The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1882-11-01
4 Ramble Through and Around Alex-
andTia "the Future Great.
FIif0r DemOcr0t-

Editor Democrat-
So much has recently been said, and
more written in regard to the present
aud prospective status of this, our
growing little city, its relative advan-
tages, its rising glories, etc, your cor
respondent ventured recently on a
voyage of exploration Through aud
around" so that by personal inspec-
ton he might be enabled to write
more adviscdly of that whereof he
speaketh. So in the best hnmor with
himself and the rest of mankind, he
started out with that view. What.
ever my iottings may prove-whether
readable or not, has caused no pre-
yious thought. To most perhaps of
your home readers, nothing new or
especially interesting need be antici-
paled, but to those distant and COM
paratively unacquainted with tue vim
of its dcnizens, the great attractive
ness of our locality here both as to
town and country, some inducements
may be held out for personal inspec-
ton, when may be seen, what we just
ly conceive the grounds of hopeful
ness and faith that is in us. By refe-
renee to the late mammoth edition of
your enterprising contemporary, the
estate Central Express" and especially
its fine and comprehensive may there
with, We see the aown of Alexandria
is located on an elevated plateau
above overfow--immediately on the
western bank of Red River, amongst
the most important tributaries of the
mighty Mississippi; and the same au-
thority claims for it geographically,
the most central locality of our State.
The Town itself is beautifully laid
ont as by mathematical precision in
squares generally of uniform size at
right angles. Its broad and we'll sha-
ded esplauades constitute a prominent
and attractive feature. What Alexan-
dria might have been at present but
for that attack to its growth, caused
by the ''late unpleasantness," when
nearly it's entire business and large
portion of its public aud private resi-
dcnces, were ruthlessly destroyed, as
tho by the torch of the midnight in-
cendiary it is now bootless to specu-
late on. Alas! but too many monu-
ments of that wanton vandalism still
exist and meet the eye at almost
every turn. But like the tabled bird
that reproduces itself from its own
ashes, we are if slowly yet surely ris-
ing. There is not SO much lack of
energy amongst onr people as that of
capital, for while perseverance is a
prime factor and essentially necessary
for the accomplishment of great ends,
money is absolutely needed for it's
proper direction. Both Of these--the
greatest engines towards moral or ma
terial advancement, we should invite
and encourage through all laudable
means.
In point Of fertility Of soil, equable
climate and healthfulness, great trans
porting faci!ities-both by water and
rail-we are especially blest at pres
ent, with an almost unlimited prospec-
tive. Railroad connection now estab-
lisled and in daily operation, and 9TH
ers in contemplation, when the latter
shall be completed we will indeed be
able to claim for Alexandria the proud
of being "a great railroad
CENTRE" This will invite and induce
capital and immigration from other
aud distant points, just what we most
need; if we can only secure its advent
we have no fear that all who come,
desiring by Thrift and enterprise, to be
pleased. To air such we say we have
no fear but that they will remain per.
and by their successinduce
others to follow their example. Find
ing we have wandered from our origi-
nal Intention scarcely, indeed, touch
ing on the prime subject contemplated
at the outset, and that we may not
monopolize yonr space and kind indul-
gence, must reserve for future occa-
sion what we intended to introduce in
this. ERGO.