The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1891-02-07

ponder for awhile and follow US with
sincerity. We have studied the situa.
tiOn thoroughly and will interprete
same with fidelity.
We found in st. Martinville more
union and concord among its citizens
than We expected (here the smile of in.
credulity, il it exist. will soon be dis
pelled.) Note we'll. dear reader, that the
petcadilles Of local politics that agitats
periodically the rank of the masses, do
not, necessarily ehgender dissentiOn, in
the proper acception Of the word. There
is nothing more erroneous than to enter
tain such ideas. These frivolous contes.
tatiuns Gn st. Martinville) disappeatbe-
fore the tide of progress and enterprise
for every thing that tends to the ad-
vancement OF their locality. Yes we
mnintain this fact, and the proof il there
staring the inhabitants in their face.
A close survey of the field will give an
eloquent representation Of the truth Of
this assertion.
The word progress" stimulates the
nerves Of the citizens, in general, and
their undertakings always come to a
beneficial result. Success in their mot.
to. Have we not seen few years past
(when new impetus struck the town.
the citizens display most meritoriOus
energy, in giving an example of their
magnanimity? The memory of vener.
able pastor touches the noble feelings Of
the st. Martinvillians, and on one Occa-
sion the cry Of "let lis render justice to
the true devotion Of our saint-cure" il
heard. and Immediately one and all is to
his post of duty, from every ones purse
a liberal contribution is obtained to
swell the fund for the good cause. In a
few weeks the sum of $lsOO,OO was re-
allied and forwarded to Paris, France,
to defray the expenses Of statue life
si1e.) To day, statue ornaments the
centre Of the magnificent square, in
front of the Catholic church, true mOnu.
ment which Is there rettacing constant.
ly to the remembrance of the Catholics
the great virtues which characterized
the venerable pastor. Rev. A. NJ. Jan.
who, fOt thirty five years devoted his
time to his large and beloved congrega-
tiOn. Has this grand tribute Of respect
and maghatilmity paid so highly to the
memory Of a priest, PARALLEL in South
West Louisianay No. Have the citizens
Of town, up to this hour, demonstrated
such an admiration for true merit and
expressed in such glowing way their
sentiment. No. We again say. turn
your eyes in all directions and survey
the field.'
Such noble traits have their value and
are recognized by impartial and unpre.
JUDGED people.
Another point which distinguishes
your town, is the following particulari-
ty. which Ia in itself a rare treat and
establishment, to those who have the
good fortune Of being versed in both
languages; English and French. In st,
Martinville, those two languages are
spoken fluently, and In the high class
with purity. The St. Martinvillians
are never embarrassed, they have show
ed their common sense by not subject
ing themselves TO be ridiculed, in show
ing the limited Knowledge Of knowing
but one language. as 1t Is generally the
case In other parts of this state.
Is 1t not rt-sickehing and prepos-
terous to hear Creoles tFrench dsscents)
always talking English and incapable Of
murmuring French phrase! Such an
ignorance is shame, and fortunate are
those who are not guilty of being class
ed in such deplOrable condition.
Are you not proud. Mr.. Editor. for such
a distinction for your town? Would IL
not be conrenabIe TO throw that cloak
eIsewheres
A nOrtherner lately remarked to the
writer, that one language was sufficient
for this country. We answered that In
our estimation man versed, even su-
perficially. in two OF three languages
, was superior to graduate IN but one
He pOndered for awhile and admitted
> that was right. He is now studying
{ the beautiful French language.
Il ITO be confined.