The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-01-27
OUR SWISS InnroRAsrs.

what Il Being Done 10 Induce CoIonIe,
From Switzerland TO Locate in Wes
Virginia.
Frequent mention has been made in
these columns OF the Swiss colonists who
have settled in various parts OF this State
and the efforts that have been made to se'
cure locations equally satisfactory or pre-
ferable, for such others as were inclined
TO settle among US. A reporter for this
journal met DR.. L. D. Ludwig at the Capt.
tol yesterday, and knowing him to be
specially interested in this direction,
took advantage Of the opportunity to
ascertain the situation and prospects OF
the emigration movement from, abroad, 80
far as this State was concerned.
DR.. Ludwig is cell known in this State
as the promoter aud friend OF hecolony
OF Swiss who have located at Lnup Creek,
in the Kanawha valley. He has but re.
Gently returned from Switzerland, where
his work seems TO be as much appreciated
as 1t is here, and was very much encour-
aged over the prospect OF success In his
undertaking. "The difficulty heretofore
has been, he said, "that the newly arriy-
ing emigrants have been placed at consid-
cradle disadvantage through their igno-
rance OF the language, customs and man.
ners OF this country. They do not know
anything about the titles OF lands here,
tho prices OF commodities they need, or
the exact rights to which they are entitled
under this Government. Hence, until
they learn these things they are ex-
posed to the danger OF being
swindled by their better posted
neighbors and there are always some
people in every community who are ready
to take an advantage OF such opportunities
To such an extent has this been carried
that the Swiss government has deemed 1t
advisable to issue official notices in several
cantons, warning people against parties,
considered irresponsible and.unsaie, who
have sought to induce colonies TO purchase
land and emigrate hi,her. What am
trying to do Is to remove the objections
which have hitherto kept q good many
settlers from abroad out of this State.
OF the 125,OO0 emigrants who landed at
Castle Garden last year, but 600 went
Northern States, and went 10 settle up
huusas, hluuthOtd anu otueI "csteth
States, none OF which, II the situation was
really understood, present the same attrac-
tons TO the Swiss that this State hold out.
The emigration from Switzerland, Of
Swiss alone, is about 5000 a year. II the
Germans and French who emigrate from
Switzerland to avoid complications grow
ing out OF the conscription laws OF their
own countries, were counted, the number
would probably reach $4,000.
To turn this tide OF emigration into this
State and at the same time afford such
emigrants as come here absolute protection
until they are able to look out for them
selves properly, Is what l have been
endeavoring to do. | have made four
trips across the Atlantic for this purpose,
and on my last trip brought back with me
four gentlemen from Switzerland who will
serve as experts TO determine the value
and desirability Of lands in this State for
colonization purposes, and report accord
ingly. These gentlemen are now at
Kanawha Falls. For the balance OF my
plan have formed company entitled
1.-THE International Real Estate Society"
for which l will receive certificate OF In.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT from Secretary Of
FState Brady. Thissociety, which will have
the same rights and privileges as any other
Joint stock association formed under the
laws OF this State, is organized for
the purpose OF acting as medium
between citizens Of West Virginia and
Switzerland, Germany, and Central Eu'
rope, for the epurpOse OF procuring the I'M
migration Of Swiss, German and French
citizens TO the State OF West Virginia, SO.
lecting and procuring homes for such EN-.
igrants, and affordiDg them protection in
the purchase OF lands and settlement upon
the same; In the purchase ofsupplies, and
the full enjoyment OF all rights, civil and
religious, to which they are entitled. As
at present organized the society has a cap
itai OF 81 200 subscribed and Sl20 paid In,
and reserves tho right OF increasing tho
same to 100000. It's term OF Limitation IL
twenty years. and IFS principal place oil
business willbe at the city Of Charleston,
| Id this State, although it will have Offices
in Basle and perhaps other cities OF La;
rope. The present stock, which Is divided
into shares OF Sl00 each, is held by Alex.
7, Mathews, OF Greenbrier county, Mr.. Y.
q. Lewis, Hon. VIM. A. Quarter and Y,
@. Watts, Esq, Of Charleston, and,myselii,
l each holding two shares, and stock
hereafter issued Is to be divided into shares
OF like amount,
It is the intention that this society,
which, as you see, already includes sever
Vi OF the best land lawyers Of the State.
shall guarantee the titles OF land sold
10 settlers brought out under lis auspices
thus giving TO the purchaser In addition
10 the warranty OF the seller, additional
assurance OF safety in his purchase"
"What indncement has the Swiss Coy
ernmentto encourage emigration OF this
character"
"Simply the hope OF securing supplies
Switzerland needs, such as wood, miner,
ais and agricultural products, cheaply and
readily. She now has no sea port
but goods shipped direct to the Govern
ernment 60 in free OF duty. When the
Gottingen tunnel is completed, there is
prospect OF an arrangement with Italy by
whichiurther advantages will be secured
at some OF the Italian ports. As i is, the
, Swiss people arc kindly disposed toward
America, whose institutions closely re
semble their own, and their attention has
lately been enlisted more closely thar
. ever TO this country by Its regent growth
, and prosperity. Documents showing this
and notably q copy Of Walkers Statistica
Atlas, sent to Switzerland by Governor
, Mathews, OF this State, have been closely
: scanned, and thellatter work, which. 81
you know, Is a government publication