From the Lafayette Advertiser of August 13th, 1898:
Important to Carpenters.
Chief John T. Allingham of the Fire Department requests all carpenters to furnish half-a-day's work to erect the bell tower. This is a work that will benefit all, and we hope that the chief will have a prompt response.
Laf. Adv. 8/13/1898.
Street Committee, Awake! - Drain the town or furnish boats. A few holes should be filled in the streets without delay. The cost will be trifling. The Advertiser subscribes 15 cents for filling one. Laf. Adv. 8/13/1898.
Hobson Social Club. - The members of the Hobson Social Club enjoyed a delightful drive to "Beausejour Park" Friday night in honor of Miss Lena Kleb of Patterson, and Miss E. Holland of New Orleans. Quite a pleasant time was had by all present. After enjoying themselves with various amusements, the members and guests were invited to the hospitable home of Mrs. Deffez where cooling refreshments were served.
Owing to the departure of a number of the members, the Club will not entertain for a few weeks. Laf. Advertiser 8/13/1898.
Obituary. - On last Monday, August 8th, 1898 at 10:15 a. m., the grim angel of death snatched from a useful life of Lilian Anna Mouton, daughter of Maurice Mouton and Adrienne Salles. During her sickness which lasted about a month, she showed a Christian fortitude worthy of her faith. The funeral took place on last Tuesday at 5 o'clock p. m., at the Catholic Church, where an immense congregation had assembled, thus testifying to the many qualities of the deceased who was recognized, by the Rev. Father preaching the sermon, as the "example of the Parish."Our sympathy is with her parents in this sad hour.
Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1898.
Prof. Greig's School.
Attention is called to the advertisement in this issue, of the Home Institute Prof. Greig principal. We commend this school to the public as worthy of the patronage of all desirous of placing their children under proper moral and educational influence. Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1898.
Selling at Cost.
B. Falk will from now on sell his stock of dry goods, shoes, etc., at cost in order to make room for his new stock. Dewey conquered the Philippines and Falk will conquer the customers who want cheap goods. Therefore wait and stop your purchases for the winter until he returns from New York.
The plantation of L. F. Daigle was sold Wednesday to J. W. Clifford through Ambroise Mouton, the real estate hustler.
We understand Mr. Simeon Begnaud will soon erect a building on his lot near the Court House, which is to cost $2,500. Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1898.
Correspondence from Scott.
Scott, La., Aug. 11th, 1898.
Many valuable horses have died in this neighborhood the last few days, from what we should judge to be an inflammation of the membranes and spinal column. Whatever the nature of the affliction, the disease is spreading, and doubtless prevails as an epidemic, and is very fatal. Local conditions, good or bad hygiene, appear to have no influence in the malady, as all horses,under whatsoever management they may be are attacked: If any thing, by preference, the disease would seem to select the soundest & best cared for animals for its victims.
What can be the materies morbi or germ of this fatal disease?
Will not some one come to the relief of our farmers, by offering suggestion or remedy for this present great evil among their horses? Let us hear from some knowing one.
The Democrats have scored quite a victory over the republicans by making Demanade P. M.
Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1898.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 8/13/1898.
Lafayette is rapidly improving.
B. Falk has received one hundred and twenty stoves, direct from factory and will sell them at low prices.
Work on the large refinery, near town, goes on vigorously regardless of the days of the week, and has now 83 men at work.
A new street has been opened up leading the cotton compress and storage house. Work on this building is pushed vigorously by contractor Anderson.
Misses Lorina Marsh and Mimi Cayret, will soon open a millinery establishent opposite the store of Mrs. John O. Mouton.
In the absence of B. Falk, Mr. I. Bendel will have charge of the business and will give receipt to customers. Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1898.
From the Lafayette Gazette of August 13th, 1898:
The Post Office.
Paul Demanade has been appointed by President McKinley postmaster for Lafayette. Mr. Demanade was postmaster under Harrison's administration and during his tenure of office the postal service at this place was all that could be desired. Hence the satisfaction with which the news of his appointment was received. He was highly recommended by people of this town regardless of political affiliations. The most conclusive proof of the his recommendation is his appointment. There were several applicants for the positions among whom were Messrs. J. M. Jones, Felix Salles, C. M. Parkerson and Dr. Guidry, all prominent Republicans, and the fact that Mr. Demanade's claims upon the officer were recognized over so many others with strong backing, is regarded by his friends as a compliment not only to his qualifications but to his Republicanism as well. Mr. Demanade is essentially an original Mckinley man. Long before the present chief executive was nominated for the presidency Mr. Demanade pointed to him as the Moses that would lead the Republican hosts out of the wilderness.
The outgoing postmaster, Chas. O. Mouton and his assistant, Joe E. Mouton, have every reason to be proud of the very satisfactory manner they have administered the duties incumbent upon them during their term of office. They have looked after Uncle Sam's interests with unremitting attention, at the same time giving the people a thorough and efficient service.
The Gazette does not know if the post office will remain where it is or whether it will be removed elsewhere. A petition has been circulated by persons living and doing business in the vicinity of the present location asking the postmaster not to make any changes. We are informed that citizens living near the depot are very anxious to get the post office and will make their wishes known at the proper time. Folks around the court-house would not object to having the post office somewhere in their neighborhood and it is not altogether improbable that they will soon be circulating a petition.
Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Near Drowning. - After the heavy rains had filled all the gutters and transformed our streets into veritable lakes a young negro fell head foremost into one of the ditches near the depot and The Gazette has it from eye-witnesses that had it not been for the timely assistance of Arthur Hebert the little fellow would have been drowned.
Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Sheriff Bitten. - While Sheriff Broussard was returning from the depot last Monday night he was attacked by one of Henry Senac's dogs and bitten on his leg. The dogs, which are said to have been very vicious, were taken out of town the next day and killed.
Laf. Gazette 8/13/1898.
Sent to the Pen.
Elijah Hornsby, who is well-known here, and was sent to the penetentiary many years ago for killing Charlie Castro, in the swamps, was taken by Sheriff Broussard at a plantation near Lafayette last week. Hornsby got away from the penitentiary a number of years ago, and has just been recaptured. He has seventeen months yet to serve. He was a desperate man, and yet rather a good fellow. From the Morgan City Review and in the Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Recuperating.
Fred Jones, son of our parishioner, Mr. J. M. Jones, is recuperating at his home near Carencro. Young Jones enlisted in one of the Kansas Regiments and was sent to Camp Alger from where he was granted a furlough on account of sickness. He is now much better and will return to his post of duty as soon as he will be able to do so.
Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Miss Mudd Back in Town.
Miss Clye Mudd Returned Wednesday from Clinton, La., where she spent two months with friends. Miss Mudd is a friend of the soldiers and while in New Orleans paid a visit to the Lafayette boys at the Jackson barracks. Needless to say that the boys appreciated her visit very much. Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Base Ball.
A picked nine of Lafayette boys went to St. Martinville last Sunday and played a game of ball with a team from that place, resulting in a score of 11 to 18 in favor of the former. The Lafayette team was composed of the following well-known local ball-tossers: Philip Mouton, Andrew Prudhomme, Zachary Francais, Albert Robichaux, A. J. Alpha, Jean Broussard, Ovey Comeaux, Robert Broussard, Homer Langlinais. Our boys speak in glowing terms of the hospitable manner in which they were entertained by the St. Martinville boys. They were taken to the Tertou Hotel and treated to an excellent dinner. At night there was a concert and ball at Duchamp's Hall were the Lafayette contingent were afforded an opportunity to ascertain whether or not it is true that St. Martinville has more pretty girls than any other town in Louisiana, and The Gazette violates no confidence in declaring that the boys are almost convinced that the proverbial reputation of our sister town for pretty women is founded upon evidence, unimpeachable and irrefutable. Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Weiggle Bailed.
Judge Debaillon has fixed the bail in the Weiggle case at $1,500. The judge's decision was the result of a preliminary trial held a few days ago. Henry Church, Ben Donnelly and John Allingham signed as bondsmen.
Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
A CORRESPONDENT IN TROUBLE.
Our friend, T. J. Labbe, local correspondent of the New Orleans Times-Democrat at St. Martinville, got himself into a peck of trouble. He reported the mysterious killing of a negro which occurred in the vicinity of Breaux Bridge a few nights ago. He stated in his telegram that the killing was done in Breaux Bridge, not thinking that in any manner reflecting upon the good people of Breaux Bridge or damaging the fair name of that community in the eyes of the world. But the way they jumped on our friend was a caution. We are glad to say, however, that he escaped with life and limbs. They fell on him like a thousand bricks and threatened to make mince meat with him if I did not show to an expectant world that Breaux Bridge had been maligned in a most outrageous manner. The idea of a negro being killed in Breaux Bridge, and by regulators at that, was something unheard of, and if allowed to pass unchallenged would surely stop the flow of immigration now pouring into that part of Uncle Sam's domain.
We read in the Valley of the Teche newspaper that a rousing mass meeting was held to protest against the onslaught unintentionally made on the good name of the town. At this spontaneous convocation of intelligent citizens resolutions were adopted proclaiming a solemn and defiant protest against any false impressions that might have created abroad by Mr. Labbe's special, stating that the killing had actually occurred in the town. Such impressions, if was held, would check the nascent growth of Breaux Bridge and cause irremediable injury to its reputation as a moral and law-abiding community.
The Gazette thinks that the people of Breaux Bridge were unnecessarily alarmed, and instead of attaining the object in view, they have given publicity to the fact that a negro was killed in or near their town, and have done the very thing for which they want to annihilate the Times-Democrat correspondent. The fact that a murder is committed in a town does not reflect in any manner upon the good people of that town. Unfortunately murder is sometimes committed in the most peaceable and God-fearing community on earth, but nobody will think for an instant of charging all its members with com complicity in the crime. Some times ago an unnatural wretch at Galveston killed his mother while in a drunken craze, but we did not hear any one accuse the whole population of the Texas city of being guilty of matricide.
Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
NECROLOGICAL.
Miss Lilian Anna Mouton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Mouton, died at the residence of her parents last Monday morning at the age of fifteen years. Her illness was of short duration and her unexpected death of a shock of surprise and deep regret to her many friends. But during this time, and to the last moment, she enjoyed the sweetest of all blessings - the tender love and care of an affectionate mother. Surrounded by relatives and friends, as death slowly crept upon her, she meekly bowed her head and answered the call of her Maker, and she now sleeps the sleep from which none ever wakes to weep. Although she received the unceasing love and care of all, and all the good that science could do, the black wolf knelt at her gate and ere the sun reached its meridian that day, the maiden breathed her last. A precious one that parted from the family, a voice they loved is stilled, and a place is vacant in their home which never can be filled. How hard it seems to be thus torn apart so young from the pleasures of this world and the comforts of home? Still, in her narrow cell she finds a home which surpasses in grandeur any every wrought by the hand of man - the most beautiful home which nature can afford.
Amiable and affectionate this estimable young lady had won the esteem and friendship not only of her schoolmates but of all who knew her. All that was mortal of her was consigned to the tomb, where a large concourse of friends paid a beautiful tribute of respect to her memory. Miss Anna will be sincerely mourned by many friends who keenly feel the blow inflicted by the ruthless hand of Death, and whose heart-felt sympathy goes out to the grief-stricken family. Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Police Jury Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., Aug. 4, 1898.
The Police Jury met this day in regular session with the following members present: R. C. Landry, C. C. Brown, Ben Avant, Alonzo Lacy, Alfred Hebert, J. C. Primeaux and M. Billeaud, Jr., Absent: Jno. Whittington, Jr.
The minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.
Attorney Campbell appeared and asked for a postponement of fixing justices' and constable's salaries under the new constitution. Subject was ordered postponed until next regular meeting.
The following petition was read:
To the Hon. Police Jury of Lafayette Parish: Gentlemen - We the undersigned object to further delay the opening of the railroad crossing at the road given this parish by Messrs. V. Broussard and J. G. St. Julien. We beg to further impress upon you our hardships and pray for relief as speedily as that can be secured.
Resptectfully,
V. BROUSSARD, LEONCE GIROUARD, PAUL GIROUARD, A. D. GIROUARD, AMBROISE BROUSSARD.
By motion of Mr. Billeaud the following was adopted agreeable to the aforesaid petition: Be it resolved that the Southern Pacific Railroad Company be and are hereby notified to construct forthwith under penalty of law a crossing in the town of Broussard at a point between the properties of V. Broussard and J. G. St. Julien and opposite the public road known as the Old Lane. The secretary shall transmit a copy to Supt. Owens of said company.
The prevalence of Charbon in the parish being brought to the attention of the jury the following ordinance relative to the disposition of carcasses of animals dying from that and other diseases was adopted: Whereas there is now prevailing in this parish, very fatal diseases among horses and cattle, therefore be it resolved, that any owner, lessee or possessor of any horse, mule or cattle, who shall fail to bury any such animal dying from any disease within ten hours after its death, at least three feet below the surface of the earth, on conviction before any court of competent jurisdiction shall pay a fine of ten dollars. One half of said fine shall go to the informer. Be it further resolved that this ordinance take effect from and after its passage.
Ayes: Brown, Billeaud, Lacy and Avant.
Nays: Hebert and Primeaux.
Judge O. C. Mouton here appeared and urged the reappointment of Masters Andrew McBride and Ovey Herpin, as beneficiary cadets to the State University at Baton Rouge and by motion duly made both young men were reappointed and the sum of $350 appropriated, to defray their expenses during the next scholastic year.
By motion the sum of $5 was ordered paid to Mrs. Theophile Breaux, Sr., for land expropriated for public road in 1897.
Judge O. C. Mouton presented the petition of Judge C. Debaillon and members of the bar praying for an appropriation of $300 per annum to employ a stenographer to be appointed by the court. By motion the prayer of petitioners was granted and the sum of $300 appropriated for the employment of a court stenographer.
Messrs. Alex Broussard and Israel Prejean here appeared and represented the necessity of a public school house in their neighborhood in the 2d ward. By motion the sum of $150 was appropriated to build said school house on land donated to the parish by said Alex Broussard provided that an additional acre of land be donated by Duclise David for said school. Messrs. Alex Broussard and Israel Prejean are hereby appointed a committee to accept donation by notarial act from said David.
Messrs. Avant and Brown were appointed to draft an ordinance providing for the levying of a special road tax and license and vehicles under the new provisions of the constitution.
The sum of $25 was granted unto Lessin Gaspar and wife indigents.
Lumber sufficient to build two bridges was granted to L. K. Grier as per petition.
By motion duly made, the following was adopted: Whereas the Pauly Jail Building Company of St. Louis, Mo., has contracted to place and successfully operate within the parish jail an evaporating vault to dispose of all excremental and sewerage; and whereas the said evaporating system has proven an entire failure and so acknowledged by Mr. F. B. Hull, contracting agent for said company be it resolved that the Pauly Jail Building Company be and are hereby notified that the said evaporating system is a failure and that the conditions in the parish jail are such that from sanitary considerations it is imperative to remove said vault and substitute some other means of disposing of the refuse matter. The Pauly Jail Building is therefore required to comply with and fulfill the terms of its contract as to said evaporating vault within ninety (90) days from notification hereof and in default thereof the Police Jury will proceed to remove said system at the cost and expense of said contracting company. The said company to be held responsible for all damages and costs direct or indirect resulting from the failure of said evaporating system or from the alterations that may be necessary in remodeling or changing the system. The jury hereby expresses its entire willingness to pay said company a fair and reasonable compensation for other work done, and material furnished in the said parish jail.
By motion the rate of taxation for the calendar year of 1898 was fixed at ten (10) mills on the dollar distributed in accordance with the items of the budget.
The treasurer submitted his monthly report as follows:
To the President and Members of Police Jury, Parish of Lafayette, La. - Following is a statement of receipts and disbursement of parish funds, since my last report.
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Respectfully submitted,
J. E. MARTIN, Treasurer.
Aug 4, 1898.
The following accounts were approved:
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There being no further business the Police Jury adjourned.
R. C. LANDRY, President.
R. C. GREIG, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
City Council Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., Aug. 4, 1898.
Council met this day with the following members present: Mayor Chas. D. Caffery, A. E. Mouton, J. J. Davidson, John Hahn, Dr. G. A. Martin, J. A. Landry and Dr. Hopkins. Absent: A. J. Bru.
The minutes of meeting on July 7, were read and approved.
COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
Lafayette, La., Aug. 1, 1898.
Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council of Lafayette, La. - Gentlemen, I have collected since my last report the following amounts to-wit:
Licenses ... $65.00
Respectfully submitted,
S. W. MCFADDIN, Collector.
REPORT OF SECRETARY W. W. & E. L.
Lafayette, La., Aug. 2, 1889.
To the Hon. Mayor and City Council. - Gentlemen: I have collected the following a,mounts:
Installation ... $104.38
Water ... $43.35
Light .... $320.25
Respectfully,
D. L. CAFFERY.
TREASURER'S REPORT, GENERAL FUND.
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Respectfully submitted,
BAXTER CLEGG, Treasurer.
Ordered recorded and filed.
The following general fund accounts were approved:
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The following special fund accounts were approved:
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Lafayette, La., Aug. 2, 1898.
Hon. Mayor and City Council. - Gentlemen: I herewith tender you this my resignation as secretary of the waterworks and electric light plant to take effect immediately.
Respectfully,
D. L. CAFFERY.
It was moved and seconded that Mr. Caffery's resignation be accepted and a vote of thanks tendered him for his efficient service during the term of office.
Upon motion the following governing the management of the plant, was adopted:
One chief engineer whose salary shall be $75 per month, & assistant engineer whose salary shall be $50 per month, I fireman whose salary shall be $35 per month.
The chief engineer is required in addition to his other duties to collect for all lights, water and installation and turn same over to the treasurer.
With the permission of the Council the mayor was allowed to be relieved from the duties of member of the waterworks and electric light committee and appointed in his stead Dr. G. A. Martin.
There being no further business the Council adjourned.
CHAS. D. CAFFERY, Mayor.
BAXTER CLEGG, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 8/13/1898:
Aby Demanade has been appointed court-stenographer by Judge Debaillon. Aby is thoroughly qualified for this position and The Gazette has no doubt that he will do his work creditably and satisfactorily.
If you enjoy a truly refreshing soft drink the popular flavor "Hobson's Choice," at the Moss Pharmacy soda fountain, will not fail to gratify your taste.
Simeon Begnaud was in Lafayette this week making the necessary arrangements for the erection of his building near the court-house.
Dr. Sid Dupleix and Mr. P. B. Roy, of Royville, were in Lafayette this week.
See the game to-morrow evening at Oak Avenue Park between Lafayette and St. Martinville.
D. V. Gardebled left Wednesday night for Bay St. Louis. He will shortly be met at New Orleans by B. Falk and S. Kahn when all three will leave for New York and other eastern cities.
In another column Prof. Greig informs the people of this parish that the Home Institute opens on Monday Sept. 5. Words of praise for this excellent institution would be superflous as the teachers are too well-known to need any recommendation.
Mrs. Maurice Berger returned a few days ago from Chicago where she met Mr. Berger who accompanied her as far south as New Orleans.
Alex Delahoussaye's store has been thoroughly painted and it now presents a very neat appearance.
From the Lafayette Advertiser from August 13th, 1870:
CANDIDACIES.
For State Senate.
At the request of citizens of the Parishes of Calcasieu, Lafayette and St. Landry, I have consented to become a candidate for the State Senate.
(Signed) WM. OFFUTT.
At the request of many friends I have consented to become a candidate for the State Senate, for the Senatorial District conspiring the parishes of St. Landry, Lafayette and Calcasieu.
FRANCOIS DAIGLE.
Parish Judge.
We are authorized to announce A. J. MOSS, present incumbent, as a candidate for Parish Judge. Election in November.
State Representative.
We are authorized to announce Mr. D. A. COCHRANE, as a candidate for State Representative. Election in November next.
Independent Candidate for Legislature.
Mr. Editor. - Please announce Mr. J. N. Judice, as an independent Democratic Candidate for the Legislature, at the next election.
(Signed) MANY FRIENDS.
For State Representative.
Mr. Editor. - Please announce me in your estimable journal as a Democratic candidate for State Representative. Election in November next.
Very respectfully,
JEAN BERNARD.
For Sheriff.
We are authorized to announce GERARD LANDRY, present incumbent, as a candidate for Sheriff, at the election in November. Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
Lagniappe:
NEGROES IN THE ARMY.
Johnson, a negro lieutenant in Crane's regiment of immunes camped at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, was on the warpath the other day and made things unusually lively among the colored soldiers. He was arrested and turned over to the civil authorities for trial. When he appeared before Recorder Arnauld he was very indignant that a colored gentleman holding such an exalted position in Uncle Sam's army should be dealt with as if he had been an ordinary coon. Overwhelmed with indignation he said to the court: "See hyar, Jedge, I'se a commissioned officer in the reg'lar army, and I wonts to be tried by a United States court martial, if I'se got to be tried - Dis court's got no authority to confer charges 'gainst me. I'se Lieutenant Johnsing, and I'se entitled to respeck, sah." Johnson is a fair example of the negro officers in the United States army. Is it a wonder that the negro regiments are degrading the service with such officers. Their presence in the army, is sure to stir up racial prejudices, and to create a spirit of insubordination among the men of both races. Not only in the South is the enlistment of negroes regarded with disfavor, but even the people of Massachusetts, who are so fond of lecturing Southerners upon their behavior toward the colored brother, are beginning to object to Sambo as a comrade in arms. The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major and a captain of the Sixth Massachusetts, have all resigned because of a negro company in their regiment. These gentlemen refused to co-operate with negro officers upon terms of social equality and preferred to retire from the service than to put up with African impudence.
Our Northern friends insist upon social equality, but they want to force it upon Southern gentlemen. When they are confronted with the necessity of swallowing a dose of their own medicine they invariably object, as did the Massachusetts officers. "Social equality for the South, not for us," they argue. The resignation of these Northern gentlemen from the army because of the presence of negroes in their regiment will probably have a salutary effect on these demagogues in the North who delight in vilifying Southern men because they refuse to salute negro officers and treat negroes as social equals. Lafayette Gazette 8/13/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of August 13th, 1912:
L. J. ALLEMAN TO SUCCEED SUPT. WRIGHT.
The Parish Board of School Directors accepted the resignation of Supt. Wright last Saturday and elected L. J. Alleman as his successor. Mr. Wright was directly instrumental in bringing about this step taken by the School Board, which will undoubtedly redound to the advantage of the public school system of Lafayette Parish. The change will go into effect Sept. 15th.
The causes which have led to this action are, first the recent failure of the State Board of Education for political reasons to reappoint Mr. Alleman to the the office of State Institute Conductor, and secondly, the intention of Supt. Wright to accept in the near future a highly remunerative State agency for a valuable encyclopedia or work of reference. By his desire and willingness to facilitate the School Board in getting Mr. Alleman back in his former position of superintendent of schools in Lafayette parish at a time when prompt action was necessary to make it possible, Supt. Wright displayed a very commendable spirit.
The good judgement shown by the School Board in dealing with this question is admitted by all, Mr. Alleman's creditable record as an educator and administrator of schools from 1901 to 1908 in Lafayette parish having earned for him a secure place in the minds and hearts of our people. And it is a splendid tribute to the worth and ability of Mr. Alleman that his selection for the incumbent school board meets with the approval and endorsement of the school board to be elected next November, in advance of their inauguration into office. Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1912.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of August 13th, 1909:
PELICAN FIRE CO.
Chief Wm. Graser has been busy for some time reorganizing Pelican Fire Company on the North side of the railroad. As a result of his efforts the company roll now shows twenty-seven active members. The Chief and all the officers of the department are anxious to bring the service up to a high standard of efficiency and to make special preparations for the reception and entertainment of the State Convention of firemen to be held at Lafayette in May next. Chief Graser is now in correspondence with the secretary of the State Association as to appointment of committee, etc., and will no doubt soon call a meeting to consider plans for the convention.
Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1909.
An Auto Party.
Monday afternoon Col. Sam Parks and party, of Beaumont, Texas, arrived at the Gordon Hotel at four o'clock and after a brief stay sped on their way to New Orleans, stopped for the night to rest (unreadable words) New Iberi, Mr. R. H. Broussard went with the party as pilot as far as New Iberia. Mayor Martin and Mr. M. Patin escorted the party as far as Broussard with Mr. Ed. Higginbotham in his fine new auto. In the party were Col. Parks and wife and Geo. J. Gardner of Beaumont; Hon. J. W. Link and son, Dr. E. W. Brown of Orange; Miss Elaine Pujo, daughter of Congressman Pujo of Lake Charles, Nyles Orvens chauffeur of the "White" and Kennedy of the Pierce. Col. Park is making a trip from Beaumont to New Orleans, having left Beaumont Friday at 4 p. m. He is doing all he can in favor of good roads and the building of a highway from San Antonio to New Orleans. Lafayette Advertiser 8/13/1909.
From the Lafayette Daily Advertiser of July 13th, 1918:
DR. STEPHENS PAYS TRIBUTE TO COL. MOSS
In the December, 1906, number of the Louisiana School Review, I wrote - nearly 12 years ago - the following article about Jim Moss, then a Captain in the U. S. Army, apropos of his being brevetted Colonel as an aide to General Corbin:
Col. James A. Moss, U. S. A. -
A barefoot boy just nine years old that runs riot on the narrow streets of a small Acadian village and doeth all manner of impish mischief, can yet become a man of distinguished personal worth and even of national importance. He vexeth his neighbors for a time, doing the works of evil to them and their children, and showing forth incarnate evidence of original sin and total depravity. But behold of a sudden, in the fifteenth year, the town becomes too small for him. The superior largeness of the otherwhere begins to dawn upon his fancy, and the desire seizes him to go find the place where the sky comes down all around to form the walls of the world. The magic password that will lead him from gate to gate, the abracadabra of his pilgrim's progress to the larger temples with vaster domes, is EDUCATION. He will go off to school! So now takes interest for the first time in the books he is "in" at Mr. Greig's school in Lafayette, and begins to prepare himself for the State University in Baton Rouge. Arrived there, soon a new horizon lures him on, distant but discernible - West Point. Work, study, grind, "bone math", get ready - and up the hill he climbs by old "Fort Put" on the Hudson. A new horizon stretches far, but the glowing youth fares on - for now he lifts the banner with the strange device - Excelsior. In four years he gets a commission in the United States Army, and sees yet another new horizon line - which on nearer approach proves to be a "thin brown line of 'eroes" to adpapt Kipling's phrase) at El Caney and San Juan Hill. Then away and away to the Philippines.
Then after this what do? Stop? Rest? Vegetate? Nay, not so. Instead, he masters every detail of the army service - so that if sometime they should happen to need an active young fellow (as they usually do) - one who can get go right ahead and get the thing done - why, here would be their man. So, in this way, after a short time we find our Lafayette boy, at 33 years - in manhood's prime vigor, grown into Lieutenant Colonel James A. Moss, Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant General Commanding the Army!
Lieutenant Colonel Moss is no longer Aide de Camp as stated above, his General (Corbin) having reached the age of retirement from active military service. But his industry and purposefulness in the mastery of his profession has remained uncreasing, as is substantially evidenced in an almost encyclopedic volume, now coming from the Bassette Press, Springfield, Massachusetts, entitled "Officers Manual (For the Use of Subalterns)", and being a complete guide to the young army officer fresh from West Point or promoted from the ranks or from civil life. The present writer, a former schoolfellow of Col. Moss (and victim to some of his earlier manifestations of military genius) was privileged to examine the proofs of this work, and, though not competent to express an opinion of its technical worth, will at any rate venture a layman's belief that it will become a standard text and reference book for the Army - while its author will be justly famed for his thoroughness and exactness of his military knowledge and for the faithfulness and industry with which he has endeavored to use it for the help of the younger men in his profession.
War is as bad as it has been said to be and we must educate the nations away from it all we can, but so long as practical reason requires us to to prepare for it, let us have efficiency on our side - as well as the righteous cause. Therefore let honor and fame in generous measure be accorded to our soldiers who study with zeal how best to become their country's "cup of strength in some great agony."
Here endeth the article as written in 1906, to which I may now append the postscript after twelve years, that there was a bit more of unconscious prophecy in some parts of it. Jim Moss is now a sure enough Colonel of a Regiment (the 86th) in the United States Army and has gone across the seas to become part of his country's "cup of strength in a great agony." For all we know he may have been with Mangin at Soisson's. Since the time he wrote that first "Officers Manual" he has written forty others, and and has become the greatest "First Aid" to young officers and new soldiers in all of America. Tommy Guilbeau, another Lafayette boy of a similar sort who his batting his way to the front and is already a first Lieutenant and already "overthere", told me a few weeks ago that Jim Moss is the best known name in the United States Army. The future historian of this period will doubtless record that the Bible, Shakespeare and Moss's Military Manuals were the three best sellers of the century.
(Signed) E. L. STEPHENS.
Lafayette Daily Advertiser 8/13/1918.
S. L. I. I. TRIBUTE TO STANLEY MARTIN.
Lafayette, La., August 12, 1918.
Editor, Lafayette Advertiser.
Dear Sir:
Only yesterday I wrote you a paying tribute to a Lafayette boy - Col. James A. Moss - whose life and work in the army are an infinite honor and credit to his community and his country. And today comes the fateful message from Adjutant General McCain that another Lafayette boy - Stanley Martin - has won the imperishable glory of making the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life for his country and the freedom of mankind on the blood-drenched battle field of France. He was in the very first group of brave Lafayette boys who volunteered for immediate service last year when war was first declared - and was, alas, the first to fall in battle.
As head of the Southwestern Institute, is alma mater, and on behalf of his teachers and schoolmates, I offer heartfelt sympathy in the grief of his parents and sisters and our whole community. And I am proud for our school to have a part in glory of his valor, his patriotism, and the costly sacrifice he has laid on the altar of Freedom. And it is not an unfitting coincidence that, as Martin was already first name in the peacetime history of the Institute (for it was a Senator Bob Martin a kindsman of Stanley, who was the legislative founder of the Institute in 1898), so now it continues to hold the same position in the Institute's annals of war. For the first gold star on the Service Flag of the Institute will ever commemorate the name of her brave young volunteer soldier of 1917 - Stanley Martin.
I beg leave to suggest a public program to be held in Lafayette Day, September 6 - the birthday of the great French friend of Freedom whose name our city and Parish bear - to honor our dead and living soldiers, and to reconsecrate ourselves to the duty of seeing that their sacrifices shall not have been in vain.
Sincerely your,
E. L. STEPHENS.
Lafayette Daily Advertiser 8/13/1918.
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