Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1851-04-05
Ehe G revasse---Ehos. J. Spear.

Its with much satisfaction that we at length
announce the closing Of the Crevasse in thu
Bayou, a short distance below this place, (ane
what we have heard universally expressed, ane
uncontradicted,) through the design or plan O.
that much abused gentleman, (by the New Or
leans press,) THos. J. SrEAR. This cre'asse
was probably as alarming, and as difficult to be
closed, as any perhaps that have occurred or
the river; and we are glad to sec that pablo
sympathy-which is always enlisted on the
side Of him, who is attempted to be down-trod'
den and crushed-so universal in this commu'
nifty in awarding to Mr.. SPEAR the honors
which righ.fully belong TO him, and which the
citizens of the city in which he lives, SO ruth
lessly witlheld-not even giving him an OPP
portunity of displaying the knowledge that has
proved SO eminently beneficial to the people OF
our town and parish.
In matters of this description, it is always
the duty of an editor to speak facts as pro-
claimed by the public voice, whatever may be
his own belief or predictions and this is the
principle by which we are governed at present
in reference to the gentleman above men,
toned. Merit, certainly, if deserved, should
be awarded by a free, flowing, impartial and
Independent pen.
Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon
the public spirit, energy and industry OF our
citizens, of all classes, in hurrying to the
"breach" when the food of waters began to
rush in upon US. The danger is now ~past--the
suffering which the tributary of our 'inland sea
created, has partially su%bsided-our streets
have again become streets, and not like the ca
nails ofVeniee, which they represented so well.
In a few days u levee will be formed behind the
barrier in the crevasse, and we may again par
TALLY rest in tranquility and safety-but it
should be remembered by all, that unceasing
vigilance and care be exercised in future.
While upon the subject of wrong and in
Justice leveled at Mr.. SPEAR in the city of
New Orleans, we cannot help rejecting upon
that deep and dire vice of c%upidity, connected
with ambition and crushing force, which in all
aees, countries and communities, and amidst
all classes, has predominated in low and dis
gushing natures since civilization commenced
its career upon earth. Wherever Merit is
found, and industry, and energy have lifted it
from the lowly walks of poverty and want to
comparative independence, there are knayes
with smiling faces, and oily tongues, and false
friendships, to strike at the budding hopes and
lowry future of him whose confding nature
md open heart have admitted to his confidence
md esteem!
These are mere reflections which are not re-
|atiye to, but deduced from, the fact Of Mr..
SPEARS treatment originally, and in contem-
plating the eminent success which industry and
have at length rewarded him and
will always be the case the heel of injustice
and wrong, although pressed by the proud and
their confederates, will leave no mark that pub
lie sympathy and public denunciation do not
make deeper and more lasting upon the name
md fame of those who created it.
1t is proper to say, to avoid misconstruction,
hat Mr.. SPEAR did not conduct the work, al
hough his plan succeeded.