The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1900-06-23

parade maze It's way along OenSely
crowded streets. It is estimated
that there-was over mile of car
riages, from the pretentious phae-
ton drawn by proud steeds to the
pony. The grounds were covered
with people,. There was not a foot
of vacant space. 1t was not only
the largest crowd ever assembled
and best humored.
The distinguished visitors were
given seats on a platform built for
the occasion. The clergy was rep
resented by Bishop RouxeI, and
Revs. Doutre, Langlois, Vigroux.
Forge and Baulard Of the Roman
Catholic church, and Rev. Fontle-
roy of the Opelousas Methodist
church.
When all the people had found
places around the platform and
quiet was secured. Dr.. James A.
Lee, president of the meeting, arose
and announced that the exercises
would begin. DR.. Lee said his duty
was not to speak, but it was merely
to preside. He intr oduced as the
first speaker, Bishop Xavier Rouxel.
This distinguished clergyman is no
stranger to the people of this parish
by whom he is greatly beloved.
he r. hn
rendered hearty ovation. He
said this was a memorable day for
LAFAYETTE which should be written
in letters of gold in the annals of
the parish. Last year when he
visited this town little he thought
that he would have the pleasure to
return to-day to invoke the bless
ings of God upon SO worthy an in
stitution, which was destined to do
SO much good. He thanked the
board of trustees of the school and
the mayor of the town most sim
cerely for the invitation witch had
been extended to him to take part
in this celel'rauon- Lafayette was
dear to him years ago when he lived
here as the parish priest but its peo-
pie had, if possible, grown IN his
affection, and they we're dearer to
him now that he had been honored
by the church. He spoke feelingly
of the people of his old parish and
referred in eloquent terms to the
~ ;~h
step toward the uplifting of the edu-
cational standard of this section.
In his opinion the fact that rep
resentative of the church had been
laying of the corner was proof of
the Christian character of those in
whose hands had been placed the
destinies Of the institution.
After an appropriate song by the
choir which had SO we'll rendered
the national hymn, "Anerlca," at
the opening Of the exercises, DR..
Lee introduced Hon. Robert Mar
tin as the next speaker.
AS is well-known, Mr.. Martin is
the father Of the bill creating the
Southwestern Louisiana Industrial
Institute and it was but natural that
his appearance elected sponta-
neous ovation Mr.. Martin said
that he was proud of the success of
his efforts made in behalf of the peo-
pie who had honored him by elect
ing him to the State Senate. When
he was elected to the senate he was
appointed a member of the Legisla-
tive committee which visited the
Ruston Industrial School. 1t was
there that he thought of framing
the bill whose passage has given the
State another great institution. He
did not think that anything he
would have done while senator
would have conferred as great boon
upon his constituents. Hence his
efforts in that direction. Mr.. Mar
tin spoke with much earnestness
and was listened to with intere st.
At the conclusion Of Mr.. Mar
TINS address telegram from Hon.
Overton Cade, one of Lafayette's rep
resentatives in the Legislature, was
read, stating that the appropriation
committee of which Mr.. Cade is