The Opelousas courier., 1894-02-24
Correspondence.
HAAsvILLE, LA, Feb. Goth, 1894.

; Editor Opelousas COURIER:
1t has been telong time since this country
has witnessed q season so late as this one
has been. Everything is backward farmers
have hardly made a commencement towards
| getting lands in shape for planting. Some OF
our foremost farmers and planters have
hardly made a good start to date, in the way
| of cane planting, much less the preparation
of land for corn and cotton.
Too much rain is said to be the cause of all
| the trouble. In so far as cane is concerned,
| those who embarked in the business during
the past two years, in the hope that the NC
| Kinley bounty would stand firmly to the
| end as a contract between the government
and the cane growers feel very much disap.
pointed since the Wilson bill has been passed
by Congress destroying the sugar industry OF
| the South at one sweep, with no hope for
much if anything to come from the Senate to
aid them.
The new Democracy now in front seems
determined if possible to destroy all the in
| d~ustries of the South iron, coal, timber and
sugar, must 60 down by the free trade *.
Business must now take a turn backward
instead of progress, we must move ny the
slow coach. A change, but will it be for the
better, we leave for others to decide.
Our farmers will plant corn and cotton
| again in the hope of making a living in some
There is very little money in the country
at the present time. When cotton sold for
| as much as ten cents all seemed to have a
few dollars ahead at the end of and begin
| ming of the new year, but now cash Is snort
in the pockets Of most people. MOI only SO
but there is nothing to indicate any improve
ment for the better.
The cotton grower to realize any profit
| from his crop, mnst be prepared to produce
the staple ready for market, for less than five
cents per pound, which if possible to do, aud
| tuun haIoc CON ha maha tn GROW from one acre.
/ there may be a living and some money in
| cotton to the planter. otherwise at present
prices there can be little if anything in the
| shape of money profit to the hard worked
| cotton farmers at the end OF the year when
his crop is harvested and sold.
Our %neighbors across the way on Elm
bayou claim that they have been for some time
contending with both mud and water, can't
| get about with the ease that they would wish
to do. :
understand that recent surveys place all
| that part of the country known as Elm bayou
hand, the Rapides parish line runs south and
back of the old Tiger bend tract of land to
southwest corner, then west to bayou Coco.
| drie to a point about one mile below the old
Grifins bridge, etc. -3
Avoyelles has decided to vote ON the pro-
| position for a five mill tax, for a period of ten
years, to aid in extending railroad building
While we like to see all possible progress
made that can be in the parish and State, we
may be considered bold for saying that a five
mill tax on landed property is about the best
advertisement that could be gotten up to
keep immigrants from coming into the parish,
investing their money, making improvements,
etc. However we believe in a majority rule,
willing or rather expect to abide future re-
suits whatever they may be.
There is not very much moving and ira vel
ing about the country nowaday. Bad roads
no doubt the cause.
Ayoyelles made nearly 10000 bales of cotton
last year; the banner cotton parish in the
State. With a good season the same acreage
will grow 10000 bales easily, besides a fair
supply of corn, rice, hay, fruit, vegetables,
meats. milk, butter and cheese. With the
growers will soon tip the scales to any parish
in the State in the production of the largest
amount and finest grades of sugar.
Yours, ILLINOIS.
Arthur's New Home Magazine for February
is really a charming number, containing much
to please and instruct every member of the
household from the Oldest to the youngest,
zone and Two" by Walter Besant, ranks
Among that popular authors best efforts, aud
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r.~xz -..,,4-k uor sfrIfoI 1racpno fn n1;1
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Of all.
Arhur's NewlHome Magazine,
/ PHILADELPHIA. Pa,