St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1889-05-25

lS tAo tO"A III Iho
parish, settled about 1917, incorporated in
from 5000 to $500 inhabitants. Twenty
two miles below is the pretty little village |
of Lockport with the bright and beautiful
lake fields in it's rear; it's settlement dates
back some sixty odd years, and now con-
tains about 1900 people. Opposite to it is
Logueville, in which reside some 200 or
800 people.
Our climate is a healthy one The sadly |
remembered epidemics of '53 and '7S did |
not visit more than one third of the settled |
portions of the parish. Few Of the chronic |
diseases that prevail and destroy life else
where are known here. The hectic cough |
of the consumptive is seldom heard. Octo-
genarians are frequent and nonogenarlans
often met with. Ice is rarely visible, and
then only for one or two days at time. |
Sunstrokes seldom occur.
Ladies and gentlemen of the Louisiana
Press Association, | have endeavored to
give you an idea of the topography and
capabilities of the parish of Lafourche. No
effort to embelish or prevaricate has been
made. We will endeavor to give you an
opportunity to see a great portion OF the
parish during your visit here. Then you
can form your own opinion and establish
your own judgment And now, trusting
that you may find your visit pleasant and
agreeable and that your session may be
harmonious and instructive, l once more,
in behalf,,of the people OF Lafourche, tender
you cordial welcome.
Both the addresses of welcome were
gratefully received by visitors and cit
liens.
Musc-"Salut la Preese"-was then
sung by the ladies and gentlemen, under
direction of Prof. Chof, after which the
following poem, written by
- MRS e. M. GooDE,
4 lie Thibodaux Sentinel entitled "Wel-
Come, was read by Hon. S D. Moore.
When Lafourches sweeping waters
Proudly to the ocean glide,
Freight of commerce precious burdens
Bearing safely on its tide,
Stands our honored bayou city,
Stamued by busy Progress still,
Art and nature both as wooers
Grant their graces to her Will.
Here we greet our sisters, brothers,
Though until to-day unknown,
Friendly lips will bid you welcome,
Kindly hands shall clasp your own.
Music, with her power enhancing,
Keeps her sweetest notes for you,
Roses fragrant round you scattered,
Lovelier Cashmere never knew.
Man is ever seeking pleasures
Under far and stranger skies,
Scoring fairer flowers beneath him,
Climbs for Alpine EidelWelss.
Roams through mediavalruins,
Scales the peaks of distant shores,
Revels in Athenian sculpture,
Or buried citys stores.
Let us turn to works around US,
Marvels nature formed alone,
For our world is so wondrous,
Grander than the sculptured stone.
Here is our fair Louisiana,
Beautiful to loving eyes,
But to touch her soil responsive
Blooms another paradise.
Come and see our quiet bayous
Gliding through the forests dim,
Hear through natures vast cathedral
Feathered songsters' mat1n hymn.
See where green palmetto rises,
And the graceful willows wave
While the moss-hung cypress dropping
Bids the sire am its branches lave.
Queen of all our woods, Magnolia,
Scents the balmy summer air,
While a thousand humber flowers
Blush and bloom and wither there.
Have we here no ancient wonders,
But the blood of Southern martyrs
Sanctitied our Southern sod.
Honor to your grand profession,
Brothers bound by mutual tie
Ceasing discord, be your motto,
Good will and fraternity.
Speak the truth the right defending
Magnify your Office then,
Often proved, shall still be proven
Mightier than the sword-the pen.
A duet march on trombone and piano,
by Misses Clemence and Augusta Layman,
followed the reading of the poem, when
GENERAL LEON JAsTREMsKI,
editor of the Louisiana Re06eW and presi-
dent of the association, delivered the fol-
lowing response to the hearty words OF
welcome:
Mr.. Mayor, Mr. President, Ladies and
GeLtlemen-The warm welcome that the
Press Association of your State has re-
ceived at your hands, and the eloquent
words of greeting we have just listened to
press your sentiments on this occasion,
would amply justify me in availing my
self of the excuse by which long lines of
speakers have sought to cover their en-
barrassments where exposed as | am to-
night to the gaze of so captivating and en-
lightened an audience; that is, that the
pleasing duty of responding should have
fallen to the lot of gifted orator, and not,
as it has, upon q common mortal, privi-
legged to do his public speaking in the edi-
torial sanctum and by the medium of cold
type. But as the idea is generally preva
lent that timidity is not one Of the distin-
gushing traits of the average journalist,
and as he is supposed to have been blunted
by the shafts of his beloved brethren and
the harsh criticisms of the public, l must
endeavor to uphold the reputation for
recklessness that has been awarded to the
craft, and, in the best way | can, express
the hearty thanks of the association for
the attentions and courtesies you have al
ready showered upon them, and besides
seek to entertain you briefly upon the OBJ
iects which trust will give it long life
of usefulness to the people for whom it
speaks.
Continuing, he related the history of the
association from its origination in Baton
Rouge in 1880, down to the present time,
and at the close of his remarks he was
loudly applauded.
An address in French, sLa Louisiana
dams Vingt Ans" by
MR.. J. GENTIL,
of the Assumption Pioneer, closed the pro
ceedings of The day, and the convention
adjourned till $50 to- morrow morning.
THE FOLLOWING NAMED
ladies and gentlemen of the fourth estate
are present st this writing:
j. B. Lawton, New Iberia Enterprise
]. N. Gourdaiu, St. James Courier; L. s.
Scott. Welsh Crescent William Cary, Jen-
nings Reporter; w. B. Bailey, Lafayette