Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1881-10-14

where observable at the South? The
reason, fellow citizens, is plain one and
lies in this.
We have stubbornly refused to accept
the situation and adapt ourselves and our
altered circumstances 10 the new dispense
ton established by the results of the war.
We have foolishly endeavered to work
with a few hired hands the same large
tracts of land which formerly re quired
the laborof thirty or forty slaves. We made
no effort to control the newly emancipated
labor class by sys'e or rule, we allowed
labor to regulate i'self; and the result is
hat it now regulates us. We have persis
tently shut our eyes to the necessity OF
changing with the changed times, we have
chung on TO our old system Rugged our old
customs, and blindly thought to do the i'm
possible-to retain and work profitably
our large farms after the means and labor
necessary for their cultivation have beer
swept from US. And in these causes can
be found an answer to the question asked,
a reason for the existence OF The evils men
toned To correct these evils; improve
this condition, to eXtrcate our se'ves from
the difficulties and changes thus surround
us; to revive our shattered energies, build
up our broken industries and restore t"
our county that prosperity aud wealth
which was once and should now be hers
is, fellow citizens, the object of this m Get
ing, and how best for us to accomplish
this object is for US now to consider, To-
discuss an! to determine upon.
In my opinion, there is but one course
for US to pursue; but one way out of these
difficulties. but one way to that prosperity
we seek. And that one way. if followed.
will firmly believe, prove an easy, sure
and safe one.
We are an agricultural community, and
ourIrogress and success must neejs depend
upon he profitable cultivation of the soil.
we must, therefore. make our lands pro
ductive, we must make them pay, and to
do this, we must change change at once
and change radically our present southern
or plantation sys'em oftarming. y twenty
wears trial has taught us that such sys-
tenn, under existing circums' ances. Is I'M
wise improbable, and ruinous We
mnst then discard this system, and in place
thereof we must adopt the Northern ldea
of working small farms, and working them
well, we must concentrate our labor and
means upon smaller area, we must lessen
the quantity and improve the quality OF
our farms, we must get rid Of our Surplus
land, get rid of every uncultivated and
unproductive acre. Not by turning ii
out in commons. tt grow taxes; but 10y
selling it at reasonable rates and on reason
able terms to those who will cultivate
and make it profitable. we must make
market for his surplus land; to do his We
must divert from its course and bring to our
County, a portion ofthat mighty stream OF
Immigration which is each year carryIn"
life and labor, wealth and progress to the
West and South.
This is what we must do II we wish t"
regain our lost prospect V. This Is what
we can do, and this fellow citizens, Is
what We wi | do.
The many equal benefits and good re
suits that would fellow the introduction
of immigration, are 50 plainly apparent
that il is almost useless to discuss item.
1t would bring to us, both capital and
labor to purchase our surplus land, and
labor wherewith to work the lands re
tanned.
1t would give to US that dead capital
now locked up in uncultivated fields
1t would lessen the burden of taxation :;
If; our NOR cages, and enable US 10 utilize
and develop tire natural advantages with
which we have been So abundantiy II esscd
advantages Of soil climate and location.
Won d dispel the back clouds Of gloom
and depression that have Tor years hung
over our county. and bring back sgain the
light of peace, plenty and prosperity.
We are NOT fellow citizens pioneers In
the movcmeit for immigration. Ii is no
untried experiment bur a wei tested good
MANY of the Southern States, and Coun
ties. whose condition resemp'e ed our own
long ago saw the danger that we now Gee
and applied the remedy that we now seek.
They held their meetings, organized thei;
clubs. and to New York and 10 Eurnpe
sent their agents TO make known their
land and direct immigration. The move
ment, succeeded. Immigrant farmers, I'M
migrant labors, and immigrani mechanics
came to the south and with their coming
CONS. enced that sea Of recuperation, pro
gress and development, which has 10y the
repidity of its growth and grandness OF It's
results as'onished the world.
Let US then profit by their example.
Let US take courage from their success.
Let US here to day begin the good work,
by thorough organization. Let us devise
our methods for raising funds for carrying
out the purpose of that organization. Let
US prepare to seek State all in this import
ant movement. Let US after careful con
sideration adopt plan OF procedure, and
ct us as men carry that plan into execu-
uon. With, unity, determination, enegy
and perseverance, we can, and We will sue
coed. Difficulties may be encountered,
delays met with, and discourgements
come upon u.s. But let US not he Cast down
by them. Let us bear bravely up, and
shoulder to shoulder, move steadily on.
until our purpose is accomplished, until
the successful Introduction ofimmigration
to Charles County is an existing fact.