Houma Ceres. [volume] (Houma, Parish of Terrebonne, La.) 1855-18??, 1855-07-19
SalutatOry.

"corps editorial" were we to 20 to press
without having first formally introduced
ourself to our readers.
4 lapse of over seven years brings us
back to the scenes of our early associa-
tons: to the Lafourche country we are
indebted for all of those early impressions
which we have imbibed, and whose bene-
.ficial effects have been so advantageously
felt by us.
We can, without vanity, claim the proud
privilege of having been the foster son of
our sister parish because, when a mere
youth, emigrating among them, we were
the especial object of their kind regard
and generous protection. The lively in
terest which they manifested for our wei
fare, the disinterested motives which
prompted them to encourage and assist US
in all our undertakings, displayed mag.
nanimity Of soul and generosity of heart
worthy of themselves alone. To their
fostering care, (which was so generously ex.
tended, and the deep solicitude which they
evinced for us in our younger days, we
attribute, in a great measure, the working
of that influence over us, which has caused
us to strive TO render ourself worthy of
such distinguished honors.
A month ago chance threw US among
you-and the astonishing rapidity with
which the Lafourche country has increased
since last we visited it, did not fail both to
astonish and please us. Enterprise has
evidently been at work! You have inn
bibed the true spirit Of "go-a-head-ative-
ness!" What nature has withheld, art
has supplied. The want of continual
navigation throughout the entire year,
which has been source Of great incon-
venience to you, is now remedied by
the construction ola railroaA, whose course
is traced through country as rich, pro-
ductive, and beautiful as any upon the face
Of the globe. You have accomplished
the end whereby you are now enabled to
develop the vast resources Of your parish !;
and at the same time that il tends to build
up the Importance and increase the wealth
of the State, will add untold sums to your
own Golfers. Through your intrepidity
and energy in part, this road is fast pene-
trating the rich lands beyond in the
Attakapas. and converting into useful cul.
tivation a vast extent of country hitherto
lying idle for want of the facilities of a
cheap and speedy communication with a
market, which being now attainable, offers
an inducement for the settling Of those
vacant lands and a consequent develop
ment Of their resources.
Though the system Of railroading is yet
a new and untried one with you, yet the
partial and very satisfactory results at.
tending the New Orleans and tOpelousas
Railroad thus far, should embue you with
a renewed determination Of carrying out
this laudable enterprise on larger and
more extensive scale throughout the whole
South. You all seem to accede the i'm
portant fact that it is the only method by
which to build up the commercial impor-
lance Of our metropolis and enable her to
compete successfully with the commercial
cities Of the East.
The above facts taken 10 conjunction
with the fast increasing agricultural i'm
portance ofthe parish Of Terrebonne, ar
guos we'll for the position which she will
occupy 10 very few pears with her sister
parishes Of the State. Our intention has
always been to locate i : growing coun-
Try, ard we have consequently chosen
Jour parish as the place of our future
absde. u our feeble efforts = our present.
undertaking can prove ! source Of USE
lalness % she parish d our adoption, they
ire mos willingly profisred.
Our 1lvent among Jon i principally