The Opelousas courier., 1889-06-08
Fourth of July Celebration.

FOR many years past our citizens
nave oeen rather delinquent and indif-
ierent about appropriately remember
ing the natal day of American Inde-
pendence and the birth of the grandest
ana most prosperous republic that ever
existed on earth. The magnitude and
ectdt or the recent Centennial ceIebra-
tlons seem to have awakened the slum-
neflhs patriotism and latent pride of
6he people throughout the United
o1ates, and we are glad to note the
iact that the spirit of enthusiasm has
permeated our citizens, and that thev
propose to make the approaching
,Fourth' a conspicuous and ioyous
date by commemorating it in marked
and appropriate manner.
Before the announcement of any for
mai programme, we would state that
there is to be grand parade of our
lire companies, led by the Onelousas
Brass Band; the engines and truck to
De handsomely decorated; an exhibi-
ton given of the splendid manner in
which the celebrated SiIsby steam fire
engine will throw water, and what our
''boys' can do when called upon to
quench fire; and during the day some
OF our eloquent speakers will address
the people, reminiscing the glorious
past and the deeds ofou valorous fore.
fathers, noting the rapid progress of
our great country, its marvellous wealth
and strength, future possibilities. etc.
Such an occasion is we'll calculated
to make the fires of patriotism burn
anew upon the common altar of our
country, and by reminding us of the
precious benefits of land Of liberty to
animate and confirm us in the determi-
nation OF perpetuating its glories and
blessings as priceless heritage to fu-
ture generations.
Doubtless q grand ball will conclude
the events of the day Let us have "A
big crowd from the country on that
day, and make 1t celebration worthy
OF the grand event concentrated
WEATHER AND CRoPs-Still another
week and no rainfall. making p months
Of drouth, which, with the prevailing
north winds, is fast running the crops
The planters continue working their
lands, almost against hope, trusting
that the long deferred showers will GER
tainly come with the advent of June.
The crops are not only witllering, but
the stock are suffering for food and
water. Our prairies look like a fire
had passed over them-the grass dead
and water all dried up. Some of our
old citizens say that they have not wit.
messed such protracted spring droutli
since the year 1854 or 80, and in that
instance it was not as disastrous as the
ope now scourging US. It's claimed by
MANY, however, that, with favorable
seasons in the summer and fall, pretty
fair crops of corn, cotton, and rice may
be made by planting until the 18th of
June. This is a forlorn hope" but
it is better than to make no effort at all.
SEVERAL ACCIDENTS last Tues
day, the little eighteen months old child
of Ben Fontenot, who resides in Prai
n Ronde, got hold of a cup of concen
trated lye, that had been prepared for
securing, and drank some of the corro-
sive fluid which caused it's death Il day
or two aftef.'
On last Monday a little negro boy,
residing in Bellevue, upset an open box
of concentrated lye, some of which
spattered in his eye and destroyed the
sight.
A small boy whose name we did not
learn, was bitten by a rabid dog in
Rrairie Ronde on last Tuesday.
aIr. Ell. E. Estorge, while wrestling
with friend on last Sunday, had the
misfortune Of breaking his right leg
lust above the ankle. The fracture rs a
very painful one.