Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-02
HOW T0BUILD A CITY
MIR. WILLIAMS TALKS ABOUT AN
IMMuGRATION MOVEMENT.
He Tells How Fitzgerald, Ga, Has
Grown to 6,0OO Inhabitants In SIX
the Example.

President John Shelton Williams. Of
the Georgia and Alabama railway, who
has just returned from Georgia, gives
an interesting account OF the great tide
Of immigration which is now turned
towards the Southern States. especially
Georgia. He says that Fitzgerald, in
Southern Georgia, is just now the objec-
tive point Of thousands of well-to-do
farmers. merchants. mechanics, trades
men, and professional men from all over
the country. These people are members
OF a colony association, who are now
pouring into that section 90 occupy the
enormous tract of land purchased several
months ago by the association, Of which
z. II. Fitzgerald, Of Indiana, is the head,
and after whom the city OF Fitzgerald
Is named.
SIX THOUSAND POPULATION.
THE city OF Fitzgerald" said Mr.. Will
liams, although less than six months
old, already contains, including its SUI
burhS, according TO the report
made directly to Mr. Williams by Mr.
Fitzgerald. a population Of more than
5000 people, embracing every trade and
every profession, but especially the farm
ing class, who are there preparing for
the opening and settlement OF the farm
ing lands in the vicinity. The people who
are coming into that country are by no
means the ordinary class OF immigrants,
but are largely well-to-do men; men Of
means. their wealth ranging from those
who have means enough TO live upon
for year or two in advance to those
who have from 5000 to $4,000 OF pro-
perty.
1T Is stated that there are already on
the grounds more than 1000 structures
Of all kinds. including the crude and
temporary buildings, but the city has
been admirably laid off and contracts are
being made for the speedy construction
of substantial and massive permanent
houses OF all kinds. One or two banks
have already been opened, and others
are projected. Many Of these settlers
draw pensions from the Federal Govern
ment sufficient 70 enable them to live in
comfort.
WHAT THEY BRING.
"The magnificent live stock, horses,
improved breeds of sheep, swine and
poultry which these westerners are
bringing in with them are a revelation
10 many OF the natives. It Is estimated
that the average wealth of the 5000 colo
nists who have already landed there Is
not less than $1,000 each. They are bring
ing with them into the country great
Quantities Of seeds, young fruit trees.
farming implements, household goods,
pianos. and other accessories OF comfort
and luxury.
Societies and associations Of all kinds
are already being formed there. Fash
ionably dressed ladies' and children NAV
be seen walking about the unpavcd
streets. and all the men are buslly en-
gagged In labor Of some kind directed
towards the establishment OF a first
class city. The main street OF the city
runs east and west. The parallel streets
on the north side are named after north
ern generals, and those on the south
side after the generals OF the ConfeJe-
racy. There Is no political bitterness.
however. nor Is IL intended that there
shah be-"
The city IS supplied with water from |
Artesian wells. a number OF which are |
now being driven. Mr. Fitzgerald In
formed Mr.. Williams that he Is confident /
that there will be on the colony's lands /
within the next twelve months 100 or
1000 persons
STILL CARRYING IMMIGRANTS.
This colony is located along The line OF |
the Georgia and Alabama railway. which /
affords the colonists transportation faclh-
ties In all directions, and Is the only line I
directly 10 the colony lands. /
The Georgia and Alabama carried down 4
there one day this month more than 800 l
colonists. ana Mr. Williams says that /
his road is making arrangements to carry /
In there In the first ten days OF February /
Loo more. According 10 Mr.. Fitzgerald, |
there are already on these lands people !