The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-06-04

The trend of migration of races and
individuals has been westward. Early
in history the barbaric tribes left their
native haunts and sweeping westward
settled in various parts of Europe. AS
time went on the powerful taskmasters
who occupied the thrones of the Euro
pean countries burdened and oppressed
their subjects until their lives became
one continuous round of misery. With
strong untiring arms the lash was piled,
social privileges were withdrawn, civil
rights taken away and religious free
dom was denied the people until under
the burning sting of their grievances
the Indignation of the people arose to a
degree at which it seemed the nations
must boil over. But twas just at this
period that the wind shifted and the
dark, gloomy cloud that had hung over
Europe for years was turned inside out
and bright, silvery lining was exposed
to the view of the oppressed nations.
This lining, luminous with glowing pros
poets and wondrous opportunities, was
the discovery of new world America.
The people were quick to see deliver
ance was at hand and fastened to
answer this call of opportunity. In
large numbers they migrated to this
land of sunshine and promise where
they could build homes for themselves,
have voice in their government and
worship their Creator according to the
dictation of their conscience.
When the immigrants reached the
new continent to begin their lives
anew, all nature united in chorus Of
welcome and promise. The giant forests
tossed their mighty branches and rus
tied their leaves and needles in a prom
Use of great opportunity for numbering;
the wide prairies formed background
for the waving cornhelds and grazing
herds which were pictured in the minds
of the people. The water power in the
rivers offered opportunity for great
manufactures; the hills and mountains
had hidden resources by which might
be brought forth useful minerals and
precious metals; and saying even ex-
listed among the Indians which told of
a fountain that through it's wonderful
waters would give to any one perpetual
youth; the bird that sang in the forest
and the eagle in it's home in the noun
tains seemed embodiments of the oppor-
tunity for everyone to enjoy liberty
which is 80 dear to every heart. In this
land the immigrants settled, believing
that the new world would fulhll oil the
promises she had made them, and their
trust was not misplaced.
Listen to the buzz and whir in the
great numbering mills of Maine and
Michigan. They sing in measures loud
but harmonious of the boundless success
Of the luu. boring industry. There are
those who prophecy that ere long this
great voice will be hushed, and shat the
sweet invigorating breath OF the pines
and hemlocks of Maine which have
proven such priceless blessing to
many unfortunate victims of the great
white plague, that breath which has
reconstructed 30 many pair Of worn out
lungs will cease to stir. Doubtless oul
vast forests have grown sparser, but
the wooded regions of Northern America
are among the best in the world despite
the fact that they have been exposed
for centuries to the axe Of civilized
man. So the forests have given and arr
yet giving even greater opportunities
than were promised. Have the broad
prairies been faithful in their trust
Let the vast waving cornfields of low,
and Illinois, the boundless wheat field
Of Kansas, and the wide cattle ranges
Of Texas and Wyoming answer this in