The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-09-11

Commissioner Killebrew's report Of
the crop prospects for August repre-
sents seventy-one counties. He says
the corn and cotton crops are far above
theaverage, and that tobacco, although
less acreage was planted, promises a
finer quality. Very little hog cholera
is reported, and there will be more
hogs than our people need. Turnips
and peanuts are also very promising.
The finest crops are raised than for
many years. In regard to immi-
grafton he has the following ia say:
Never since the establishment Of
this office has there been so much en-
quiry from abroad for information
pertaining to our resources. Large
tracts of wild land are in growing de-
mand. Notwithstanding the presence
of yellow fever in Memphis, immigra-
ton is turning with an ever increasing
current to CUR borders judging from
the number of persons from the North
with whom | have conversed, and the
number of letters | have received dali
ly. l am of opinion that within the
next six months we shall have an ac-
cession to our population of many thou
ands of active, energetic and hard
working people, who will utilize what
now contributes nothing to the wealth
of the individual or to the prosperity
of the Commonwealth.
1t will be well for those counties de-
string Immigrants TO offer at once some
extraordinary inducements to secure
start. Nothing so much attracts an
immigrant as another immigrant well
contented in his new home. would
advise that local organizations be form
ed in every county, and some land
secured to be sold at a small price, re-
quiring the immigrant to pay one
third cash, giving him four or FIVE
years within which to pay the remain
der, the implements put on the land
amply securing this. The landshould
be surveyed and divided up into tracts
of 80 and 100 acres. 1t should be
borne in mind that it is not the wealthy.
usually, who emigrate, but those who
find that the ever-increasing wants of
their families in thickly settled dis,
tricts tax too severely their incomes,
and compel them to seek new homes
where each member may find the
means of employment and subsistence.
Such a population as this has made
the great West the center of popula-
ton and production.
Tennessee has millions of acres of
land naturally far more fertile than
the soils in the New England States,
which by the patient toll of industry
can be made productive, aGd supply
permanent sources of revenue to the
State. This should be occupied by
population who know not how to farm
without manure, and who are content
at first with small but sure gains.
The successful colonization of many of
the Western States where the climate
is rigorous, and expensive methods of
irri CATION have to be resorted to in
growing all crops, makes it certain
that the unoccupied lands of Tennes~
see would prove a boon to the emf
grant classes.
Great surprise is sometimes mani
tested by our people that immigrants
shout select the poorer soils of the
State for occupation. This surprise
should vanish at once when We reflect
that this soil which we call "poor" is
to him fertile. 1t is a rare thing in
many portions of the older Northern
Atlantic States for a farmer to rely
alone on the natural fertility of the
soil to produce any crop. In fact, his
hardest and most constant toll Is to IN
crease his manure heap, and this Is