The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1891-01-21
LETTER FROM JOHN E. BAILEY.
AT HOME, Jan, 1891.

oou LINK lated
calf would be in order, because | don't
claim to be prodigal, but more of a
plodder or, if you will, globe trotter.
The reality of the great changes so
long a time has brought about, Of
course, will not be readily appreciated
by the continuous resident, but to me
they are simply astonishing and be-
wildering. The young grown mp, the
middle-aged grown old, and the old
thinned greatly by the Angel of
Death. New faces and new scenes
greet me everywhere, until | feel like
a second Rip Van Wrinkle. But I
know | am myself, and as he who was
the Office devil of nineteen years ago.
Nor are all the land marks of gone
days obliteratei. The spirit of home
remains; what tide can obliterate it?
And the Democratic faith of Alexan-
dria yet stands as monument to its
earlier years, as it does to the intelli-
gence and patriotism of the early
fathers and founders of our institu.
tons. May it never falter but stand
as rock around which the most OBJ.
durate may at least gather to offer
homage.
California is, of course, my adopted
home; for have two, the home OF
youth and the home of adoption.
have had many inquiries concerning
California, by letters before my arri-
val and by word of mouth since; to
all of which / would answer: Califor.
MIA is probably the best advertised
State in tue Union; and there are but
few residents but what are besieged
with letters OF inquiry, and when one
once crosses the Sierra Nevada noun.
tains be mnst expect considerable per.
sonal questioning. In topography
and the pursuits of the hushandmau
the States of Louisiana and California
are widely different, hut each possess
es advantages peculiar to itself. Upon
the whole I think the South offers 8
field for development and the founda
ton of wealth unsurpassed anywhere
And surely they who have home
and the means of subsistence any
where, have something that thousand.
have not everywhere, and something
that they should long hesitate to give
mp before embarking on the uncertair
sea of betterment. Of course it i.
cosy to see what has initiated agains
the South. The destruction of prop
erty, the ashes of cities and the silen
tombs Of the true and brave pllinl,
tell the tale. But these clouds hav,
passed and the future of Louisiana il
to-day very bright, and, indeed, in NJ,
opinion, the future of the whole Soutl
is tue most promising of any sectio,
of the Union, for it is the least over
crowded California is at present il
a matter overrnn, and until the large
holdings in land are snbdivided o
more avenues of industry are opened
many that are already there will NEE
with much disappointment, if they d
not actually miss many Of the require
ments of life. Nor is Louisiana itself
and particularly Alexandria to b
overlooked in the general improve
ments and prospects of the South
The general meeting of the Teacher.
Association is significant. Such asso
Citations and institutes mean progress
and elements Of just pride that poin
to future filled with brilliant prom
Use. Wherever l have been / hav
been have always looked upon Alez
andria as my home and have receive
her papers and read their contents
Hence | am not wholly unposted as I
!. what is and has been going on her
aud hereabouts. And 10 this connet
ton the bridge contest has offered m
' no little interest and subject for spec
alation. The history of the worl
evidences the fact that the law of n,
J. cesslty ultimately prevails, and tbs
petty spite, backed as strong as it ma
: be can never retard the navigation {
river or stem the tide of progre'
' that wonld seek its opposite shore
u And hence the commerce that Ale:
= andria is inviting will itself solve a
\ such questions.
In conclusion will add that / a
glad to return; glad that the DEM
Graf has withstood the storms of {
many years, and will be equally gls
S to answer any questions in my pow
IS to whomsoever may desire any info
: nation / may be able to give.
is Very truly,
e j. E. BAILEY.
,r w. w. Wilmington, ST., a re
Is pected citizen of this parish, died
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