**SEPTEMBER 24TH M C

From the Lafayette Gazette of September 24th, 1898:


NOT JOURNALISM.


 The campaign in the Fourth Congressional District has given an opportunity to certain journals to express some decidedly peculiar views. We are informed by the Baton Rouge Advocate that "it has been maintained that space is a newspaper's stock and trade, that its revenues must be derived solely from this source, and hence the sale of newspaper space to a candidate for office at a given price per square is just as legitimate and honorable as the sale of the space to a merchant or other business man."

 A newspaper may sell its advertising space to the merchant, lawyer, physician or candidate. That space may be used by the advertiser to call public attention to his goods, his learning, his skill, or his personal qualifications for office. This is advertising purely and simply. The newspaper depends principally upon this source of revenues for support. But it is different with the newspaper who gives its editorial support to a candidate for so much cash. The editor who receives pay to write or publish an editorial in the interests of a candidate or party places himself, morally speaking, upon a level with the fellow who sells his vote. Those who contend that an editor can honestly accept pay for editorial support may, with consistency, claim that a judge should render a decision for a financial consideration and a legislator vote for or against the passage of a law for pecuniary compensation. It is indeed surprising that an editor to clothe it in the attractive garb of honorable journalism. No amount of specious pleading will convince honest-minded people that there is no difference between legitimate journalism and a subsidized press.

 To argue that when an editor has already "made up his mind" to support a particular candidate it is not wrong for him to accept pay, is to encourage a most dangerous form of bribery. Any one can endorse such delightful casuistry can be expected at every election to give his support to that candidate who has the largest campaign fund. He will never "make up his mind" that the fellow without the boodle is the proper person to be elected. If it is a question of "making up his mind" before "pulling the candidate's leg," he will invariably conclude that the candidate entitled to his support is the one whose lower limbs will permit of successful elongation. We have heard of a certain justice of the peace in the palmy days of negro suffrage who always decided a case against the litigant who able to pay the costs. This eminent jurist evidently had no trouble to "make up his mind" beforehand and decide accordingly.
Speaking on this subject the Baton Rouge Advocate closes an able editorial with the following timely remarks.


 "A free press is recognized in the glorious constitution framed by the immortal fathers as one of the mighty bulwarks of civil liberty and popular government. Can the wildest sophist reasonably contend that a purchasable and a purchased press is a free press? Should this bulwark, recognized in the constitution as necessary to a free people, be entirely removed it would be a calamity, but the people could bear it so long as virtue remained in the land; but who cvan estimate the extent of the public calamity that would be entailed should the press, instead of maintaining its ancient and honorable position as a bulkwark of freedom, become, by reason of its venality, an engine of destruction? Lafayette Gazette 9/24/1898.



Death of a Stranger.

 An unknown man, without friends and without money and in the last stages of consumption, appealed to Mr. Rosemond Landry near Broussardville last Saturday for a place to sleep and something to eat. Mr. Landry, seeing the man's condition, allowed him to use one of the tenant houses and gave him some food. Instead of improving the stranger showed signs of increasing weakness. Hon. R. C. Landry, being informed of this fact, secured the services of Dr. Stromer of Broussard, who visited the man, but soon found out that he had reached that point where medicine could only lessen his suffering. Wednesday night he died and was buried the next day at Potter's Field in Lafayette. The following letter was found on his person. It is the only clue which may lead to the disclosure of his identity:
New Orleans, Sept. 8, 1898.


 Dear Uncle, I received your letter this week. Uncle, I don't know what to write. Grandma says she has no news. You don't tell her what you are doing or what you intend doing. She says you always write the same. Dear Uncle, have nothing to say. Grandma is grieved about you. We and your children are all well. Let us hear something about you soon. If you want anything write and let us know. I close with a kiss.
Your loving neice,
EDWINA.      Lafayette Gazette 9/24/1898.


 CUT THE WEEDS. - We understand that owing to the depleted condition of our municipal treasury the City Council does not see its way clear to having the streets properly worked. It would perhaps be asking too much of every property-holder to have the street facing his property put in good condition, but it strikes us that the Council should at least require every house-holder or property-owner to cut the weeds in front of his residence or place of business. It would cost very little to each, and there is no reason why it should not be done at once. We dare say that there isn't a resident in Lafayette who would not contribute that much toward improving our town. It there should happen to be some so insensible to municipal pride, they can be made to do their share by the adoption of the proper ordinance. Let the Council take up this matter at its next meeting. Lafayette Gazette 9/24/1898.
　

 Coca-Cola is mighty good for that tired feeling and for the exhaustion following the loss of sleep. Served fresh, every day, at the Moss Pharmacy soda water fountain.  Laf. Gazette 9/24/1898.





Quarantine Matters.

 Drs. F. R. Tolson, F. E. Girard, N. P. Moss and Messrs. Wm. Clegg and C. O. Mouton, members of the new Board of Health, met in the city hall Tuesday night and organized. Dr. Girard was elected President and Judge T. A. McFaddin secretary.

 The Board entered upon the discharge of its duties in an intelligent and business-like manner. Every member seemed to appreciate the importance of his position. Under the State Law creating the Boards of Health the acts of the local organization must not be in conflict with those of the State Board. The State Board establishes quarantine and is in fact the source of all authority on matters pertaining to it, but there is much for the local Board to do. It is the purpose of the members of the Lafayette Board to see that the regulations, as established by the State authorities, are religiously complied with by the people and the transportation companies. They have started out in the right way and The Gazette has no doubt that their administration of our health affairs will be eminently satisfactory. While affording all reasonable protection they do not wish to be unnecessarily severe upon any one.

 They have communicated with the railroad authorities with a view of ascertaining what the company is doing to meet the requirements of the quarantine regulations, as proclaimed by the president of the State of Board of Health. This was done to find out if this town is protected by the arrangement which the company has made to run its trains.

 The Board has taken steps to guard against any danger which may result from allowing the train crews who leave Algiers to come in contact with the people of this town. Under the agreement entered into by Health Officers Blunt, of Texas, with the officials of the Southern Pacific, a detention and fumigation camp will be in operation within seventy-two hours at Avondale, a short distance from New Orleans. With this camp the danger resulting from the crews will be minimized. Dr. Blunt was in Lafayette Wednesday and read the riot act to Superintendent Owens and other railroad officials. Dr. Blunt stated to a member of the Lafayette Board that Texas did not recognize the Atlanta conversation, but proposed to run its quarantine a la 16 to 1, free, unlimited and independent and with or without the consent of any other power on earth.

 The Gazette is informed that the railroad company's representatives acceded to the terms of Dr. Blunt, and cars containing freight from Louisiana, but not from New Orleans, would, if fumigated and sealed, be allowed to go through the State of Texas.

 The local Board has instructed Sanitary Inspector McFaddin to force all property-holders to have their premises placed in proper and cleanly condition.

 The Board has authorized Dr. Girard to issue health certificates to persons wishing to leave town. By a unanimous vote it was decided not to charge for certificates.

 Acting under instructions of the Board Judge McFaddin has secured a tent and other articles which may be needed it becomes necessary to establish a camp for the detention of suspicious cases.

 The Board has yet much work before it. Dr. Girard is devoting much of his time toward a proper discharge of his duties. He is giving personal attention to the matters which he considers important. Lafayette Gazette 9/24/1898.



DISTRICT COURT.

The district court was in session during the past week.

 As pleas of guilty were entered in nearly all the criminal cases called for trial, the attention the court was occupied most of the time with the suit of Breaux vs. Bienvenu.

 The following persons pleaded guilty:

 For violating the Sunday law; A. C. Flory, P. B. Landry, Simeon Begnaud, Gustave Landry, Ignatius Hulin, Clet LeBlanc, Jr., P. A. Delhomme, Henry Crouchet, C. A. Miller, Gaston Blot, Maurice Francez, Philibert Crouchet, H. D. Delahoussaye, E. Bodenheimer.

 Adam Francois, carrying concealed weapon; Walter Hebert, larceny; Leo Delhomme, concealed weapon Henry Hopkins, using obscene language; O. P. Guilbeau, assault and battery; Flornay, concealed weapon; Alcide Foreman, Bud Stutes, Laurence Foreman, Hayward Foote, Dallas Foote, Lolo Hoffpauir, Francis Spell, disturbing a peaceable assembly; Jas. Hamilton, stealing a ride; Frank Charles, inflicting a wound less than mayhem.

 The following indictments were filed by the district attorney; H. Crouchet, Chas. A. Miller, Maurice and Gaston Blot for selling liquor to minors.

 Judge Debaillon sentenced the five young men who pleaded guilty of having disturbed a religious service in the second ward. Each was fine $1 and costs and sentenced to six hours in jail.

 The court was occupied this week in the trial of the suit of Colonel G. A. Breaux vs. Galbert Bienvenu. The case involves the right of plaintiff to run a tramway over defendant's property, under the provisions of act 54 and 1896. Colonel Breaux constructed a tramway across Mr. Bievenu's place under a three-year lease, which expired on the 1st of January last. After an ineffectual attempt to have defendant remove his tramway, the plaintiff proceeded to tear up the track. Previous to that time Col. Breaux applied to the Police Jury for expropriation proceedings and was granted the right of way under the act in question. Colonel Breaux raises a very large crop of cane which cannot be profitably marketed without the use of the tramway. Colonel Breaux has made arrangements with Mr. Bienvenu for use of his property this year, while the suit affects the harvesting of all future crops. Judge O. C. Mouton appeared for the plaintiff, and the defendant was represented by Messrs. Chas. D. Caffery, Wm. Campbell, Crow Girard and Jos. A. Chargois. The jury in this case returned a verdict in favor of the defendant. The case will doubtless go to a higher court. Lafayette Gazette 9/24/1898.


Selected News Notes (Gazette) 9/24/1898.

 The news from infected points is not at all alarming. Only one new case is reported from New Orleans on Sept. 21; none from Harvey's canal and two at Franklin. As the season is already advanced there is no fear of an epidemic in New Orleans.

 The teachers of Lafayette parish are requested to meet at the public school in Lafayette, on Saturday, Oct. 1, for the purpose of organizing a teachers' association. Respectfully, W. A. LEROSEN.

 Coca Cola is mighty good for that tired feeling and the exhaustion following the loss of sleep. Served fresh, every day, at the Moss Pharmacy soda water fountain.

 Thursday evening at the home of the bride's father in this parish, Mr. James Marsh and Miss Cecile Breaux. Father Baulard, of St. John's church, performed the ceremony.

 Dupre Bernard, who sustained serious injuries in an accident at the Southern Pacific yards a few days ago, is doing well. Lafayette Gazette 9/24/1898.





From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 24th, 1898:

 [To the City Council.]

 Gentleman of the council there is a good action for you to do. A plank walk leading to the High school would be very acceptable. It is a pitiful sight to see; each morning, the children walking in the mud ankle deep, and besides it is very unhealthful as they to wear damp footwear all day.

 The cost of the walk would be very small, say between $15 and $25 and the benefit to be derived would be greater.

 We hope that the gentlemen of the council will see the necessity of said walk and will grant this request and thus will receive the unlimited thanks of the children and others who are the ones interested.
 Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1898.



To Improve Sanitation.

 The following timely notice has been served on the citizens of Lafayette, by order of the municipal Board of Health:

 The sanitary surroundings in this place being in such a deplorable condition, you are requested and required to take means at once to put your residences, outhouses and yards in a proper and cleanly condition.

 Failing to comply with this notice prompt measures will be taken to have same done at the expense of the householder.
              T. A. McFaddin,
                    Sanitary Inspector.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1898.



Declined. - At the time of the republican convention held at Morgan City, La., Col. Gus. A. Breaux, of Lafayette; received the unanimous nomination for congressman, since then, the colonel has declined the nomination and Hon. Chas. Chas. Fontelieu, the present U. S. Marshal, has been nominated by the Executive Committee to fill the vacancy caused by the non-acceptance of Col. Breaux.   Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1898.



A Painful Accident. - Last Saturday while a freight train was standing at the railroad crossing on Lincoln Avenue. Mr. Dupre Bernard, a young merchant, attempted to cross the track by passing between two freight cars. While in the act of jumping upon the car bumper, the engineer started his train in motion, the young man's foot was caught between the bumpers and mashed. Medical aid was at once summoned and at last accounts the young man though painfully hurt was resting easily. Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1898.


Good News. - We are informed that more freight was received in Lafayette during the month of August, than any three months together for the three preceding years. This is indeed good news and it shows that our merchants are wide awake and careful of their customers interest.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1898.



 From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 24th, 1870:

 City Council of Vermilionville.

 By order of the Mayor, a special session of the City Council was held on Monday the 20th day of August 1870.

 Present: W. O. Smith, Mayor; Members J. Marsch, H. Landry, J. H. Wise, R. L. McBride, Wm. Brandt, B. A. Salles, R. Gagneaux and A. Monnier.

 The Mayor called the meeting to order. Whereas the Mayor having been informed that the Yellow fever has made its appearance in the Town of Washington, Parish of St. Landry, La.

 Therefore be it Resolved, That the (unreadable words) to infected epidemic diseases, adopted October 12th, 1854, and re-enacted August 7th, 1867, be and is hereby declared to be in full force, and the Constable is hereby ordered immediately to proceed to the execution of said resolutions.

 Be it further 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 those neglecting to comply with said resolution, shall be fined in the sum of Two ($2.50) dollars and Fifty cents.
W. O. SMITH, Mayor.
A. MONNIER, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1898.





 From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 24th, 1907:

WATER LILIES BEING DESTROYED.
Government Boats in Vermilion Bayou Below Abbeville Spraying Hyacinths.

 Direct Results of Efforts of Progressive League in Having Capt. McIndoe Inspect Bayou.

 As one of the direct results of the Progressive League's success in having Capt. J. F. McIndoe, of the U. S. Corps of Engineers, to make a trip down Vermilion Bayou recently, government boats have been sent in to Vermilion bayou and are now busily engaged in destroying the water lilies below and near Abbeville. His visit here will also prove later of material assistance in having the Federal government clean and deepen the bayou as far up as Lafayette.

 The intercoastal canal from the Mermentau to the Mississippi is a certainty. Congress has appropriated the money for it and surveys and construction is rapidly going forward. Just as soon as the canal is completed the importance of Vermilion bayou will develop, for with it clean and deepened Lafayette will have direct water connection with New Orleans, which will mean, of course, cheaper freight rates. Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1907.

   

    






 LAGNIAPPE:


 Nature and Education.
 A FABLE.


Nature and Education were one day walking together through a nursery of trees.


 "See," says Nature, "how straight and fine those firs grow? That is my doing. But as to those oaks, they are all cracked and stunted ;  that, my sister, is your fault. You have planted them to close, and not pruned them properly."


 "Nay, sister," said Education, "I am sure I have taken all possible pains about them ;  but you gave me bad acorns, so how should they ever make fine trees?"


 The dispute grew warm ;  and at length. Instead of blaming one another for intelligence, they began to boast of their own powers, and to challenge each other to a contest for the superiority. It was agreed that each should adopt a favorite, and rear it up in spite of all the ill offenses of her opponent. Nature fixed upon a vigorous young pine, the parent of which had grown to be the main mast of a man-of-war.


 "Do what you will to this plant," said she to her sister, "I am resolved to to push it up as straight as an arrow."


 Education took under her care a crab.
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 "This," said she, "I will rear to be at least as valuable as your pine."


 Both went to work. While Nature was feeding her pine with plenty of wholesome juices ;  Education passed a strong rope round its top, and pulling it downwards with all her force, fastened it to the trunk of a neighboring oak. The pine labored to ascend, but not being able to surmount the obstacle, it pushed out to one side, and presently became bent like a bow. Still, such was its vigor that its top, after descending as low as its branches, made a new shoot upwards ;  but its beauty and usefulness were quite destroyed.


 The crab tree cost Education a world of pains. She pruned and pruned, and endeavored to bring it into shape, but in vain. Nature thrust out her boughs this way, and a knot that way, and would not push a single leading shoot upwards. The trunk was indeed kept tolerably straight by constant efforts ;  but he head grew awry and ill-fashioned, and made a scrubby figure. At length Education, despairing of making a sightly plant of it, grafted the stock with an apple, and brought it to bear tolerable fruits.


 At the end of the experiment the sisters met to compare their respective success.


 "Ah, sister!" said Nature. "I see it is in your power to spoil the best of my works."


 "Ah, sister!" said Education, "it is a hard matter to contend against you ;  however, something may be done by taking pains enough."
Original source unknown. In the Lafayette Advertiser 9/24/1870.