The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1889-01-26
Immigration Convention.
AT RUsToN, LINCOLN PARISH, La, MON
DAY, FEB. 1s, 1899, HELD UNDER THE
AUSPICES OF TFtn Ftfa's. AS4rE 1MM1-
GRAFTON ASSOCIATION.
GRAFTON ASSOCIATION

The following suggestion dated Aug
81, 1888, for convention of former citi
zens of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia
South Carolina and other Gulf, Atlantic
Ind Middle States now residing in Lou
1siana, was published and strongly in.
| dorsed by nearly all of the press of the
State, and would have been carried or
last fall but for the interference of the
unfortunate quarantine regulations and
other causes.
/ The State immigration Association
! fully appreciating the great necessity
! for this convention now, as it did then
and as a majority of the press of North
Louisiana, as far as was received by US,
/ decided to make the call for the de-
legates to meet at Ruston, in Lincoln
parish, on the Vicksburg, Shreveport
and Pacific Railroad, on Monday, the
18th day Of February, 1889, at 12 m.
Residents in each parish from the
States embraced in this call are request
ed to assemble and select delegates in
any manner they please, to represent
them at this convention, at the earliest
possible dates, and notify us of their
names and postofice address.
These delegates, to be former citizens
of the States named, will select their
own officers and manage and control the
conv vBntion, without any interference or
suggestion from the officers of the State
immigration Association.
For the purposes of business the num-
ber of delegates will be limited to ten
from each parish, but as many alter
mates can be appointed as is desired,
there being no limit to their number.
The hall will be handsomely decorated
appropriate music will be furnished, and
everything done to make the conven-
ton pleasant and enjoyable as we'll as
profitable and useful. It is believed
that his ExcelIency Gov. Nichols will
render all the assistance in his power to
make this convention q perfect sue
cess.
Distinguished speakers will be in at
tendance, and the names of the speakers,
programme of the convention, ETC., will
be announced in due time. The follow
ing is the suggestion referred to, it be-
ing contained in a former circular form
this office.
NEW ORLEANS. Aug. 81, 1888.
Dear Sir-It has been suggested that
a convention be called to meet at some
point in North Louisiana, on the V. s.
and P. Railroad, To- consist mainly of
former citizens of Alabama, Georgia,
and Middle States, who now reside in
Louisiana, to obtain their statement re-
garding their personal experiences dur
ing their residences in this State, which
information to be supplemented by data
and statistics regarding the products
and resources of the different parishes
in Louisiana, is to be published in pam
phlet form and sent back to their for
mer homes, to be distributed among
their relatives, friends and others.
'tThe holding of these conventions
and the agitation of immigration will do
Louisiana I,ood abroad. fa.pd at the same
time eduee&e our own people to it's i'm
portanee. 1t is our desire to treat every
section of the State alike, and for that
reason we think it proper that this con-
vention should be held in North Lonisi-
ana. The call will e made by the State
immigration Association, and we will
be guided by the opinion of majority
of the press of North Louisiana as to
the time and place of holding it. Ii you
think we'll of this idea, please indicate
III the columns of your paper (and send
me marked copy at what point and
time You think the most proper to hold
such convention. The State Immigra-
tion Association will obtain cheap rail-
road fare and will pay the usual ex-
penses of the convention, and will also
pay for printing the proceedings, in
pamphlet form, for distribution.
In doing this it is not our purpose to
relax one iota of interest in the move
ment TO bring Northern and Western
settlers into Louisiana. Our energies in
this direction will continue just the
same, and We will try our utmost to
throw large numbers Of these valuable
citizens into North Louisiana, as well
as elsewhere, but We must encourage
the stream of immigration from the
Gulf and Atlantic States, who on their
westward march when they reach the
beautiful and highly favored region
known as North Louisian,o charmed
and alIured by the grand forests, run
ming streames, fine springs, fertile lands
and hospitabley inhabitants, halt their
caravans and build their campfires on
the roadside until they can select
home within the borders of this inviting
district.
Every truly yours,