The Opelousas courier., 1888-06-09

Gin all of these States except Louisl-
ana immense efforts have been made to
secure population, and, as you will see,
it has been accomplished by persistent
advertising and work, and in some
cases in the face of appalling climatic
influences.
"It might be said that these were un-
settled countries, with large public do
main. We can reply we also have here
in Louisiana millions of acres OF virgin
forest as yet untouched by the axman,
and plenty of territory where you can
| ride from fifteen and even twenty miles
without seeing a habitation. This gives
us room to at least advance in a ratio
as great as Arkansas and Texas, and
believe that with the proper effort we
could in the next four years beat the re-
cord. Prof. Knapp, a distinguished
member of our late convention and our
best authority on immigration, stated
that he believed Southwestern Louisi-
ana alone would receive an addition OF
300, 900 people.
"Late statistical reports show that
immigration and increased population
is building up the South with marvel
GUS rapidity. a
"The increase in all of her agricultu
raj products in less than a decade is es-
timated to be about 1926, 900 900, and in
live stock about 5000, 900, 900. Railroad
mileage has about doubled, and the
assessed value of property has increas-
ed in the greatest ratio in Alabama
Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas ant
Florida, which sums up nearly so pei
cent increase. Also amounts appropri
ated for educational purposes foot NJ
into splendid proportions.
off we expect to succeed and keel
Louisiana in line with the Southwest
ern States, we must be up and doing
No laggard gait will hold her in the
ranks of the mighty army of progress
which is marching to-day with resist
less tread from the Ohio to the Gulf
and from the Carolinas to the Colder
Gate. This is an era of change, ant
the advancing host in solid phalanx ant
with steady step is moving -towart
Louisiana, but it needs direction, ant
will only halt when we reach the llml
of our capacity to provide them home
and suitable accommodations.
cit must be gratifying to you gentle
men, and to all those who have gener
ously and periodically aided in thi
movement, to know that at last
stream of golden light floods the fai
fields of Louisiana, and that you an
they have contributed so much to blini
about the happy result"
A motion was then made by Hon
: Henry A. Garrett that the executiv
committee are hereby authorized to fol
mulate an appeal to the Gem ral Assem-
bly, of the State for funds ito aid i
carrying out the objects of thu assoGa
ton, in such amount and at such tim
as they may deem proper.
A motion was offtred by Hon. job
Dymond, of Plaquemines, that the pre-
sident of the association appoint a com
mittee of five to draft resolutions mem
} orializing Congress to withdraw fror
;, sale the government lands in Louisi
ana now remaining unsold.
I The motion was seconded by Hor
Henry A. Garrett and carried.
Major Richard A. Pomeroy was the
invited to deliver an address upon tn
mineral resources of Louisiana. Hi
remarks were received with much at
tention, as he had investigated thosub
ject.
J He advocated an appropriation b
the Legislature for the purpose of h,v
iLg a State geologist to make a repol
upon L%ouisiana's minerals.