San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1888-04-12
Interstate Migration.

turers Record, OF Balnm0re.--ED
FREE Press.
Among the many interesting truths
brought out by the tenth census wal
one showing ''the astonishing readi
ness with which our people move un'
der the smallest economical or socia
impulse" An analysis of the popu
lation statistics brought to light the
the fact that one-sixth Of the native
white population of the United States
lives in some other State or territory
than that of their birth. A compar-
ison of the figures for 1880 with
those of former enumerations proves
that this has been the case for many
years. 1t may, therefore, be set
down as safe rule of estimate that
about seventeen per cent. of the ma
tive born population of this country
will constitute the annual flow of in
tersate migration. What will be the
direction of this flow hereafteri
In 1880 there were in twelve
Southern States (Missouri and West
Virginia not included) 1,643, 1923 white
persons born in some other State or
Territory of the Union. In all the
country outside of these there were
6,SS9,387 native whites who had
moved from the States in which thew
were born. This native migration,
from whatever point started, has al.
most invariably moved westward on
parallel lines of latitude, while the
stream of foreign emigration has gone
from Northern ports mainly to the
Northwest. In 1880 the total popu-
lation of foreign berth in twelve
Southern States numbered but $780,
871, and more than one-third of these
Q14,616) were in Texas, to which
State they had been taken by the
land grant railroads. Since 1880 the
of foreigners to the West
has surpassed that of any former Pc
riod, and there are many indications
that this will increase in volume un-
less something now unforeseen should
occur to check it. But, with the ex.
ception of Texas, the South is receiv-
ing none of this foreign element,
while it is rapidly gaining population,
both by natural increase and by
Northern immigration. 1t is sin.
gular and significant fact that very
large per centage of the latteris COM
posed of native born whites from
those parts of the West and North
west which are most sought by for
signers. These people are attracted
70 the South, not only by it's genial
climate, it's cheap and fertile soil, and
The numberless advantages the coun.
Try holds out to industrious, intelli-
gent and energetic men, but fully as
much because they have ascertained
hat they can make their homes in a
community in which American ideas,
customs and sympathies prevail.
None but chose whose business brings
hem into contact with such people
IAN have any idea of the extent of
ibis feeling in Minnesota, Nebraska,
Dakota, and throughout those parts
of the Northwest where foreigners
nave thronged of late.
The State bureaus of immigration
n the South and the leading real es-
ate agencies are flooded with letters
If inquiry whose writer's give this as
chief reason for their wish to change
heir locations. Nor is this surpris-
ng when the elements OF the foreign
migrants of recent years was under
TODD. Once the West received the
ream of it, while the great Northern
titles as a rule absorbed its dregs.
Before vast trackts of the public do
main were given to aid in railroad
construction, only those foreigners
Who had money enough to support
themselves until they could put up
louse, stock farm and make a crop,
vent West. The day laborers staid
n the East. But since the trans
ontinental roads, having millions of
cres to sell, established agencies in
Europe, and made low through rates
rom foreign ports to the country they
coupled, there has been momen-
Gus change. Foreigners Of the low
st and most ignorant class have been
rought over by tens of thousands
nd settled in communities over
asst areas, until in many parts Of the
Vest an American may travel for !
ays togather through villages and
arming districts and almost imag. ,
ne himself in a foreign land because '
4 his surroundings. The class Of |
Intelligent, forehanded Scotch. Welsh. |
Inglish, Irish and German farmers
hat twenty years ago went West now
tay at the East. They buy farms
n New England and the Middle
,tates and are in a short time absorb
d in the grand body Of American
itizens. This class is beginning to
Ook toward the South, and before !
1ng it will be found in considerable
umbers in the States below the :
'otOmac.
The young men Of the New Eng
and, Middle and North Of the Ohio /,
itates are also beginning 10 look .
jouth instead Of West both for the
easons already given and also be !
auss they will then be near their old
zones and their kindred and be able
o keep unbroken their relations TO
hem Al these things lead to the
Onclusion that at an early day The
IOE Of native interstate migration
vll foliog The lines of lOngitnde IN