STRINGENT MEASURES.
Adopted by the Police Jury of Lafayette Parish.
Sheriff Broussard Appointed Warden and Will Try to Keep Out Yellow-Jack.
Lafayette, La., Sept. 14, 1897. - The Police Jury met this day pursuant of call by the president with the following members present: R. C. Landry, Ben Avant, Jno. E. Primeaux, Alonzo Lacey, C. C. Brown and M. Billeaud, Jr. Absent: Alfred Hebert and Jno. Whittington, Jr.
By motion, duly made and carried, the Police Jury resolved itself into a Board of Health as follows: By virtue of the powers vested in the Police Juries of the various parishes of the State under act 92 of 1892, be it enacted, that the president and members of the Police Jury of the parish of Lafayette do hereby constitute themselves a Board of Health under the following rules and regulations and the officers of the jury are hereby elected to serve in their respective capacities on the Board of Health to-wit: R. C. Landry, president; R. C. Greig, secretary.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
1. The coroner and parish physician, Dr. A. R. Trahan, is hereby appointed health officer for the parish of Lafayette, and is empowered and instructed to carry into effect all ordinances, rules and regulations, now in force or that may hereafter be adopted by this Board of Health.
2. It shall be the duty of the health officer, to inform himself thoroughly as to the introduction of any and all infectious or contagious diseases into the parish of Lafayette; as to the presence and progress of any such disease or diseases at all points infected or where an epidemic of any kind is reported as prevailing or where individual cases have occurred or hereafter may occur and he shall adopt such measures and precautions as the rules of the Board of Health may provide and in case of any emergency be shall act for the moment as his judgment may determine.
3. In case of the occurrence of any infectious or contagious disease or diseases anywhere in the State the health officer is required to adopt stringent measures of quarantine as may be deemed most effectual for preventing the introduction of any such disease from the affected locality or localities and this end, he shall at the proper time with the advice and consent of the president of the Board establish quarantine guards to enforce the rules and regulations of this ordinance.
4. It shall be the duty of the health officer to carefully investigate all sources of danger to the public health from collections of filth, or other nuisances and to adopt prompt and stringent measures for the abatement of the same.
5. In case of any danger from the introduction of any infectious or contagious disease or diseases, or if any infected clothing or goods should threaten the public health in any Police Jury ward of this parish, then and in such case the Police Juror representing such ward is empowered to act promptly for the suppression of such danger and it shall be his duty to report the facts to the Health officer without delay.
The president is authorized to confer with the health officer and to establish if necessary a pest-house for the isolation of any person or persons who are afflicted or hereafter may become afflicted with any infectious or contagious disease.
The president was empowered to act in conjunction with the authorities of the town of Lafayette in all measures necessary to preserve the public health.
1. By motion of Mr. Brown, the following was adopted: Resolved, that a strict quarantine be and is hereby established against New Orleans, and all places infected with yellow fever or that may hereafter become infected.
2. Resolved that no person or persons shall be permitted to enter within the city limits of Lafayette parish unless said person or person's exhibit the proper certificate of health to the satisfaction of the health officer or a deputy appointed by him. Passengers on railroad, or railroad employees, shall be permitted to pass through the parish, without stopping or disembarking. Provided however that should the danger become imminent the health officers is empowered to prevent the passage of trains or other vehicles through the parish.
3. No goods of any kind shall be allowed to be imported into the parish from New Orleans or other points, without the consent of the health officer.
4. Sheriff I. A. Broussard is hereby appointed warden, and is authorized to execute all measure for the prevention of the introduction of yellow fever and he shall in conjunction with the respective members of the wards appoint guards to enforce the quarantine this day levied.
5. Any person or persons violating the provisions of this ordinance shall be liable to arrest and ejectment from the parish or shall be confined in the pest-house and it shall be the duty of the warden to require a strict enforcement of this provision.
The following committees of safety were appointed for the respective wards:
1st Ward - P. A. Delhomme, Jos. Dugas, Will Clark.
2nd Ward - W. J. Harson, Eraste Hebert, Jos. Spell.
3rd Ward - J. D. Mouton, W. B. Torian, L. Billeaud.
4th Ward - Odillon Blanchet, H. M. Durke, R. Domengeaux.
5th Ward - Andre Billeaud, J. G. St. Julien, Ophee Girouard.
6th Ward - H. Durio, F. W. Courtney, J. P. Francey.
7th Ward - P. R. Landry, J. O. Broussard, Darmas Broussard.
8th Ward - Louis Whittington, Antoine Broussard, L. G. Breaux.
The above committees are requested to act in conjunction with the health officer and warden and afford all information and advice that may conduce to the safety of the public health and prevention of the introduction of yellow fever within the limits of the parish.
There being no further business the Board adjourned.
R. C. LANDRY, President.
R. C. GREIG, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Yellow Fever Problem for Southern Pacific.
The town Board of Health has been holding one and two sessions every day since last Saturday. The board is composed of Dr. F. S. Mudd, president; Dr. G. A. Martin, secretary; Drs. Thos. B. Hopkins, P. M. Girard, F. R. Tolson and Mr. J. J. Davidson.
At its several meetings the board took a number of precautionary measures toward the protection of this community against the introduction of yellow fever which prevails in New Orleans and some towns on the coast. At one of its first meetings the board decided to establish a quarantine against infected points and called upon the City Council to take the necessary steps to bring about its enforcement. A meeting of the City Council was called to receive and to act upon the report of the Board of Health. The meeting was held Monday evening. The resolutions of the board established a quarantine against the city of New Orleans, and necessarily included Algiers which formed a part of that municipality. This arrangement did not exactly suit the Southern Pacific Company as it interfered with the running of trains, and in order to prevent, if possible, any action detrimental to its interests, that great corporation was represented by its rotund superintendent, Mr. Billy Owens, whose ponderous form appeared before our city fathers and argued why the quarantine should not include Algiers. Fortunately the majority of the City Council would not listen to such a ridiculous proposition and it was decided to establish a quarantine calculated to protect the community against the invasion of a loathsome and infectious disease, and not a subterfuge adopted in the interests of the Southern Pacific Company. In order to facilitate the changing of crews, the Council agreed to allow the railroad company to stop the west-bound trains at the brick-yards where yard crews would take charge of the trains and run them as far as the station. The crews put off at the brick yard were to remain in a coach at that place where they would board an east-bound train and return to Algiers. It was proposed in this manner to prevent the Algiers crews from coming into the corporate limits, by being made to stay in and around the coach, but this arrangement was not suitable to the Police Jury which body met Tuesday evening and forbade the railroad company to let its Algiers crews remain anywhere within the boundaries of the parish. It was decided by the company to change the crews at or near Morgan City. Men from this station were made to go to Morgan City where they would take charge of the train, running back to his place with them.
The latter arrangement, it seems, did not work well and the last plan is to have the two night trains (the day trains having stopped running) meet somewhere in the parish where the crews will be able to change without getting off.
How long this arrangement will last it is hard to say. It may be knocked kite-high before the appearance of The Gazette. In our opinion it is only a question of a short time when the trains may not be allowed to stop, and then it will be possible to have a stricter and more effective quarantine.
As far as freight trains are concerned it is a matter of impossibility to know how and where they run. They are liable to strike this place at any time and from any direction. Where the crews come from the Lord only knows. The question of how to get rid of the tramps has been a hard one to the guards. It is safe to say that they will come so long as the freights will be permitted to run through the town.
From all indications the trains, with the exception perhaps of the one carrying the mails, will be stopped. Under the difficulties, which are increasing every day, it will be impossible for the railroad company to run its trains through the parishes where quarantine has been established. Mr. Davidson, the agent at this place, has been very busy trying to arrange matters satisfactorily, but he has not met with any howling success. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
VOLUNTEERS.
Will do Duty to Protect the Town.
Pursuant to a call issued by Mayor Caffery an enthusiastic meeting was held at the court-house Thursday for the purpose of organizing a more effective quarantine. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Caffery and was presided over by Hon. Wm. Campbell.
The sense of the meeting was taken as to whether we should have a volunteer or paid quarantine, resulting in a vote of 40 to 32 in favor of a volunteer system.
A committee composed of Wm. Campbell and A. E. Mouton was appointed to act jointly with the mayor in the establishment of a strict and absolute quarantine with the aid of volunteers.
The committee was authorized to confer with the Board of Health as to the advisability of shutting out trains as far as practicable. A large number of citizens pledged themselves to serve on the volunteer force.
Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
DRUMMER'S KICK.
Don't Like the Idea of Being Locked Up in a Coach.
The following protest is signed by a number of gentlemen who are very angry because they were made to comply with the quarantine regulations of this town. The Gazette believes that the gentlemen are unjustly severe upon the officials of Lafayette. It is unquestionably true that during their detention they were not afforded the same privileges accorded quarantined persons in places where the authorities have the means to provide a well-equipped camp.
The signers of this protest, as well as other traveling men, are aware of the fact that this and all adjacent towns have established strict quarantine and it is the height of folly for them to persist in traveling from one place to the other for the purpose of doing business. Though rather hard on the esteemed gentleman, their detention here will be a good lesson to them. They were the dupes of their own folly, and they have no kick to make against any one.
In justice to the mayor, we will say that he has a great deal to contend with and he is doing his best to discharge his arduous duties fairly and impartially. He is concededly a very humane gentleman and if he did not accord better treatment to the unfortunate prisoners it is simply because he could not do so.
The communication reads as follows:
Lafayette, La., Sept. 15, 1897.
[To the Lafayette Gazette:]
We, the undersigned, hereby beg to protest most emphatically at the treatment we have received at the hands of the quarantine officers in general and of the mayor of Lafayette in particular, We have now been locked up in a railroad coach for over twelve hours and have received no more attention a the hands of the authorities than would a car-load of animals and not as much as is ordinarily accorded to common criminals. We are all holders of certificates from the Boards of Health of neighboring town; one of us holds a certificate from Dr. Mudd, president of the Board of Health of Lafayette, for which he charged $1.00. One of the imprisoned comes direct from Chicago, while another lives in New Iberia and has not been in New Orleans or any other infected district for over four months. The rest of the party are traveling men who have been here within a week or ten days and have not been anywhere near the supposed pest-ridden city. All of which could easily have been ascertained by a careful and intelligent investigation by any man of common sense and with a little due regard for the convenience and necessities of people supposed to be gentlemen and away from home. Parties were allowed to land who came in the same car and from the same points as did some of us. When after reaching the quarantine station on the limits of the town (yesterday, Sept. 14) and finding that we were not wanted under any circumstances, three of us begged to be allowed to get out of the car and to walk back on the railroad track as far as the mayor would request, we were flatly refused, given no polite explanation or satisfactory reason, but simply told that we "could not get out!" The whole matter appeared to be the result of a woeful lack of any organized system or executive ability whichever it may be. It is, however, very hard to be treated as criminals, not given a mouthful of food and kept without any communication from the outside world, when a little more exertion on the part of the mayor could not have failed to make him acquainted with the true state of affairs and could have saved us a good deal of unnecessary suffering. Again we protest most strenuously against what we consider an outrage upon free men in a civilized community in the year of our Lord, 1897.
Very respectfully, L. HV. HAUTOT, L. P. CHAUDET, ADONIS LEBLANC, C. L. BERNARD, J. F. HENDRICK, JAS. DUFFY, J. M. VUILLMOT, HERMAN KLEMME.
Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
QUARANTINE DOTS.
Crowley was the last to line up.
A special from Natchez, Miss., reports that that place "has closed herself like an oyster, and will keep her shell closed till the frosts of winter come."
"One ham, one piece of pie and one cup of coffee each for twenty-five hungry people" is what the people of Houston, Tex., thought a genteel sufficiency for twenty-five men, women and children who were detained near that city for several hours before allowed to go through.
This town is determined not to remain dry. "Liquors and a few other article may enter Abbeville" is the decree of the medical authorities of that place.
Atlanta, Ga., has opened its doors wide to all refugees. Now Chattanooga and to all refugees. Now Chattanooga and Montgomery have quarantined against that city. The action of these two cities in shutting out Atlanta is regarded as a joke there.
Monroe is quite determined to keep out King Jack. A Mr. Shootwell has been appointed a guard there.
Post No. 5, near the refinery, seems to be the favorite one in Lafayette.
Judge McFaddin is an ex-Confederate. He has been doing duty several nights along the railroad track. The judge says the bursting of the torpedoes along the track, the "who goes there" and "corporal of the guard, post No. 5" of the quarantine remind him of the stirring days along the Rappahannock back in the sixties.
Twenty-three hoboes were collected at Post No. 5 and sent out of the parish Monday night.
All mail from the East is fumigated before distribution at the post-office.
Dr. Guiteras, the government expert, reports four cases in Mobile and fears an epidemic there.
Natchez is probably the best quarantined city in the whole country.
All persons, except physicians, ministers and officers, are arrested if caught loitering on the streets of Water Valley, Miss., after 9 p. m.
Kosciusko, Miss., has quarantined against the human race, excepting farmers who come to town to trade.
"Love laughs at locksmiths" and quarantine too. A Mr. Collins, wishing to enter Terry, Miss., to see his fiancé, was refused admittance. Hearing of this, the young lady procured a buggy and proceeded to a neighboring town where they were married.
Any carrier putting off goods at Opelousas is fined one thousand dollars. A fine of one hundred dollars is imposed on any one entering that town without a health certificate. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Carencro Bottled Up. - Carencro has without doubt the ideal quarantine of the whole country. It is harder to go through that town than it is to find a warm place in the Klondike valley.
Laf. Gazette 9/18/1897.
Malarial Fever. - Mr. Paul Demanade, while riding through his field Friday morning, came across a sick man lying under a tree, who said that he was suffering from some kind of fever. Immediately wild rumors were circulating to the effect that the man was down with yellow fever. Drs. Mudd, A. R. Trahan and Tolson visited the unfortunate man, and declared that he had malarial fever. He was properly attended to and will be sent to the hospital in New Orleans. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Squelching a Rumor. - It was rumored on the streets of the town that on Wednesday last, Mrs. E. R. Kennedy and Mrs. J. J. Davidson had returned from New Orleans via the Texas and Pacific road and were allowed by the guards to get off the train at this station. The Gazette is authentically informed that these ladies came from Evergreen, Avoyelles parish, and have not been in New Orleans for several months. There is absolutely no foundation for the rumor. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Recollections of Past Fever. - A lady who had yellow fever in 1867, and whose home was a veritable hospital during the prevalence of that terrible disease in this section, remarked to us that there are a large number of persons in this parish who having already had the fever, will be in a position to organize themselves for the relief of the sick should the dread malady make its appearance here. In 1867 such was not the case. Few if any nurses, could be had. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
City Council Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., Sept. 13, 1897. - The City Council met this evening in special session with the following members present: Mayor Caffery, Councilmen Bru, Davidson, Hahn, Hopkins, Landry, Martin and Mouton.
The mayor stated the object of the meeting to be for the purpose of receiving resolutions adopted by the Board of Health, which were as follows:
Upon motion of Dr. Trahan, duly seconded, it was resolved, that, whereas, it had been officially proclaimed the yellow fever is now prevailing in the city of New Orleans and whereas it becomes the duty of the Board of Health of the town of Lafayette, La., to protect the health of the citizens by guarding and preventing as far as practicable within its means the invasion of said disease, therefore be it resolved that the Board of Health of the town of Lafayette, Louisiana, hereby proclaim quarantine from this day against New Orleans or any other place wherever said disease is known to exist and hereby further recommend to the City Council to enforce this quarantine by law, without delay.
Upon motion duly seconded it was resolved that no party or parties shall be permitted to stop or remain within the corporate limits of this town, unless they be provided with a certificate emanating from proper authority that they have not been in any place where yellow fever is known to exist for the last ten days past, and to be in good health at the time of their arrival at this place.
Moved by Dr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Mouton that the resolutions of the Board of Health be adopted, and it is further ordained that strict quarantine be and is hereby declared against New Orleans, including Algiers and all other pointes infected with yellow fever, to take effect immediately. This resolution to apply to persons and goods.
Moved by Mr. Mouton and seconded by Mr. Davidson, that goods be stricken out of this resolution.
Dr. Martin then moved to amend the original resolution so as to add thereto the following: "And goods that carry the disease; character of goods to be decided by the Board of Health." Yeas: Bru, Davidson, Hopkins, Landry, Martin and Mouton. Nay: Hahn.
Moved by Mr. Mouton, seconded by Mr. Bru, that all persons who wish to aid by guard duty in enforcing the quarantine ordinance to report to the mayor for duty without delay.
There being no further business the Council adjourned.
CHAS. CAFFERY, Mayor.
STERLING MUDD, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses.
Mr. Jean Breaux made an affidavit this week against J. R. Gray, who has been working in his saloon for some time, charging him with obtaining money under false pretenses. A few days ago Mr. Gray gave Mr. Breaux an envelope to keep within which he made it appear was the sum of forty dollars. Gray in the mean time borrowed some money from Mr. Breaux, saying that he did not wish to break the seal of the envelope containing the money, but that as soon as he would do so, he would return the money. Now, it appears, the envelope in Mr. Breaux's keeping contains but a Confederate bill and a piece of an old newspaper. Gray was arrested on the above charge and lodged in jail. He is supposed to have been a Confederate soldier and to have been once a tax-collector in one of the northern parishes of the State.
Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Court Items.
The 17th Judicial District Court, Judge Debaillon presiding and District Attorney Gordy representing the State, adjourned Friday after having been in session for three weeks.
The following cases were disposed of:
Monday, Sept. 13. - Sylvester McClinton, concealed weapon, trial by the judge and convicted.
Jacob Thibodaux, carrying concealed weapon, trial by a jury and acquitted.
Jno. Vincent, concealed weapon, trial by jury and convicted.
Tuesday, Sept. 14 - Sidney Singleton, carrying concealed weapon, trial by jury and convicted.
Sidney and Jno. Singleton, stabbing with intent to murder, trial by a jury and convicted.
Wednesday, Sept. 15 - Alcide Bourque, pleaded guilty to an assault with a dangerous weapon.
Paul Davis, Adam Bernard and Casimer Edwards, shooting with intent to murder, tried by a jury and convicted.
LeMontet, pleaded guilty of an assault and battery.
Thursday, Sept. 16 - Bernard Picard, pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing a ride. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Boy Accidently Shoots Brother. - Last Monday morning two sons of Albert Trahan, one aged 4 years and the other 2, procured a revolver which came near being the cause of a fatal accident. The older of the boys held the deadly weapon, aimed at his younger brother and accidental fired the shot which sent a bullet through the fleshy part of his shoulder. Drs. J. D. and A. R. Trahan of Lafayette being called, immediately drove to Scott, the home of Albert Trahan, and attended to the wounded child who was found to be seriously hurt. The little fellow has improved very much and is now considered out of danger. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
Convicted. - The case of the three young niggers, Paul Davis, Adam Bernard and Casimer Edwards, for shooting with intent to murder, was tried Wednesday and resulted in the conviction of the three accused. District Gordy prosecuted in this case with his accustomed vim and characteristic skill.
Sentences Passed.
Judge Debaillon passed sentence upon the following cases Friday; Sidney Singleton, nine years in the penitentiary; John Singleton, nine years; Paul Davis, twelve years; Casimir Edwards, twelve years. All the other cases were of minor importance.
Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
TEA CLUB MEET.
On Thursday a meeting of the Five O'clock Tea Club was held at the woodland home of the Misses Mudd. The usual business and social programmes were enacted. An imaginative "dinner party" of thirteen covers, was participated in and although the inevitable cut glass and silver were wanting, the guests seemingly found enjoyment. The couple most successful in guessing the mysterious courses was Mrs. Baxter Clegg and Miss Susie Hopkins to whom were awarded the first prizes - the booby, one of that well known plant of he genus Allium, was tied for by two couples and finally given to Miss Bessie Cornay. Welcomed guests of the afternoon were Miss Rickey and Miss Chase. Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
A Children's Party.
On Tuesday evening Miss Lizzie Parkerson entertained the "coming generation" complimentary to her little niece, May. Each guest was requested to represent the title of some book and a looker on could see flitting here and there the Three Bears, Chatterbox, A Veil of Cedar, Our National Colors, Dodo, Five Little Peppers (in every stage of growth), Two Hearts, A Broken Heart, Little Boy Blue, Old Maid, Little Red Riding Hood and a myriad of others. In the guessing contest Miss Edith Trahan was the most victorious and to her was awarded the first prize, a pretty book of poems. For the booby five tied and upon drawing it fell to the lot of Miss Maxim Beraud and proved to be that sweet little story "Goody Two Shoes." After playing games to their hearts' content and enjoying delicious refreshments these young maidens and gallants bade a reluctant bon soir to their pretty little hostess.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/18/1897.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 9/18/1897.
In the present emergency the people of this town should remember that it is "not a theory, but a condition that confronts them."
Col. J. A. Bachemin, the genial drummer, is spending the quarantine season with us.
One of the trains going West the other day had only one passenger. A native of the flowery kingdom sat in one of the coaches and seemed to take a very philosophical view of the situation.
Keep the days and dates deeply impressed in your memory. Great Scott Fair and World's Exposition will positively take place Oct. 9 and 10.
Veazey's base ball team and the Pillette nine will cross bats to-morrow.
Lafayette Gazette 9/18/1897.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 18th, 1869:
Today's another day when we look at something other than the local news and read some of the other types of stories the Advertiser prints. These consist of "re-printed" articles from the Advertiser's exchange papers. We've got five articles for you today, beginning with this look at some of the grief presented to Harriet Beecher Stowe, in the time after the release of "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Where are Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe's friends?
By 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' she earned the hostility of the South, and now in equal proportion is receiving disapprobation of the men and women of the North - the men openly professing their disgust at the nasty story she has concocted at so much a page ; and the women - so far as they speak in public - driving her out of their suffrage convention by reason of her recommending that man be the head of the woman as Christ is the head of the Church. Where, then, is Mrs. Stowe to go? Back to her Florida home? No ; for that, bought by some juggle for a mere song at a tax sale, has reverted, with a purer administration of justice, to its rightful owners. To England? She would be scouted as one making merchandise of family secrets. There but remains for her then, some home in that North where her name was once the synonym of a glowing defence of the negro weakness, but must henceforth be linked with the perpetration of as heinous a piece as bawdy as the literature of licentiousness in this contrary presents.
From the New York World and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/18/1869.
The Bible.
The person who wanders as leisurely as philosopher of tides, along the seashore, may occasionally pick up a beautiful shell which the waves have landed upon the beach ; but he would be very foolish to conclude there were no rich pearls in the depths of the great water, to reward the divers, whose business requires them to go underneath the billows and down into the deep ocean caves after them. Who would not pronounce him foolish ? because he sees no pearls in the liquid expanse, assuming that there are none such there ! Just so, the careless reader of the Bible whose carelessness is over most inexcusable, fails to grasp many the the very choicest gems, and, at best, only gathers a few surface nuggets, while the attentive students of the Bible, who are ever justifiable for being so, dig deeply into the mine and strike veins of inexhaustible richness - and yet, - believe it or not, such is human nature ! - the man who gives the great Book but a hasty perusal, is disposed to look down with eyes of contempt, upon those who read its solemn and impressive pages with attention, doubtless astonished that his studious neighbors (who other things appear to understand as well, or even better than he himself does,) can see anything so attractive in that Volume which seems to be so insipid in many of its parts, and so well fitted to make people hum and haw themselves to sleep. Poor man! Attentive Bible reading is one of the most profitable employments and recreations of which man can form any conception ; but he shows it not.
Source unknown. In the Lafayette Advertiser 9/18/1869.
The Baptist and the Presbyterian.
In one of the villages of Kentucky, recently a Baptist minister and a young Presbyterian clergyman preached in the same house house "night about," both preachers being present at each meeting. One evening the Presbyterian, after a discourse on infant baptism, proceeded to baptize several babes. The little candidates made a great outcry, which of course, was noted by the Baptist man. Next day a number of converts of the latter were to be immersed in the river near by. At the appointed hour a large concourse gathered on the banks, the Presbyterian being of the number, and standing close to the water's edge. After the candidates had been immersed the Baptist took hold of his Presbyterian colleague and said :
"Now, sir, I will immerse you."
The latter amazed demurred.
"Come along ; I am in a hurry!" replied the damp devine, and dragged his brother into the water. Alarmed and indignant, the young Calvinist declared at the top of his voice that he did "not believe in immersion, was opposed it it, and would not submit to it."
The audience were much excited by the scene. The Baptist released his hold and said : "Young man, I will not immerse you to-day ; but, if ever again I see you baptizing little ones against their own will and in spite of their cries and kicks, as I saw you do last night, I will dip you into the water as sure as there's a God in Israel! Let us pray!"
From Harper's Magazine and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/18/1869.
The Great Lesson.
The first great lesson a young man should learn is that he knows nothing. The earlier and more thoroughly this lesson is learned the better. A home-bred youth growing up in the light of parental admiration, with everything to foster his vanity and self-esteem, is surprised to find, and often unwilling to acknowledge, the superiority of other people. But he is compelled to learn his own insignificance ; his airs are ridiculed, his blunders exposed, his wishes disregarded, and he is made to cut a sorry figure, until his self-conceit is abashed, and he feels that he knows nothing.
When a young man has thoroughly comprehended the fact that he knows nothing, and that intrinsically he is but of little value, the next lesson is that the world cares about him. He is the subject of no man's overwhelming admiration ; neither petted by the one sex nor envied by the other. He has to take care of himself. He will not be noticed until he becomes noticeable ; he will not become noticeable until he does something to prove that he is of some use to society. No recommendations or introductions will give him this, he must do something to be recognized as somebody.
The next lesson is that of patience. A man must learn to wait as well as to work, and to be content with those means of advancement in life which he may use with integrity and honor. Patience is one of the most difficult lessons to learn. It is natural for the mind to look for immediate results.
Let this, then, be understood that the patient conquest of difficulties which rise in the regular and legitimate channels of business and enterprise, is not only essential in securing success which a young man seeks in life, but essential also to that preparation of the mind requisite for the enjoyment of success, and for retaining it when gained. It is a general rule in all the world, and in all time, that unearned success is a curse.
From the Old Oaken Bucket and in the Lafayette Advertiser of 9/18/1869.
Daring Acts of Burglary, Arson, Etc.
On the 2d, day of September, one Pierre Anderson, colored, made affidavit under oath, before L. E. Salles, Justice of the Peace of the (unreadable) ward of the Parish, that he was one of a band of robbers who infested Vermilionville and the Parish generally; Justice Salles immediately issued warrants for Charles Davis Paul Davis, Pollux Davis, Eugene Toussin, Baptiste Paliere, Ben Stewart, and Orther Taylor and his wife (unreadable name), all colored. They were arrested and incarcerated in the Parish Prison on Sunday last, the 11th, inst., they were brought before Hon. A. J. Moss, Parish Judge, and after a preliminary examination the following facts were elicited:
STATE EVIDENCE Pierre Anderson, colored, sworn, says: The first time we went out was during the yellow fever in 1867, entered Mr. Revillon's store by making a hole through the brick wall, Charles Davis went in and handed out the goods, he started to the money drawer, but stubbed against something and being discovered ran out leaving his bat and revolver. Charles Davis, Eugene Toussin, Batiste Paliere, Paul Davis and witness were present at the robbery; witness with others watching on the outside and receiving goods from Charles; witness recognized revolver as being one Charles ost. The next place went to was Mrs. O. R. Mouton's; we robbed a gentleman from the coast of $700 ; witness received $15 of the money as his share; money was counted under Rigues' cotton gin, Charles and Paul Davis, Eugene Paliere, ...... ...., ..... and witness were present. Then robbed A. Neveu. Witness, Charles and Eugene entered by a window, Paul and Paliere remained on the outside, took a lot of carpenter tools, etc. ; tried to open iron safe but could not; Chs. Davis had four or five keys, Charles told witness that Ben Stuart made the keys; Eugene told witness same thing last year in the city.
Afterwards attempted to rob Mr. Charles Olivier's store, but failed; from Olivier's went to Haas' store, tried all the keys to open store and warehouse but failed, tried to break open a window, hearing some one get up, left Haas' and went to Francis Bourge' store, from there to Edmond Caben's; from Caben's to Josse's, but without success ; at Josse's made several attempts, opened one window, but got frightened and left ; Eugene lost his pistol case in the yard; then went to Campbell & Doucet's store, but with no better success; all this in one night.
At the robbing of Michel Crouchet's store, Mathilde, one the servants of the house left the window open, witness was told that the window was to be left open by Mathilde; Chs. Davis went into the store through the window and opened the front door, Paliere and Eugene were on guard, witness found them there when he arrived and assisted Paul in carrying good to the horses hitched to the fence a short distance from the store, all were armed except witness, Charles brought out the money and all went to Orther Taylor's house, called him up and he lit a candle; the money was counted there and witness got $50 as his share ; Orther and wife knew where the goods and money come from; the goods were to be taken to Mr. V. Martin's plantation and thence to the Teche.
All five were present when they planned to rob the Drug-store, only three were present when the robbery was committed. Charles, Eugene and witness; during the day Charles managed to find out where the money drawer was by buying something and getting money changed; Charles went into the store through the window over the back shed ; the window was open ; witness stood in front on guard, Eugene was the guard in rear of building; Charles got $220 or $250, the money was in a tin box in the drawer, small change and nickels was in the drawer, so Charles told witness; witness did not see the box; the money was carried to Orther Taylor's house; Orther and wife were present when the money was divided; witness received $50 for his share; Orther got $30 or $35 ; Orther belonged to the band but never went out to rob; Eugene got $50; balance Charles kept; Charles and Eugene were armed.
Robbed Mr. Jean Billaud of $67, witness got $18 as his share.
Eugene told witness whilst in the City that the company entered Mr. Girard's office and tried to open his iron safe for the purpose of robbing it, and in not succeeding had burnt the house; Charles Davis afterwards told witness the same thing here; Charles Davis was the captain of the organised band, and all were under his orders, the band was composed of Chs. Davis, Eugene Toussin, Baptiste Paliere, Paul Davis and witness; Medar knew all about the doings of the band after their deeds had been committed; always went to Orther Taylor's house to divide the money.
Robbed H. L. Monnier's store during the yellow fever in 1867. Capt. Davis had a bunch of keys, always kept them himself, he told witness in the presence of Ben Stuart, that Ben Stuart was the man who made the keys.
Witness was not present when Bendel's store was robbed but was told of it next day by the others. Witness was present at the robbing of A. Garnier's shop; all five were present; the leather shoes, etc., was taken to the Teche. Witness was ordered by the captain to go to the Teche (at Breaux Bridge) to rob a Doctor's safe that stood near a window but did not go.
Attempted to rob a Doctor's safe that stood near a window, but did not go.
Attempted to rob R. Dugat's store, tried to open the front door with a key, did not succeed, tried to enter by the back way, but with no better success.
Witness was not present when Haas' store was robbed in 1867, but was told of it next day ; the goods were taken to Mr. Martin's plantation and thence to the Teche: (unreadable word or name) got two-thirds of a barrel of flour and two-thirds of a barrel of sugar that was stolen from Haas; witness at the time was hired on the Rigues' plantation ; many cattle were killed there, killed one beef belonging to Mrs. O. R. Mouton, and another belonging to Mr. L. Rigues, can't say who the others belonged to; . . .. , ............, ....... Orther Taylor, ....., and witness, generally slaughtered the beeves. All crimes were committed in the night time, except making the keys. In the attempt to open Mr. Girard's safe the key went into the lock but could not open it it. Charles Davis, Eugene Toussin, Baptiste Paliere and Paul Davis were present on the night that Mr. Girard's office was burnt.
Mr. J. Revillon, sworn, says: My store was broken into about the month of Nov. 1867, was sleeping in the store at the time; it was at night; usually slept upstairs in the store; found pistol and bat near the window on the outside; robbers entered through a hole made in the wall under the window.
Mr. G. Josse, sworn says: Attempted to rob my store last Spring; an opening was made at the window in the building occupied by the witness both as store and residence ; found pistol case in the yard next morning.
Michael Crouchet, sworn says : His store was broken open during the night in the month of February last, and was robbed of about $150 in cash and about $700 in merchandise, the robbers opened the window by boring a hole in at the fastening, entered and opened front door; witness recognized several articles stolen from him and found on Mr. Martin's plantation; some of the articles still bore the sale mark.
Gilbert (unreadable name), Dpty. Sheriff, sworn says: Was the officer who executed the search warrant, the goods recognized were found in Charles Davis, Paul Davis and Paliere's rooms, brought goods to town and delivered them to Justice L. C. Salles.
W (unreadable name) sworn says ; His store was broken open some time in 1868; was robbed of boxes of bats, (unreadable word), revolvers, gold rings etc ; store was broken open during the night, the clerk was sleeping in the back part of the store; one of the front doors was broken open; recognized several articles of goods stolen, at Justice Salles' office.
A. Haas, sworn, says : His store was broken open during the yellow fever in 1867, and again in August 1868; was robbed of flour, sugar, clothing, etc. Recognized goods as Justice Salles' office.
A. Garnier, sworn, says: His shop was broken open in the month of Sept. 1868, was robbed of leather, shoes, tools, etc.
Alphonse Neveau, sworn, says: My store was entered in 1866 and was robbed and was robbed of about $180 worth of carpenters tools and Groceries, witness think that the robbers entered with false keys; witness store was entered a second time in March 1869, robbers attempted to break open iron safe.
Dr. J. D. Trahan, sworn, says: The Drugstore was robbed during the night of the 5th of May last, there was about $220 to $230 in the drawer; the tin box was found the next morning up stairs near the window ; the window at the west end of the store over the shed was left open.
W. H. Hawkins, sworn, says: Was in town the night M. E. Girard's office was burned; it was between 12 and 1 o'clock; front door was open, saw the safe when passing the office to the Court House, front bar of safe was torn open ; as witness saw the fire he went to the Court House for the purpose of ringing the bell; saw a colored man up in the Court House lying on the second bench on the left hand side, his head above the sides of the bench, he was not asleep ; it was not very light but could distinguish color, witness said. "Hello Ben, what are you doing here;" the man pretended to be asleep, but after some moments he aroused himself and asked what was the matter, witness told him that Mr. Girard's office was on fire and that he (witness) was looking for the bell rope and asked where it was, witness was about ten steps from the man; in the meantime some one came up and rang the bell; witness took the man lying on the bench to be Ben Stuart at the blacksmith, when he spoke to him; witnesses had seen Ben Stuart often before, day and night, knows of no other colored man about who looks like Ben Stuart; witness left the Court House before Ben did, went to the fire and remained there till next day; looked particularly for Ben Stuart in the crowd at the fire but did not see him.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/18/1869.
Lagniappe:
WHITE LABOR IN ATTAKAPAS.
Many people still pretend, though facts are against them, that white men cannot labor in the open field in the summer in the Attakapas. Let us look at the facts.
We have proved on our columns that over two hundred and fifty white men this year have followed the plow and worked the hoe within the old limits of St. Mary, and that great numbers of white laborers make crops of corn, cotton and sugar in the parishes of St. Martin, Lafayette, Vermilion and Opelousas. In addition, to this, Tom Snarder and Trainer & Hanson, have had gangs of white men at work under their direction on the Teche during the hottest weather of July and August, building bridges, sugar houses, cane sheds, and dwelling houses, and doing other out door work, and they have had no more sickness among them than black field hands, and we doubt if they had as much.
That white people do not like to work in the hot sun climate, is true, but they stand climate as well as negroes do if they become accustomed to regular out door labor the year round. - Planters Banner.
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