CHAPTER VI.
EMIGRATION.—CONCLUSION.
[Several individuals having expressed their regret that the subject of Emigration had not received greater attention in the former editions of this little work, the writer yields to the general wish, and designs this chapter to supply the deficiency. At the same time, she feels bound to acknowledge her obligations to her husband, for suggestions on those subjects that lie beyond the legitimate province of her sex.]
Emigration considered as a measure of state policy, has recently employed the thoughts of some of the most eminent characters of the age; but I design to pass by their speculations, and confine myself entirely to the domestic phasis of the question. It is doubtless an important subject, and one well calculated to prove a powerful expedient, either for good or for evil, as it ever has proved to the majority of those who have ventured their temporal welfare upon the result.
Persons frequently take extreme views of emigration. Some to whom novelty and adventure has charms, have invested this subject with all the attractions a sanguine immagination could portray. These are dangerous characters as writers, and certainly incur a responsibility in exact proportion to the circulation of their remarks. Their florid views of a sublunary paradise shine only in fancy. On the other hand, some who are cased in adamantine ignorance, or home-cured in paternal smoke, receive every remark on this subject with a sneer. These regard the whole affair as a matter of transportation, and would starve on patriotic principles rather than forsake the land in which they were cradled, either for their own benefit, or for that of any one else. With both these classes I am at issue; and leaving those to enjoy their prosperity to whom this speculation has proved successful, I proceed to notice some of the more prominent causes of the failure of those who have been disappointed.
The first unpropitious speculation of this character, that I can recollect, occurred several years since, before I knew America, to a host of misguided individuals who emigrated purely from political motives. They were opposed to a monarchy; and as they had been in perils oft and in prisons oft, for the sake of their beloved republican principles, or something worse, they flattered themselves that the free-born citizens of the new world would receive them with fraternal affection, and celebrate their landing with songs and rejoicing. In this land of promise they expected to luxuriate in undisturbed enjoyment, each under his own vine and his own fig-tree; where, safe from the troublesome trammels of the law, they might sing “Down with all kings and let millions be free.”
Poor creatures! How great was their disappointment. Where they hoped for affection they were met with aversion, and contempt instead of admiration.
A total indifference to the domestic policy of other countries is one of the characteristics of the Americans. They are always too much engaged in their own election schemes to notice the opinions of foreigners, especially such as profess intemperate principles in politics and religion. Such they regard not only with caution but even with undisguised suspicion, as an indefineable species between the infidel and traitor.
Is it then any wonder that these men were disappointed? Those among them who were blessed with the means of escaping, made their exit as speedily as practicable, while some that remained abused the government, committed acts of violence, and closed their career in a prison.
One cause of the failure of these enterprises, may be ascribed to the tenacity with which so many cling to the business to which they have been brought up, and to all the peculiar modes of operation to which they have been accustomed. It is much to be regretted that too many import so large a share of self-confidence, and are so blindly prejudiced in favour of whatever is considered the standard of perfection in their own country, that they cannot allow themselves to reflect, that what may be admired in one kingdom, may be viewed with indifference by another people. Hence they become impatient, when from their pardonable ignorance of local peculiarities with regard to their respective occupations, they find themselves compelled to learn where they expected to teach; and many sacrifice their future prospects to the present gratification of their splenetic humour.
Now, in this case, instead of leaving the country and abusing the Yankees to the end of their days, it would be the wiser plan for all emigrants to conciliate the good will of their new neighbours, and yield to circumstances which they cannot control, rather than create enemies by a fruitless course of opposition.