Once it has been decided to emigrate, the question must be asked: whither? An Imperial German colony on the west coast of Africa, or a voyage to Australia is not likely to be a Luxemburger’s destination. Nor does one easily consider Brazil, especially when he knows of the sojourns of his compatriots, and has read the warnings of the opening pages. [where the unsuccessful settlements in Brazil are recounted] To be sure, there is some progress in individual tracts for the farmer there, as may be the case in Argentina, Chili, and other South American states.
Yet the immigrant ponders the long journey; the undependable conditions for obtaining clear title of ownership, the corrupt court practices, the plantation system with its involvement in the only recently abolished (on paper) institution of slavery, and he will resist all the importuning of the deceiving land agents. We shall not speak of Central America. The governments there are, if such be possible, even worse than the climate.
But even North America is far from being suitable throughout for immigrants. For Germans, the climate of the southern states is not agreeable. They do not understand cotton cultivation, and the fevers ruin their health. If they do get acclimated, they still stand with one foot in the church yard gate. The Texas highlands are an exception in a way, but cannot be recommended for other reasons. On the quiet ocean the golden times are dead. The mines are run impersonally by great capitalists. The large estates discourage new settlers and good land for wheat, wine or orchards has become terribly expensive.
It is true that the climate is beautiful as paradise on the west coast although raw among the cliffs of the Rocky Mountains, but what good is an mediterranean Eden to me if I am a farmer without land or a craftsman competing with the Chinese?
The eastern states also, especially New England, are not recommended for Luxemburgers. The acreage is expensive, depleted, in the cities are found mostly factory workers getting a paltry wage —by American standards under slave-like conditions. With the Slovakians and Croatians at work in the coal pits, it would not be easy for the Germans there.
The best states for the Luxemburgers to turn to as immigrants, beyond doubt, are: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas; then Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio and parts of Missouri. These states have each their own advantages and disadvantages; here the land is more expensive, there the woods too thick, subject to occasional storms, there heat thrives, there the corn is better, etc. Young people may try these at random, but families, emigrant families, should never try this. They should inform themselves well beforehand, if they are not familiar with local conditions. They should seek advice from responsible compatriots here. These are the ones that should be consulted to seek out a church and Catholic school, an important consideration if there are small children in the family. Priests gladly will give good information. Watch out for land agents!
If one has made up ones mind which village he will set out for in the new world, then one should put his affairs at home in order. One should be careful, very careful, in the appointment of an executor. It is not advisable to have a notary as executor, members of the family no longer make the best executors; they usually believe that the “American” is no longer needed and they dump it on the notaries. Acquaintances often serve better in the matter of placement of trust than relatives. One should seek to collect all debts even if at a loss. It is easier and cheaper to do this yourself than to have it done.
It is better to bring with you no more than you will need at your destination. If you have some ready cash, that will suffice. It is not good when young folks arrive burdened with too many goods. Many have already come with themselves only. Hunger drives the wolf from the woods, but also the lazy to work.
An important question is this: What should one bring on the trip?
- Young persons will have enough with the necessary woolen shirts.
- Woolen underclothing, one (or two) sets of work clothes of close woven, strong material, and a better suit of good wool cloth. The “kittel” [traditional Luxemburgish Peasant Smock] is not worn in America. We are speaking here, incidentally, only of North America.
- Families will find here good materials to convert to bedding and linens.
- As for footwear, bring only the minimum, it is less expensive here than over there.
- The “Muetle” [peasant cap] is good for the journey.
- Have a warm overcoat ready for the sea voyage.
- Take food and drink, a shirt or two, and, for children, the necessary linens in hand luggage; you keep this luggage with you on the voyage, as you cannot get at the pieces stored in the hold after boarding.
- Taking furniture no longer occurs to anyone.
- Likewise, kitchen utensils are not brought. All those things take up too much room. All that you need for the journey is a tin plate, knife, spoon and fork. A cup is also useful.
- These small items are for sale at the port towns and things like mattresses and blankets on the Rotteroam Line and on the steamships of the French “Compagnie Transatlantique” sailing from Hovre.
- Agricultural implements or garden tools are not advised to be taken; leave hand tools behind. They can be had here in better quality, and cheaper.
- Writing materials, books, and such small articles for personal use are always nice.
- Bring only so much victuals as will be needed on the voyage.
Don’t make a baggage trunk too big. It should be able to be carried comfortably by two men. It is better to pack your things in three or four hand bags than one large trunk. The trunk should be made of light fir, the corners mortised and nailed strong and have recessed hinges and good locks. Packing things in sacks in not recommended. They get soaked with water too easily, are too easily stolen, and if they get lost, are hard to find. String can serve as a handle. For more caution, bind each trunk and built-case well with hemp rope.
Write your address with large (Latin) letters with paint on each truck. Also designate the route and the ship, ie.:
Johann Dax
Bellevue, Jackson Co., Iowa
S. America
From Luxemburg, Via Antwerp Per Steamer Oder, New York
It is appropriate to remark here that a high tariff is in force in the United States and almost all articles of trader are subject to it. Personal belongings of the immigrant, such as clothing, bedding, even if brand-new, are duty-free. Only when your have more than can logically be used by one person does the difficulty arise. Unsewn fabrics, and pieces of cloth are taxed. Woolen cloth costs 1.75 Franks per pound, or up to 4octs. per ct., one bottle of liquor goes through free, larger quantities are taxed, and at a high rate, 20 liters are around $10.00. Consular Certification will be required if the value exceeds $500.00. The emigrant should not involve himself with selling or buying brought-in goods.
The immigrant should bring only as much money as will be needed on the journey. The balance should be put in a bank account, or the mail my be utilized, which, while cheaper, is not as convenient. Identification papers need to be provided whether by bank or post, either passport or birth certificate, naturally stamped.
Since emigration procedures in the Grand Duchy are nowadays well regulated by the state, the emigrant is somewhat protected against deception. But one is often deluded by the pretense that it will cost a few franks less to go by way of England and then through Canada to the United States. Bad move! The emigrant needs about 8 more days by this route, and expends from his “saving” 10 — 20 fold. The most direct, shortest, and cheapest route from Luxemburg to the U.S. goes today through Antwerp or Rotterdam to New York or Philadelphia by the steamers of the “The Red Star Line” It is advisable to make up the contract for the entire journey from there to your destination. Individuals must not believe that they can contract cheaper and safer in the port towns than they can at home.
So comes the day of departure. Instead of spending the eve in wild partying, go get your birth certificate from the Parish Priest, then a card from the St. Raphael’s society, as a good Christian go to confession and communion, and take the wise recommendations of your Pastor, with the best wishes of your acquaintances and relatives with you on the voyage. Passports are not required.