The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1882-01-18
PRO Bono PUBLICO VISITS NEW
ORLEANS.
New ORLEANS, |
Jan. 1924

New ORLEANS,
Jan. -, 1927
Mr.. EDITOR
Late in the evening of December
2ist, 1881, 1 arrived at Eola Station,
where spent the night, preparatory
to taking the train for New Orleans.
AS the train was TO leave at 5:55 A.
NJ. of the ed, it required that I be
astir somewhat earlier than usual
for one who does not think it impro
per to linger in the arms of Morphe.
US. After cropping my way for about
a mile through darkness and mud
finally reached the Depot of Nor
gan's Louisiana and Texas Railroad
Here l awaited the coming of the
train from Cheneyville; this, by the
way, vas its first trip to Cheneyville
Viii! thus waiting, twas fit time
to indulge ia reveries such as the
following: L. who had been reared
where railroads were numerous;
who had been for some years in
part of Louisiana blessed or cursee
only with stage coaches or steam
boats; / who had snuffed the Car O.
Progress from afar; l who had lately
heard and seen signs unmistakabl.
of the railroads near approach; l
Pro Bono Publico, was about to take
my first ride on a railroad in the
State of louisiana! But the shrek
of the "Iron Horse" announced his
coming, and left no time for further
reveries. Yes! he was most certain.
ly coming-coming with fre-hashins
eye and smoke. covered sides. With
uplifted head and proud step he
marched up to the platform and con-
sented 10 pause long enough to allow
all who wished to-"all aboard."-
Having procured a Communication
ticket, which, under certain condi-
lions, guarantees to the holder a 500
mile ride over any of Morgan's Rail.
road or Steamship lines, We proceed
ed to GALL aboard" But we are,
however, hardly seated when a snort
from the Iron Horse and a culver
along his sides tell US
WE ARE OFF.
Gently at first We move, but soon tits
faster still and still faster, until ere
long we are whirling over the rails to
the music of the wheels. Now let
those who will, still crouch in the
chimney corner and, over a cob.pipe,
lament the departure of the good
ways of Aud Lang Syne; but for
me, give me the inspiration produced
by the wheels of Progress. Let those
who wish to still pIod along to the
measured tread of stage coaches aud
Standardization animals,t6,ey are
and we'll fitted to carry old fogies-
but censure me not as over.enthusi.
asti"'' call me lat pert boy, if l pre-.
Ter to travel to theIstter of a feet,
footed racer; for such is L., po,,ce
Yes, away we go, across prairies and
through swamps, rushing with the
speed of the wind towards the me
tropolis of the South. Through
Washington, and Opelousss, and
Vermillionville, and New Iberia, and
Franklin, and Pattersonville, across
Berwick's Bay, and through Morgan
City, and on for nearly 100 mile.
more, until
BEAUTIFUL PICTURE
bursts upon your view. For as you
approach Algiers the Crescent City
unfolds itself before you like a flag
before a gentle breeze. In one grand
but gradual sweep it presents itself
to you with its substantial buildings
and tall church spires, with its fringe
of ship masts, and with its swan like
steamboats, moving gracefully to and
fro over the Father of Waters. Is
there a man who could gaze unmoved
on such scene7 If so, mark him
as fit for treason, stratsgem and
spoils-as belonging more properly
to the cloisters of the Dark Ages
than to the sun light of the nine.
teenth century. But steaming into
the Depot you cross the river on q
magnificent Transfer boat, step into
a street car and are soon deposited
in first class hotel, where you have
time to catch your breath, shake out
the wrinkles and arrange your toilet
preparatory to taking a peep at the
City.
~ mrIYNNc M YNrrDrom