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

TH1BoDAUx, May 16-The Press Con-
vention reassembled at $50 a. M, and
after adopting the following resolutions,
adjourned sine die:
Whereas, the public school system of
! this State is insufficient, inadequate and
hot what it should be, in consequence of
lack of revenues, and whereas, the late re-
port of the Secretary of State showed that
nearly one half of our registered voters
are illiterate, unable to read their ballots
and therefore to vote intelligently or to in
form themselves, through the press on
public affairs and whereas, we see in it
bar to the full success of the press and to
the progress and prosperity of the State,
If not positive, immediate and threaten
ing danger.
First-Be it resolved by the Louisiana
Press Association, That its members use
all their power and influence to better the
school system of the State, and to that end
discuss this matter thoroughly, and urge
upon the legislature and the people more
liberal provisions for education, thereby
insuring better public schools.
Resolved, That we see in the case of
Texas and other States proof that good
public school system is one of the first pre-
requisites for immigration and necessary
for complete success in attracting to Louis
lana that intelligent class of settlers the
State wants.
Resolved, That in good public school
system we see the greatest hope of the
present the best immigration agent the
best means of developing the industries of
Louisiana; the surest preserver of peace
and order, and the guarantor of progress
and prosperity.
Second-Be it resolved, That we recog
nize in the question of immigration one of
vast and vital importance to the people of
this State, and that in the solution of the
problem of how to secure such desirable
additions to our present population as will
aid us in developing the limitless natural
resources of our commonwealth, and to
assist us in the march toward higher civ
ilization, one worthy the best talent in our
profession. That it is in the power of the
press to lead in this work by keeping be-
fore the public the attractions here offered
and by creating and Strengthening a senti-
ment among our fellow citizens favorable
to broader appreciation of the advantages
Of securing immigration and to this end
we recommend the most liberal appropria-
tions by State, parochial and municipal
legislation.
Third - Resolved, That we earnestly
recommend to the congress of the United
States the propriety of liberal appropria-
tion for the deepening of the channel Of
the bayou Lafourche, to the end that the
ninety miles of water navigation through a
thickly settled country, producing five
millions Of agricultural products annually,
may be made source of profit to the
Union. This appropriation can be based
on higher grounds than is usual in such
cases. for the reason that the existing OBJ.
structions were originally caused by works
made in 1914 for the cause of national de-
tense against foreign invader.
Fourth-Resolved, That the State In
sane Asylum ct Jackson is the special
charge Of the State, worth, worthy Of her mos NOS
accommodation should be provided for al
ina insane wheresoever found Throughout
t I'M. state, and that ample appropriation
should be made for their maintenance and