The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1874-08-21
Communicated,

Mr.. EDITOR-We have been fOrcihly struck,
time and again, with the trutllfulness of the lit
tie sentence, taught lis in our bOyhoOd days,
that Where there's a will there's a way" It
is a lesson that we should heed at all times and
under all circumstances, Notwithstanding the
oft repeated failures that halt us on the way.
Having the will, with a spirit of perseverance,
the way will be opened.
1t is this kind Of spirit we need much OF at the
present day. While the very foundation of our
once happy and time-honored government, upon
which the whole social fabric rests, is being
shaken and while corruption is finding its way
to the very center, we need men of a determined
spirit, who are willing to go forth in the dis
charge of every duty assigned to them.
Now let lis begin this work of reform at home.
1t becomes us then as citizens of the parish of
81. Landry, and as cO-WOrkeTS together for good,
to carefully consider the steps taken betWeen
this and November next, i'll order that the great
est amount Of good may be accomplished. AT
that time we shall have an opportunity, and
shall be called upon to express by ballot, our
choice in men to till our State and local offices,
And we think it not amtss, that the merits or
dement's OF any man who IS presented for public
favor, should be properly considered and thor
Oughlyc anVasscd.
The political opinion of candidates should DE
discussed less, and their ability and Willingness
to fill the office to which they aspire, discussed
more.
We hear it asserted by individuals of every
political faith, (amd We readily concur with
them) that the day has arriV ed when we should
stand shoulder to shoulder in support of men
whose qualifications justly entitIe them to pub
lie positions in life. we should not be influenced
any longer by party spirit; the infusion of which
of candidates for the office of Sheriff of st. Lam
dry, We notice again the name Of Mr.. {. {. DusOn.
Through justice to him we feel constrained to
note Il few things i'll his behalf. Has it not Oc-
CURED TO the mind of every unprecedented and
intelligent voter, who desires to see the law
strictly enforced, that Nj. Duson should be put
in office by the voice of the people? That he
would be. so to speak, the right man in the right
place! His competency has already been PROV
ell. AS an executive officer he has not been sur
passed. While employed as deputy sheriff. he
did more for the welfare of the people OF the
parish than any other man within its limits, eX-
cept our very worthy AND able District Attorney.
In days When 1t tried mems souls to vindicatc
the law and restore ORDER, he stood firm and un-
shaken, and would have split his hearts best
blood, if need be, i'll defence of the rights of the
people for whom he labOred. He performed his
duty. III him our District Attorney found an
ally who aided him i'll unfolding the law and
maintaining order.
Neither influence nor policy ever caused him
to swerve from q strict line Of duty. Surely if
ever a young MAJ of this parish merited a pub
lie position, Mr.. Duson certainly does. He is a
self-made man, and such, generally, constitute
the bone and sinew of the country. He was
raised a poor boy, well acquainted, no doubt,
with the hardShips to which poverty sometimes
reduces lis. He has a kind, christian hearted
old mother, who taught him in those days to
move in obedience to the laws governing the
family circle; and to-day he is acknowledged
by all TO be an honorable and iaw-abiding man.
In these days when life and property alike stand
unprotected, we need a vigilant and an active
Sheriff, one who is uncOmprOmising in the dis
charge of duty, regardless of race or color. His
habits are too well known for further cOnsid-
Grafton and as an officer he is too widely known
for further comment.
We, therefore, unhesitatingly point the voters
OF the parish of st. Landry to him in November
next and trust that they will fully recompense
him for his faithfulneSs heretofore, by giving
him a handsome majority of the votes for the
office for which he is q candidate.
7 n r no - X-blyn An n rnr,ra ~ lrr I-Ar- - 100000
to these matters. We repeat, '.where there's a
will there's a way" JUSTICE.