Mr. Perry says that the feeling in favor of migrating subsided somewhat, but sprung up again in 1876. From that time down to 1879 there were frequent consultations upon the subject, much dissatisfaction expressed respecting their condition, and a desire to emigrate to some part of the West. He says about "that time I was a subscriber to the New York Herald, and from an article in that paper the report was that the people were going to Kansas, and we thought we could go to Kansas, too; that we could get a colony to go West. That was last spring. We came back and formed ourselves into a colony of some hundred men." They did not, however, begin their westward movements until the fall of 1879, when it being ascertained by the railroad companies that a considerable number of people were proposing to migrate from North Carolina to the West, several railroad companies, notably the Baltimore and Ohio, offered to certain active and influential colored men $1 per head for all the passengers they could procure for the respective competing lines. By reference to this evidence, part 3, page 136, it will be seen that the emigration movement in Alabama originated as far back as the year 1871, when an organization of colored people, called the State Labor Union, delegated Hon. George F. Marlow to visit Kansas, and other parts of the West, for the purpose of examining that country and reporting back to a future convention his views as to the expediency of removing thereto. A convention of colored people was held again in 1872, at which Mr. Marlow made the following glowing report of the condition of things in Kansas and the inducements that State offered to the colored people. He said: In August, 1871, being delegated by your president for the purpose, I visited the State of Kansas, and here give the results of my observations, briefly stated. It is a new State, and as such possesses many advantages over the old. It is much more productive than most other States. What is raised yields more profit than elsewhere, as it is raised at less expense. The weather and roads enable you to do more work here than elsewhere. The climate is mild and pleasant. Winters short and require little food for stock. Fine grazing country; stock can be grazed all winter. The population is enterprising, towns and villages spring up rapidly and great profits arise from all investments. Climate dry, and land free from swamps. The money paid to doctors in less healthy regions can here be used to build up a house. People quiet and orderly, schools and churches to be found in every neighborhood, and ample provision for free schools is made by the State. Money, plenty, and what you raise commands a good price.