The Natchitoches enterprise., 1897-06-24
Rev. q. G. KramCr'S impress
siOnS of NatchitOcheS.
NATCHITOCHES. La, !
May 3Ist, 1897, !

If memory serves me well, yer,
beautiful hymn has this cOnfOrtln;
line:
"All journeys end i'll welcome to III
weaIy."
Whether this spiritual generalization
be true or not, your correspondent ha
had abundant evidence that one weary
journey has ended for him IN welcome
and rest. 1t CONSUMES twenty hours Il
travel from New Iberia to NatchItOches
One half of this time is passed at two
functions waiting for trains, some Vi
which must be boarded at an hour
when .'tircd natures sweet restOrer'
should be most active. The cordially
and hospitality Of Natchit oches is there
fore especially appreciated.
The old town of NatchitOches may be
interesting 10 the archeologist on ac-
count of its antiquity or to the artist
because Of IT'S beautiful and picturesque
environments; it Is, however to the
thoughtful man Of letters that this
venerable chlncapln village becomes a
veritable training ground for tue new
4 knights, of culture and progress.
The social life of NatchitocheS cannot
be mentioned without much bias in fav-
or Of those Kind and generous hearts
which arc making our Visit so delight
full. A very ssimple expression graphi-
caIly describes this body social. They
all '.pull together jew and Gentle,
Catholic and Protestant American and
Creole seem to have forgotten that there
are any artificial barriers between them.
Another expression. happy family
is "A true cOnYeveT Of that union. sym
pathy and friendship which smiles as a
celestial benediction upon this people.
Four churches with their widely diff
ferent methods have undoubtedly been
savory influences IN the moral culture
of NatChitOChes. One, the Roman
Catholic Cathedral, would adorn much
larger city. Its dome and tower can be
seen at great distance. On nearer APP
proach the architecture reminds one Of
st. Pauls. London. Within the artistic
scenes from biblical and ecclesiastical
history are worthy of much more than
passing interest. On all sides hear
praises of Bishop Durier. whose learn
ing pietY have won for him the esteem
and love of the entire community
Two other valuable institutions Of this
historic town are the Comus Club and
the State Normal School. The Comus
Club combines in proper proportions
literary, social and amusement features.
Several large communicating rooms in
second story furnish home for this
Club. Quite respectable library and
tables we'll filled with the Mtest and
best periodicals, cater bountifullY to the
intellectual man. Billiards. dominoes,
chess, checkers and cards give innocent
a N nf orl
sity. The Club is happy evidence
that men who have not the blood or in
SiipGts of s-rAl1sj n4tffour- -rrqTfUr and
gambling.
l am employ ing the rising climax
when | mention the State Normal
School last. Natchitoches may. well |
feel proud Of this great institution, Had |
your correspondent ever been doubtful |
hat pedagogy should be regarded as
Dne of the learned professions, 4 visit to |
lie State Normal School would have
convinced him of his delusi0n. An old |
convent has been metamorphosed into a
iorImItoTv and refractory for the en-
'rYo ped"gogues. Mrs. Donaho, who
Dresides so graciouslY as matron over
bis department, has all the distinguish
d bearing Of the Roman Cornelia, we'll
atlstied that her training will develop
many GrAci to do: her honor. In this
ny of advanced ideas, however,
'iberius and CaIus have no superiority
yer their sisters. An interesting sight
I which the matrOn was Justly proud,
'as the beautiful vista Of TAG Of her
lrughters seated In the long dining
bonn ut their noon day repasi. The ,
lImals are feeding" said a professor I,
ito roce. "Mens sana In sano corpore, 'i
'pllcd defender Of mnterial develop {
ent.
At right angle with one end of the :
onvent rises large building erected 3
'oet two years ago. This is the real :
lnple OF learning and will stand as \ Z
to the energy and service of y
or. Thos. Boyd. 1t contains the reci- .,
lion rooms, laboratories and library. :,
second story Is largely occupied by a.
assembly room capable of seatingf T
my hundred. The work performed s.
this Institution Is not confined ~ =
MY suppose to normal methods. The ~
y ground work of y classical, scienti- ~
and practical education is az 4.
'ioughlv and eonscientiously laid at ~
Narchitoehes Normal as nc any "a
Ter institution with which am ac- &c
tinted. Too much praise cannot be ~
flowed upon President Caldwell and 81,
able faculty for their earnest and tr'
hful management of this institution. a.
must describe TOT YOU two very i'm 81,
tant events IN which had the honor 81,
epresent New iberia. The frs. was n ~"
Annual Commencement Celebration NJ
he Comus Club on Saturday even ~
!; The second the baccalaureate ser. "P
OF at the Normal School on Sunday
ming.
be Comus Club programme presen-
ed paper entitled IAN AwakeniuUE
'c Conscience, by Miss Florence
'erwald, OF New Orleans: stTbe has
ure, " an original poem by Mrs. J. the
zee, OF Baton Rouge, and an address nth,
"A Retrospect and Prospect. y bv "H
Rev. Q. G. Kramer, of New Iberia. Ply
Veen these more solid parts of the peo
,ramme there was sandwiched most peo
ghfful Instrumental and vocal Sho
lc. found Miss Huberwald a wo- "a"
OF ripe thought, very positive in and
convictions and possessed of an port
laance or courage and ability. Her curr
= was practically tplea for female WON
age ana the best things that can he "ou
gor that cause were urged With the SUBJ
OF her strong personality. Mrs. tion
poem was teeming with as deli wear
heen nv ,,r;r;I.p ai. ~ - II mas SO W
ses Is certainly worthy of more than In IL
vi reputation. Mr.. Kramer's ad-
may DC given you In full at later