Extension of Quarantine Limits Considered.
During the past week earnest efforts were made to have the parish authorities raise the quarantine against the town, the citizens here feeling absolutely confident that free intercourse between the town and parish was perfectly safe.
With the knowledge of the disease now possessed that yellow fever is conveyed only by the mosquito, a cordon quarantine about town is not necessary. The only safe and sure way to stop yellow fever is to quarantine the infected house, screen it and kill the mosquitoes. This the town authorities have done with every case of fever here, and in every case not a single other member of the household has taken the fever, not a single one. Knowing the disease prevailing here is a very mild, that the precautions taken have in each instance prevented a spread to any member of the families which had the fever, and feeling assured that any case which may develop can be isolated and ended, the citizens of the town sincerely believe, and their belief is sustained by the facts, that the parish would be exposed to but a minimum of danger; and such being the case they have earnestly urged the Police Jury to raise the quarantine, but without success. Finally Thursday the Jury at its meeting at Scott consented to agree to an extension of the quarantine limits, provided the people living within those limits agreed. A committee consisting of P. R. Landry, C. Spell and J. E. Mouton were appointed to confer with a like committee from the City Council to adjust the matter and take the sense of the people who would be included in the extension. The Council at once met and appointed A. B. Denbo, A. E. Mouton and B. N. Coronna to act with the Parish Committee. Both committees met at the Industrial institute Friday morning after discussion they decided to include an area with approximately a radius of five miles as follows. Beginning at Mrs. Bacquet's place on Bayou Vermilion line to run south to the fork of the bayou, then along Bayou Tortue to Hugh Wallis' place, thence 40 acres from the bayou to Isle Pilette, to Long's place, then across to Monte's store, to the railroad one mile west of Scott, then north to intersection of public roads opposite to the LeBesque place, then along the Opelousas road to the cross road leading to Mrs. Baque's place, the original starting point.
The area included in above was divided into three districts and J. A. Roy and Hugh Wallis were appointed to canvass the first district; Leo Judice and Felix Begnaud, the second : and Jean Constantin and J. S. Martin, the third, to secure by petition the wishes of the people in the three districts. The canvassers were allowed to select four or five assistants to assist them.
Tuesday the committee again met near Lafayette to receive the petitions and act upon them. No petition was presented from the first district. The second district sent in a petition with 22 for removing quarantine and 142 against. The third district petition had 115 names for removal and 27 against. Accordingly the joint committee ordered that the quarantine lines be extended so as to include the third district, the lines to remain as before as to the first and second districts.
The Police Jury met yesterday afternoon at Pin Hook at 4 p. m., but up to the hour of going to press we could not learn whether they had ratified the action of the joint committee. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
TWO MORE CASES
Of Yellow Fever Reported. Dr. Souchon Notified.
Monday morning Dr. Babcock, secretary of the City Board of Health, sent the following telegram to Dr. Souchon, President of the State Board of Health, New Orleans;
Lafayette, La., Sept. 11, 1905.
Edmond Souchon, Pres. State Board of Health, New Orleans, La.
Two cases of yellow fever reported to our Board by Dr. A. R. Trahan, the attending physician. All precautions being taken.
G. C. BABCOCK, M. D.
Secretary of Board.
This makes a total of four cases to date in Lafayette.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
FIGHT THE MOSQUITOES.
The announcement of two more cases of yellow fever here on Monday, caused no panic nor any special amount of excitement. That is as it should be. Lafayette has the fever - that is the situation we have to face, and the only way to meet it is with a relentless ware of extermination upon the mosquito. Yellow fever can not spread without the aid of the stegomyia and we must thoroughly cleanse the town of mosquitoes. To do so, everybody must help. Each must help. Each must see to it that their cisterns are perfectly screened, that no water is left standing in barrels, buckets, or other receptacles to serve as breeding places, and everybody must fumigate, not in half measures, but vigorously, and effectively. What has been done already of the greatest benefit, but more must be done. The fight on the mosquito should not cease until every single one has been killed. Let this be done and yellow fever will be ended in Lafayette. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
THE PROPER THING TO DO.
From now until frost the proper thing to do is kill stegomyias. Go after them in their breeding places, oil and screen every place where you suspect Mrs. Stegomyia is laying her eggs, then fumigate your house, and if you don't get all the mosquitoes the first time, fumigate a second time and keep fumigating until you do kill all of them. There is but one way to get rid of yellow fever - kill the stegomyia mosquito. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
KEEP COOL. - Just now it is exceedingly improper to get excited. Keep cool is the word. No use to worry or get scared - that won't help the situation. But killing mosquitoes will. Do that with a will. Go at it calmly, painstakingly and in earnest - and kill the mosquitoes.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
ST. MARTIN'S PERSPECTIVE.
Last Friday the Parish of St. Martinville decided that the period of incubation had passed at Lafayette, and there was no more danger of the fever from the first case which had appeared there on the 12th of August. All were rejoicing because our neighbors were considered free from the fever, and all quarantines raised. Saturday, however, to our surprise and sorrow, another case of yellow fever was reported from that town, the patient being Charles Martin, a young man.
From the St. Martinville Messenger and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
FOR VARIOUS POINTS.
Large Party Left on East Bound Train Thursday in Screened Coach.
Thursday the following party left in a screened coach on the east bound afternoon train for points mentioned: J. W. May and J. F. Harvey, via St. Louis to Dallas; Fred W. Smidth, via St. Louis to San Antonio; Peter Reimer, St. Louis; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hebert and children, Donaldsonville; Miss Estelle Mouton and Mrs. S. R. Parkerson, Chicago; Mrs. C. Melchert and children, Mrs. Morehouse and children; Mrs. Levie and children, Miss Ella Bell and Jas. Wilson, New Orleans, and eleven company employees for Avondale.
To Assistant-Passenger Agent S. S. Boneil is due the credit of finding the passengers for the screened coach. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
GREAT SANITARY BATTLE OF THE AGE.
Opelousas, La., Sept. 3, 1905.
Editor Picayune: It is refreshing to note the spirit of optimism with which the press of Orleans is encouraging those who are making the grandest sanitary fight of the age, a fight which, if not yet crowned with victory, has certainly succeeded in minimizing the existent evils. If one fourth of the rumors that float through the country receive any credence in New Orleans, there is a danger that the work of screening, recoiling after rains and fumigation will be interfered with. Most of these rumors are, or course, absurd on their face, as, for example, the assertions: "The fever will last while the funds," and that "Five Dollars a head is paid for the detection of concealed cases, $3 to go to the informer and $2 to some of the medicos in charge of the work." These infamous rumors do not have their origin in the country, but emanate from city sources. The impression evidently to be conveyed to the lay mind is: That a band of unconscionable medical rogues, headed by the national, State and municipal health authorities are participating in a huge graft, where each gets a rake-off in proportion to his importance, and that every accidental "jag," jaundiced eye, or ephemeral fever is pronounced as a suspicious case and rushed to the "Emergency," and all for the sake of the quid pro; if even a small per centum of the city's population are obsessed and gave utterances to such thoughts, small wonder that the heroic efforts of the medicos and the volunteers have failed so far in stamping out the fever. At best, with the co-operation of every householder, it would have been a herculean task, after gaining such a headway, but the labor is made immeasurably more difficult by the doubters, knockers, cranks, idiots and liars, and, worst of all, the lay circle, who sets up his petty ipse dixit, based on some old granny's yarn, against the opinion of the profound professional thinkers and experimenters, who have grappled with the problem without pretending to enter a discussion as to the relative merits of the "fomites" or "mosquito" theory of transmission. It is admitted by all that the mosquito may convey the materies morbi; that the mosquito breeds in cisterns, tubs, barrels, cans, broken bottles, pools, etc.; that oiling will inhibit their growth in the larval stage; that screening will protect water and human beings from approach by the adult mosquitoes, and that sulphur fumes, if applied long and strong enough, will kill all mosquitoes. Why then should anyone hesitate to give the city the benefit of the doubt and join in a relentless war of extermination? Since the suspected mosquito is neither sylvan, palustral nor (unreadable word), but strictly domestic in its habits, haunting the homes, we have here a weak point in its armor of defense, and surely it seems, nay, it is absolutely criminal, for anyone to hesitate in aiding the sanitary authorities in its extermination.
Fumigated, and re-fumigation, should be the battle-cry from now on, not one chamber at a time, but the whole house from (unreadable word) to foundation stone, at least twice a week, daily if possible, with a synchronous fumigation every Sunday, as twice ordered by Dr. Williams. Harm was done in the incipiency of the outbreak by attempting to minimize the magnitude of the task of stamping out the fever, by pointing to Havana as a much more difficult proposition, successfully solved.
Havana is not a fresh-water city like New Orleans. The population of Havana for centuries has been carried into submission by armed authority, hence the task of the sanitarian was not so much one of education as a show of force, here it is different; absolutely nothing could have been accomplished without the campaign of education which has been carried on so effectively for the past month. The Picayune, in an editorial (May 1900), entitled "Preaching Sanitation," in advocacy of the hygiene bill, whose main objective was to carry on an educational propaganda on the lines now being practiced, foreshadowed the necessity of this (next seven sentences unreadable) would now be in the throes of an epidemic rivaling in its horrors that of 1878, but with an enlightened public opinion based upon a true and rational conception of the origin, transmission and prevention of the disease, the sanitarians have been able to hold it down to a point where it is not nearly as dangerous as the typhoid occupation of New York and Washington, D. C., with every hope of stamping it out before frost if every householder will only co-operate in fumigating, and the accursed and criminal policy of concealment will no longer obtain. The following abstract from Dr. Fenner's statistics (1853) and Dr. Chaille's recent statistics and from daily bulletins, points to optimism.
Of course, it would be unwise to underestimate the gravity of the situation, or to forget that the natural tendency or an epidemic or yellow fever, even below the frost line, is to reach its acme and decline inside of ninety days. There can be no question that systematic and synchronous fumigation by removing the cause will bring it to a speedier close by destroying all infected mosquitoes and prevent the probability of recrudescence next year. Those who do not believe in the mosquito transmission should remember that sulphur fumes were among the favorite disinfectants when the fomites theory was the accepted faith; therefore, they should not hesitate in fumigating now. It is difficult to treat with patience those who kick against the labor or trouble it involves, or because of possible danger in bleaching, discoloring or otherwise injuring household effects. Human lives and the city's prosperity should not be weighed in the balance with effects that can easily be cleaned or replaced. But even this objection can be removed, as so often pointed out, by the use of pyrethrum or insect powder, or perhaps cheaper and more effectively with hydrocyanic acid, a very powerful insecticide, and under ex pert handling comparatively free from danger. It has been used quite extensively by the National Department of Agriculture in their war against parasitic infection of plants, Dr. Howard, Chief Entomologist, having published a bulletin on the subject. Dr. Lopez, of Mexico, in a series of experiments, place fleas, mosquitoes, flies, chinches, lice, cockroaches, rats, mice an medium sized dog in a room with a capacity of 76 centimeters, and employed 20 grammes of commercial cyanide of potash and 40 grammes of acid to each cubic meter, mixing the two chemicals. In 2 minutes the dog was dead; the rats and mice died in 6 to 8 minutes; fleas, lice, chinches and roaches in 30 minutes; flies and mosquitoes 4 to 5 minutes. For mosquitoes he advises 10 grammes per cubic meter and an exposure of four to six hours. It will not injure the most delicate fabric, and if an upper chamber is selected, the fumes, being lighter than air, will readily escape into the upper strata of air, and in one hour the room will be habitable. It is the ideal disinfectant for railroad cars, and perhaps the only insecticide that might be used in the holds of vessels loaded with bananas. By liberating the fumes in the latter, after the vessel is under way in the open sea, the danger of importing infected stegomyia from Colon or other danger points as doubtless happened this year, and be removed in a few hours. Ventilation can easily be secured by means of an exhaust fan or a forced draft upward through a wind (unreadable word), covering the (unreadable word) and extending well above the pilot bridge. As to any danger of spoiling the fruit, Dr. Howard could very quickly settle that point. Its use, with a reversion to immune crews, might solve the banana trade problem for New Orleans.
But to revert to the householder who objects to subjecting his piano, silverware, etc., to sulphur fumes. Let him place all his precious goods in an upper chamber, and under expert directions or carefully studied directions, employ hydrocyanic acid fumes, for the country shack or city nookery, so full of cracks and crevices that it would be impossible to confine a sufficient percent of sulphurous acid to be effective. Owen's plan of covering from the outside will do if the substitute strong, unbleached domestic or cotton duck, lined with newspapers for cheesecloth and use hydrocyanic acid instead of sulphur fumes.
The fight that is now going on in New Orleans is not only a fight for the present, but for the future; not only for the State, but for all that vast territory lying between the parallels of 43 north and 43 south latitudes, which may be placed in the category of infectible territory. To Louisiana it is a fight upon which depends in a measure the future commercial greatness of our metropolis; upon its successful issue rests the volume of business which for six months in the year, with increased rail facilities, might flow to other States. Every energy, then, should bend to the exertion of fumigation. In a few days the anniversary of Louisiana's redemption from the black peril will roll around. Let the glorious 14th of September be consecrated and made still more memorable in the annals of our history by "a long pull and strong pull and pull all together" in a synchronous, fumigatory effort to get rid of Louisiana's yellow peril, the only inhibitor of her commercial supremacy.
FRED J. MAYER.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
HANDSOME NEW BUILDING.
Frame Stores Occupied by Moss Pharmacy and Moss & Co., to be Replaced by Brick Structures.
The Moss Pharmacy moved last week into the Lacoste building next to Ruger's Jewelry Store. The move was made preparatory to the erection by Dr. N. P. Moss of a handsome brick building on the corner occupied by the Moss Pharmacy and Moss & Co. The present frame buildings will be torn down and replaced by a two story building for the Moss Pharmacy and a one story building for the Moss & Co., hardware and dry goods stores. The building will front on Jefferson street. The hardware department is being moved into the drug store department, then the vacated part will be torn down, the stores for Moss & Co., be built and occupied, and then the frame buildings on the corner be pulled down and in place of them a handsome two story building be erected for the Moss Pharmacy. The new buildings will cost about $25,000 and will be a very handsome addition to the business structures of the town. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
Railroad News.
The following announcement appeared in a recent issue of the Houston Post.
"It was learned yesterday at the general freight offices at the Southern Pacific that Donald P. Stubbs, division freight and passenger agent of the Morgan's Louisiana and Texas line, a Southern Pacific property at Lafayette, La., had tendered his resignation. No successor has yet been appointed to fill the position and it is understood that no appointment will be made for some time.
S. S. Boneil, assistant to Mr. Stubbs, will have charge of the office until the vacancy shall be filled. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
Narrow Escape.
[From the Crowley Signal]
Jno. Bagnal, traveling auditor for the Southern Pacific, had a narrow escape for his life last Friday evening at Jennings. As passenger train No. 9 was pulling out Mr. Bagnal, who is an old man, attempted to get on a car. Agent Davis, seeing that he could not get on, tried to assist him but to no avail. The train was getting a pretty good start by this time and Mr. Bagnal stumbled over a pile of mail sacks and was almost thrown under the train, but instead was hit by the car and rolled over on the ground. The train was stopped and in a short while he was able to get on, but was badly jarred up. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
Swarms of White Gnats. - About the latter part of August and during September of every year a small white gnat makes its appearance in Lafayette. This year they are present in large numbers than ever before and from about five to seven in the evening they appear in swarms. They do not bite or sting, and except for flying in your face and sometimes getting in your eye, do not seem to be harmful beyond causing annoyance. What they are, where they come from or why they are here no one seems to know.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
A GRATIFYING OPENING.
Mt. Carmel Academy Begins Session with an Enrollment of Fifty Three Pupils.
Mount Carmel Academy opened on Monday, 4, with an attendance of 18 boys and 35 girls, which was most gratifying to Mother Superior Zita and the sisters. Owing to quarantine restrictions a number of children from the suburbs and surrounding country were prevented from being present. It is expected that the coming session will be one of the best in the history of the school.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
DIED.
MRS. RAOUL PELLERIN.
Died Thursday, Sept. 7, 1t 3:30 a. m. at her residence in this city, Mrs. Raoul Pellerin, nee Cecile Veazey, born Feb. 6, 1876, Mrs. Pellerin was ill for a long time, but bore her illness with Christian patience and resignation. She leaves a husband and two little children to mourn her loss. The funeral services which were held at St. John's church Friday morning at 9 o'clock, were largely attended. Laf. Advertiser 9/13/1905.
MRS. JAMES MCNASPY.
Died Monday at her home in this city at 12:45 p. m., Mrs. Jas. McNaspy, aged 59 years. Mrs. McNaspy had been in feeble health for some time, but Sunday she became quite ill, though no alarm was felt that it would prove fatal, and her sudden death Monday night was totally unexpected. The family have been residents of Lafayette about three years, having moved here from Kansas. During her residence here Mrs. McNaspy has endeared herself to numerous friends who esteemed her for her lovely traits of character. She was a devout member of the Episcopal church and lived a consistent Christian life. She leaves a husband, four sons and three daughters, two of them married, Mrs. Thos. H. McMillan, of Jeanerette, and Mrs. Gray, of Welsh, both of whom came yesterday. The funeral will take place this morning at 10 o'clock. Dr. Kramer of New Iberia, who owing to quarantine can not enter town, will hold services at the Protestant cemetery.
Laf. Advertiser 9/13/1905.
LEAVES SOUTHERN PACIFIC.
D. C. Stubbs, Division Freight and Passenger Agent Has Resigned His Position.
The following announcement appeared in a recent issue of the Houston Post:
"It was learned yesterday at the general freight offices of the Southern Pacific that Donald P. Stubbs, division freight and passenger agent of the Morgan's Louisiana and Texas line, a Southern Pacific property at Lafayette, La., had tendered his resignation. No successor has yet been appointed to fill the position and it is understood that no appointment will be made for some time.
S. S. Boneil, assistant to Mr. Stubbs, will have charge of the office until the vacancy shall be filled."
From the Houston Post and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
The Cane Crop.
[La. Planter & Sugar Manufacturer.]
The prospects for the crop continue to be bright and encouraging, and it would seem that we can count with certainty on a large tonnage of cane, the only point now in doubt being the yield of sugar to the ton, which, of course, cannot be determined at this time. The problem of getting a sufficient number of laborers to take off the heavy crop now in the fields is still confronting our sugar producers, and the situation in this respect is complicated by the existing quarantines. From the La. Planter & Sugar Manufacturer and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
Police Jury Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., Aug. 3, 1905.
The Police Jury met this day in regular session with the following members present: M. Billeaud, Jr., Presiding. L. G. Breaux, C. Spell, J. Edmond Mouton, J. H. Connolly, J. H. Begnaud, P. R. Landry, Albert Theall and Valery Boudreaux.
An ordinance submitted by Attorney C. H. Mouton relative to the vehicle road tax was read in full as follows and unanimously adopted:
AN ORDINANCE to levy a license tax for the year 1905, Anno (several unreadable sentences) year, upon each bicycle and vehicle owned by residents of the parish of Lafayette, including residents of incorporated towns in said parish, used for locomotion over the public roads of said parish, graded as follows, to-wit:
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(9/20/1905)
Section II. Be it further enacted and ordained that the license tax herein imposed and levied by the first section of this ordinance for the year 1905, Anno Domini, shall be due and collectable by the sheriff tax-collector of the parish of Lafayette on the first day of September and for each subsequent year on the first day of the month of March.
Section III. Be it further enacted and ordained that on or before the first day of March and on or before the first day of March for each subsequent year, every resident of the parish of Lafayette, including residents of incorporated towns of said parish, owner of any one of the vehicles, bicycles and automobiles upon the use of which for locomotion over the public roads this license tax is imposed and levied, is required to procure from the sheriff tax collector of said parish a metallic plate with the words "Road License Tax" with number, year engraved or stamped thereon, which said owner or owners shall tack or attach on the left hand side of said vehicle or bicycle so used, said metallic plate to stand as a receipt for the license tax of said year and no other.
Section IV. Be it further enacted and ordained that on the first day of March, and on the first day of March for each subsequent year all residents of the parish of Lafayette, including those residing in incorporated towns, owner or owners of vehicles, bicycles or automobiles mentioned in section 1 of this ordinance, are required to comply with the provisions of this ordinance by procuring said metallic plate as herein directed.
Section V. It is further enacted and ordained, that the metallic plate mentioned in the preceding sections shall be delivered to the owner or owners of said vehicles, bicycles and automobiles, by the said tax collector, free of cost, after payment of said license tax, said metallic plate to stand in lieu of a license as above imposed and levied.
Section VI. The secretary of the Police Jury shall procure the number of metallic plates necessary to carry out the execution of the provisions of this ordinance, and which he will find hand over to the sheriff tax collector and take his receipt for the same.
Section VI. Be it further enacted and ordained that after the first day of March of the year 1905 and after the first day of March of each subsequent year, no resident of the parish of Lafayette, or of any incorporated town therein, owner or possessor of any of the vehicles, bicycles, or automobiles, mentioned and enumerated and subjected to the license tax imposed and levied by the first section of this ordinance, shall use or allow to be used said vehicles, bicycles or automobiles for locomotion over the public roads of this parish without having previously complied with the provisions and the requirements of section 3 of this ordinance.
Section VIII. Be it further enacted and ordained that the sheriff tax collector and his deputies are hereby authorized and ordered to seize any vehicle, bicycle or automobile belonging to a resident owner not having the metallic plate tacked or attached thereto as required by the provisions of this ordinance which said vehicle, bicycle or automobile may be found in use for locomotion over the public roads of the parish of Lafayette and thereupon said sheriff tax collector shall immediately institute suit before competent court against the owner or owners of said seized vehicle, bicycle or automobile, for the recovery of the amount of license tax due and cost (including as cost five dollars, fee for said sheriff tax collector); and after judgment said seized vehicle, bicycle or automobile shall be advertised as required by law and sold to the highest bidder for cash without appraisement; proceeds to be applied first to the payment of the tax due and cost.
Section IX. Be it further enacted and ordained, that it shall be the duty of the sheriff tax collector to report at the regular session of the Police Jury in every month of each year, and give a list of the names of each person to whom he had issued a license as required by the provisions of this ordinance, with the number of the ward or road district of the residence of said person and amount paid for said license.
Section X. Be it further enacted and ordained, that this ordinance shall take effect after thirty days' publication in the official journal of this parish.
Section XI. Be it further ordained that all parts of this ordinance passed by this body on the sixth day of February, nineteen hundred and two, levying a special license and per capita tax for the year nineteen hundred and two and for each subsequent year, inconsistent with the provisions of this present ordinance are hereby repealed, leaving in full operation all provisions concerning the per capita tax and the collection thereof.
There being no further business a motion to adjourn prevailed.
M. BILLEAUD, Jr., President.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
Police Jury Proceedings.
Scott, La., Sept. 7, 1905. - Regular session Police Jury M. Billeaud, Jr., Presiding. Members present: J. A. Begnaud, A. Theall, P. R. Landry, J. H. Connally, J. Edmond Mouton, L. G. Breaux, and C. Spell.
Moved and seconded that Mr. L. G. Breaux be appointed temporary secretary.
Herein appeared O. C. Mouton, C. O. Mouton, Dr. Tarleton and B. N. Coronna, committee from the town of Lafayette.
Moved by Boudreaux, seconded by J. E. Mouton, that the Police Jury appoint one duly licensed physician at large from the parish to act in any case of yellow fever epidemic in conjunction with the physician appointed by the corporation of the town of Lafayette, the said two physicians to take charge of the infected locality in order to safely protect the balance of town and parish as the case requires.
Yeas: V. Boudreaux and J. E. Mouton.
Nays: M. Billeaud, Jr., P. R. Landry, C. Spell, A. Theall, J. A. Begnaud, J. H. Connolly and L. G. Breaux.
Moved by Landry, seconded by A. Theall, that a committee of three be appointed by the Police Jury and the Parish Board of Health jointly to confer and act jointly with a like committee appointed by the corporation of Lafayette as to the location of the extension of the quarantine limits, providing such measures meet the approval of the majority of the people concerned in said new area.
Yeas: C. Spell, M. Billeaud, Jr., J. A. Begnaud, P. R. Landry, J. E. Mouton, J. H. Connolly, L. G. Boudreaux not voting.
M. Billeaud, Jr., appointed on said committee J. E. Mouton, P. R. Landry and C. Spell.
Committee composed of F. V. Mouton, Albert Theall and L. G. Breaux to examine the accounts of Sheriff Louis Lacoste and settle with said sheriff, report errors corrected in writing submitted and approved. Committee discharged wit thanks.
Moved and seconded, that hereafter two guards only be retained at the three detention camps; in case of necessity to be increased. Carried unanimously.
Moved by Boudreaux, seconded by Begnaud, that the president of the Police Jury is authorized through the parish treasurer to borrow the sum of two thousand dollars to defray the quarantine expenses. Carried unanimously.
Report of V. Boudreaux and Albert Landry, the committee appointed to confer with Mr. Z. Doucet, of the town of Lafayette, about the refunding of a certain amount of money paid to C. Doucet formerly by the parish of Lafayette for a certain tract of land on his premises to be used as a public road. He, said Doucet, refusing to remit the said amount. Report accepted and committee discharged with thanks.
Moved, seconded and granted that George K. Bradford, of Acadia, be furnished the lumber to build a bridge on a canal running through his place in the parish of Lafayette of which the said George K. Bradford donated said right of way to the parish of Lafayette. the parish to pay for lumber. Carried unanimously.
Mr. Begneaud reported bridge on Coulee Rodair completed and accepted and ordered paid.
P. R. Landry asked for lumber to build two small bridges on the new road near Onezime Langlinais'.
Moved and seconded that guard supervisors furnish a list to the president of the Board of Health of all parties that have defied and violated quarantine regulations, forcibly passing the quarantine guards and that said presidents of the Parish Board of Health is hereby requested to make necessary charges against such violators as the case may be and have said violators dealt with according to law. Carried unanimously.
Moved that charges were made to the Police Jury against Edward Lacobie and Gallager for non-performance of duty as quarantine guards, said guards to be immediately discharged by the supervisor guards and charges investigated by said supervisors and if said Lacobie and Gallager are found deficient the said Lacobie and Gallager to forfeit their salaries as guards. Carried unanimously.
Moved and seconded, that the mounted quarantine guards be allowed three dollars a day as compensation for work done as guard and his team.
The Police Jury went into the approval of accounts by wards:
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There being no further business the Police Jury adjourned to the next regular meeting.
L. G. BREAUX, Secretary pro tem.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 9/13/1905.
P. Krauss, a prominent jeweler of this place, who has been on visit to France for three months returned Wednesday. While away he made a trip into Switzerland, Germany and Italy.
Boy if you want to see a sight stop at Fortune's News Stand and see his line of Burat Leather Postal Cards, they are hard to beat.
For Sale. - A second piano in first class condition, cheap for cash, or on time. Also new pianos. Pianos tuned and repaired. Work Guaranteed. Phone 244. Fred W. Smidth, Constantin Cottage, Main St.
The opening of the La. Industrial Institute at Ruston, has been postponed until Oct. 3, owing to the interference with travel on account of quarantine. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1905.
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From the Lafayette Gazette of September, 13 1902:
SAFE BLOWN OPEN
About Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars Stolen at Scott Thursday Night.
Burglars entered the store of A. Judice & Son, at Scott, Thursday night, opened the safe with the use of powder or some other explosive and got away with about $250 in cash.
A hole drilled from the top of the safe, the instrument used to do the work having been stolen from the blacksmith shop of Mr. Baquet. It is believed powder was applied through this hole and the door was burst open.
Fortunately before closing the store Thursday evening Mr. Judice removed $1,200 from the safe and deposited the amount elsewhere.
Sheriff Broussard went to Scott yesterday morning to investigate the burglary. He arrested a negro, John Washington, on suspicion.
It appears that several thefts have been committed at Scott recently.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Burglary at Post Office.
The post-office at this place seems to have some particular attraction for the thieves who have selected this community in which to ply their nefarious occupation. Several attempts have been made to steal Uncle Sam's property here, but fortunately very little of any value has been stolen. Last Wednesday night the post-office was entered through a side window. Thursday morning when the assistant post-master, George Debaillon, went to work he saw many things which soon convinced him that the office had been visited by burglars during the night. Three candles, two of which had been slightly burned, were found. An unsuccessful attempt had been made to open the safe near which were found a lot of blacksmith's tools. The knob on the inside doors of the safe was broken off. Everything seemed to indicated that the burglars left the place hurriedly. The tools which were found near the safe belong to Mr. Bernard Miller, the local blacksmith from whom they were stolen.
About 80 cents were taken from the cash drawer. Only one letter is believed to have been tampered with.
From all indications the theft was committed early before midnight.
There is one clue which might lead to the arrest of the guilty party or parties.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
TOWN SCHOOLS
Begin the Session With Good Attendance.
The town schools began their session last Monday. Both the private and public institutions report a good attendance on the opening day and every indication of a successful term.
At the Mount Carmel Convent the attendance was very satisfactory.
Prof. Greig's Lafayette Institute, which has grown deservedly popular in this community, began the session with a splendid enrollment.
The attendance of the High School reached 125, and at the Primary the number of pupils was 130. At the High School Prof. LeRosen will be assisted by Miss Edna Close and Miss Annie Trichel. Miss Trichel having not yet arrived, her work this week was in charge of Miss Maria Bagnal.
Miss Fadra Holmes is principal of the Primary School. Her assistants are Miss Maggie Bagnal and Miss Emily Horton.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Opening of the Institute.
Everything at the Industrial Institute is in readiness for the opening next Wednesday. From all indications there will be an increased attendance. The members of the faculty who were away during vacation are expected at the school within the next few days. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
THE PRESENT NEEDS OF THE SCHOOLS.
Last week The Gazette dwelt upon the necessity of levying a special tax for the establishment, equipment and maintenance of a public school system commensurate with the needs of this community. While we believe that this tax should be levied at once, it would not relieve the present congested condition of the public schools of this town. During the last scholastic term the schools in this town became so overcrowded that it was necessary to compel pupils to bring their own seats to school, or to refuse to admit them. The result was that about thirty-five pupils were deprived of the opportunity of attending school.
From the very first day of this session the attendance has over-taxed the capacity of both school buildings. Every available foot of floor space has been taken and still the applicants come. The School Board has furnished an ample corps of teachers and it now devolves upon the town to do its share.
The citizens of Broussard have just sent an order for modern desks. Mouton Switch is raising funds for the same purpose and a few days ago the citizen and Town Council of Carencro contributed $104.50 to supply their school with new furniture. If these communities with no revenues can do so much for their schools, what should we expect of the town of Lafayette which has an assessment of nearly one million dollars?
Instead of having standard desks three of the school-rooms in this town are equipped with cumbersome wooden desks of the vintage of 1776. These desks would not have been used by a progressive back-woods community 50 years ago.
Despite these disadvantages the able and painstaking teachers are doing good work, and it is safe to say that with suitable furniture and adequate room Lafayette will boast of a public school system equal to any in the State.
The Gazette doubts not that in due time the people of this town will provide handsomely for the local schools by levying a special tax, but present conditions must be met immediately. It will take some time before a tax can levied, and until then the needs of the children must be looked after. Another child must not be turned out of the public schools.
The present City Council has never failed to help every deserving cause when it was able to do so. In the present instance we hope it will come to the rescue of the town schools and we hope it will do that without delay.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
What is Being Done at Mouton Switch School - Not Satisfied With Dingy Desks.
The following letter, addressed to Supt. Alleman by Mr. J. C. Martin, one of the most successful teachers in the parish, shows what the people of Mouton Switch have done for their school by working together.
Lafayette Parish, La.,
Sept. 6, 1902.
Supt. L. J. Alleman,
Lafayette, La.
Dear Sir - The report submitted in April last is complete; no money has been collected since. Three families have sent pupils to my school since that date, but each had paid the $1 incidental fee to another school.
I wish, however, at this time to state that during the month of March last, at my invitation, a number of the patrons of the school met at the school-house for the purpose of devising means of raising money for the purpose of improving our school-house and grounds. Mr. J. E. Mouton, a patron of the school, suggested that we start a subscription among ourselves and that a committee be appointed to present a petition to the Police Jury, to ask for an appropriation for the purpose mentioned above.
Messrs. P. Benton, E. Arceneaux and A. Martin volunteered to circulate subscription lists among the patrons and friends of our school. A copy of the subscription list is enclosed. Messrs. J. E. Mouton and Ed Martin were delegated to present the needs of our school to the Police Jury. The Police Jury appropriated fifty dollars, which amount is now in bank, subject to the order of J. E. Mouton.
Mr. Andre Martin was appointed treasurer to take charge of the money collected by subscription.
Messrs. J. E. Mouton, Pascalis Bernard and W. Butcher were appointed a committee to buy lumber to build a yard around the school-house.
We have built a good substantial fence; the fence, school-house and out-houses have been whitewashed, the doors and windows of the school-house painted, trees have been planted on the grounds, but owing to the severe drought many have died.
The school-house is now a very good condition, not a single blind or glass being broken.
The most urgent needs of our school now are a cistern and better benches and desks. All the money subscribed and also the balance left from the $1 fees collected by the teacher from the families have been used, as shown by the books of the treasurer.
Very respectfully,
J. C. MARTIN.
-----------------------------------------
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
The Stephens' Arrived.
Dr. and Mrs. E. L. Stephens arrived in Lafayette last Sunday after having spent several weeks in Virginia. Dr. Stephens entered upon the discharge of his duties at the Institute preparatory to the opening next Wednesday. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Bids.
Bids will be received until Oct. 1, by the Board of School Directors, parish of Lafayette, for the survey of Sec. 16, T 11 S, R 5 E: and for the division of said section into sixteen equal parts. The corners of the section and of the 16 lots are to be marked with durable posts of iron. L. J. Alleman, Secretary, Lafayette, La. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Colored Education Association. - The Gazette is requested to state that Messrs. Chas. D. Caffery, I. A. Broussard and Paul Demanade will serve as trustees of the funds of the Colored Education Association of Lafayette. The purpose of this association is to build a school for colored children in the lots donated by the Southern Development Company.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
CARENCRO SCHOOL
Opens With Good Attendance - Appropriation by Council to Buy Furniture.
The Carencro Central School opened Monday, Sept. 1, with an attendance about as large as could have been expected, considering the early date of opening and the amount of cotton picking on hand. The attendance has been steadily increasing since the date of opening, until it has reached a fairly good average.
The spirit of public education is rapidly gaining ground in this section of the country. The fact is shown by the work that is being done by the people of the town of Carencro. A call meeting of the Town Council was held Monday night, Sept. 8, for the purpose of securing an appropriation from that body, to be used to purchase desks, and improve the school property. All the members were present, except one. A motion was made to appropriate $75.00 from the funds of the corporation and was carried without a negative vote.
With the seventy-five dollars appropriated by the Council, and the amount that was already on hand for the purpose it is thought that it will be possible to accomplish the desired end. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
BALL AT CARENCRO
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, for the Benefit of the Stelly School.
The people of the Stelly School community are bestirring themselves for better educational facilities. Several citizens of the neighborhood, headed by Mr. Louis Stelly, are making arrangements to give a dance in Carencro on Wednesday, September 17, for the benefit of the Stelly school.
The management of the dance will be in the hands of Messrs. Zack Francez and Louis Prejean, which assures the success of that part of the entertainment. Many young people from Lafayette and from Breaux Bridge have signified their intention of attending.
A fine band has been secured for the occasion. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Desks for Broussard.
Broussard has ordered patent desks for it public school. The fund for this purpose was raised at an entertainment given by the school children under the direction of Mr. C. K. Olivier. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
TO NOMINATE A CONGRESSMAN.
Convention Will be Held in Napoleonville Monday Sept. 22.
The Democratic Congressional Committee met at New Iberia last Wednesday. The meeting was called together by Ed. G. Voorhies of Lafayette, and Ed. McCullum of Terrebonne was elected chairman.
J. Y. Sanders of St. Mary offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted.
That the Third Congressional District committee call a Democratic convention to nominate a Congressman for the Fifty-eighth Congress, said convention to meet at Napoleonville on Monday, Sept. 22, 1902, at 12:30 p. m., and that the various parishes of the district be invited to attend the convention, one delegate to every 25,000 inhabitants or fraction thereof.
Congressman Broussard has no opposition in the Democratic party. The Republicans will have a candidate, but there is no doubt that Mr. Broussard will be elected by the usual majority.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Orders Mass Meeting to Elect Delegates to Congressional and Railroad Commission Conventions.
Lafayette, La., Sept. 11, 1902. - Pursuant to a call the Democratic Parish Executive Committee met today at the court-house, in Lafayette, Mr. John Hahn presiding.
The roll was called and the following members were present: 1st ward, Jean Begnaud, by proxy; 3rd ward, John Hahn, P. L. DeClouet, in person; 4th ward, Dr. R. O. Young, by proxy; 7th ward, R. H. Broussard, in person; 8th ward, John Whittington, in person.
Upon motion of P. L. DeClouet, duly seconded, it was agreed that a mass meeting be held at the court-house, in Lafayette, at 11 o'clock a. m., on Saturday, Sept. 20, for the purpose of choosing delegates to attend the congressional convention to be held at Napoleonville, on the 22nd of September, the same delegates to represent this parish at the Railroad Commission Convention to take place at Baton Rouge on the 23rd of September.
There being no further business the committee adjourned.
JNO. HAHN, Chairman.
P. L. DECLOUET, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
REPUBLICAN POLITICS.
Mass Meeting to be Held to Elect Delegates to Congressional Convention.
The Gazette is requested to publish the following call which explains itself:
MASS MEETING.
"By order of the Republican Congressional committee of the 3rd district, the Republicans of Lafayette parish are urged to meet in Col. Breaux's office, at 3 p. m., on Saturday, Sept. 13, for the purpose of electing eleven delegates to the nominating convention to be held in New Iberia, on Sept. 2o."
Though the Republicans no doubt recognize the fact that they no chance to win in this district, it is evident from the foregoing notice that they will put out a candidate. Among those mentioned are Mr. Dugas of Terrebone, Mr. Godchaux of Lafourche and Mr. Pugh of Ascension. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
THE FALK WELL. - Judge Israel Falk, who put down a test well on his lot near the Southern Pacific yards, informs us that he has found a good flow of oil at a depth of 16 feet and also at 32 feet. He says that he has secured the necessary backing and he will soon be in a position to thoroughly exploit his field. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
To Bore for Oil.
It seems to be pretty sure that the Lafayette Oil Company will close a deal by which five wells will be drilled on the economy's territory. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
The Oil Mill. - The People's Cotton Oil Mill started last Thursday with good prospects for a successful season. The plant is in splendid condition, and everything else in readiness for a big business.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Firemen Thanked.
The following resolutions were adopted by the Board of Aldermen of Washington, La., at its regular meeting, held on Sept. 1, 1902.
Moved by Mr. Plonsky, and seconded by Mr. Conklin, that the following resolutions be adopted and spread upon the minutes of the meeting, and that a copy be sent to the mayors of Opelousas and Lafayette respectively, and also to the chiefs of the Fire Departments of these towns.
RESOLUTIONS.
Be it resolved that the Board of Aldermen, in regular session assembled, in behalf of its citizens of the town, tender its sincere thanks and heartfelt gratefulness to the to the good people of Opelousas and Lafayette, and more especially to the members of the fire departments of said towns, for the valuable assistance rendered in helping so materially to extinguish the recent disastrous fire.
Be it resolved further, that we appreciate very deeply the promptness and generosity manifested by the Southern Pacific Company in furnishing the Lafayette Fire Company a special train to convey them to our assistance.
Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be sent to Mr. Owen, division superintendent of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company.
F. P. MARTIN, Mayor.
A. W. BITTLE, Clerk.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Electric Rail System for Iberia?
[From New Iberia Enterprise.]
At a meeting of the Town Council last Monday evening, franchises were granted to Gen. F. F. Myles, and Hon. John A. McIlhenny to operate an electric car line in this city for the space of twenty-five years. The route will be found in the proceedings of the Council published elsewhere. We are pleased to see the evidence of progress upon the part of the Council and of the enterprising gentlemen named and trust that the line will be commenced at once and that we shall soon hear the whirl of the wheels and the clang of the gong. Few perhaps realize what these enterprises mean to our city. It brings us in contact hourly with our sister towns (as the route will be extended to other towns) which of course will have a tendency to increase commerce and bind closer social ties and also give value to property that is now too far away from these centers of trade. Our business men can have their suburban homes and come in to the business with less trouble than they now have. School children can then attend the High School who are practically debarred owing to the distance and bad roads during the inclement season. The advantages are numerous and will be of daily demonstration. The time for commencement of the great work is 12 months from now and 30 months after that date for completion. Nearly four years, seem a long time, but we doubt not the promoters intend to have the lines completed long before those dates.
From the New Iberia Enterprise and in the Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
MARRIED.
Mudd-Cunningham.
Mr. F. Sterling Mudd and Miss Myra Cunningham were married at the Catholic church in this town last Wednesday at noon. The groom, who is congratulated by his many friends upon his good fortune in winning so charming and accomplished young lady for his life partner. The bride is a daughter of Mr. Louis Cunningham, well-known in Lafayette, where he has resided a number of years.
The happy couple left on the afternoon train for New Orleans where Mr. Mudd is employed in the offices of the Southern Pacific Company. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
ALSO MARRIED
Clesi-Price.
Miss Victoria Price, the beautiful daughter or Mr. John Price of Scott, and Mr. J. N. Clesi, a well-known business man of New Orleans, were married in the Catholic church in Lafayette Wednesday evening, Rev. E. Forge officiating. After the ceremony, the bridal party were entertained at the home of Mr. F. H. Clark, a brother-in-law of the bride.
Mr. and Mrs. Clesi left on the morning train for New Orleans where they will make their home.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
An Elopement. - Some excitement was created in town Thursday by the elopement of Mr. John Smith and Miss Mary Doe. The bride had an eye to business when she made her husband call at once at J. R. Domengeaux's Agency and have him take out two insurance policies, one on his life in her favor and the other on their furniture.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Work on Institute Dormitory. - The work of completing the girls' dormitory at the Industrial Institute is being done under the direction of L. A. Pitcher, of New Orleans, who is representing Favrot & Livaudais, the architects. It will be remembered that an appropriation was made at the last session of the Legislature for the completion of the dormitory which was at first left unfinished on account of a lack of funds. An effort will be made to get through with the work for the opening of the school on the 17th.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Near the Institute. - Two handsome buildings are going up near the Industrial Institute. One is being built for Dr. Tolson by F. Anderson and the other for Mr. Crow Girard by Emes & Alexander.
Laf. Gazette 9/13/1902.
Pistol Toter Fined. Onezime Guidroz appeared before Judge Debaillon last Monday and plead guilty to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon. He was fined $100 and costs. Laf. Gazette 9/13/1902.
Selling it All.
On account of leaving town, I will offer at private sale at my residence (Dr. F. E. Girard's homestead) all my household furniture, including roller top desk, carpets, etc. Also horses, cows, hogs, carriages, harness and farming implements. Terms cash. H. L. COULTER. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Police Jury Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., Sept. 4, 1902.
The Police Jury met this day in regular session with the following members present: M. Billeaud, Jr., J. C. Broussard, F. G. Mouton, J. A. Labbe, J. O. Blanchet, John Whittington and Alonzo Lacy.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Mr. J. D. Coulter appeared and represented that he had purchased at State tax sale one thousand acres of land for which no title could be found. Petitioner prayed for refund of parish taxes paid and such relief as would enable him to present his case properly before the State authorities. The Jury refused to consider the matter upon the ground that the question was one of title over which it had no jurisdiction.
Attorney Elliot appeared in behalf of Mr. Albert Laurent relative to an alleged public road upon the property of his client in the fourth ward. Mr. Laurent offered no objections to the maintenance of said road, but inasmuch as the property was not used by the parish, he asked that all rights, if any, possessed by the parish he restored to him. Considering that no notification of any expropriation proceedings had ever been served upon Mr. Laurent, by motion of Mr. Mouton, the Jury resolved that the parish had no authority over said road and that the same be abandoned in so far as the property of Mr. Laurent is concerned. Mr. Labbe voted nay.
Messrs. Ben Avant and Hugh Hutchinson appeared and petitioned for an appropriation of $125 for the repair of the Duson public school building. Messrs. Joseph Ledoux and Abel Hoffpauir also appeared and asked for $75 to improve the Indian Bayou school house.
By motion of Mr. Mouton, the petitions were referred to the Parish School Board and the Jury resolved to make no further appropriations for public schools for the present year other than regular item embodied in the budget.
A substitute offered by Mr. Buchanan granting the appropriations prayed for was lost.
President Billeaud, chairman of the committee appointed to confer with a committee from the City Council of Lafayette relative to appropriations for the public schools, reported that the proposition to effect a separation of administration of the town schools and those of the parish conditional upon the transfer of the revenue of the three mill criminal tax on corporation property to the exclusive support of the town schools, was not advisable. The committee considers the School Board fully competent to conduct all public school administration and hereby expresses its entire confidence in the ability and integrity of that body.
By motion of Mr. Buchanan, the report of the committee was accepted and endorsed. The secretary was instructed to notify the School Board of the Jury's action.
Mr. Whittington reported completion of the Onezime Trahan bridge at a cost of $32.85.
Mr. Ferdinand Broussard of the sixth ward appeared and complained of the condition of a certain road in that ward, and by motion of Mr. Labbe, the president appointed Messrs. Buchanan and Lacy to examine into said complaint, particularly the road from Carencro to Broussard bridge and from Broussard's to Ovide Guidry's.
Mr. Blanchet was appointed to examine into the proposed new site for a bridge across Vermilion river at Columbus Broussard's just above the site of the old D. O. Broussard's bridge, and report upon its convenience and accessibility.
Assessor Martin submitted a statement showing valuation of parish property $2,208.438, and corporation of Lafayette $1,042,477, and by motion of Mr. Mouton, the rate of parish taxation for 1902 was fixed at ten (10) mills on the dollar distributed in accordance with the items of the budget, to-wit: Officer's fund, 2 mills; criminal fund, 3 mills; bridges and roads fund, 2 mills; public education, 1 1/2 mills; contingent, 1 1/2 mills.
Demas Benoit was refunded $2 on special road tax, seventh ward, and W. G. Webb 50 cent third ward.
By motion of Mr. Labbe, the resolution appointing a committee to examine roads in the sixth ward was reconsidered and the Jury authorized Police Juror Broussard to work the roads complained of just so soon as complainant and owners shall deliver to the parish the requisite width donated for said roads.
The treasurer submitted the following reports:
To the President and Members of Police Jury, Parish of Lafayette, La. - Following is a statement of receipt and disbursements of the parish funds since may last report:
---------------------p. 6-------------------
Respectfully submitted,
J. E. MARTIN,
Treasurer.
Lafayette, La., Sept. 4, 1902.
To the President and Members of Police Jury, Parish of Lafayette, La. - Following is a statement of receipts and disbursements of the special road funds since my last report:
---------------------p. 6-=-=============
Respectfully submitted,
J. E., MARTIN,
Treasurer.
Lafayette, La., Sept. 4, 1902.
The following accounts were approved:
----------------p. 6------------------
There being no further business the Police Jury adjourned.
M. BILLEAUD, Jr., President.
R. C. GREIG, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 9/13/1902.
Spindle Top is on fire and it is feared that the entire oil field will be destroyed. The origin of the fire is not known.
The homes being built by Dr. Tolson and Mr. Crow Girard near the Industrial Institute will be among the most handsome and commodious in town.
Alley Sprole returned home last Sunday after traveling a month in the west. He visited San Diego, San Francisco and other interesting points.
The last open air concert of the season will take place at Parkerson's grove to-morrow. A fine program has been prepared and the people should turn out in large numbers.
The Lafayette Building Association will hold a regular meeting on the 17th of this month. Lafayette Gazette 9/13/1902.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 13th, 1902:
Oil and Gas in Town.
From indications Lafayette is going to have an oil field right in the middle of town. Tuesday Dr. G. A. Martin and some others noticed bubbles escaping from the ditch in front of Veazey's stable. Being interested, and desiring to test the bubble, Dr. Martin placed a match to them, and they burned with a quick flame, showing the presence of gas. Later Capt. Harper, who is employed by the Heywoods, being told of it, stated that gas must underlie the town, and to prove it, bored a hole with a stick in front of A. Landry's and being tested showed the presence of gas. That gas and oil both lie under Lafayette has already been demonstrated by Mr. I. Falk, and these slight tests confirm the belief that the oil field covers probably the whole site of the town. It is to be hoped that in the near future satisfactory exploration may be made near this town, and its full possibilities for oil discovered. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
SLI-Second Session.
The Industrial Institute will begin its second session on September 17th. Two more teachers have been added to the faculty, and preparations made to increase the usefulness of the school. The second floor of the dormitory, which was left unfinished, has been complemented, and additional accommodations made for the expected increase of young lady students.
The prospects of the school for the coming session are very bright and the Advertiser hopes that they will be more than realized. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
Fire. - Friday night an alarm of fire was given, caused by an overturning of a large lighted lamp at The Gazette office. Beyond scorching the floor and a cabinet, no damage to the office was done.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
CONCERT. - There will be an open air concert at Parkeron's Grove to-morrow, Sunday, evening. This will probably be the last of the season, and all lovers of good music should be present to enjoy it. The people of Lafayette are under great obligations to the Sontag Military Band for their kindness and generosity during the summer, in giving their time and services so liberally, and deeply appreciate it. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
MARRIED. - Married Wednesday at the Catholic church at 11 o'clock, Miss Myra Cunningham and Mr. Sterling Mudd, son of Dr. F. S. Mudd, both of Lafayette. The young couple left for New Orleans where they will make their home. The Advertiser extends best wishes for their future happiness.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
Lafayette Home Institute.
6th Annual Session.
Opens Monday, Sept. 1, 1902.
The merits and advantages of this school are respectfully submitted and a share of the public patronage solicited.
R. C. GREIG, Principal.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
Miss Christian is Back.
Miss Zilla Christian, who taught last year so satisfactorily in the High School, had returned, and now occupies her same place at the High School. We are greatly pleased to welcome Miss Christian back to Lafayette. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
A Dance in Carencro.
Wednesday, Sept. 16th is the date which the citizens of the Stelly community will give a dance in Carencro for the purpose of repairing the school.
A general wave of progress is sweeping over the parish and the people of the sixth ward are determined to remain in the lead.
The dance will be under the supervision of Messrs. Zack Francez and Louis Prejean and these gentlemen know how to give and manage swell hops.
A large attendance is expected from Lafayette and Breaux Bridge. The moon will be in the zenith of its glory on the 17th, and young folks know too well what it is to be under the spell of a full golden moon to permit this opportunity to pass by.
Young gentlemen and young ladies of Lafayette the Advertiser suggests a hay-ride or a bus party to Carencro on the night of the 17th. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
A Good Opportunity.
For sale, one block from railroad depot, an up-to-date hotel and restaurant, the property having a front of 75 feet on Lincoln Ave., and consisting of 28 well furnished bed rooms, 3 business rooms, 25 x 50, one large hall 26 x 50. Electric lights in every department. Large and spacious dining hall. Buyer will be given the privilege of inspecting the business for 30 days before sale is made. Terms easy. Reason for selling; retirement from business. For all particulars apply to Advertiser office. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 9/13/1902.
Miss Cora Desbrest visited relatives and friends in Jennings, during the week.
Miss Philomene Doucet has accepted a position at the Blue Store.
Miss Eula Creighton has accepted a position at F. F. Carter's studio, where she will be pleased to have friends call and see her. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1902.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 13th, 1890:
New at the Roundhouse.
The Southern Pacific railroad is having a spur track built from the roundhouse, on the Southside, to the main line at the lower switch. This is for convenience in handling the engines of the Morgan Division. Capt. Clint Houston has the contract, and will probably have work finished next week. As soon as this spur is completed the Company will begin the erection of a new and much larger and handsomer and better arranged roundhouse on the site of the present old one. This will be another boom for that rapidly growing section of our village - the McComb addition. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
THIRD WARD DEMOCRATIC MASS MEETING.
Lafayette, La., Sept. 6, 1890.
Pursuant to a call of the Democratic Executive Committee of the Parish of Lafayette, published in the Attakapas "Vindicator" and the "The Lafayette Advertiser," the Democratic voters of the Third Ward of the Parish of Lafayette met at the Court House of said Parish, and at the hour of 12 M. Messrs. W. B. Torian and P. L. DeClouet, members of the Democratic Executive Committee for the third ward being both present, said meeting was called to order by W. B. Torian, Esq., who explained the object of the meeting, after which Mr. J. Edmond Mouton was unanimously appointed chairman of said mass meeting with Messrs. Andre M. Martin and E. G. Voorhies as secretaries.
On motion duly seconded, it was resolved, that the chairman appoint the delegates to which this ward is entitled. The Chairman appointed Hon. C. Debaillion, P. L. DeClouet and Wm. Campbell, hereby entitled to cast the votes of this ward at the Democratic Congressional Convention of the 3rd Dist., to be held at Lake Charles, La., Sept. 16, 1890:
The meeting then adjourned
J. EDMOND MOUTON, Chairman.
E. G. VOORHIES, A. M. MARTIN, Secretaries.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
Another Boom For Lafayette.
Judge Israel Falk has converted his "Temple of Justice" into a sort of "Board of Trade." He has trotted the building formerly adjoining his grocery store on Jefferson Street, and used by him as J. P. Office, down on this side of the railroad opposite the roundhouse and adjoining the big pond, where it is located as a general store. Another boom for that part of the city.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
Still No Cotton Mill.
We are disappointed that our enterprising citizens have not got a cotton oil mill in operation here this season. We have agitated this question for the past two years, and were in hopes it would be accomplished. We now put in our plea for next season. We note that cotton seed are being shipped from this point several times a week. Is the little town of St. Martinville located in a better cotton producing country; has it better facilities for shipping; or are its citizens more enterprising and progressive that they can successfully conduct a large cotton seed oil mill, while Lafayette stands looking on with its thumb in its mouth? We notice that almost daily a lot of harvesting machinery, portable engines, etc., arrives on the railroad to be unloaded at this point. This is a sure indication that more and better facilities are needed for harvesting the splendid crop made this year on the country surrounding Lafayette. One of the best indications of the general prosperity of the parish lies in the fact that all our merchants are cheerful and contented. They do not complain or lack of trade, and say that their prospects for collections are gilt-edged. Lafayette's credit will rest on rock bottom this winter, "and don't you forget it."
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
Steamboat Travel on Bayou Vermilion. - We understand that the steamer Mary Rose intends, if the water in the Vermilion bayou will permit, will regularly supply our market with oysters from Vermilion bay. While perhaps not running so large as oysters from points East, the Vermilion oyster is superior in flavor and condition; and no doubt can be sold cheaper that those brought by rail. We believe in encouraging home enterprise, and (unreadable word) in developing a new source of prosperity, and that the Mary Rose will be eminently successful in this undertaking. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
Plank Walk Needed. - Common sense, and the "eternal fitness of things," would urge our city council to build a plank walk on the mud banquet between the Moss pharmacy and the post office; or, in case it neglects to act, our citizens should do it immediately by subscription. It is absolutely a public necessity. Probably more people in the course of a day pass over this poor apology of a sidewalk than over any other walk of the same length in town. What profiteth it a man to caper half a mile on a dry plank walk to plod along two hundred yards ankle-deep in mud to reach his mail? A proper regard for the health and comfort of our women and children should incite our citizens to prompt action in this matter. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
A Gay Time. - Tuesday night a party of our gay young folk, "on pleasure bent," captured the hospitable residence of Dr. J. D. Trahan, and proceeded to make themselves "complimentary to Misses Stella and Haydee." They were royally entertained and enjoyed a delightful evening. The bandits were Misses Eliza, Mattie and Ida Hopkins, Alix and Louise Judice, Lon Gladu, and Mimie Cornay. Messrs. Arthur Breaux, George Richard, D. V. Gardebled, Alfred Mouton, Sidney Mouton, Felix Girard, Tom Hopkins, John Comeau, Felix Salles and Gaston Gladu. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
As the "Crow" Flies.
We were glad to welcome home again our young friend Crow Girard, Esq., who called to see us Wednesday. He had just returned from a vacation of several months duration spent in La Belle France with his father's relatives. He is in splendid health, and thoroughly delighted with his trip. From the enthusiastic praise he bestowed upon "French grub," we were not surprised to learn that he is weighing five pounds more than ever before. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
A New Store.
Messrs. Maurice Mouton & Felix Salles have just opened a new family grocery store in this place, in the building of Lafayette street, lately occupied by Dr. H. C. Salles. They have a choice stock of goods on hand and will give entire satisfaction to those who deal with them. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
"Manual" Training.
The boys of the Crescent base ball club were rampant a few days ago over the loss of their catcher's "stomach protection;" but when they found it hid away in the switchman's house with a copy of "Cushman's Manual" wrapped up in it they fully appreciated the situation, and passed the matter over.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
A Cockroach Trap.
Capt. L. F. Rigues has invented a cockroach trap which is a remarkably successful catcher. It is now on exhibition at Mr. Jno. O. Mouton's brick store, near the depot. Capt. Rigues takes a pride in demonstrating the intricate mechanism of the invention. Every housewife in the land should procure one immediately and rid their premises of these pestiferous little varmints. However, as everything drawbacks, the extermination of cockroaches will advance the price of other seasonings for soups. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
Merchant's Cheerful.
One of the best indications of the general prosperity of the parish lies in the fact that all our merchants are cheerful and contented. They do not complain of lack of trade, and say that their prospects for collections are gilt-edged. Lafayette's credit will rest on rock bottom this winter, "and don't you forget it." Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
Sugar Cane and the S. P.
In reply to an inquiry made by one of our farmers of Capt. C. T. Cade, for prices of cane and rates of freight by the Southern Pacific railroad for the Morris-Caffery sugar refinery, near Franklin, the following quotations and figures were furnished for the information of cane growers of this section: When prime yellow clarified is worth -
---------------p. 5----------------------
Freight charges will be as follows: 25 miles, 50 cents per ton; 25 to 35 miles, 55 cents per ton; 35-50 miles, 67 cents per ton; 50 to 75 miles, 75 cents per ton; 75 to 100 miles, $1.00 per ton.
We have heard farmers express the apprehension that they might meet with delay in transportation of cane, and that while waiting at the station it would dry out, deteriorate and lose in weight. If the railroad would give assurance of transportation on twenty-four hours notice, we believe they would secure a great many more shipments. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
At Falk's.
The Mendelson-Thomas Company's rendition of "A Brave Woman" drew a large audience at Falk's Opera House, Monday night, who were delighted with the performance. It is an excellent troupe and deserving or patronage. We cheerfully recommend them to the public.
For a nickel the small boy (four feet long) purchases twelve feet of succulent sugar cane, and how he manages to fold himself around it all in so short a time will always remain a mystery.
Mr. O. H. Terwilliger, of Opelousas, representing W. W. Duson & Co., of Crowley, has been in town for a few days in the interests of the firm concerning some extensive land transactions.
Meeting Rained Out.
Owing to bad weather the merchants failed to hold the meeting called for last Wednesday night, at Falk's Opera House, for the purpose of organizing a Board of Trade. We trust that they will not let a matter of this importance "drag," but that the Committee heretofore appointed will call another meeting. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
THE LOTTERY AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Editor Lafayette Advertiser:
One of the favorite arguments which the Lottery advocates advance why the lottery proposition should be accepted is, the necessity of greater funds to put our public school system in better condition. It cannot, and need not, be denied that assistance in that quarter is needed and would be very beneficial; but the question is, whether that necessity be so absolute and pressing that we must have the money at once, or whether we may for awhile rely upon present resources, and confidently expect in a few years the amelioration of the public schools by the increased resources which the progressive development of the State will afford; and whether largely increased resources may not be confidently expected in the near future - when the marvelous development of the immediate past is considered. Have we not made large increases in our public school facilities? Has not a noticeable and palpable improvement taken place in that branch of the government? Has not the improvement been of such a character as to justify the belief that it will not be many years before Louisiana will enjoy a public school system the equal of any in the Southern States? Has not the awakened interest of the people in questions of education wrought a marked and decided improvement in the private and public educational facilities of the State? Were the necessity so pressing and absolute that our urgent needs would brook no delay, then indeed we might consider the advisability of having recourse to the price of public morality, the price of the State's claim to consideration as a moral and Christian commonwealth. Were we under that overpowering and controlling mastery of absolute necessity, with no prospect of help from any other source, we would have no discretion but to turn our State over body and soul to this powerful and autocratic corporation; but fortunately such absolute necessity does not really exist. A comparison of our present school system with what it was ten years ago shows a marked improvement, and shows that we may entertain confident and well founded hopes that, by our unaided resources, we will very soon build up a school system adequate to the needs and up to the demands of the people. The official reports of the Superintendent of Public Education disclose justifying indications of rapid improvement. A tabulated statement is subjoined, showing the improvement in ten year:
-----------------p. 4------------------
By this showing it appears that we have in nine years added 1,402 schools to our school system; we have increased our public school population from 64,312 to 132,593 - or, in other words, we educate 68,281 more than we did in 1880; we have 1,384 more teachers than in 1880, and nearly 1,000 more white teachers than in 1880. Our present average school session improvement has taken place within the last year in the duration of school terms. The late Superintendent of Public Education, Hon. Joseph A. Breaux, in his Biennial Report to the Governor, says on page 10:
"Although the approbation has not increased, the average term of the sessions has advanced from
4.75 months white schools in 1888,
4.55 months colored schools in 1888,
-TO-
5.50 months white schools in 1889,
4.72 months colored schools in 1889."
Thus we can see that in one year we have increased the white school session 4 3/4 months to 5 1/2 months - a gain of 3/4 month in one year. As our finances are beginning now to stand on solid footing, we may take the improvement in 1888-89 as a basis for future calculations. If the school term be (1889) 5.50 months, and if the rate of development be such as to show an annual increase in the average school term of 3/4 of a month, how many years will it require to lengthen the school term to ten months? This is a matter not difficult to determine. Average in 1889 is 5 1/2, in 1890 5 1/2 plus 3/4, and so on to 1895. Thus we see that by 1895 we have reason to expect to have in this State an average public school term of ten months' duration. The progressive development of the State makes this quite possible, and opens up before us the most cheerful and encouraging prospects. To gain immediately that which we will obtain in less than six years, we are asked to charter for twenty-five years a corporation which bleeds us annually to the tune of three or four million dollars, and Heaven knows if not more than that immense sum. Were these three or four millions to remain where they properly belong - in the hands of the people, in legitimate traffic - it would infuse a healthy activity into our whole mercantile and industrial system. The lottery proposes to bleed us, make us poor, and than take advantage of our poverty to perpetuate to perpetuate its existence. It is a cardinal principle of every code of morals and of every system of civil jurisprudence the world has ever known, that no man shall take advantage of his own wrong. The Lottery Company cannot urge as its raison d'etre that alleged poverty of which, if it really exist, the lottery is the patent cause of stifling the financial growth through a uniform and systematic course of spoliation, robbery and rapine.
It is a remarkable fact that neither the lottery Representatives in Senate or House, nor any of the lottery press, have ever advocated or urged the passage of such laws as would remedy the defective collection of school funds. Thus the poll tax, which goes to the public schools, is not half collected; and yet not a single lottery man in the Senate and House introduced or suggested a bill to facilitate the collection of the poll tax. If they had expended a part of that legislative ingenuity shown in defeating a bribery resolution to devising a scheme for the closer collection of the poll tax, they might then with some grace point to scant public school funds as a reason why it is necessary for this State in the charter of a lottery to brave the contemptuous indignation of the civilized world. The Superintendent of Public Education states that the financial conditions of the schools would be much improved if the poll tax were fully or largely collected; and that less than one half of that tax is now collected. The total poll tax collected in 1889 was $98,521.76, which goes to the school fund. The poll tax is $1 for every registered voter, of who, there are 254,807. The Superintendent says: "If it were possible to collect a similar proportion to that collected of the other taxes, the additional amount would materially aid in improving the schools throughout the State." Why is it that the lottery journals and Lottery Senators and Representatives support the lottery proposition because the State needs money for its schools, but we did not find them advocating or urging any legislation looking to an amelioration of the State's financial condition? On the contrary, we found them pointing out the scarcity of funds, and at the same time by reckless and extravagant appropriations trying to create that deficit to which in 1892 they might be able to point as conclusive evidence of insufficient revenue to carry on the Government.
The condition of the school fund, notwithstanding the advancement made in increased number of schools, larger attendance and augmented numbers of teachers, is very satisfactory and encouraging. There was a balance on hand at the end of the fiscal year of $66.043 in 1879, of $81,747 in 1884, and of $138,368 in 1890 - evidencing the fact that though we have increased our school force in every way we had in 1890 a larger balance to the credit of our school fund than in any previous year. This showing is full of promise and encouragement. It does not indicate a condition of things so deplorable, so desperate that we must have recourse to an institution which disgraces our State and which would not be tolerated elsewhere on American soil.
It must not be forgotten, also, that public interest in education has been at such a low ebb in many parts of Louisiana as to account in some measure for the defects of the public school system; and it must be considered that it is useless to have fine schools, highly paid teachers and all modern appliances and facilities for instruction when the demands of the people have not reached that point of urgency, and when, as is well known, the efforts of educational authorities have lately been employed in "creating an interest in education," and inducing parents to educate their children, than in devising means to instruct them. A public school system above the wants and desires of the people is cumbersome, expensive and useless; water will not rise higher than its source. A public school system of the perfection of that of New York or Massachusetts is impossible in Louisiana, unless the lottery people succeed in galvanizing into life a greater interest in education or a higher appreciation of its advantages than prevails in many parts of this State. This is a confession difficult to make; but there are occasions when we must speak boldly the language of unvarnished truth.
(Signed) HENRY L. GARLAND, JR.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 9/13/1890.
The showers of the week have been of great benefit to our fall gardens, which are thriving splendidly.
Mrs. M. E. Girard and son Felix returned home from Grand Isle last week.
Mr. Wm. Clegg made a flying trip to Franklin, La., last Sunday.
Miss Kate Collins, of New Orleans, is the guest or Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Clegg.
Wagons loaded with cotton in the seed and with bales of cotton for the depot form daily parades upon our streets.
The assessment rolls for Lafayette parish show an assessed value for 1890 of $1,768,562, as against $1,589,244 for 1889; an increase of $179,348.
Dr. F. S. Mudd and his daughter Miss Clye left last Monday for Clinton, La., where Miss Clye will remain at the Silliman & College Institute of that place.
Capt. Ed. Steele, conductor on the Aransas Pass railroad system was in town during the week visiting his wife and family at the Racke House.
Mr. Auguste A. Micaud now wears the badge of a deputy town marshal of Lafayette, and keeps one eye on the boys and other other eye - isn't quite trained down yet.
Col. Elie McDaniel is offering a big premium for the most artistically constructed bale of hay which can be produced in Lafayette parish. He wishes to erect it above the sign of his new "Custom House Saloon."
Our sugar planters tell us that the development of their cane crop has shown them that they are short in their estimate of the supply of wood necessary to boil it out, and they have sent their hands back into the swamps for more wood.
We notice that almost daily a lot of harvesting machinery, portable engines, etc., arrives on the railroad to be unloaded at this point. This is a sure indication that more and better facilities are needed for harvesting the splendid crop made this year on the country surrounding Lafayette.
Mr. W. E. Howell, formerly stationed here as night telegraph operator, came up Tuesday from Jeanerette to relieve Mr. Albert Delhommer, assistant in Mr. J. J. Davidson's office. Mr. Delhommer takes a well earned vacation for two or three weeks. Mr. Howell's many friends here were glad to greet him again.
Mr. D. Wall of New Orleans, Grand Dictator of the Knights of Honor of Louisiana, was entertained by the Lafayette Lodge at a special meeting Friday night, the 5th inst. He delivered an eloquent address on behalf of the order.
The farmers complain of a scarcity of labor, and fear they will have difficulty in getting their immense cotton crop picked out. Laborers will find no difficulty in getting plenty of work in this parish for several months to come.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 13th, 1879:
Recent Storms.
The damage to the crops of this parish has not been so serious as was supposed. The corn and cane suffered but little and the cotton, with favorable weather, may yet yield two-thirds of what was expected previous to the last storm.
The annual floating of the buffalo or carp fish has commenced. Numbers of them are being harpooned and sometimes even killed with sticks along the bayou Vermilion. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
Improving the Vermilion.
We are indebted to a friend for the information, that Mr. W. H. Hoffman, U. S. Assistant Engineer, under the direction of Major C. W. Howell, is engaged in making a survey of the Vermilion Bayou, by authority of Congress, with a view of improving the navigation. The survey began at Pin Hook and was completed to Centreport last Wednesday. If the survey of the upper portion of the Bayou to the Teche, be not made, it will be a great disappointment, as the belief had been encouraged, that it would be included. We hope the funds appropriated will be sufficient to cover the expense of the work indicated and that Mr. Acklen will continue his praiseworthy efforts in behalf of such a feasible and important improvement.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
Tasty Side Effects.
One of the effects of the late storm was populate bayou Vermilion with numerous young flounders and schrimps. It is a question, whether they came from Teche above, or the Gulf below, probably the former. The receding of the waters has left many fishes to perish in the gullies and holes, causing in some places a disagreeable stench. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
Yellow Fever.
Four deaths from yellow fever were reported in New Orleans and one death in Morgan City by the Board of Health last week. Two cases of yellow fever were reported in New Orleans and one death in Morgan City by the Board of Health last week. Two cases of yellow fever at Berwick City were reported to the Board of Health on the 9th instant - Philip Right and Barney Storms, Dr. Austin, acting president of the Board of Health has instructed Dr. Carson, quarantine officer at Berwick Bay, "to isolate the cases, disinfect and take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease."
There is no real cause for alarm concerning yellow fever at Morgan City.
Quarantine has not yet been established by the town authorities ; but doubtless will be should other cases of fever occur at Morgan City or Berwick. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
Not Total Loss.
The freight on the steamer E. W. Fuller, lately wrecked, is not a total loss. Capt. Matthews, of the Mattie, says much of it only slightly damaged may be recovered. The sugar mill and engine of Mr. Sosthene Mouton which was on board, will probably be abandoned to the shipper or the underwriters. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
Railroad News from Lake Charles.
From the Lake Charles Echo of the 6th inst. we learn that nine cars for the Louisiana Western Railroad have been received at Orange. The damage done to the company's tugs and barges at Calcasieu Pass are repaired, and those vessels are afloat and at work lightering cargoes of rail road material from New York. The track is laid eight miles east of Lake Charles. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARISH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
The Committee met on Saturday the 6th day of September, 1879, were present John Clegg, chairman and Messrs. Victor Martin, C. Debaillon and Jean Bernard. Absent: N. D. Young, J. O. LeBlanc, Nathan Forman, J. G. St. Julien and J. O. Broussard.
There being no quorum present, the committee adjourned to Thursday the 11th of Sept.
_______
Pursuant to adjournment, the committee met this 11th day of September, 1879.
Present: John Clegg, chairman; and Messrs. V. Martin, J. Bernard, C. Debaillon and Dr. N. P. D. Young.
A quorum being present, the committee was called to order and the following resolutions were submitted and adopted:
-------------------p. 2------------------------
There being no further business the committee adjourned.
JOHN CLEGG, Chairman.
H. M. BAILEY, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
Police Jury Proceedings.
September 6th, 1879.
Pursuant to call the Police Jury met at the Court House this day.
Members present: Martial Billeaud, president; Aurelien Primeaux, J. L. Prejean and Sebastien Hernandez. Absent: L. G. Breaux.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
On motion, resolved, that the Treasurer be and is hereby instructed to pay every three months to the Jailor of this parish, his fees for prisoners' board.
On motion of Mr. J. L. Prejean, it was resolved, that Alex. Constantin' be and is hereby appointed road overseer, in place of Edmond Mouton, for that portion of the road extending from Pont des Mouton to the Morgan and Texas R. R.
On motion, resolved, that the road overseers be and are hereby instructed, that where ditches are required to be made on the sides of the road, it is there duty to see that the dirt be thrown in the centre of the road.
It is further resolved, that an extension of time be granted to the road overseers until the 31st of December, 1879, for the completion of their respective roads.
On motion resolved, that the Morgan L. & T. R. R. & Steamship Co. be and are hereby permitted to put their bridge across the Bayou Vermilion without a draw, provided they have an arch or span of twenty feet clear in width; further provided, that this grant will be and remain in force until the necessities of the public require the opening of the bridge for navigation by enrolled and licensed vessels.
On motion, the following voting places and commissioners of election for the election in December, 1879, were appointed, as follows:
---------------p. 2--------------------
There being no further business the Police Jury adjourned to the first Saturday in December, 1879
MARTIAL BILLAUD, President.
J. N. JUDICE, Clerk.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
PARISH FAIRS.
[From the N. O. Times.]
The season of county fairs is almost here. In nearly all of the wealthiest countries of the Eastern and Western States the the county fair is a recognized institution and the day fixed for it in each year is anticipated with as much interest and pleasure as Christmas and New Years. Those engaged in professional pursuits are as anxious for its success as the farmer. All classes of people feel a pride in it, and strive to make it as attractive as possible. That is has a beneficial effect upon the community in which it is held there can be no question. Farmers are eager to outdo each other in producing fine stock, grain, vegetables and fruit. Farmers' wives and daughters bring to the fair their whitest and lightest bread, their sweetest butter and their finest poultry. Fancy patch-word and every variety of fine needle work is seen there. In fact, the best of everything produced in the county is represented. The people or one section see what progress those of another section are making, and are afforded an opportunity of comparing the products of the different sections. Farmers gather new ideas about farming and stock raising, and housewives exchange views relative the to the duties which belong to their sphere of life. The influence of these county fairs is noticeable in the gradual, but sure, increase in the wealth of the county. The latest improvements in labor-saving machinery come into use. Orchards of the best varieties of fruit or set out. Blooded stock takes the place of common breeds. The land is more scientifically cultivated and a better yield is secured. In view of the undoubted benefits which arise from these fairs the question which presents itself is, could they not be advantageously and successfully inaugurated in the parishes of this State ? It is true that very little attention is now given to the raising of fine stock, and in many of the parishes sugar or cotton is the only crop. There is a prospect, however, that before many years the plantation system will give way to small farms, and then stock, grain, vegetables and fruits will enter largely into the products of the State. There is no doubt that fairs would help to bring about this desired result. There is now nothing so much needed to advance the prosperity of the State as small farms. They would not only greatly increase our productive wealth but would invite immigration. Even now, the planters would find it to their advantage to meet together once a year, exhibit specimens of their crops, and compare notes. One planter raises more sugar or cotton to the acre that another upon land that has no superior advantages. The secret of his success is in the manner in which he plants and cultivates his crop, or, perhaps, in the way in which he treats it after it is gathered. This secret would be imparted at the annual fair, and would be eagerly caught up and put in practice by other planters. Specimens of products are exhibited, and they are that cannot be controverted. In some of the parishes considerable attention is now given to the production of fruit, and in a few years the country within a hundred miles of this city will, in all probability, supply the butter, milk and cheese needed here. Fairs would be of great advantage to both of these branches of farming industry. There are many other reasons which might be advanced for the inauguration of parish fairs, but those mentioned are sufficient to show their advantages.
From the N. O. Times and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
Parish Court.
The next civil term of the Parish Court opens on Monday the 15th inst. The docket is not very long and it will not therefore be a long session.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1879.
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=
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 13th, 1873:
THE NEW ORLEANS AND TEXAS RAILROAD COMPANY.
The people of New Orleans and of the entire State are now called upon to consider the merits of a reorganization of the New Orleans, Mobile and Texas Railroad Company, a plan having bee brought forward in a brand new charter of a company which is to be called the New Orleans and Texas Railroad Company.
There is not a merchant in this city who does not accidentally desire rail connection with Texas and with the Red River country ; nor are our people, knowing the urgent necessity for the speedy completion of such road, likely to make frivolous objections to any practical scheme for completing the work, or set with a niggardly spirit towards any parties who contemplate engaging in the enterprise ; but they have been so long deceived with false hopes and have witnessed such wanton peculation and deception in connection with our railroad interests west of the Mississippi, that they will closely scrutinize any project asking their approval.
We shall, therefore, with the candor and care, consider the outlines of the New Orleans and Texas Railroad Company, as embodied in the preamble and charter published:
In the first notice it is gotten up by the bond and stock holders of the old New Orleans, Mobile and Texas Railroad Company, and is to be a prolongation of that corporation, except that the road from New Orleans to Mobile is not to be the property of the new concern. It is to succeed to all the rights, franchises, privileges, property, subsidies, etc., of the said company on the west side of the river, and become responsible for its outstanding obligations.
The capital stock of the association is to be simply the debts, property and State subsidies of the old company, which are valued at $8,100,000. This capital stock is to be divided as follows:
$3,623,000 to be given to the holders of the first mortgage bonds of the old company at the rate of 50 cents stock for $1 in first mortgage bonds ; $2,000,000 to the holders of a second mortgage on the west division (which were represented in the late suit by Messrs. Gardner and Butler); and the remaining $2,500,000 to be given to the State as a recompense for the $2,000,000 bonds issued by it to the old company on the Shreveport branch.
It requires the subscription of $5,500,000 of the first mortgage creditors to effect incorporation. The State stock above referred to is to be controlled by the Governor and his appointee, who are directors, but without power to vote at elections, and cannot be sold, except to the company. The directors named are L. H. Meyer, Geo. Bliss, Joseph Seligman, John T, Terry, Olivier Ames, W. M. White, Thos. H. Hunt, Samuel H. Kennedy, L. F. Generes. The first six are citizens of Northern States.
The company is empowered to issue $4,500,ooo of the first mortgage bonds bearing seven per cent, gold interest, the proceeds of the sale of those to be used for constructing the road, except the sum of $875,000, which is it pay off the second mortgage bonds that have been endorsed by the State for the old company. Second mortgage bonds to the extent of $3,625,000 are to be issued, which are to be given to the first mortgage bondholders of the old company at 50c. in those bonds for $1 of the old bonds.
An examination of the project shown:
1. The capital stock of this company is composed principally of the debts of the old company. The cost of the road and all the work done thus far on the west side of the river is about $2,250,000. The outstanding obligation to be taken in are:
---------------------p. 2----------------------
The company, therefore, starts with $2,250,000 property and nearly $12,000,000 debt.
2. These obligations do not represent anything but peculation and wrong. The first mortgage bonds are on the entire road, though only seventy miles of it are constructed. The second mortgage bonds are somewhat of a mystery, and the State subsidy on the Shreveport branch tell a tale of fraud.
3. There is no provision for any money being put into the work by the parties interested. Not a dollar of money is to be paid up.
4. It is the purpose of the company to go on and build the road with the proceeds of the sale of the new first mortgage bonds and the State has already issued to the old company-
-----------------p. 2---------------------
Or very nearly sufficient to build the entire road.
5. The charter of the old company has expired, and no law can be passed to prolong it.
6. There is no security offered that these parties will net in good faith and do any more than they have done to the past. The mere selection of three directors from among New Orleans merchants, and giving the State two directors would be no safeguard in a board of eleven directors. A minority in a board can accomplish nothing.
7. If the road were built, there is nothing to prevent the parties inaugurating this movement from involving it in pecuniary difficulties so as to close the first mortgage and buy it for free from all encumbrance, wiping out the entire State interest.
New Orleans wants a thoroughly home company, and if she organizes one can get sufficient aid to construct the road.
There is no probability that all the parties interested in the old company will come into this corporation, and the consent of all will be requisite. Mr. Morgan, who holds over $1,000,000 of the first mortgage bonds, has not yet given his assent. From the New Orleans Picayune and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1873.
A CURIOSITY.
Mr. James Higginbotham brought to town last Thursday, another curiosity of the age, which was, a little chicken having four well formed legs and feet and four wings ; the head and body looked natural and it is thought that the little thing would have lived, had it not been killed by its mother about twelve hours after being hatched. This is no chicken story, but a positive fact, which a number of our citizens can testify to who saw the little curiosity. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1873.
Frivolous Charge. - Last Monday, an investigation was made into the charge of Pascal Dauriac against Littleton Stutes for obtaining money under false pretenses and the evidence disclosing no cause whatever for the complaint, Judge Moss very properly discharged the accused and condemned complainant to pay the costs. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1873.
Returned.
Our worthy fellow citizen, Ed. E. Mouton, Esq., returned home from the Point aux Loup Springs last Sunday. We are happy to see that he has greatly improved in health, and is now able to attend to the calls of his numerous clients. We hope that Mr. M., will continue to improve in health and become as he was of yore, hale hearty. Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1873.
ACCIDENT.
Last week, a little son of Mr. S. J. Montgomery, aged about four years, accidentally inflicted a severe cut on his leg with a newly sharpened plow. Little Bobby bore his wound like a man, and we are glad to learn that he is now rapidly recovering.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1873.
City Council of Vermilionville.
Regular Session, Sept. 1st, 1873.
Present: Aug. Monnier, Mayor; and Councilmen L. P. Revillon, F. C. Latiolais, Wm. Brandt, H. Landry, and R. L. McBride. Absent: Messrs. Jos. O. Girouard, and Olivier.
The Council was called to order and
On motion it was resolved, That the demand of the Public School Board being informal the same is hereby rejected.
Resolved, That all persons residing within the limits of the Corporation of Vermilionville be and are hereby ordered to see that their yards are cleaned of all trash, and that lime is thrown in their privies at once, and all persons neglecting to comply with the provision of said resolution ; the Constable is hereby requested to have the same done at their expense.
Resolved, That all trees obstructing the sidewalks or hindering the drainage of the Streets, within the limits of said Corporation, must be cut down after ten days notice to the owner of agent of the property, after which delay the Constable is authorized to cut and remove the same at the expense of the owner.
The following account was approved:
Treville Bernard, $8.00.
On motion, the Council adjourned.
A. MONNIER, Mayor.
H. M. BAILEY, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1873.
LAGNIAPPE:
THE MAN-FACED CRAB.
One of the most singular-looking creature that ever walked the earth or "swam the waters under the earth" is the world famous man-faced crab of Japan. Its body is hardly an inch in length, yet the head is fitted with a face which is the perfect counterpart of that of a Chinese coolie; a veritable missing link, with eyes, ears and mouth all clearly defined. This curious and uncanny creature, besides the great likeness it bears to a human being in matter of facial features, is provided with two legs, which seem to grow from the top of its head and hang down over the sides of its face. Besides these legs, two "feelers," each about an inch in length, grow from the "chin" of the animal, looking for all the world like a Colonel's forked beard. These man-faced crabs fairly swarm in the inland seas of Japan.
Original source unknown. In the Lafayette Advertiser 9/13/1890.
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