The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-05-10
A New Era.

| ISAAoAHlSA dh dCU 1OE WulC1l III Is
entitled to credit.
The act referred to is the ap-
propriating of $3.50 to assist in
defraying the expenses of photo
graphing, engraving, etc., neces-
sary to represent this parish in the
second edition of the immigration
work published by the State, as
we'll as advertising matter to be
distributed at the Louisiana Pur-
chase Exposition to be held in St.
Louis next year.
The engravings and reading
matter will also be used in various
other channels, which will spread
information about Opelousas and
ot. Landry parish, and unques-
tlonably result in much good, not
only in displaying our advantages
tor manufacturing industries, but
also the advantages for the small
farmer, as well as other immi-
grants.
1t is hoped that this movement,
SO broad, so liberal in its scope,
will have the effect of thoroughly
arousing the people to the needs
OF our country and gaining the
support and cooperation Of every
citizen in the parish.
With a country unparalleled in
its agricultural resources, with
lands incalculably rich in timber,
there is no reason why we should
not rapidly forge ahead to a con-
splcuous position, position to
which we are entitled by our nu-
merlcal strength. if no other.
1t is humiIiating to be COM
PEELED to admit that although we
rank second in population, we are
woefully behind in our produc-
tlveness. In fact the per capita
production is one of the lowest in
the State.
To lay back and wait for pros
perity and progress to roll in is
to shirk our duty to ourselves, our
children and our country.
A strong, healthy man enjoys
strife, the overcoming or sur
mounting of difficulties. A weak
man complains because he has no
opportunities. Napoleon S words,
II make opportunities!'' answers
his complaint.
The question which confronts
the people of st. Landry parish
is, are they strong enough to enjoy
"making opportunities" for their
parish, or will they pusilanimously
slink into dark corners and in
small piping voices cry, "Weak!
too weak too weak I"
The latter seems an absurdity.
1t is impossible to believe that
such could be the case. A God
given people in a God-given land,
both superbly endowed, should be
able to free themselves from the
inertia which has gripped them so
many years.
1t is not expected that all shall
take leading part, nor even yet
an active part, but it is only rea-
sonable to ask that those not so
engaged will at least give their
moral, and when necessary, their
financial support, toward all move
ments intended for, the general
good of the community.
No movement, however, can be
successful without method, with
out organization. Let there be a
combination. OF unification, of
purpose. 'sE pluribus Unum,
a national maxim, the truth of
| which has been so overwhelmingly
proved by the success Of our ma
ton.
1t matters not whether the oper-
ations for the improvement Of the
parish be conducted under the
name of the Board of Trade, Pro-
gressive Union, Business Men 5
League or any other euphonious
or impressive standard, but the
object must be the same, the goal
a common one.
Much credit must be given the
Board Of Trade Of Opelousas for
their earnest endeayors along these
/ lines, and this is IL fitting time to
Iexpress hope that this body will
! soon be able to count every busi-
ness man and property holder Of
IOpelousas as a willing and power
full coadjutor.
It is due to the efforts of this
organization also that the neces.
sary funds and appropriations
were secured to carry out the
plans mentioned in the beginning
|of this article.
/ The matter was first brought
before the board, who with bust
Iness-like dispatch appointed ,
committee to present the matter
| to the city council.
The council, with characteristic,
energy and even greater dispatch
disposed of the matter by prompt
/ ly making an appropriation to as
sist the movement, an act which
i should meet with universal publi
appreciation.
i Last, but not least, many gen