The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1900-05-23
Gov. Foster.
Mentions the industrial
School in his
Farewell Message.

Governor Foster in his message
to the Legislature did not forget to
mention the Industrial School. We
reproduce his remarks as they will
undoubtedly prove of interest TO
our readers.
No State institution has been in
augurated under more favorable or
fatterlng auspices than the South
western Industrial College at Lafay-
cite. With a friendly emulation be-
tween the parishes of Lafayette
and Iberia and their respective
leading towns as to which should
be the domlcilc Of the college, 1t be-
came no easy task for the bsard to
make the selection under the terms
of Act. No. 1862 of 1898.
On Feb. of the present year the
board visited Lafayette and Iberia
to hear the inducements offered and
view the sites proposed for the To-
cation of the college. After due de-
liberation and comparison of the
manv inducements offered. Lafay-
cite was selected under the follow
ing specific offers.
! Tue donation of twenty-five ac-
res ST land, beautifully situated, the
gift of a private citizen, valued at
$500.
9 A cash bonus subscribed by the
citizens of Lafayette Of $4,000.
3 A cash bonus of The police jury
of the parish of Lafayette, $4,000,
and
4 An annual tax Of two mills on
the dollar Oh the assessed valuation
of the property of the parish of La
fayette for ten years.
In order to make the DeeCed
amount in cash. available, the two
local banks, with commendable
public spirit, at once agreed to ad-
vance $4,000 upon the two mill
tax which had already been voted.
| desire TO call attention to the
fact that the movement to secure
this institute at Lafayette was the
spontaneous and almost unanimous
action of the people of that town
and parish, led by number of
progressive and public-splrited cit
liens, and it is most heartfelt and
fatlaring indication of the deep in
terest in behalf of the cause of edu-
cation, that, while Lafayette led
and secured the college, the offers
of Iberia parish aud the town OF
New Iberia were liberal and gener-
Gus III their efforts, acllve and sar-
nest to secure for their people The
great benefits Of this institution of
learning.
After considering the claims and
qualifications OF number of educa-
tors it was unanimously deternln-
ed to place Prof. E. L. Stevens at
the head of the institution, and he
was accordingly duly elected and
accepted the trust. Prof. Stevens Is
a native of Louisiana, educated al
the State University, where hs
took high rank. He IL a gentleman
Of culture and ability, sminently
qualified to successfully conduc
the important affairs of this instl
tutor. In accordance with th'
views of the board, he Is organlz
ing this college upon broad lines
carefully working out the details II
connection herewith, and by prac
,ical knowledge and experience
aided by personal inspection ant
examination of other similar lnstl
tutions throughout the country,
am of the OPINION that, at It's open
ing, the college viii be officers
aud equipped in manner that vii
fully meet the expectations OF IL
promoters and merit the love an
gratitude OF our people.
1t will be necessary 10 proVid
means for the maintenance OF thl
: school and for It's future equlpmen
} believe that It's location in thl
: particular section of the State WI
be productive Of ihe highest results
and / am pleased to commend 1t I
T the favorable consideration of yol
bodies and to enroll it among Ii