The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1889-03-16
W Lafourche Items.

LOWER LAFoURcHE, March Is, 1889.
Editor SENTINEL:
Dear Sir-Since my last letter we
have been blessed with beautiful
weather. On every farm, Il life Of ac-
tivity is seen which clearly indicates
that our friends the farmers are deter
mined to make up for lost time. A
few weeks more of such weather is
greatly needed.
As the Police Jury at its last session
passed ii resolution authorizing the
district Attorney to see what steps
could be taken to prevent the closing
up of Bayou Blue by deposits from
the Southern Navigation Comipany's
canal, and as that resolution touches
the all important question Of drainage,
allow me also, "to harp upon that
string" If reports are true, ard no
doubt they are. Bayou Blue is being
rapidly filled up from the deposits
of the above canal, and as this bayou
is the natural outlet of the water OF
more than half of the west bank Of the
parish, it should certainly not be per-
mitted to be closed. But, preventing
deposits in Bayou Blue, although do
ing much good, will not solve the
question but it will be another' step
! in the right direction. Something else
has to be done. Dividing the parish
into drainage districts Was another
step made toward the object in view,
. and wa no doubt conducive of much
good, but still it was only Il step to-
ward the ultimate end. What remains
has to be done by those Interested.
The yearly drainage fund OF this dis
trict, 1.-THE ~fourtl) is certainly not sutii-
cient to attempt any work OF conse-
uuence. bat cannot funds be raised
in other ways than by taxation to-
~luntary contributions, fairs, etc, ETC.,
would in my humble opinion, enable
us to raise IL sufficient suin TO go to
work and reclaim thousands and thou
sands of acres of land o mostly
under water. We are fully aware
that the task is Ion. and diificu t, but
it il certainly not impossible, and we
have enough competent, intelligent and
public spirited citizens to take hold
Of it aud carry it to il successful end.
Viii they do it:
Spring, its green foliage and multi
colored flowers, is at hand and unnils-
taxable signs Of it are seen every
where. Peach and plum trees are IL
fall bloom, orange trees are also be-
ginning to blossom, while the produc'
} of our undrained swamps and prarie'
the blood thirsty little mosquito-i'
2 already making his song heard.
More interest should be taken i'll on
$ public schools than Is generally TIN
. ease. Parents should not only con
!" tent themselves with sending thei
l children to school, they should ais
occasionally visit them. Such visit
are always the source of much goo
. and is at all times a pleasure to tn
d teacher and pupils. On such visit
S the studious and diligent are Away
/, pointed out with pride by their teach
4 er, and in urn they receive the prais
q es of the visitor. The more idly il
clined, receiving no praise, often 1t
Il solve not to be outdone by others, an
!. from that visit the dullest child otte
becomes the brightest pupil of his elias
Parents, go and see your children
q your visit may be the stimulus needle
l. to awaken some dormant intelligence
e As my letter is getting to be length
M I will bid YOU az reroir till ne:
10 week. Il. r.. BELL.