New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1903-06-06
NEW IBeRlA'S EDUCATIONAL MASS
MEETING.

day. night. May 10Th, regret to say
that. after a thorough advertising and
a wide distribution of several thou
sand circulars covering the object OF
the promoters of the meeting. but
scant courtesy was paid and one OF
the smallest of small meetings was
matched from the effort A few Of
the leading spirits of the town was
there and resolved themselves into a
mutual admiration society. emitting
clouds of enthusiasm. of determine
ton. II is refreshing to note that
an oasis exists in the barren dessert OF
public Indifference aud carelessness.
When a town of 5000 souls goes to
sleep Oh crater of smouldering ignor-
ance and pent up illiterncy. and re-
fuses to move to place of safety
after display of danger signals, it
merits the doom and the chnstisement
of its own folly, a growing town with
a rapidly growing children populn-
ton. should embrace with the utmost
alacrity hail with joy aud acclaim,
any and all attempts at al improve
ment Of its educational system and
an enlargement of educational facili-
ties
Education is food for the soul !;
nurture for the mind; hope for the
doomed and strength for the weak.
It is NJ necessary to n republic Ms nir
to the animal and water to the fish.
The success of selfgovernment.
the security and stability of national
ideals are insepnrably woven into the
warp and wool of public eduation.
without education and a liberal spread
of knowledge a republic will soon re-
vert into despotism where the few
stronger minded and keener witted
will Cypress the many slower going
brethren. Light, n copious diffusion
of light will preserve and guarantee
the health. the moral expansion OF our
country. Education from luxury
in the middle ages has become III every
day stern necessity. 1t is al indis-
pensable adjunct to mans life and
position. 1t is an weapon, equip
ment with which Ire can march forth
and battle with the forces of society's
vortex with some show of success.
The corner stone of civilization, the
main arch of right and justice every
acknowledged civilized government is
to day absorbing and assimilnting oil OF
the beneficient effects of u well rounded
man . education. In view of these
facts, chronicled in the deeds an
achievement Of progress and advance
ment Of every nation, how can New
Iberia, Wanting boasting New Iberia
be SO derelict and assume n torpor fit
for the African jungle. Living un-
der a government by the people. OF
the people and for the people, how
can we become people, )" or it. If we
persist in feeding in the slough OF
illiteracy and ignorance. A man AT
81, is not man, unless he has acquired
the tools of his national profession.
American citizenship Those in
struments are first: knowledge of the
rights Of man, Of his individual rights
second: conception of the functions
and purpose of his government; third.
a mastery over the burden and re-
sponsibility put upon his shoulders
by liberty and citizenship; fourth. a
keen appreciation and correct esti-
mate Of the expenditures of indivi-
dual efforts of fostering civic pride to
preserve the privilege conferred upon
him by his consent and the consent of
the governed. A child cannot be rails
ed on grass, on wind and weather.
There is spark Of hope and ambi-
ton that must be fannedinto a flame
that will lead on to better things,
nobler ideals and higher spheres to
happiness and contentment. That
spark is education; the magic touch
Of inspiration and divine revelations.
Ignorance il a misfortune; cultivated
and courted ignorance and crime and
q calamity. Every poor man with a
howell Of brats could conveniently sub
scribe his mite Of encouragement for
an educational movement that will
put his offspring on level with his
better circumstanced rivals. The ap-
peal is made for his benefit, espe-
cially him that must really on public
schools for his training in public
affairs
Education in my mind, Is more
sacred than religion, more marvellous
than genius. Let the good people, the
ladies and gentlemen en- masse. come
forward and help Ms carry ? and l-2
mill tax that will furnish ample
facilities to cover the educational
needs Of every child in our. midst.
This ought to be congenial work for
the ladies. Their encouragement
must reach spots where no other touch
IL possible. Make this a peoples fight
and the returns will justify the efforts.
Yours truly,
JULES DREYFUs.