The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-08-24
immigration.

Monday night last, in the hall above this
Office, Col. Daniel bennett, State Agent of the
Louisiana Homestead and immigration Asso-
ciation,-of which Gen. G. T. Beauregard is
President-delivered an interesting address on
the subject of Immigration before the Hiber-
MAN Benevolent and Mutual Aid Association of
Louisiana.
Thos. A. Boland. Esq., Vice President of the
Board of Delegates of the Hibernian Assoca-
tion, in brief and we'll chosen words, introduc-
ed the distinguished guest, Col. Daniel Den
nett, who was received with due courtesy, all
present rising and saluting him.
Col. bennett then proceeded with his ad-
dress, only a brief synopsis of which we can
give our readers.
The speaker dwelt at length upon the Guilt
walton of the soil by small farmers, instancing
many cases of success which have come With
in his observation it had been said that
white mon could not till the fields OF Louis
lana, and that agriculture was profitable only
to the large planter, whose thousands OF broad
acres could alone be cultivated by the colored
race. Since the close of the war experience
demonstrated otherwise, however, and now
Louisiana, with millions of acres of idle lands,
was calling aloud for hardy yeomanry to come
and settle up her waste places. The prejudices
of ante-bellunl times, in many sections Oh our
State, against cultivation on small scale we're
fast wearing away, and the salvation OF the
State demanded all good citizens should help
the cause of immigration.
Col. bennett spoke in glowing terms OF the
great fertility of the soil of Louisiana, and the
comparative ease with which it can be cult
| waited. He gave many facts and figures to
| proye his statements. The beginner would not
| here encounter the labor which met him in
other States, as the soil, being wonderfully
prolific, did not require half the attention be
stow ed upon the land in other States.
| The men who stand upon the street-corners
| in the cities and lounge about the village gro
ceries, continually croaking about the hare
times and worse a-comng," the speaker hat
no use for, and babe them cease their lamenta
lions and put their shoulders to the wheel.
Immigration was the panacea for all our ills
An intelligent population would naturall!
bring about good Government; it woul
make the waste places blossom as the rose, an
add millions to the wealth of our State, an
increase the happiness of our people.
The Hibernian Association could help tn
good cause. Col. bennett assured the meetin
he wonld cheerfully assist their Board of In
migration in accomplishing it's purpose c
forming settlements of Irishmen in Louisian'
and called upon all to lend helping hand.
The speaker was listened to with rapt after
ton, and the frequent bursts of applause whic
greeted him evidenced the deep interest felt i
the subject by ali present.
After the usual vote of thanks had been tel
r dered Col. bennett, the meeting adjourned.
Now that the ice has been broken, and tn
way made clear by which the Hibernian Ass'
, citation can succeed in establishing colonies
5 their countrymen in Louisiana, we trust thu
the patriotism of its members for their adop
ed country will Cause them to persevere unit
success shall crown their efforts. Tho MoRs
ING STAR bids them God-speed, and wi
chronicle their first settlement with muc
s pleasure.