The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1873-12-12

~O
Landry Agricultural and Industrial
Fair Association which appears in the
columns of your valuable paper, amove-
ment has been inaugurated, which if
~zealously advocated and energetically
prosecuted to a meritOrious success, will
rebound more to the welfare and pros
perity of our parish than any other kin
dred enterprise submitted for the con-
sideration and fostering adoption Of our
people. But in order that the masses
may properly comprehend the grand
and progressive object of this ~associa-
ton, the beneficial purposes contem-
plated in its promotion, and anticipate
the generous results to emanate from it
as an established institution, the char
ter should be fully discussed so as to
make every feature address itself to the
inquirer in irresistible persuasion of it's
power and integrity in enhancing indi-
vidual and public good.
It scarcely seems credible, but it is
nevertheless true, that many people
(who are doubtless honest in their con-
yictions) who have never seen the prae-
tical workings of fair associations look
upon their exhibition as extravagant
pageants to crafty idle curiosity, and
| admission fees as a gilden snare to
pocket the money OF the people for the
| benefit of apampered monopoly enjoyed
by a few individuals. 1t appears para
dOxical that a man of any intelligence
should entertain such ideas,
but the writer has met several who ex-
pressed similar opinions. These mis-
conceptions must be removed, and the
! public mind be so educated as to recog-
nize fairs as the titular deities of pro-
gress and industry, as the guiding pat
rons of all emulous enterprise and i'm
provements, and as the sur IN copios
to reward efficient labor in every honor
rable pursuit. Let each individual un-
derstand that by becoming a stockhold-
er in the association, he becomes a part
of it himself; and in investing his mon
ey he not only becomes a beneficiary
himself, but is promoting an object of
general veal to his parish and State.
Every man of the parish whatever his
pursuit or profession, is interested in
making the fair association a perma-
nent success, because its benefits will
inure to all. In the premium list appro-
pirate prizes will be offered to exhibit
ors in every branch Of industry, as a
stimulus to Improvement and as rewards
of merit. This will give ANEW impe-
tus of action throughout the whole
economy of our paroehial industry. A
spirit of emulation will be excited which
will move the populace out Of the ruts
Of old stand still theories, and open
easier and more speedy roads of transit
to the goal of industrial toll. When a
sufficient capital stock is subscribed and
paid in to purchase, beautify, and adOrn
suitable fair grounds, and aspanoramic
exhibition is held for the entrance and
display of the several vOtiye offerings
of our industrial classes, then will dawn
a new and interesting era upon u par
ish. The energetic and progressive
farmer will exhibit his fine stock in
horses, mules, cattle, sheep and, hogs
and the products of his soil and labor
/ in fine specimens of corn, samples ofcot.
ton, large potatoes, vegetables, etc
. The various mechanical trades will dis
F. play their products of skill, ingenuity
. and superior workmanship, and last but