Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1888-10-19
AGRICULTURAL,
vermont'- Inducements for ImmiRrn-

tion.
Not a few people in other states, as well
rs some in Vermont, we fear, entertain the
idea that ours is a comparatively hard and
sterile soil, yielding the farmer less reward
for his labor than he may find elsewhere.
We very well know that this was once
common opinion, especially among farmers,
and it is still believed by too many. Facts
that are shown by the statistics of produc-
ton in this state make it very strange that
such an opinion should ever have been gen
orally held.
A somewhat thorough examination of the
census reports of 1860, 1870 and lSsO, and
the statistical reports of the Department of
Agriculture, which we have made for the
purpose Of comparing the agricultural prod
ucts of Vermont, according to the area OF
land in farms, according to the number OF
persons engaged in agriculture, according
to average value of the products to each
farmer, etc has shown a surprisingly Ia
vorable exhibit for this state. That based
upon the census of 1860 was first published
in the New York Tribune, and was copied
into nearly all the papers in Vermont That
based upon the census of 1870 was publish
ed in the report of the Vermont board OF
agriculture for 1896, pages 533-54S that
based upon the census of 1880 has been
made the subject of various newspaper ar
ticles. Without meaning to be egotistical,
we venture to hope that we have contribut-
ed something to bring about the time when
the merits Of this state as a home for a ru
raj population will be better appreciated.
We were the first to suggest a commission
of mmigration-a measure so contrary to
all precedent in Vermont that we were
agreeably surprised to find it approved by
many prominent men and several of the
leading papers of the state. DR.. Hoskins
had previously made similar suggestion in
the Rural Vermonter, proposing to adver-
tise the opportunities for buying farms in
Vermont to the English tenant farmers, but
we believe that he proposed to do this
through the grange or by means of an ag-
ricultural society.
As a result of the discussion of the pro
posal of state aid to encourage immigra-
ton, we have, early in the session, bill
introduced by Mr.. Mann of Wilmington
providing for a commission of three to five
members to be appointed by the governor
to collect statistics and facts relating to the
manufactures and agriculture of the state,
to inquire into the methods used by similar
commissions in other states and to take
such action as their judgment may sanction
to bring the agricultural advantages of the
state, and its facilities for manufacturing,
to the notice of the people of other states
and countries. Two thousand dollars is APP
propriated for carrying out the provisions
of the bill, with 50 per day and expenses
for the commissioners. The bill seems to
he an effective one for the purpose design
ed. 1t is drawn with caution, making the
measure in "A great degree preliminary and
experimental If the legislature should
have the good sense to pass it, and the com
mission should be filed with men who uu-
derstand the needs of the state and who can
give their time to the work. it will be the
beginning of a new era of prosperity fol
Vermont. The cost would be returned tC
the state hundred fold
The value of the farms in this state &C
cordng to the census of 1880 was $l09, 000
600 The true value of all kinds of rea
estate in Vermont may he estimated at 5000,
600, 600 If demand could be created FOL
this property which would increase the price
at which it could be sold only five per cent
$4,000, 600 would be added to its selln,
value. Only one per cent increase would
add to its value S2,00O,0OO The simpl
discussion of this measure, though it shoul,
fail to pass, will make public facts abou
Vermont that may be worth millions to tn
state