Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-10-03
rHF cOMMIssIoxER IYTERYIEwEn.

THE COMMISSIONER INTERVIEW I'D.
The Free Press publishes the fol-
lowing interview which contains the
good news chat at least two colonies
are surely coming to settle on the un-
occupied farms Of Vermont and it al
so contains much additional informa-
ton to all home seekers.
Mr.. Valentine stated that general
arrangements had been completed for
the establishment of two Swedish col
onies in Vermont. one of about II
families and the other of about l3
families. the former in the vicinity of
Wilmington in Windham county, and
the latter in the vicinity of Weston in
Windsor county; it is possible that a
third colony may also be established
in the vicinity of Corinth and Yer
shire in Orange county. In stating
the details of the plan. Mr. Valentine
wished it distinctly understood that
no contracts had been drawn up or
deeds signed, and that he had every
reason for believing that the present
plans would be carried out. still there
is the possibility of failure that every
business man recognizes between ar
rangements made by word of mouth
and the actual fulfilment Of contracts.
Mr.. Norgden, the Swedish gentle
man who accompanied me in my two
weeks tour of investigation, and my
self" said Mr. Valentine, found more
farms in Rutland, Bennington, Wind
ham and Windsor counties; which
could be bought for from S3 to 50 an
acre than we needed, yes, double the
number. Windham and Windsor
county people have held out induce
ments sufficient to warrant trial of
the Swedish immigration plan, and
arrangements to this end have been
with the owners of farms in
two sections.
THE PROPOSITION
made by Windham county people is
as follows: They offer, first, to fur
nish all the land we want, suitable
for our purposes at from S3 to So an
acre, the immigrants TO pay the taxes
and interest money on the purchase
price the first year; after the first year
they are to pay 500 annually, with
interest until the entire purchase
is paid The people of the |
county also agree to furnish one COW |
for each family land in some cases to |
furnish all the cows the farm viii |
teams enough to do the work |
1f the colony and if needed to loan !
zach family SIS to help in the pur-
,hase of kitchen and other furniture,
md seeds, these being held by the
swedes on the same conditions as the
arms"
But who makes this proposition,
lsked the reporter, land how do you
NOW. on the one hand that this as
istance will be rendered the immi-
rants. and on the other. that the
,wedes will fulfill their part of the
ontract?"
In answer to the first question"
aid Mr.. Valentine. this promise of
comes to us direct from the
wners Of the farms. who are respon-
ihle men and who have agreed to the
) the conditions of sale. assistance.
tc They are men of means in most
ases who have acquired these farms
V purchase or inheritance or in some ,
.her way. They are anxious to Sc
lre the Swedes as settlers and have {
elped in every way possible to this {
ork. As regards the responsibility t
{ the Swedes. that is unquestioned G
5 class they are honest, intelligent :
ld thrifty. A wealthy man who has d
SISTED thousands to immigrate to Z
us country says that in only one in 5
Ividual instance has he lost money
: them. They are in no sense OBJ a
cts of charity. They come to this I
,untry as a matter Of business and to v
axe homes of their own Some of +
lem viii very likely bring money a
ith them and viii need no assistance i
lt the understanding IS that al who 5
ed it shall have It. y