The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1914-05-16
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
The Chief is not responsible for the
views expressed by correspondents.
Hold Fast 10 That Which is Good

Hold Fast to That Which is Good
Donaldsonville, La, May 16, 1914.
Editor Donaldsonyille Chief:
/ cannot be accused of rushing fire.
quently into the public print. It is
not possibly through modesty, but
simply from the sense Of appreciation
which I have for the feelings of
others in the expression of criticism
or comment. ! am iMpelied, how
ever, on this occasion to lay aside
whatever regard may have for the
feelings of your reading public to
speak a word against those whom |
charitably dub as innovators and
iconoclasts.
A petition is now being circulated
by the Chamber of Commerce with a
purpose of seeking the sense of the
people of Donaldsonville in regard
to change of that historical name
for one which has not yet been con-
.ceived in and brought forth out Of
the fertile minds of the above-said
innovators and iconoclasts. What
the various" and obvious reasons
for this change may be, those whose
signatures have been sought have not
yet been advised Possibly, this pc
tition may be only an exuberance Of
the periodical fads generated in and
perpetrated upon an Indifferent COM
munity. 1t may be that nothing will
come of it.
When a name has been covered
with shame or ignominy; when a
name is stencil in the nostrils of
the people; when name bears upon
it blot not to be erased excepting
by its annihilation; then, and not
till then is the proper time for its
deletion from the records of history,
or from the memories of the people.
Donaldsonville has an historical name
let these iconoclasts read the his
tory of Louisiana; name which
stands before the world with a rec
ord of hundred years of business
activity and business probity. 1t is
a name known in the records of the
state, and is one of which it's citizen
ship should unquestionably be proud
We are not here of today; we shall
be here for some time to come. Com
munlties as well as individuals live
by and on sentiment; communities as
well as men look to the honor and
of their name; commu-
mites as well as men are not swayed
by the Winds of the moment to
change their identity If commercial
ism demands such change, / as a
business man (and no one | dare say
VIII question my business sensel
must say, let commercialism perish
But | do not believe, Mr.. Editor,
that any business reason can be
brought forward as an argument for
4 change which sentiment forbids us
% accept.
1t seems to me, and say it with
Ill due regard for the feelings of
hose who compose the Association
If Commerce, that their energies
night be better displayed than by
he iconoclastic pursuit in which
hey are engaged. We have a hun
tred problems to solve which neces- |
itate our utmost endeavors. Why |
waste away time, energy and effort |
n this pusillanimous and petty occu- |
'atlon OF name-changing, in the de-
truction of what sentiment may be
eft in this community. If my voice, /
IT. Editor, is the only one which is
. be heard upon this question. let
be heard. It is my deep love for
1e community in which was born,
cared, and lived for over half
which impels me to ask you
pace in the columns of your paper,
speak a word for dear, good, old
ONALDsONVILLE.
| am, Yours respectfully,
JOHN S. THIBAUT.