St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1881-08-27
How to Secure Immigration.
New Orleans Democrat. |

1t is not necessary for the papers to
quarrel over the distinction Of having
first suggested plans for securing immi-
grafton. This is one point, at least,
upon which all the journals of the
Sou thwest have agreed, and concerning
which all Of them have been fruitful
OF intelligent recommendation. The
great obstacle in our way has been two
told. First, we have never taken the
trouble to advertise our wants and our
advantages aud secondly, we have
never engaged in any organized effort
TO receive and care for such immigrants
as might happen, through accident or
otherwise, to reach our shores. For
months past hundreds of Germans
have been arriving here, either en- route
to Texas or with vague destinations
which circumstances might determine.
What sort of reception have they met 2
What has been done to impress them
with a conviction that Louisiana is a
desirable home ? They have arrived
here; there has been no one to receive
or entertain them; no evidence that
their presence is recognized or their
coming welcomed. They have been
left to get on their way as best they
could, and to write home that New
Orleans is place where the industrious
but humble emigrant is not regarded.
The methods and appliances by which
New York has made itself the great
immigration focus, and has obtained
control of the millions annually pour
ing into this country have all been neg
lected here. Needing an access of pop
ulation; absolutely languishing for
up our waste places and fill the desolate
places Of our State with the sweet music
Of industry, we have yet neglected to
make one earliest effort to supply our
great want.
AS to this there has been no difference
Of opinion among the newspapers. Each
has been fully alive to the Importance
Of the occasion, and each has been en-
thusiastic in its endeavor to secure
effective action in the premises. There
has been no lack of advocacy in any
quarter, and whatever the awakened
sentiment Of tile people may bring forth
hereafter, the credit should be fairly
apportioned and fhe qualification i'm
partially divided. We say this, al
though from the first the Democrat has
been urgent in the matter, and has
spent much time and money in ascer-
tanning and proclaiming the advantages
and resources of the State. We say it,
because We believe that in cause OF
this description, having for its object
there should be no selfish seeking for
aggrandizement.
It is now proposed to organize in New
Orleans an institution similar to the
Castle Garden establishment in New
YOrk-a place where immigrants may
be received and cared for, protected
from imposition and secured against
want, and faithfully and honestly for
warded to such destination as they
may elect. To such an end not only
Louisiana, but Mississippi, Alabama,
Texas and Arkansas should contribute.
New Orleans is the great seaport of the
Southwest, the point at which the COM
merce of the section must eventually
centre. 1t is growing in Importance
every day, and each development in
the carrying trade of the interior, every
fresh step in the evolution of our in
dustries, adds to its magnitude and its
prominence. There is no reason why
the immigrants destined for the South.
West and Northwest should not soon
make this their American landing point.
From here they can get cheaper dis.
patch to any point in the Mississippi
valley and a better opportunity of
We believe that the proposition we
have mentioned is wholesome and
sensible one, and we urge its adoption
upon the communities of the South
west. We are prepared to promise that
Louisiana will do her part in the un-
dertaking, and will guarantee to our
neighbOrs harmony OF effort and equity
of dealing throughout.