The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1870-01-15

government. The millions II acres of fertile
land permanently reclaimed by such sys-
tenn of improvements, would, in its annual
return OF revenues to the country, amply
provide both for the construction and main
tenance Of the levees. Looking to this end.
| recommend that the Board of Public
Works, be authorized and instructed on be-
half of the State of Louisiana, to bring this
| subject to the attention of the Legislatures
of Mississippi and Arkansas, and before the
National Congress, and to solicit frem them
such action and cooperation as may be ne
cessarysin the premises. In the mean time
the levees Of Louisiana demand your prompt
attention l can not too earnestly commend
this subject to your consideration. Next
to the peace and order OF society, it is the
most important matter that you will consi-
der during the present session. On the
erection of these levees depends the prospe-
rity of three f@prths of the total population
of the State, they being necessary for the
protection of at least twenty-five parishes
which furnish more than three-fourths Of
the revenue for the support of the govern
meat. The Board of Public Works will
lay before you, at an early day, their annual
report, showing the condition of the levees
and containing the estimate of their engl-
neers, together with their recommendations
thereon, relative to the work to be done in
the current year. recommend the assess
ment of a special tax for levee purposes,
and in order to meet the immediate wants
of the board | suggest that you authorize
the Board of Public Works to ISSUE certiti-
Gates of indebtedness, bearing interest to be
paid as rapidly as this tax is collected.
PUBLIC EDUCATION.
You need no lengthy and labored discus
sion to impress you with the Importance
of education. Without it the duties of a
citizen are difficult, and we who have en-.
franchised a race and have taught that
American citizenship is the browning glory
of our Republican institutions, must ap
p~reciate that education is the first and most
indispensable want of the citizen. Self pro-
lection and self-government alike demand the
enlightenment of the masses. The report
of the superintendent of Pnblic Education
will show you the impractible character Of
the present law. The machinery is'cumbrous
and expensive, so much so that it has pro-
ven a failure. respectfully suggest that
the plan be sirnpliied, the districts be ell.
larged aud powers and discretion of the
State Board increased. With these chan es
in the law, success is possible, but will
even then depend largely on a faithful
administration thereof. Your attention is
respectfully called to the claims ofthe Mill
tary Academy, which is temporarily located
at Baton Rouge, since the burning OF its
buildings at Alexandria, and to those ofthe
College at Jackson.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
Several private bills, looking to the con-
struction of railroads and canals i'll the
State, were passed by your onorable body
during your last session. Some have been
approved by me and become laws. From
Others | have felt it my duty to withhold my
approval. These various enterprises give
some promise of success, but have not pro-
gre~sed as rapidly as was expected.
The New Orleans, Mobile and Chatta-
nooga Railroad Company have not begun
the work of constructing their road on the
west side OF the river. The difficulty Of
OF obtaining engineers, and the Illness of
those employed during the summer months,
have delayed until recently the completion
of their survey. They now promise an ear
Iy completion of the road. making a conec-
ton between this. city and Houston the
railroad centre of Texas.
MISSISSIPPI AND MEXICO GULF SHIP CANAL.
The construction of dredge boats and
furnishing them with machinery has occa-
stoned some delay in this important i'm
The work is being vigorously
pressed forward. Three large dredge
boats are now engaged in the work of ex-
cavation, and in a few days two more power
ful dredges will be added to the number.
An early completion Of the canal is conf
IDENTIFY expected.
IMMIGRATION.
Population is a prime want of the State.
With less than SOC, 900 souls within: our
limits We could easily sustain ten times that
number.
No section of the Union in fertility of
its soil, the variety aud value of it's pro-
auctions, the salubrity of its climate, and
the genial hospitable character of its poop
lie offers larger inducements to emigrants.
from our sister States, or from foreign
count ries. The report of the Commission
ers of immigration will inform you of the
result of their labors for the past year,
am happy to say that this bureau is fast
becoming self-sustaining, and will not
need an appropriation for its support.
I am not prepared to suggest any addition.
i l,-:,1o.;on -, ebo ,,L;o,+ ho1;oy,n +b,+
a faithful use and hearty support of the
agencies already established will compass
The desired object. ST..
STATE CHARITIES.
Your attention is respectfully called to
The reports from the authorities of the In
ane.Asylum, at jackson the Deaf Dumb
md Blind Asylum, at Baton Rouge =; and
;he charity Hospital. at New Orleans.
The charities of Louisiana have always
,een a credit to the State, and no better
of an enlightened people can be
furnished than the prompt and cheerful
fort to meet the wants of the afflicted and
HELPLESS in our midst. The condition of
,hese institutions claim your consideration,
Ind the services rendert d and the wants
yet to be met by them entltle them to your
~ostering care.
ts STATE PENITENTIARY
The lessees have complied with their
greement. to place two hundred looms,
or the m%anufature Of cotton and wooden
FOODS, in the Penitentiary. The machinery
S of the best character, and comes fully up
o the terms of agreement between the
and the State. There are three
and f~ifty-eight $3.50 %convicts now
confined in the Penitentiary. l have re-
and pardoned in all three persons
Turing the recess Of the Legisla ure, and
will send their names to the Senate at an
day for its concurrence in my action.
rhe report of the Board of Control will be
orwarded IN due time, and give all infor-
nation that may he desired and necacSarv