The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1855-08-04
a. For the opelousas Patriot
sOpeloasas Cemetery.

4 ~ AZ AfOr Tie OPelousae "'iA's
n sOpelossas Cemetery.
In this age d r~einement. the minds of the mass
ire engaged in giving attention to the progressive
and to such improvements as will develop
The agricultural resources and enhance the monetary
interests of the country. Every available stream is
,,oao a medium Of communication, and every energy
the public mind called into requisition to increase
The facilities Of public conveyance, and'the transport
tation Of freight, in the accomplishment OF whlch
objects the largest amounts are invested. Railroads
steam navigation and Geographic wires now consul
tute the beau IDEAL of the enterprising portion of the
community; and this energy, in which Is comprised
the individual as we'll as the general interests, &C
knowledres no circumscribed bounds. Mountains
are becoming molehills, and yielding submissiveiys 70
mans own bidding. G m
The power of mechanical genius now laughs AZ
seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and with hr
pick-ax and crow-bar unbosons her hidden treas
ures. which for centuries have scoffed at and defied
own artillery. aIs 044c Jca s@ 5s9|
& All these efforts for public good are truly COM
mendabIe; but is there not a matter of local interest
at home, in our midst, demanding not merely q pass
ing notice, but prompt and immediate action!-an
enterprise that does not require q heavy investment
of funds; and whether this project should be carried
out by individual effort, or by an appropriation from
the Town Council, is with them to determine. That
it is an object demanding the action, of either the
corporate authorities or of individuals, no one will
doubt. / mean, the wrecked and exposed condition
of the Opelousas Protestant Cemetery. There is no
kind Of security afforded against the depredations Of
stock, to say nothing of other n~uisances entirely re-
pulsiye to all the kinder feelings Of humanity; for
there are only isolated portions Of what once formed
q frail enclosure, but now presenting the appearance
of q waste habitation. 'N W
True, the slumbers Of the dead will not be dis.
turbed by their graves becoming common thorough
fares, on which the rude footsteps of the thoughtless
traveller and hasty vehicles leave their daily impress;
nevertheless, it is q consideration that truly arouses
the tender sympathies of cur nature. The ties Of
maternal affection are not buried with the sleeping
dust of her offspring. A brothers. love, q sisters at
tachment, and the strong outgushings Of friendship,
are not destroyed because Death has robbed us Of
their presence. They still live as treasured gems on
memory's page. The last memento Of affection that
can be exhibited by the relatives Of those who have
died is here destroyed. The tombs and the palings
around many graves are partially or entirely COM
posed of scattered fragments. Even the weeping
willow, the evergreen or flower, planted by the hand
of affection and watered with tears, are all dropping
victims Of the same common fate!
These remarks need no testimony to substantiate
their truth. This mass Of Wondering ruins is seen
by taking a walk to that dreary City Of the Dead-
and seen in all its naked deformity. 1t is a subject
of common remark from strangers, who may, from
this circumstance, form an incorrect opinion Of the
high tone of moral feeling in our community athome,
and tell tales abroad which good desires and intcn-
tions will not counteract. And yet, who is to rectify
this state Of things? That the members Of the Town
Council are all gentlemen of refined sensibilisies, and
appreciate the moral involved in this subject, we
doubt not yet Action, the great desideratum Of
life in the contamination of all laudable objects, is
feposing in the conscious security that " there is time
enough in the %future.'' .f.
Although a comparative stranger here, yet we
would gladly contribute our mite to every enterprise
that will in the least degree enhance the social and
moral tone of the mass, or add to the beauty and
comfort Of the town and vicinity; and, consequently
I have in all kindness thrown out these suggestions
hoping that some interest may be elected and prac
tically eyinced.
Surely, there is no lack of public spirit, that would
act as a barrier to q thorough repair of this waste
Cemetery. We are fully persuaded that q sufficient
amount could be raised to erect a neat and substan'
tial enclosure, such as will at once reflect credit on
the community, and secure the resting places of the
dead from sacrilege and abuse. To some minds, o.
contracted caliber, this may be a subject of no inter
est. But there is a certain degree of pride Of feeling
that has a claim on the charities of our nature-that
has a right to be gratiied; and this feeling will eve,
be exhibited in pure, gushing affection for the sleep
ing dead. What is more touching, and what more
worthy of commentator, than those last acts o.
kindness, manifested even toward the dust of those
we love7 And we have a hearty affirmative response
from every class of this community when we express
the wish that the people will soon-yea, speedily
present to the weeping train who may, occasionally
follow some loved one, a Cemetery substantially and
neatly enclosed, as well as care and taste manifested
in the internal finish and the arrangement of beauti
full walks. Parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and
the entire community desire it; and we trust that all
who read this will stake due notice thereof, and
govern themselves accordingly" R.T.
Opelousas, July 10, 1855.
Desperate Indian Fight in Texas.