The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1874-01-02
A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

There Is a deal more IN tlaC Eastern
s~alutation than most persons see. 1t
is not a mere question of expanse OF
inches, fond as the Orientals are of
fat peopie,) but that the shadow pro-
iected by their substance of wealth,
happiness, or worth may undergo no
dimunition. That a life rounded into
full completeness by good fortune and
good works may never shrink by losses
of either. SO in all it's probable and
possible meanings, we repeat the salu-
tatiOn.
At the opening of 1873 we looked hard
to see something on which to base u
wishes for a happy New Year. We
found hope and patience, two things
whichdo wonderfully well foralunch but
which make an unsubstantial diurnaldi
her. Well we rung the changes on hope
and patience knowing that if they did
not furnish forth very substantial ali
ment to support life, they sometimes
snlothed the passage to the grave. But
much to our own surprise, we find that
hope and patience has done some very
great works in the months of 1873.
First in France. The beginning Of
1873 found her PROSTATE, and in appar-
Cnt despair. 1t seemed almost impos-
sible that she could rally from the
losses and disgrace of her hapless pas
sage at arms with the victorious Ger
man nation. To-day, her finances, her
great social influence, her strength, and
power, as a civilizer stands ON even q
tirmer basis than before her overthrow.
Antgus-like she has risen a giant from
her temporary abasement.
England is as prosperous as at any
time within her history. Gradual, but
certain changes are creeping into her
government, and year by year you trace
their influence in her polity. There is
to-day more real freedom within her
borders than in the most vaunted Re-
publican institutions. The labor prob
lem still vexes, but its dimensions are
not increased. In Germany the spirit
of free thought axe strong. The old
Catholics have severed the tie which
binds them to the Papal see, and stand
forth to the world refOrmers of the
abuses which have crept into the oldest
Christian faith on the globe. 1t is only
right that the land Of Luther should
carry war into the ~corruptions which
obscure the religion of Christ.
But we have no space to deal with
foreign nations save as they affect us
on this side of the water. The progress
of liberal opinions in the churches of
course finds a ready home in the United
States. But we find the singular anom-
oily of an English political liberal Grad
laugh) lecturing OF Republican insti-
buttons in this model Republic of ours.
Is this carrying Goals to Newcastle"
or have we really Outgrown the spirit of
Republican institutions that this dema-
gogue comes over here to lecture us9
The good Lord preserve us, however,
from the God denying Utopia he seeks
to commend to our notice.
Louisiana, her present and future is,
of course, the subject of all absorbing
interest to those who dwell within her
borders. We put her past behind us.
We do not care to dwell too long on
her present dearth, but we do most
honestly believe that her future is
bright in promise. Wherever the
Oranges have been fairly established a
revolution has taken place in agricultu=
ral matters Concert Of action is es-
ta~blished, and concert of action among
u planters means success. These
oranges are the great industrial move
ment of the age, and prosperity is sure
to follow them. 1t is a grand brother
hood Of labor, firm, clear-sighted and
strong, enduring no opposition, and as
sorting at all times, and in all places its
claim To develop the material and NOR
al resources of the country. Itwould be
an everlasting reproach to any country
or parish, which would not give en-
couragementto this noble Organization
provided it does not become political.
Oncemore we wish our friends health,
happiness, and prosperity in the coming
year. Wherever the JOURNAL " trav-
els it will bear with it this general
greeting, and special ones to our spe-
cial friends.
WEALTHY SPEcULAFoRs Ruined
All of the wealthy SPECTATORS who for
years have operated in stocks, have
been wiped out by the decline. There
is consequently no one to uphold and
sustain the market. OF the crippled
wealthy spectators James Banker was
the chief. Beginning life as a poor
boy. he wa " coached by Commodore
Vanderbilt until his income became be-
tween 100000 and 100000 annually.
He scattered his money with q most
lavish hand, making princely requests
to his relatives and friends. It is not
long ago that he presented to his sis-
ter, Mrs. Judge Hilton, q brown stone
front house uptown, for which he paid
100000. To-day he is compelled to
make over all his property to Commo-
d0re Vanderbilt to insure the latter
against losses brought on by his own
speculations. Daniel Drew, who has
operated 50 largely in years gone by,
has been ts0 report says) wiped out.
Richard Sclleli, one of the recognized
bulls for years, has gone Mltder. Stock
well, the noted Pacific Mail manipHla-
tor, has collapsed. John, Stewart, b
king pin I'M the speculative ring, has
been, reports say, cleaned out. And SO
/ might continue to name a heavy
- @nI HL nLH ~