The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1869-04-17
THE OPEL0USASJ JOURNAL
OPELOUSAS, LA:
Saturday, April II, 1869
A PLANTATION WANTED.

A pamphlet was re<cently published a
this office for the immigration Society o
the Parish of St. Landry, or rather for one
or two members, more tenacious of pur
pose tlan the others, the organization itsel
having had only an ephcmeral existence, af
ter the usual manner of Southern enterpri
scs. We regret exceedingly its failure
not from insurmountablc obstacles. but from
neelect-because we are confident it woulC
have proved a success, and been the means
of attracting to the parish, at an early peri
cd, capital and labor, which, with 4 rail
road, would make it one of the most favored
spots in the world for the accumulation OF
wealth by agriculture and stock raising.
Only 4 small number Of these pamphlets,
and that very recently, have been di>t,ibu-
ted; yet they are attracting considerable
attention 1t the North. We. and ct, erS,
have received u number OF letters from the
Eastern and V estern States, from persons
who have seen the pamphlet, and were in
duced by it to write for information in re-
gard to purchasing land here. The result
of publishing this pamphlet and the limited
number circulated, proves that it is only
necessary to make the parish known abroad,
to let the world know its great natural
wealth, that immigration and capital may
be directed to it. Heretofore Southwest
ern Louisiana has been, to other States, an
undiscovered coutry and the former pros
porous condition of its inhabitants rendered
it unnecessary that they should seek to
make it known. In fact, many of them
were jealous of strangers coming here and
sharing their prosperity. Some, too, were
opposed to railroads being built near them.
But all thess things have passed away.
Adversely has wrought many changes. We
all like to have strangers come and dwell
among u now, whether they be rich or
poor, provided they are honest and indus
trious, and do not come to trade in politics
for we have a full supply of politicians,
native and acclimated, and some to spare:
they might be proftably exchanged for la
borers and capitalists, if any place is so for
tunate as to be deficient in the former and
crowded with the latter. The railroad, that
is the idea of having one through the par
ish, has become very popular also; for,
though the "Ircn Horse might brighten a
few wild horses and cattle out of their
range, it would soon increase the popula.
ton in the sparsely settled parts of the par
ish to such IN extent that the thieves would
be crowded out, and stock raising become
more profitable than before. But our hopes
have been deferred in regard to the railroad
until our hearts are made sick, and We fear
that the millennium will come, before it,
unless some %enterprising company of Yam
KEGS take it in hand.
The reception of these letters has caused
us to consider some plan to attract the
attention of la~nd-buyers and others to our
parish and section of the State. We think
we have devised one, simple, practicable
and cheap. We feel thoroughly convinced
Gifts efficacy, or we should not mentios it.
If any Of our citizens DESTROYS of disposing
of their plantations will call on US, at their
leisure, we will submit it to them.
The letter which suggested this article,
we annex hereto. g. ..t. '..tn:
SPRINGFIELD, I'LL, 4th April, 1869.
Editor .Opelousas JurnaI-Dear Sir-I'
was shown to-day a small pamphlet giving
items of information regarding your Parish
and its resources. If you have them |
would like you to send me several for my.
self and others, and also to ask if it would
be possible to purchase a sugar plantation
of a capacity Of eultivating cane to produce
say $50 hogsheads, with good machinery,
dwelling, and necessary out-houses. Must
be convenient to navigation, free from over
flow, and so situated that hands can be
procured easily. By an early reply you
will confer a favor. Very truly.
r. j. A. HEMSTEAD.
ia Drawer IS.
P. S. There is plenty of capital in this
country, which would seek investment in
your country, were the attention of the