New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1860-04-09
0o.., r.. 90 'A''''Z77' -
THE SWAMI

~ u really surprising to observe how little en-
cIoachment has been made upon the dark, disma
olo swamp that separates the city from the lake
mere is busting population of perhaps over one
hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, stretched
along river length Of seven miles, and showing
4 strong symptoms Of continuing to stretch in that
way as actively as ever The city is, for the most
| part, mere strip, its width being compared with
its length, and it would be difficult to assign any
motive OF business convenience that could make
TINS proportion preferable to more compact one.
| But the swamp explains ALL There, within gun.
shot OF great city, within the sound of its mighty
commerce and its luxurious gaiety, alligators and
other reptiles reign undisputed masters Of the reek-
ing mud.
1t would certainly be far more agreeable to the
eye III those dingy, moss-coyered Expresses could
be removed entirely, leaving green fields and
meadows upon which the sunlight could rest. and
over which the breeze could sweep from river to
lake. we seem to have no country now; it is all
city and wilderness. If the swamp were once re-
moved, the whole region between the city and the
lake would soon be studded with lovely villas and
noble residences. Extensive grounds shaded
lawns, ornamental trees and sbrubbery would
come INTO immediate vogue. The prices of land
at that distance from business would permit such
arrangements, and the attractions Of rural life
would induce them.
The advantages of such change would not be
confined, though, to the district reclaimed One
great objection to residence in New Orleans-the
absence Of surrounding country-would be re.
moved; health would be greatly promoted among
the unacclimated, who could thus pass their nights
at least, beyond the fatal atmosphere of the city
ana 1t Is not unreasonable to suppose that our per-
manent population would be greatly augmented.
u would also open q boundless source of limo.
cent recreation to the city people proper The
country would be accessible to everybody. and
crowds would seek the green fields on Sundays as
reilef from the dust and confinement Of the CITY
instead Of haunting the biliard-room AMI beer
saloon.
Nor is this idea merely chimercal one. AL
ready active steps are being taken to render it
practical. Two years ago the Legislature passed
law dividing the swamp region back of the CITY
INTO three districts-one between the New Canal
ana the Carrolton and Lake Railroad the second
between the New and Old Canals, the third below
the OLD canal. Provisions were made for the an. |
potment OF Board of Directors for each district
With powers to effect complete drainage of their
respective divisions. In this district, we under
stand that draining machine is to be built imme
diately, and, of course, active operations inaupu
rated, If they have not been so already.
1t is to be hoped that the work will be urged in |
the spirit of its originator-with hopefulness or
great results, with pride in the great responsibility
placed upon those charged with its care, and with |
public spirit which will not be turned aside Nv
from an Improvement which must be of
such vast Importance to their city and fellow.
citizens