The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-07-29

0PoNea NoaheoPonoo1cc
oPELoUsAs. July ~, 1868.
Within the geographical limits OF our State
there is larger spread of material re-.
sources-s wider field of diversity for Industrial
pursuits, and greater facilities for trans portation.
than, perhaps, can be found within an equal area
on this continent. If this be true land who win
deny ~ why is 1t that our people are SO wanting
In zeal aud practical wisdom, in the DEVELOPMENT
of these sure roads to prosperity and physical
greatness? Does this desdness to the importanca
of these rich gifts spring frem some inherent de-.
feet in their organization, or from the fear Of
doing too much? Are they forever disposed IN
enjoy the bounties of kind Providence without
exercising their intelligence or seeking TO enlarge
the pstrimony which they have received! These
questions are, perhaps, idle, nevertheless they
are pertinent; for one cannot look over the vida
waste around him, and refrain from speculat,no
upon the causes which operate to keep back the
natural impulse to restore the deficiencies which
which are apparent.
Let us investigate this matter practically, and
endeavor to excite some interest in the public
mind and to begin, look at the great area of land
which lies untitled. Weeds, briars and under growth
have taken the place of cane, corn, cotton and
other products Why is thisi Because the owner
of the land cannot forget that ten years ago this
land was worth one hundred dollars the acre, and
viii not consent to part with one iota at such a
price as to attract buyers, who Industrious To-
teligent and energetic; working men-practical
that proof is not wanting to establish each par.
hcular. Another current objection is, that popu.
lation is not desirable-that ii is not wealth-and
that large increase thereof would entail more
evil than good. You will say thiss nonsense; 30 it
Is but your belief, any belief to the contrary,
will not change the opinion of such people.
Again, large class cannot see that by selling
one third or ODe.haf their land-thus increasing
the number Of laborers, and doubling the amount
of the products, they would in the same rauio in.
crease the value of the part retained by them.
They will sell-O yes-but at what price Why,
at very small fraction below what the same land
was worth eight years past. Instead of selling
land at two and half dollars per acre, dra wing
thereby immigrants. and opening the dead and
Elumbering soil TO frufulness, they hug their self
deluscn closer-place another impediment in the
way OF progress, and add additional suffering to
the already overburdened and impoverished land.
Who can see either wisdom or intelligence. or
any other good thing in such course? And who
is there that does not deplore the short-sghted.
ness Of people who thus act.
Thus stands the matter in region of country
unsurpassed for the fertility of its soil, its exemp.
ton from overflow, the facilities for transporta.
ton, its boundless stretch of natural meadow,
npon which herds and focks might be doubled
and ripled, and for its surprising beauty and
healthfulness. A death-like calm has settled
where activity, animation and the rude battle for
supremacy should be seen; where enterprise
should invade every nook and intelligence conquer
every obstacle.
But whilst this is true OF the country, what ia
being done in your great city to turn the tide and
exuicate the State from her condition of paral
ysis? Have your citizens made known to the dis.
fsnt seekers for homes the advantages and the
certain prospects for comfort which are found
within our borders? Are they using the most
available means to open railway communication
with other sections and thus centrslize the pro.
ducts of the earth within her storehouses, or are
they content TO let others reap the harvest which
invites them to the reaping? We are not disposed
to judge them, for they are our brethren; but we
are ready TO say to them, put aside as far as pos
sible the drones who hinder the hive 10 prosper
and put in their places active workmen; let al
Che great industrial interests of Louisiana receive
your earnest consideration push forward your
railroad to Texas; erect grain elevators, aud en-
courage commerce by all the means attsinable
I One energetic, earnest man could secure for the
Texas railroad from our people five hundred thou
sand acres of land, Congress to the contrary. One
hundred men stand ready to do the earth.wOrk
get out cross-ties and other timber and take ths
hrger portion Of their dues in stock. Lift up you
voice, therefore, good CRESCENT, and give one
loud shout in favor Of action in the development
of our manifold interests, and see If there be no
Life yet in the land. INDAMORA.