The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1875-02-05
"The Uses of Adversity.''
from the New orleans Times.l

lEEUH GUS NEW OElCGtI1S A1hAC5'J
Hosts of people in the South a re-
member a time when strong men quite
superior to the promptings of a vitiated
taste, willingly rode miles for a cup of
pure coffee; when shapely feminine
feet were encased in boys rough bro
gans, q cheap calico dress was esteemed
a prize, sumptuous feasts were served III
common yellow crockery !; and in short
when an entire people, numbered among
the most refined on earth, were not
only deprived of every luxury, but
what had previously been considered
the eommonest necessities. 1t will be
remembered, too, that far from being
considered just cause for repining, all
made merry at their own expense, and
the poor appliances then to be procured
were treasured with a care which has
never been bestowed upon costlier ar
tieles. 1t does not require q wal to in
spire a spirit that rises superior to tri-
fling inconvenience. The toad of mis-
fortune, whichugly and venemous, bears
yet a precious jewel in it's head, is not
necessarily a representative OF phalanx
m~arshaled for the fray, and the uses OF
adversely "a be discovered without
deeds of blood, or attending desolation.
If in our present depression the moral
heroism of 1869 and 1868 were revived,
and all concluded to bear the depriva-
tions now experienced with the quiet
good humOr then exhibited, the results
of such q step would at one become
apparent. Not what one actually re-
quires, but the imagined necessities,
render life the endless struggle it in
variably proves.
If without relaxing effort, all were
determined to relinquish the luxuries
they cannot conveniently attain, and rest
satisfied, atleastduringt the presentstrin~
gency, with simply what is essential,
comparative contentment would at once
be realized; we speak of course, literally
of the articles which are daily consumed
and tho necessities constantly felt.
The sequel will prove that the misfor-
tunes by which all are to a greater or
less degree affected, tend to bind the
people more closely together. Howeve,
fruitless may be the efforts in another
direction, socially their power is undis-
puted, and by a simple effort of the Will,
they can strip adversely Of half its
terrors.
KITCHEN FIRE STARTED WITH $1,1W
IN GREENBACKs-H. Grote keeps a sa-
loon and clearinghouse at 1913 Second
street, and, to all appearances, is doing
a good and prosperous business. He
is a thrifty individual, and is given to
operating somewhat in stock-horses.
He doesn't keep, as a usual thing, a vast
amount of money about the house. Day
before yesterday, having a note against
him that was rapidly approaching ma
turity, he obtained something over 81 100
with which to satisfy it. Wrapping Zip
this comfortable sum in an old neWspa-
per, he slowed the bundle away In a
bureau drawer, and where he intended
to let it remain until it was wanted TO
liquidate the claim against him. In bis
family is a young girl, a sister of his
wife, named 'Melia Merclink, a bright
little lass, about nine years of age. "a
part of 'Melia's duties is the kindling Of
the matutinal fire, and yesterday morn
ing, as usual, she was the first one stirrilg
in the house. Not having enough in
fammable material handy, she remefn-
bered the roll of paper in the drawer.
and getting it out put it in the stoi, e,
where she soon had a beautiful fire lin
full blast. When the master of the
establishment arose he missed bis
money. and a little inquiry demonstTht-
ed the fact that 81, LOO had gone g where,
in the elegant language of the late
lamented James Fisk, Jr., the wood
bine twineth." The state of the atmps-
phere in that boarding-house can sbe
better imagined than described-the
fire was Immediately extinguished, but,
as it had been under good Roadway for
least two hours, the stove was as empty
as a reporters Observation-Disclosures
kee News.