much statis-
tical Information collected in the past; some
unreliable and much imperfect and fndefi-
mite. Thoroughly to organize the work of i'm.
migration, the present condition of the State
must be ascertained in all important details,
and basis Win then be afforded on which we
To accomplish this 1 enclose a series of
questions with blanks, which you will please
fill, and suggest, If other matters occur to
you In this connection, that you also COM
municate them. Your answers should not
only be full but accurate, and as the subjects
of this correspondence are multifarfous. Ii
will doubtless become necessary that Others
| be consulted to make your report full and
IA renewed investigation of the condition OF
the State will not only prove profitable to the
people of the counties in which the tnvesti-
CATION is made, but highly instructive to the
State board and the distribution of informa-
| tion thus acquired, by letters for publication
| in newspapers, pamphlets, and by special
agents OF the board, can not fail to accom-.
plish much for the cause for which the board
of Immigration was established. The county
societies have so far been actuated by an in
telligent and comprehensive view of the i'm
portance of a subject which has too long beer
neglected, but willing and continued efforts
| must follow. or disappointment and failure
will ensue.
| Organize societies in every county by the
election of officers of your own appointment
If this is not done the board will appoint
| agents where the people decline to act.
| From time to time we will gladly receive
| communications from other portions of thu
State and give them attention and consider
| alton, Very respectfully.