The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-02
DECLINE IN EMIGRATION.

|. For long series Of years the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company has been in the habit
Of running train at regular intervals TO ac-
commodate the persons in the western coun-
ties of Maryland who wished TO emigrate 10
the Western States. This train was so well
patronizcd that it came 10 be regarded by the
people Of Western Maryland rs an established
institution. 1t supplied n continuous demand
for transportation on the part Of citizens of
that section Of the State who had decided 10
abandon their old homes in search Of fortune
beyond the Ohio and the Mississippi.
According to the Daily Mail. q reliable jour
nal published at Hagerstown, in Washington
county the tide Of emigration from Western
Maryland has fallen off until now II has prac-
tically ceased TO flow, the best evidence Of
which is that the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road Company has decided to withdraw the
train which Las been running so long for the
special accommodation Of emigrants from
Western Maryland
The withdrawal Of this train is an net Of
moro than usual significance. II shows
not SO much that the opportunities Of i'm
proving the fortunes Of the individual have
increased in Maryland, thus acting as a check
TO emigration, but the opportunities which
the Western States presented, have declined
until now they do not constitute sufficient in
ducements 10 influence persons in Maryland
to remove from that State in the hope Of adj
vancing their condition.
This fact is one Of more than local import
ance in its various bearings. Who can
doubt but that the same reasons which are
now leading the inhabitants Of Western Mary
land to remain in their old homes instead Of
emigratng to the West, as they have been
doing for century. are also governing the
action Of the people who reside in Virginia
and the States beyond our Southern borders.
Practically there is no emigration from these
great Commonwealth, which at ons tine
were drained of their treasure, blood and
energy by the disposition of their citizens 20
follow the setting sun in its course.
Emi grafton from Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina. South Carolina, Georgia and Tenn
esee has ceased so far as the white people are
concerned. There are innumerable evidences
Of the correctness Of this statement. We OBJ
erveitin thegrowth Of their white population,
in the more hopeful spirit which prevails in
their communities. in the greater determine
ton to utilize every advantage which nature
has conferred. The bone and sinew of the
South. but more especially Of the upper tier
Of the Southern States. is no longer weakened
by the exhaustive effects Of emigration. On
the contrary. it is receiving daily additional
strength not only from the expansion Of our
own native white population, but also from
the influx of a stream Of population from be-
yond its northern and western border
More Is to be expected in the course Of time
from the growth Of our white population. I'M
diminished by emigration, than from
immigration. however enormous il may
become. or with whatever amount Of accu-
INFLATED wealth it may be accompanied. The
two combined. however, will exercise an in
1uence which must raise a State like Virginia
10 the very highest pinnacle Of material great
ness This old Commonwealth, which isnow no
longer losing its most energetic and enter
prising spirits, but instead is receiving nota-
bic addition from outside, has an economic
career before it which will be marked by un-
exampled distinction and splendor.