Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-01-16
Immigration. &c.

Mr.. Editor,
| It has long been insisted by the people OF
| East Virginia and by some in the Valley, that
immigration from abroad should be poured
] into the State, and appropriations for that
purpose have been expended in publications
! and agents sent to foreign countries, without
satisfactory results. To meet the continued
demand, the Board and Department OF Agr-
| culture of Va, on whom the subject is devolv-
ed, have thought 1t best to invite citizens of
other states, who contemplate change to
come to Virginia and select homes. For that
purpose an agent, whose high character, learn
ing, ability and thorough acquaintance with
the subject, will inspire confidence, has been
engaged to visit other states and explain TO
the numerous enquirers after Virginia prop
critics, the superior advantages she possesses,
exhibit descriptive lists of properties now for
sale, and bring parties into communication.
Assured that where one immigrant Is satisfac-
torily located in the State, he Will draw his
friends. By this method both capital and la
Dor will be secured.
But especially is 1t comtem plated by the
Board of Agriculture to make an effort to in.
duce the young men who contemplate going
west to first make an examination and inform
themselves fully of the superior local advan.
tages which have been overlooked or are to-
tally unknown to them, within easy access, at
the very gateway to the high seas and the
commerce of the world. The Commissioner OF
Agriculture is instructed to present this SUBJ
ject fully to the people of the various sections
of the State He will address the people OF
Augusta and Staunton at an early court-day.
He may have the very Information wanted.
II we would build up Virginia We must act In
concert. While the government, through-its
10 N - Ne
pie from without that we have fine openings
for them within our borders, 1t is painful to
see counter organizations. of our own people,
persuading capital and popuistion to 60
abroad to '.boom up" lands and cities for spec
ulation. II 1T be true what has been said by
every press, orator and agent OF the advants.
Kss and resources of Virginia for the invest
mont Of capital and the employment of labor,
then surely there should be sufficient profta-
BILE subjects In which to invest Virginia capi-
tai and employ all her people. Ifthe millions
of dollars wuich have Bean carried ont OF the
states to invest had been placed within, and
the thousands OF young men who have left
the State had been employed by that money,
bright new face would attract the admir-
ing passenger. VII s-s now gloom and deprss-
sion cost their chilly shadow. Then our Young
men would have been welded TO Virginia and
her Increased prosperity would have drawn
population from .afar- AL would speak Of bsr
with mmendab2e piide and pleasure. But, If
what has frequently and eloquently been said
of your dear old State be not true. then. in the
name of all that is honest aud just, take down
our publications, withdraw our agents, cease
to speak of what can be done in Virginia. and
exclafm with Mr.. Greedy. young man, go
West"
five who ought to know, have not sufficient
confidence in the profits of capital invested at
home, we stultlfy ourselves by asking others.
This is a sad, sad spectacle! But the conclu-
sion is inevitable and should be we'll ponder
ed by those who influence the business of the
State. Every dollar carried away tends to de-
preciate that which remains Associated cap
ital is what Is needed. THINK.