Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-10-20
THE OLD DOMINION.
The Advantages Of Virginia as Seen by an
Ohio Man.
Sioux FALLS, OAK, October II, 1889.
f.9.f.,. IL 9 fJ.. TJ5c,,vsDI.

Sioux FALLS, OAK, October II, 1889.
To ne Edi0r ofNc dispatch.
Dear Sir.-Ny home is in Geneva, o. I
have for some years been looking up the
question Of a home in a mllder cline. and
after looking over eighteen States and two
Territories. some Of them quite extensively
and with care, | came to the conclusion
that. all things considered, there Is no bet
ter place than Is offered ia the Old Do
miu.On, and in my Efforts to learn and
secure information for the benefit OF
others as well rs myself, having be-
come acquainted with your excel
lent system of help to immigration
through the State Board of Agriculture
and its assistants, | sent for Judge Graf
ton. OF Stanton, Va, Commissioner Of
Immigration, asking HIM 10 come 10 my
home aud other adjacent towns and give
the people a description Of your State and
its resources. which contain so many IN
ducements - settle within its borders.
The Judge came. and one Of the county
assistants, Mr.. George W. Williams, Of
Prince George county, soon followed, Joln-
ing us IN our second evenings work. Both
remained with me several days. | regard
them both as worthy gentlemen OF whom
their State has no reason 10 be ashamed.
They made good impression on the
minds of all with whom they met, and
quite q number OF our people were led 10
think favorablv of "a home in the Sunny
South" The State certainly does wisely in
sending such men North that they may be
seen face TO face and tell of the great re
serve power" OF that grand old Common
wealth
While [ was in your city in June and
July last made the acquaintance of Colo
mel Thomas Whitehead Commissioner of
Agriculture, and II gives me pleasure TO
say that he proved himself thoroughly
competent to fill the place he now occu-
pies, and / firmly believe that with your
excellent system in the hands of such men,
supported by a small amount of funds, the
tide of immigration will turn towards the
numerous open opportunities of that
healthful, productive country. Had we
known Of tins system three years ago il
would have saved my brothers, myself, and
some others / know much yeXation and
trouble and some hundreds Of dollars
of money. The worst embarrassment 10
be met IN seeking 10 induce men to settle
in Virginia is found in those who have
been led 10 purchase land there by sell
fish. INSCRIPTIONS men, and found them
selves deceived and cheated, and finally
they have returned 10 condemn the state
and everything connected with It. OF
course this hinders many who would other
wise improve the golden opportunity. 1t
Will take some time 10 overcome tins. i
believe your present system Will do that.
Send the men and the literature North to
inform the thousands who are anXiously
looking toward milder climate, but who
know comparatively nothing Of the advan-
tages of Virginia. / have been in this
State only week and a day, but / have
met many who are anxious TO flee from the
sudden changes, great extremes of tenn
peraturc. bad water, terrible storms. and
severe droughts of this country.
Some have asked for descriptive litera-
ture. have asked your board 10 send it
aud hope TO keep doing 30, wherever am.
More anon. w. II. HUBLBUrT.