The Opelousas courier., 1891-06-13
)PELOUsAs PARISH OF ST. LANDRY La, JUNE 49, 1891.
Well Done.

The committee of twenty-five who
had been charged with the duty of de-
vising way, and of plotting through
the project of getting tax of 25 mills
on property located within the incor-
porate limits of Opelousas, has done a
noble and therefore. commendable
work
The ladies put in their efforts from
the beginning, and working character
istically to the end, should be thanked
for their untiring assistance. AS part
of the programme, a meeting OF all our
good people was held at the Court house
after dark, on Monday, June 9Th, for
the avowed purpose of hearing the
question. discussed. Some opposition
to it had been developed, and it was
wisely believed that an exhaustive dis
cussion would have good effect in
removing some erroneous impressions
which were thought to prevail. There
was a large attendance Of good and
anxious persons. The gentlemen were
on their very best behavior, and the
ladies never seemed loyelier aud more
charming in all their lives.
Professor Mayer was on hand to con
duct the musical treat that was served,
and was accompanied by his lovely and
artistic daughter who sat at the piano.
DR. V. K. Irion, the chairman of the
committee of twenty five, opened the
exercises, by well delivered and care
fully prepared address, III which he
explained the objects in view, how the
matter had been projected-the necessi-
ty for, and the Feasibility of it. He
was heard with fixed attention-and
was roundly applanded, Laurent Du-
pre-, Esq, was, by request, made the
cmaster of ceremonies, and making an
appropriate, forcible and eloquent
speech, having the aroma of the spice
of judicious humor it was received with
much applause. He then introduced
Judge Estilette who spoke with great
fervor and much eloquence, and GER
tainly to the purpose. The effort was
a happy one. Then followed Judge
Cullom who presented some local sta
tistics. relating to public schools in
Opelousas, and took the position that,
taxes should be looked upon as bur
thens, only when the money raised by
them is expended extravagantly, or
corruptly. That they are blessings
when applied prudently, to the educa-
tion of the people, because education is
a blessing to every community.
Next came Judge Perry of New Ibe
ria, who, altho' occupied all day in the
arduous duties of his judicial Office,
spoke with much clearness, force of
argument and eloquence. He was ap-
plauded as be deserved to be. Thos
H. Lewis, Esq, was called, but declin-
ed to take the stand,- for the purpose of
making a set speech, spoke a few
minutes from his position in the
audience, declaring himself willing to
vote for the tax. He said but little,
but said it to the purpose and IN II
lucid manner.
Mr.. Frazee spoke from his position
in the audience, and made some very
good points in his usually fluent style,
which elected applause. Judge Brooks
was called on. He is not accustomed
to public speaking, but showed a hero
ism in bis effort, worthy of the cause.
His speech was apropos, and what it
lacked in length, it made mp for, in it's
aptness and telling effect upon the
audience. Then came our Jealous,
ardent and always agreeable friend
Hon G.. L. Dnpre. He is always inter
esting, and was never more so. He
was lotsly applauded from time to
time, and closed his remarks by read
ing paragraph from most eloquent
lectdfe delivered in Baton Rouge last
spring by Mrs. Curry.
The last called on fora speech was
w. C. Perrault, Esq He-spoke but a
short time, but spoke ably. The night
was approaching its noon, and con
siderlng that brevity was on that oc-
casion and under the circumstances, the
"soul Of aeit' he rather disappointed
the audience by not occupying its
attention longer.
The master of ceremonies then ex-
pressed his regrets that the time had
come to break up, and said he hoped
the setting of the morrow's sun would
witness the most satisfactory results OF
the election.
The election was held. The prop
erty holders turned out well. 156
votes were polled-there being 104 for
the tax and 50 against.
The result of this days proceedings
will necessarily prove an ultimate
blessing to this town and parish. 1t
will inspire the friends of education,
by placing at their command means of
carrying on the good work.
It will lead on from primary to grad.
uated schools, and we may justly ex
pect to see boys and girls made fair and
lipe scholars here in our midst. Why
should it not be soq Why should par
ents have TO send their children away
from home for liberal Instruction.
Think of the folly of it! Other towns
and cities have tried the same expert
ment, and not one can be found to
complain.
Vice and crimes are the progenies of
ignorance, and the people are paying
each year; ten times as much, for the
punishment of crimes, as this school
tax amounts to. Tt is economy on
their part to educate the goaag. What
they pay for their instruction, will
diminish in ten-fold way the taxes
they have been paying for the punish
ment of criminals made by ignorance.
The property holders have done
well, have acted wisely and we must
heartily commend what they have
done. Some are disposed to murmnr,
but we think without reason Let us
make brief calculation of costs and
see what it amounts to. The tax is 81
mills per annum for 8 years, which is
equal to 90 mills for one year. Now