The Opelousas courier., 1894-05-26
Soldiers Home.

In his late message to the general as
sembly Gov. Foster says:
There is located at New Orleans an
humble institution, which calls for more
attention than it has received in the
past. | refer to the Confederate Sol
diers' Home. 1t appeals strongly to the
patriotism and justice of every true son
of this State. There is no duty devolv-
ing upon this generation higher or more
sacred than tho care for and support OF
the old soldiers of the "Lost Cause"
who, in declining years, are afflicted oy
adversely, or are succumDlng TO the
wounds of battle, or the exposure OIL
long campaigns. Whatever excuse or
justification there may have been IN tne
past for neglect or indifference to the
wants of these noble and worthy veter-
ans, who so loyalty attested their deVo-
ton to the State 10y, their tolls, their
suffering and their blood, such excuse
can no longer be urged. Louisiana to-.
day is abt1ndantly able to meet all OF
her lust obligations. il her revenues are
fairly collected and honestly admins
tered, and she should not fail to provide
a comfortable home for her old soldiers,
whose heroic devotion to public duty
immortaliZed Southern valor upon many
hard fought fields of battle. In meet
ing these obligations our State need
call upon no other aid than the strong
right arm Of her faithful sons, and the
fruits of their honest toll /; and IT this
is tardy Justice, let it be the more cheer
fully given. and the more literally bes-
towed. The generation OF to-day can
nG afford to leave such q stain upon
their public record rs Il failure to recog-
nize tie claims of the fast thinning ranks
of these veterans would DO. 1t is NOT
an appeal to charity, but the call OF
duty, aud | feel sure that the hand OF
patriotism will be freely extended to
contribute, not only every necessity,
but every comfort for the worn out OLD
soldier who needs a sheltering spot IN
the evening OF his lite.
This home is in the hands OF dlstln-
guished sons of the State as, directors,
who, in their labor of love, will guard
eyery cent you may bestow. In thell
report they say of the accommodations
of the building, "that its capacity is be
coming i%nad1uate for those who rightly
claim its benefits. Additional improve.
ments in regard to sleeping room anc
an enlarged dining Don have become
Imperative necessities. Already the
limit OF accommodation for sixty-nlnt
inmates has been reached. No space
emalns III the psekent ohlldlHg lol
beds, unless crowded in defiance of The
established laws of ~hygieue.n From
personal inspection, | know this to b.
absolutely true, and | recommend thu
necessary appropriation to meet thu
demands of this institution.
Under the present Constitution yot
are not authorized to make an appro
priation for pensions for these worth,
citizens. There are many cases calllne
for relitf which canput be met by TIL
Soldiers Home. In some instances &C
ceptance of the benefits of the Hon,
involves the abandonment of thel
wives, their humble homes and the sew
erance of sacred ties.
) Iwould further recommend an amend
ment Ia the Constitution, %autiiorlzlD!
the General Assembly to make provis
ion, by pensions nnder proper sale
, guards, TO, the aged. disabled an
+ needy veterans and their widows, a
! has been done in other states.