St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1910-04-16
New ORLEANS HARD On
TRAIL OF PANAMA
EXPOSITION

prise has been launched on a practi,
cal basis, a strong and representative
stock company has been organized
with 100000 IN the treasury to
cover the expense incident to the
raising Of S5,000,000, and q test Of
sentiment among Louisiana men Of
affairs has demonstrated a general
desire among property owners to
vote a state wide tax TO cover the
big amount. The 100000 was
made up by individual voluntary sub
scriptions and was not the result of
solicitation. Promoters Of the en-
terprise expect to sell 100000 of
the capital stock of the Exposition
within thirty days following che COM
mencement Of organized effort, to Sc
cure 100000 from direct taxation
from New Orleans and from Louisi-
ana, at least $4,000 as a starter
from the Federal Government, and
smaller sums from various states.
The estimated outlay is between IT.
100000 and S20,000,000. The CO.
operation OF the Federal Government
is looked apon as assured, and the
direct and prompt assistance of at
least twenty-five states IS counted
upon as a certainty.
The point of view in New Orleans
and Louisiana is striking to say the
least. New Orleans is known
throughout the world as a carnival
city, a place of pleasure and good
fellowship. The demand for the
Worlds Panama Exposition comes
not from a spirit Of good fellowship
but from a desire to build up better
commercial conditions throughout
the Valley. Advocates, therefore,
expect the dominant influence of the
exposition project to serve as a great
educator and molder Of public opinion
to the end that obsolete trade Gus
toms may the sooner be replaced by
the most highly developed methods,
that obstacles in the way Of CONNER
cial enterprise may the sooner be re-
moved, that Louisiana and New Or
leans, in advance Of the opening Of
the exposition, may become, il a
practical way, the most attractive
section possible to the investor, the
home seeker, and to the opportunity
desiring business man.
In the broader aspect the idea here
is to pave the channels Of commerce
between North and South America
through the Gateway TO the Great
Valley.
Already, New Orleans has invested
some $40,000.000 Or S50,O00,000 IN
the enterprise in the shape Of mod
ern wharves and landings, good
streets, public owned rail lines be-
tween the railroad terminals and the
steamship landings, modern SANTA
ton for the city as q protection
against epidemies, pure water, etc.
Many other millions have recently
gone into the construction Of mod
ern buildings. Still other millions
are peing used III draining and re-
claiming all the low lands surround
ing the city.
Truly, the spirit of enterprise IS
abroad ii New Orleans and in Louis
lana, and the vigorous demand for
the Worlds Panama Exposition is the
efetc Of q cause rather than a cause
itself.
AT the organization meeting held.
in New Orleans Thursday night,
prominent men from every parish in
the State cooperated to the fullest
extent with the citizens Of New Or
leans. Strong resolutions were
adopted endorsing the project, and
calling upon the Legislature to give
the people of Louisiana an opportu-
nifty to vote the tax.
Speakers at the meeting pointed
out that while the city and State
were most directly interested the
benefits to follow would reach every
section Of the country as the event
would celebrate the opening up Of
many new and very valuable markets
for American products.
Commerce follows the channels Of
least resistance. Artificial obstacles
once removed, the currents Of l6,
900 miles Of nayigable streams which
empty their waters into the Gulf will
develop a monster commerce which,
passing through Louisiana, will carry
with it many direct and Indirect ben
eits. The drift Of trade this way
will create increasing demand for
Louisiana products, increasing re-
quirement for Louisiana land, greater
opportunities for Louisiana citizens,
all of which will mean greater reye-
nnes 70 citizen, city. town, parish and
state, consequently will result in bet
ter roads, better schools and better
conditions generally. Such is the
prospect and upon this prospect, plus
pride, is founded the enthnsi-
asm Of the State as well as of the
city Of New Orleans.
Points Regarding the Census.
The census began April Is aud
must be completed il two weeks IN
cities and IA thirty dave IL al nAhnr