St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1881-04-16


Those vast spaces of green with their
apparently boundless horton, have,
however, a charm of their Avn, and we
never wearied of gazing af them, and
watching the shifting play &c light and
shadow over their undulatfhg surface.
Lake Charles depot was 1q he'd about
five minutes past twelve, al a then the
excursionists drifted apart, Many OF
them had friends and relatives in town,
and were welcomed by them, some took
dinner at the hotel, but by far the
greatest number, in family groups,
picnicked on the banks Of the Lake,
under the shelter Of the saw mills.
Some sail boats were brought into
requisition and special few of us en-
joyed sail across the beautiful Lake.
1t is a lovely body of water, and the
fourishlng little town which is steadily
improving owes its attractiyeness to
the Lake on whose banks it is built.
Nothing occurred on the trip worthy
of record. People enjoyed themselves
quietly, and found the cars pleasant,
the conductor courteous, and nothing
occurred to mar their satisfaction. Any
one who wished to make the different
creole types their study would have
found ample employment on the cars
that day. Every variety of the French
speaking race were assembled there,
and as far as we could judge enjoyed
themselves heartily in this novel expe-
rience of riding in rail cars, through a
country they had only traversed before
on horseback. If travelling facilities
are allowed them our creole population
will avail themselves of it as this ex-
cursion proved. But in our behalf we
must be allowed to say few words on
this subject.
TO go to Vermillionville here, %
miles and return, was $3.50, cents a
mile. On the Texas line from Vermil-
ionville to Lake Charles, II miles, the
fare was $3.50 about one cent per mile.
Now the Texas line began with a mar
row. minded policy and cxhorbitant
rates, whilst the Morgan line advocated
more liberal policy, From this it will
be seen that the Texas line is in
advance of the other, and has been
clear sighted enough to recognize that
it is promoting the best interests of the
road to reduce the fare, particularly on
special occasions. The season of pic
MICS is at hand. We learn that there is
to be one of the colored population from
Franklin to Opelousas, on the Goth inst.
There is another one discussed here, to
come off on or about the list of May we
thiuk to New Iberia. We suggest in
view Of profitable picnic season, that
the Morgan line will follow the example
of the Texas, and put the rates of trav ell
within reach Of even the poorest. j ].
The cash receipts of the late excursion
was about $110O, and the net profits of
the company $500.
1t is pity that Sunday is the chosen
day for these excursions. We are not
putting forth any religious or moral
plea against it, but simply as business
matter. Were it any other day, excur-
sionists who will crowd in here, would
purchase at our stores and patronize
other industries. The good effect Of
these excursions cannot be over-rated.
The relations between the southwestern
parishes of Louisiana are strengthened
by them, the unity of interests is en-
couraged-social and business relations
are extended, and altogether the eff
fects are beneficial. Rapides will soon
fall into line with us when the road
reaches her and that viii certainly be a
cause for graduation. She is go-ahead
parish, and to her people we are bound
by old ties Of friendship and common
interests.