The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1873-01-11
RING TIE OLD TEAR QUIT

KING AME WAD 1EAh VUAb
The Year 1872, which now lies among
the debris Of the Past, has beena fate
full period in the history of the nations
of the earth. Probably no preceding
twelve months has held somany strange
and varied events in their compass. The
very atmosphere Of the globe on which
we live has undergone startling changes
and notifications. Earthquakes have
occurred where earthquakes never were
heard of before, i'll fact, where none of
the conditions which produce these on
vulsions of nature could possibly exist,
save from some interior earth-wave
which came from afar and propagatedits
disturbance in strange climes. Strange
diseases among men and animals have
made their appearance, and our last
summer exhibited unusual conditions
throughout theworld. In Europe, India
and America the mortality from sun
stroke has been excessive. The death
rate, too, was swelled by the terrific
storms Of thunder and lightning, lorna
does, and floods which have ravaged the
world.
Sp~ectroscopic observations upon the
sun have proved the existence Of mag
nesium in extraordinary quantities in it's
light during the months of July, August
andSeptember. Many scientists connect
the marked disturbances Of the solar
system with the changes of atmosphere,
and the propagation of new diseases.
In Geology, Agassiz has sub~stantiated
the existence of glaciers about Monte
video, in Patagonia, and Chill. Import
ant beds of coal have been discOveredin
the latter place.
Geographical explorations have been
| carried on with marked success. Put
ting aside the everlasting Livingstone,
whose name has becomea by-word from
the "great cry and little wool" which
accompanies it, the results of the year
have opened new fields OF observation
Foremostamong the successful explorers
is Mr.. Octave Payy, a creole of New Or
leans, who bids fair to solve the vexed
question of anopen Polarsea. Ourread-
ers have doubtless seen an account OF
his success in the New Orleans papers.
but the short sketch gives but a meagre
idea of the enterprise of the stout-heart-
ed Explorer. Through those gates OF
everlasting ice, no clearer vision has
pierced than that of the gallant creole
gentleman. Engineering enterprises
have been numerous. One connecting
the Black Sea with the Caspian has been
inaugurated under the patronage of the
Emperor Of Russia. We are promised 8
ship canalacross Nicaragua, but we must
acknowledge our own little corner in.
terests us more than these gigantic en-
terprises. We only wish we could give
our readers some certain information
about our railroad prospects for the
coming year, 0pelousas is q very small
dot on the map, but it will grow smaller
and smaller, if the spirit of the age does
not rescue us from lethaFgy. Like thu
earthquakes, we may have some reflex
action from liyelier parts of the country
which will replace the old fxities.
Events within the last year have fol
lowed each other in rapid succession
The old Teutonie element, whichis only
another word for the resistless power o.
a compact and we'll drilled nation o.
soldiers, inspired by the one idea of con
quest, has struck its final blow at an OLE
civilization. But Francois inexhaustiblt
in its resources. What was rottenin it
oldsystem has been replaced by a health
Ter action, and the Paris Of to-day, il
spite Of thehayoc of war, is fast regain
ing its old prestige. What the German
army could not kill, (the esprit de pays.
is beginning to re-assertitself under tn,
new form of government. In fact, thi
ubiquitous Republican spirits hammer
ing Justify at the council chambers o
Kings and Kaisersthroughou the world
It aViU be heard, in spite of all the bolt
and bars which strive to keep it out.
The record of our own country within
the last year is troubled enough. Som,
Of It's pages are too sad to be re-read
But we have still had some CLEANS o
light through the dense shadows. TIL
crops have been good, industries hav
multiplied, and in spite OF evil govern
ments, there is some hope for us in th
attention which has been called to TIL
state Of affairs in Louisiana. The spiri
Of the people which has been arouse,
will probably work out their own saliva
ton.
They must understand, that to develo
the material resources of the countr
Wilt e to command prosperity. Wealt1
is all-powerful, and full hands general
work out political and other problem
to their " satisfaction. IF much ha
been taken from us, much remains i
the soil, the climate, and all substantial
elements of success.
We wish ourreaders health, happines
and prosperity in 1878.
New LAws.-No. Z, an act to sur
press riotous an unlawful assemblies
and to provide for the punishment G
!, PERSONS participating therein, and t
define the duties of officers of the Stat
ia regard thereto, and to punish off
cersand others for neglect or refusal /
disnharma oms1 y,nr~etX5vv. l4rISnr 49,.