The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1919-08-23
THE STRAW IN THE WIND

j when wanting to find IN just what way the wind is
blowing, to hold up straw and drop il lightly to the
ground IF there is the slightest drift OF air the
straw will indicate it exactly.
Of course all of our readers know this well do
we. We only recall it here for comparison.
There straws in the air all around in civil and
political and industrial life every day. At times these
straws drop straight downward, showing absolute sagna
on others drift slowly down showing little real tendency
in way the other; still others carried rapidly off
strong currents indicating strong forces at work in
that direction.
There straws in the wind of New lberas civic and
industrial life today!
These straws are all going in the direction
fast, slow but all following the same course
To those citizens of fair city who care to find
which way the wind is blowing, respectfully suggest
that you watch these sraws.
As long ago 1907 when the writer first to this
city there recognized need for high school
building Cramped up in small class rooms using even
the cupoa three floors where escape of fire
would be almost impossible disable library inadequate
laboratories for the Sciences unsanary surroundings
poorly heated utilizing dark basement rooms for class
rooms these and many other undesirable conditions have
prevailed during all these years.
Why? The proper spirit of cooperation lacking
among the property holders here There always
many taxpayers willing vote the necessary for al
new building but there was also always opposition on the
part of some and worst of all spirit indifference the
part of the great majority that threw damper every
effort before it even got we'll under way.
How different today
At the informal meeting of those interested, Tuesday
night the following remark made by of bust
men, "Why only 100000; Why not 100000? An
other answered the question what kind of building dol
the people to want by the statement "The popular
choice for the best building Obtanabe the best in arch
lecture arrangement and equipment Another large tax
payer who called out on business before the meeting
said leaving Whatever you gentlemen decide
to do goes with $2OOOOO $30OOOO-ust we get
the building.
And discussions on the streets on this subject among
big taxpayers trends towards providing for $1,000 popu
laOn in the next few years
Do you see the straw? Doesn't it indicate new trend
of ideas, new spirit of progress in New Iberiaa
Tn cclnrfh Ic TOW onnfhor ID
vanced in the suggestion that this tax should be held down
reasonable needs because for other public i'm
provements will be voted soon. This be taken to
the Boutte Canal which avorably talked off
now and more strongly supported than before This
tax will be voted surely at the next attempt The people
pow show willingness to SPEND money in taxes to
MAKE money in business.-Another straw
Three buildings Main street. long vacant, were re-
opened for business during the past week.
Another story to be built of the leading gar
ages Main street at large expense making of the
best equipped repair and sales shop in this part of the
state Two other large garages to be opened
completely equipped machine shop to be erected, on
the site of small operating, and to draw work
from all this part of the state and employing good force
of men.
How many who are reading this have been around
town lately? stranger passing of local painters
at work building remarked "They painting all
over this town Is this another straw,-showing cur
rent of Civic Pride?
A talk with all of our merchants will convince you
that they stocking and better goods than they
dreamed of selling New Iberia trade. Are these
merchants all wrong! Or IS this straw that points to
ticipated prosperity and an era of good business?
Do you know that The Eureka House recently reop- |,
ened has received requests for than they have
had available every day since they reopened? Another
Straw?
The New iberia Wood Manufacturing Company is to
start operating very with buyers clamorng for their
output
Eleven miles of cement walk being constructed and
several streets being paved this fall and winter.
Are these all "straws in the wind? Are these in
dcations not all in the direction?
hr fowO If ho indc ofI
which way the wind is blowing There others every
day. Watch the growth of this Spirit of Public Progress
siveness. Watch the quckening of Civic Pride that is
starting to permeate the veins OF our people.
Notice the feeling of hopefuness and cheer and good
will in the talk and appearance of merchants and bust
ness men.
These all "Straws In The Wind" and point unfai
ngy to the of progress and development setting
and indicate the NEW New Iberia that is close at hand