The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1873-09-05
A GREAT WORK PROJECTED IN LOU
ISTANA-.HOW 1T WILL EFFECT
US. IN ST. LANDRY.

OF Clo unCF lG1S u relief 10 TURN 10
the greatpublic improvements initiation
for the future development Of our re-
sources and the prosperity of the coun-
try. To the New Orleans Times are we
indebted for much valuable informated
on this subject of commanding interest,
of which we propose occasionally to
avail ourselves, in order that our local
readers may be enabled to keep pace
with the progress of public enterprise.
Heretofore much has been said Oh the
subject Of railroad Improvements in
Louisiana, while very little has been
done. So far as this portion of the State
is concerned, we have made no progress
in the facilities for travel and transpor-
~tation, for twenty years or more.
The New Orleans, Opelousas and Great
Western Railroad was projected in 1862,
and we were promised direct communi-
cation with New Orleans by the year
1856. A section of the road was built to
Berwick's Bay, and has eve extended
any further. A road-bed, it is true, has
been thrown up to Opelousas, and, in
| occasional localities, from Vermillion-
vile to Lake Charles. But for all prac-
teal purposes, we have nc railroad, and
no immediate prospect Of lie.
A new enterprise has however been
inaugurated in Louisiana, which will,
we think at an early day, bring popula-
ton, capital, and railroads-we allude to
the contemplated Fort St. Philip canal.
This great projected public work, is not
only q matter Of interest to the whole
valley Of the Mississippi and the city of
New Orleans as its emporium, but to the
State Of Louisiana, and particularly the
Southwestern portion Of it.
By reason of our interest in this great
enterprise, we propose to say something
in reference to its necessity, its import
ance, and its results.
The Mississippi river and its tributa-
ries pass through fifteen States and five
Territories, constituting the richest and
the mostp productive portion of the habit
able globe. This immense valley is des-
tined to become the most Opulent and
populous region Of the world, Its rapid
development, its increase in population,
its great public improvements, Its in
creasing agricultural productions, its
magnificent cities, and the vigorous and
intelligent enterprise of its citizens, all
unite to attest the splendor Of it's future
destiny. Louisiana furnishes an outlet
for the commerce of this swelling EN-
pire, and New Orleans is its commercial
emporium.
In consequence oWevero of the bars and
mud-lumps at the mouth Of the Missis-
sippi, which have prevented the largest
class of vessels from passing, and other
causes, attemps have been made to d.
vert the commerce of the West, by rail,
to northeastern ports. These attempts
have partially succeeded, but with an
increased cost of transportation.
There has however been a great
awakening in the Valley States to the
Importance of making such an opening
at or near the mouth of the Mississippi
as will at all times let in vessels Of the
largest capacity. By actual survey.
such an opening or outlet has been
found to be feasible, and the work will
no doubt be performed by the general
government as 0 as practicable,
About 80 miles below New Orleans, al
Fort ST. Philip, there is a narrow neck
Of land lying between the main channel
on the west, and Breton Island Sound
in the east. Through this is to be cut q
canal some 6 or 2 miles long, with q
depth sufficient to pass vessels of the
deepest draft and the largest capacity
East of the projected canal is q fine har.
Dor of sufficient depth and well protect.
ed against storms, with an unobstruct.
ed openining TO the sea. It varies il
depth from 30 to 81 feet, and is about
seven miles long and miles wide. II
this secure haven, the largest vessels
known to commerce, may in the mos
tempestuous weather, safely ride a
anchor.
The completion of this canal vii,
place New Orleans In the most favored
position. All vessels of light draft
may, at any time, pass the mouth Of thu
river, while those of deeper draft ant
heavier burden, will have the advan
tage of the canal. There will no longe7
be any question of diverting the com
nlerce of the great West from.its natu
raj channel. New Orleans will becom,
the great entrepot. The production
of the great Valley will poor through i
for foreign ports, while it will reeeiv'
In return the commerce of the civilized
world for distribution in the West.
There can be no doubt that we, tn,
people OF Western Louisiana have
deep interest in this contemplated i'm
provement, Whatever adds to th
wealth and prosperity of New Orleans
eonduces indirectly to our advantage
Increase the population of the city, ex
tend its commerce, give itmore activ
capital, and infuse intossit new vitality
! and it win not be long before its citi
zens viii establish a direct rai1roal
Communication with Texas and th
! Red River Valley, which must neeessa
rily pass through the favored regio
in which we live. While we are TEN
|, porarily oppressed with gloom, and IN
der b cloud, we have reason to hope fo
e En hri crbfnY P1f97pa