4 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



raw materials for commerce and manufactures — proves that we are essentially 

 an agricultural people — tliat three years of war have not, as yet, seriously 

 disturbed, but rather increased industrial pursuits, aud that the withdrawal of 

 agricultural labor and the loss of life by disease and battle have been more 

 than compensated by machinery and maturing youth at home, and by the 

 increased influx of immigration from abroad. In spite of the vast influence 

 of the enemies of free institutions in Europe, brought to bear on the masses 

 of her people against our republic, notwithstanding the flame of civil war still 

 rages within oui' borders, yet the tide of immigration was never stronger, 

 healthier, or more promising. While some as adventurers seek this western 

 world for military fame, stimulated by our large bounties and the chances of 

 promotion, or to fight, sincerely, the battles of freedom and equality, the 

 greater part come to labor, to enjoy independence and quiet, and to make happy 

 though humble homes for themselves and their children. 



According to the report of the New York Commissioners of Immigration, 

 the number of immigrants arriving at that port during the eleven months 

 ending November 30, of the year 1863, was 146,519, against 76,306 during 

 1862. This proportional increase holds good in respect to the other great ports 

 of our country, independent of the large number of persons from Canada and 

 other portions of America. To an intelligent mind, and especially to every 

 American, the causes of this increasing influx of foreign population, even 

 during a period of war, are very evident and gratifying. I shall simply indi- 

 cate some of these causes, without discussing them at length. 



In the first place the present rebellion is being understood abroad in its true 

 light*-a» a revolt against democratic institutions, the rights of labor and 

 human nature, and that the triumph of the government guarantees to immigra- 

 tion its great rewards of peace, prosperity, and freedom. 



In the second place none but actual citizens, or those who have legally de- 

 clared their intention of becoming such, are liable to military service ; while 

 at the same time such aliens enjoy nearly all the advantages of citizenship. 

 However manifestly unjust this immunity is to those who defend and support 

 the state, yet it stands forth as a noble proof of the generosity of the republic 

 towards all who, in foreign lands, oppressed and poor, desire to better their 

 condition. 



Again, the political, religious, and social institutions of the United States, 

 such as the elective franchise ; freedom of speech, of the press, and of worship ; 

 the separation of church and state ; the tenure of the soil and of other property ; 

 the honorable condition and remuneration of labor ; the cheapness of educa- 

 tion, of food, and raiment ; the equality of all citizens in the courts, and the 

 open and fair field in the race of public aud private life ; all these, and more, 

 are justly atti-active to the masses in Europe when properly explained and 

 undej stood. And no better service could be rendered the government and the 

 great cause of agriculture than the preparation and dissemination of correct 

 knowledge throughout Europe respecting the United States as the country 

 of immigration. 



