The Opelousas courier., 1905-08-05
An Address.
To the People of OpelOusds:

As members of the committee on en-
bellishment and sanitation, appointed
by the Opelousas Progressive League,
we take the liberty of offering q few
suggestions along the line Of the work
entrusted to u committee, whereby
O can, with slight effort and very
little expense. add greatly to the health
Of our people and attractiveness of our
town.
1t ia well agreed that weeds and
grasses. growing in abundance around
our homes. are unsanitary and detri-
mental to health, and in addition they
are certainly very unsightly and indi-,
cative of a shiftless carelessness that
should find no place i'm a progressive
community. And this is an evil that
could be entirely abolished at very
small cost. Some of our people have
already taken q lead in this matter, and
an inspection of their premises will
convince anyOne of the vast improve
ment resulting from the removal of this
nOxiOus vegetation. 1t would be a small
matter for each occupant Of a residence
or business property to have the grasses
aud weeds around the same. and on the
abutting sidewalk, cut and removed.
Do not expect the town authorities to
do this; and il You rent, do not expect
the owner to do it for you-let him look
after his own premises. The cos1of
removing the grass and weeds from HE
abutting sidewalk would not ordinarily
exceed twenty-five cents.
Another thing, which donbtlesSgou
have observed in portions OF tOVn, is
the filthy condition of the essosss, re-
sultbig from the scattering therein of
old kapers. tin cans, etc. Let Us see to
it thft no tiltI, or trash of any kind is
permitted to be thrown from yards
: into tts streets. The greater part of it
csNerSs ia ally burned, and such as can
IN should De put into a barrel or box,
WGept for that purpose, and carted away.
In view of the mosquito theory" of
propaRating certain diseases, we should
be very careful tt see to it that all els
terms, wells. ponds, ETC.. are regularly
oiled, using about a teacnp full nee a
week for a cisterD.
Articles in the press have served TO
enlighten almost everyone upon this
important matter, and there is no eX-
cuse for anyone to neglect it. Besides
minimizing the effect of yellow fever,
should we be SO unfortunate as to have
it here, the destruction of these pesky
little insects will add greatly to the
peace and comfort of everybody.
All sCdkuHut pUOis, mug poDS anu Jill
err places where disease germs flourish
should be dislnfected by the free use of
lime, carbolic acid or bi-chloride of
mercury. Such persons as do not care
to put oil into their cisterns should
screen them, using wire of 16 meshes
to the inch.
Another thing that should not be ne
elected 10 the dust nuisance. OF course
this costs something, but the comfort
and satisfaction to be derived from
keeping the streets and yards sprinkied
will greatly outweigh the slight cost of
the water and time given to it.
These things are looked after 10 every
weli-regulated community, and we can
not afford to neglect them. They add
greatly to the appearance of things,
and are necessary to health. Let us all
feel that it is our duty and take a per-
sonal pride in looking after these mat
ters around our homes and in our re-
~spective neighborhoods, and we will be
healthier, happier and more prosper
Gus as a result of our efforts.
VIM. j. SANDoZ,
GEO. T. EDWARDS,
L.. j. WILLIAMS, M. d., g.
Committee.