NO YELLOW FEVER.
Lafayette Clear of the Disease and Now One of the Healthiest Towns in the State.
Dr. Tarleton, member of the State Board of Health, was in Lafayette Sunday to investigate conditions here. He interviewed a number of the physicians, all of whom stated that not a single case of yellow fever existed in Lafayette, nor was there even a remotely suspicious case.
Lafayette at present is one of the healthiest towns in the State, very little sickness of any kind existing here, and Dr. Tarleton remarked after his interviews with the physicians that Lafayette certainly was a in a fine healthy condition.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
TEMPORARY INJUNCTION GRANTED.
Guards Removed from Public Roads Leading Into Lafayette by Order of Court.
Committee of Six Physicians Appointed to Investigate and Report Health Conditions of Lafayette and Report Thursday at 10 a. m.
Friday's petition signed by a number of citizens, praying for an injunction against the Police Jury and the guards prohibiting them from maintaining the quarantine against the town and from obstructing the public roads, was taken to Crowley to Judge Pugh by Sheriff Lacoste. At two p. m. Saturday an order was received by the clerk of court from Judge Pugh directing him to issue summons to the members of the Police Jury and the guards to appear before him at the court house in Lafayette at 3 p. m. Monday and show cause why the injunction should not be issued.
At the appointed hour Monday the court room was packed with interested listeners. The citizens were represented by attorneys, Caffery, Julian Mouton, Jno. Kennedy, G. A. Breaux, Crow Girard and R. W. Elliot. No attorney was present to represent the Jury or the guards. Messrs. Burke and Burke, of New Iberia, had been employed by the Jury, but did not come because of quarantine, which would have prevented them from returning home. Upon their request Judge O. C. Mouton submitted their written reply, which had been forwarded him, in which they expected to the jurisdiction of the court.
The attorneys for the citizens objected to filing the answer on the grounds that Messrs. Burke and Burke could not alone represent the Police Jury, the law making it mandatory that the District attorney should represent them in all suits, and that the answer had not been sworn to in compliance with the requirements of law.
District Attorney Campbell stated that the act requiring him to represent the Jury provided that the Jury must make application to the district attorney to defend them, and that the Jury had not made application to him. The court stated that as the question of jurisdiction had been brought up, he wanted to wait and hear from the other side.
As he understood it the Police Jury was not represented.
Attorney Crow Girard urged upon the Court the necessity to avoid delay owing to the hardships the quarantine was causing daily. Col. Breaux directed the attention of the court to the fact that the only question before him was that of issuing the injunction prayed for or not, urging that it was fully within the right of the court to issue a preliminary injunction at all times upon proper representation.
Attorney Caffery stated that the Police Jury was not in court and had not obeyed the order of the Court commanding them to be present and show cause why the injunction should not issue. He objected to filing of answer by attorneys Burke and Burke because the Police Jury has no right to employ outside attorneys when the law required that the district attorney should defend them.
Judge Julian Mouton presented the fact that when the rule "nisi" was issued, as had been issued by the Court, it was the general and usual practice of the courts to at the same time issue a restraining order, pending the trial of the case, that proper bond was given and asked that the Court issue a restraining order.
Judge Pugh stated that as he understood it, the granting of the injunction was discretionary with the court. But he wanted to examine authorities further and also to allow Police Jury to be represented in court.
Attorney Kennedy placed before the Court that no harm could come to the people of the parish through issuance of the restraining order as he could establish the fact that the quarantine was ineffective, as people were continually passing back and forth from the town to the parish and vice-versa. The remarks of Attorney Elliot were also along the same line.
After further arguments by the counsel for the plaintiffs supporting the assertion that the court had full power and was fully justified in issuing the restraining order asked for pending a determination of the case, and urging the immediate action was needed to give relief, Judge Pugh announced that he did not wish to pass upon the question without consulting authorities, and ordered court adjourned until 9 a. m. yesterday.
The opening of court yesterday morning was delayed until 11 o'clock, pending a discussion as to a compromise agreement. After opening of court and reading of the minutes the judge called for motions and District Attorney Campbell on the part of the Police Jury filed the exception submitted by Burke & Burke as to the jurisdiction of the court. No objection to the filing was made. Judge Pugh then stated that the question before the court was as to whether yellow fever existed in the town of Lafayette or not, and pending a determination of this the court would issue a temporary injunction as prayed for to take effect at once. Further the court appointed Drs. F. R. Tolson, Thos. B. Hopkins, E. D. Voorhies, G. R. DeLaureal, Fred Mayer and J. D. Trahan to investigate the health condition of the town and report to the court at 10 o'clock Thursday morning, stating that the report of a majority would govern the action of the court.
Adjournment was then ordered until 10 a. m. Thursday.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Carencro vs. Lafayette.
(Communicated.)
To The Advertiser:
I am naturally interested in the various discussions going on about me in the world, here and elsewhere, and am desirous of removing any erroneous impressions people may have regarding me.
In the Lafayette Gazette of Sept. 16, I have read the following comments:
CARENCRO REFUSES FREIGHT.
The authorities of Carencro last Wednesday notified the wholesale Merchants' Grocer Company that they would accept no more freight from Lafayette. An order which had been filled was countermanded and notice served that no goods would be received. If anything has been demonstrated during the present yellow fever epidemic it is that freight cannot possibly convey the disease. Goods are received by Texas, Mississippi and other states direct from New Orleans without fumigation or detention. As well might the people of Carencro refuse to accept their mail matter that passes through or originates in fever infected towns. Letters and papers are probably often sent by people suffering from yellow to Carencro yet Uncle Sam delivers the matter with no fear of transmitting the disease.
In The Gazette of the 23rd instant is published the following criticism of the above remarks:
Editor Lafayette Gazette.
Dear Sir:
I notice in the last issue of your paper an article headed, "Carencro Refuses Freight," in which you intimate that the people of Carencro are a set of ignorant blockheads who don't know the Stegomyia Fasciata from the Musca Domesticus.
Now if you wish to argue this question why do you not state the facts of the case? You say that it has been proven during this fever trouble that freight can be carried without danger between infected and non-infected points. I agree with you, and go a step farther and say that this fact was proven beyond the possibility of a doubt by Dr. Reed in Havana several years ago. Then why does Carencro object to taking in freight from Lafayette? Simply because she in common with Lafayette and other towns has an ordinance which provides that all freight coming from infected points shall bear the Marine Hospital seal showing that said freight has been thoroughly disinfected.
Did not your town adopt such an ordinance? Did she not send a man to Avondale to see that this ordinance was complied with? If your people wish to send freight to Carencro convince our people that you are taking every precaution to prevent mosquitoes from being sent with this freight.
Yours truly,
GEORGE P. LESSLEY.
Now, as one having authority, I wish to speak the final word in this controversy. The world has at last learned that I am the only means of transmitting yellow fever, and that it is impossible for met to do so only under certain well defined conditions. As I am of very domestic habits I do not ordinarily spend my time in or around a wholesale grocery establishment, especially if my system is infected with the poison from the blood of a yellow fever patient. If, however, by some accident I happen to be in such a place, it is not impossible for me to slip into a near by boxcar being loaded with boxes and barrels of groceries destined for a distant point. To be sure, if the boxcar in which I have become imprisoned is not fumigated to destroy me, I would be forced to go travelling and would be glad to get out of my prison at the first opportunity, and would possibly make it unpleasant for somebody in the neighborhood if I happened to be favored by circumstances.
All I intend by this little dissertation is to show that freight cars and not the freight itself, may serve as a medium for transporting yellow fever mosquitoes, and, consequently, Lafayette is entirely right in requiring the proper fumigation of all box cars destined for Lafayette, coming from an infected point like New Orleans; but in the case of shipments of groceries or other freight from Lafayette to Carencro over land, all necessity for fumigation is removed by the fact that open wagons and not closed box cars are used for carrying that freight.
Very respectfully,
MADAM STEGOMYIA FASCIATA.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Quarantine Items.
(Communicated.)
Lafayette Parish, Sept. 24, 1905.
Editor Advertiser. - Having leisure and a great deal of it, thought I would get down a few quarantine items. I have heard of persons being placed behind closed doors, and even iron bars, but just now we are enjoying the unique position of being closed in by drawn ropes, and I am wondering when this state of affairs went into effect. I seem to have lost the run of time and things in general. It seems ages and ages ago, but, of course, it can be computed by days and months. One item I have learned well and shall not soon forget, we spend and enjoy many more happy hours with our friends than we realize. This is lesson No. 1, and another, we find we are social and hospitable, and we are longing, just longing, to see our friends, to get out and talk and be talked to, but when will this be? Echo answers when. Some say after frost. When will frost come? That may be away off yonder, miles and miles away, and travel slow. No telling when frost will come. There is an old saying, I have heard it or have read it some where or some how, "That some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust on them." We have never had greatness thrust on us, or any thing else we can just now think of but this quarantine. It is certainly thrust on us, and no telling how long the thrusting is going to continue. Can't go any where, every where you go there are ropes and men, and no telling what those men have back there in those little sheds, guns I expect, and they might shoot, so we stay at home and don't dare go out. Might as well have the Patterson yellow fever as be shot. Ours don't hurt, nobody sick much and nobody dead from Lafayette yellow fever, even the Stegomyias did not care to notice our few cases, but still we are quarantined. Why not let us have this mild type of the fever and forever after be immune. No more fright, no flight, no ropes, no men and no guns, and no more quarantine - what a blessed state of things! We hear there is to be a great big meeting to-morrow, the doctors the judges and lawyers, and everybody else that can possibly get there, and they are to talk the matter over. I suppose that must be quarantine. I don't know any thing else that matters that much now. May be it is money. Who is going to pay? That doubtless will be a pretty considerable matter for discussion. Who pays for the whistle, who blows it, and who are the beneficiaries? Well, well, what a powwow and hubbub! Makes me think,
De brook dat am the shalloes'
Chatter mos' upon de way,
And de folks dat am de sillies'
Ar' de ones hab de mos' to say.
You Kin not jedge de Kin' of man
By de manner ob his walking',
An' dey are not the smartes' folks
Who do de loudes' talkin'
Mr. Editor, if you attend that meeting to-morrow, please make a motion that hereafter they quarantine the mosquitoes. I am convinced at last that they are doing the mischief, not us, we are perfectly harmless, and we have our business to look after. Our neglected business, our refineries, oil mills, compresses, gins, cotton fields, cane, stores and every thing standing still and the mosquitoes at large.
(Singed) CARLOS.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Lafayette Town and Parish.
In common with all loyal and patriotic citizens we regret to note the strained relations between the parish of Lafayette and its fairest and oldest daughter, brought about by quarantine differences and misunderstandings.
Lafayette town, the child, has thrived and prospered under the ministrations and fostering care of its vigorous parent, the parish, until it has become strong enough to be of great help and advantage to the parent from whose loins it has sprung. The one being equally necessary to the well-being of the other, the two should walk hand in hand down the aisle of the ages and be a constant source of success and support to each other, considering that both are composed of one people closely bound together by the same sacred traditions and holding in common like interests and aspirations.
The town, as the parish seat, can not be made to suffer by the hand of the parish without the effect reacting to the injury of the parish, and vice - versa, because one is the vine and the other the branches which bear the same intimate relationship to each other that exists between the lungs and the blood in the human system - the lungs being the nourished and energized by the blood becomes in turn the means of imparting life giving properties to the blood, with the happy result that both are preserved against destruction and death.
Far better would it be in times of trouble for Lafayette parish, in self-interest, to place its protective arm around its parish seat, as was lately done by the parishes of Rapides and East Baton Rouge, rather than throttle it by a needless and unjustifiable quarantine embargo. It would be well for us to ponder seriously on this subject at this time, and unite in sweeping aside all feelings of contention and distrust, and cultivate instead only harmonious relations to the end that Lafayette town and parish may vie with each other in developing a country and a people worthy of the highest name morally, socially and intellectually. To adopt any other course would be shortsighted, devoid of all reason and vitally opposed to the best interests of the parish and town alike. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Parish Board of Health.
Pin Hook, La., Sept. 25, 1905.
Special meeting of the Parish Board of Health held this day with Dr. G. R. DeLaureal president, president, Cornelius Spell and M. Billeaud, Jr., present.
Dr. DeLaureal stated he thought it wise and advisable after the appointment of the Board of Health to call a meeting of the Board and not only pass upon such measures as may come up before the Board but also give expression to certain rumors prevailing in certain localities as to the legality and continuance of quarantine around the town of Lafayette.
Moved by Billeaud seconded by Spell that the following resolution be adopted:
Whereas there seems to be in certain quarters issues raised as to the conditions under which quarantine exists in the Parish of Lafayette as against the town of Lafayette; and
Whereas, it is the desire of this body to put an end to any controversy the nature of which has a tendency to impair the efficiency of quarantine regulations; and with the full recognition and declaration of the validity of all acts leading up to the establishment of the quarantine hereinabove recited and its maintenance up to this date, for the purpose hereinabove set forth.
It is resolved that a rigid quarantine be declared to exist and to be operative against the town of Lafayette and much adjoining territory as may be hereinafter described as follows:
At Beau Sejour.
At Railroad Bridge.
At Pin Hook.
At New Road,
At Demas Comeaux's.
At Trahan's.
At Duhon's.
At Couvillon's store.
At Gerac's Crossing.
At Compress.
At Mudd Addition.
At Breaux Bridge Road.
At Road leading to Col. Breaux's.
Be it further resolved that the Board of Health with the concurrence of the Police Jury establishing said quarantine employ such guards as may be necessary to make the same efficient.
Be it further resolved that the said quarantine be maintained until the disappearance of the yellow fever from the town of Lafayette, as well as a sufficient lapse of time thereafter, as will in the discretion of the Board of Health appear prudent to observe. Carried.
Dr. DeLaureal stated it is disclaimed by the authorities of Lafayette that yellow fever now prevails in the town and in order to settle the controversy that a board of physicians be appointed to thoroughly investigate the present situation in the town.
The Board fully concurred with these views and authorized the president to carry out these suggestions.
Moved to adjourn.
FELIX. H. MOUTON, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Board of Health & Police Jury Meet.
Pin Hook, La., Sept. 25, 1905. - The Police Jury and Parish Board of Health met this day in special session. Members of the Jury present: M. Billeaud, Jr., presiding, L. G. Breaux, J. H. Connolly, J. A. Begneaud, P. R. Landry, Albert Theall, Valery Boudreaux, J. E. Mouton and Cornelius Spell. Members of the Board of Health present: Dr. G. R. DeLaureal, M. Billeaud, Jr., and Cornelius Spell.
The president stated that the Jury had been made aware of the filing of an injunction against the Police Jury by citizens of the town of Lafayette praying the court to issue an order requesting the Police Jury and Parish Board of Health to remove the quarantine guards around the said town, that he had consulted attorneys and had them prepare an exception, which was read to the Jury.
Moved by Mr. Breaux, seconded by Mr. Theall, that the action of the president be approved and that the papers prepared by attorneys consulted by Mr. Billeaud be sent to Judge O. C. Mouton, who promised the attorneys employed to file the exception into court. Ayes: P. R. Landry, Albert Theall, L. G. Breaux, J. A. Begneaud, Cornelius Spell and J. H. Connolly. Nays: Valery Boudreaux and J. E. Mouton. Carried.
Mr. Billeaud stated that he thought it wise and advisable after the appointment of the two members of the Board of Health to call a meeting of the Police Jury not only to pass upon such measures as may come before the Jury, but also to give expression to certain rumors prevailing in certain localities as to the legality and continuance of the quarantine around the town of Lafayette.
Mr. Billeaud offered the following resolution:
Whereas, there seems to be in certain quarters issue raised as to the conditions under which quarantine exists in the Parish of Lafayette against the town of Lafayette; and
Whereas, it is the desire of the Police Jury acting in conformity with the Board of Health of this parish to put an end to any controversy, the nature of which has a tendency to impair the efficiency of quarantine regulations, and with a full recognition and declaration of the validity of all acts leading up to the establishment of the quarantine hereinabove recited and its maintenance up to this day, and for the purpose hereinabove set forth it is resolved that a rigid quarantine be declared to exist and to be operative against the town of Lafayette and such adjoining territory as may be hereinafter described as follows:
1. Beau Sejour, Railroad Bridge, Pin Hook.
2. New road near Crow Girard's place, Demas Comeaux's Bridge.
3. Trahan's road.
4. Couvillon's store.
5. Gerac's Crossing.
6. Compress.
7. Mudd Addition.
8. Breaux Bridge Road.
9. Road leading to Col. G. A. Breaux's.
10. Road leading to Chargois woods.
Be it further resolved that the Police Jury of the Parish of Lafayette concurs in, approves and ratifies the resolution of the Board of Health of the Parish of Lafayette adopted on the 25th day of Sept. 1905, a copy of whereof is hereto annexed and made part hereof; and that the words and terms and declarations of the said resolution of the Board of Health are adopted as those of the Police Jury of the Parish of Lafayette.
Be it further resolved that the said Board of Health be authorized to employ such guards, and to do such other things as to maintain an efficient quarantine against said town.
Moved by Landry, seconded by Begnaud that the above resolution be adopted. Yeas: Landry, Begneaud, Theall, Spell, Connolly, Breaux. Nays: Valery Boudreaux and J. E. Mouton.
Mr. Boudreaux objecting on the ground that when the guards were first established he objected that they be put further than the town limits.
Moved by Mr. Breaux that Dr. DeLaureal be authorized to act as per resolution of the Parish Board of Health this day adopted and relative to the formation of a Board of Physicians, said Board to investigate the health of the people in the town of Lafayette, and one report be made to the Police Jury. Carried unanimously.
Messrs. Breaux and Begneaud committee to investigate charges of neglect of duty against guards, E. Lacobie, and that the charges against Gallagher were sustained by testimony of witness under oath. Report was accepted and committee discharged.
The president stated regarding the loan of two thousand dollars authorized by the Jury and for the payment of guards, that he had applied to one of the Lafayette banks and had not been able to secure the loan, that he would make application to the other banks and that in the next four or five days the money would be provided.
Moved to adjourn.
FELIX H. MOUTON, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
FEVER IN PARISH.
Case Reported to Parish Board of Health.
Yesterday a rumor was in circulation that a case of yellow fever had developed in the parish and had been reported to the Parish Board of Health by Dr. Trahan stated that it was true, that he had reported the case of Mr. Sidney Martin, living about three miles east of town as yellow fever. He also stated that Mr. Martin had been six for six days, but was now clear of fever and getting along nicely.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
QUARANTINE EXPENSES.
Court Issues Temporary Injunction Forbidding Payment by Police Jury or Treasurer.
Yesterday a temporary injunction was issued by Judge Pugh restraining the Police Jury from making any appropriation to pay, and the Parish Treasurer from paying any quarantine expenses from Sept. 4. This restraining order was issued upon petition of a number of citizens of the town.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Handsome Cottage Home. - The handsome cottage home of E. T. McBride, corner of Hopkins avenue and Monroe street has been completed and is a fine addition to that section of town, which is destined to be one of the choice resident portions of the town, because of the number of excellent lots and because of its convenient location. Mr. and Mrs. McBride expect to move into their new home about October 10.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Cotton Injured by Worms. - It is reported from various parts of the parish that cotton worms have done considerable damage. The prospects now are about a half crop. The estimate for the entire cotton crop of the South has been placed at less than ten million bales and a price of at least 11 cents is expected. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
The Cane Crop.
[La. Planter and Sugar Manufacturer.]
The reports from the sugar parishes indicate that in general that the cane crop is progressing very well, but the impression that the crop would prove remarkably good is apparently being modified, as a lack of proper cultivation some months ago, brought about by the climatic conditions existing at that time, is making itself manifest to some extent. Nevertheless a very large crop is in sight and we are now very close to the inauguration of the harvest. From the La. Planter and Sugar Manufacturer and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Managers Resigned.
J. S. Straughan has been appointed manager of the Evangeline Oil Company, formerly Carnes, Bass and Benckenstein Pipe Line Co., at this place, to succeed J. W. Jolly who has resigned and returned to his home in Pennsylvania.
Manager M. F. Thomas, of the Cumberland Telephone Co., has sent his resignation and will return to his home in Illinois as soon as his successor is appointed.
Henry Gerac, manager of the Gordon Hotel, has resigned to take effect on Oct. 1 to take charge of the Gerac Gin. Mr. Gerac has proved a popular and efficient manager and Proprietor L. F. Salles regrets to lose his services. He will also be missed by the traveling public, among whom, he has many warm friends. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
BREAUX BRIDGE RAILROAD LEAGUE.
Secure $2,000 from Jury and $3,000 from Council to Aid in Securing Right of Way.
[From the Valley of the Teche.]
The local Railroad League waited upon the Police Jury at its regular session on Monday last and were successful in their mission, which was to ask a donation by the Jury of two thousand dollars to the fund for the right of way for the new line from Lafayette through this town to Baton Rouge. A check for $1,000 was given the same day to the League. The remaining thousand has been pledged from next year's revenues, but the ready cash to that amount has been arranged for through the banks. As will be seen in the minutes of the Town Council, a donation of $3,000 has been made to the League by the town of Breaux Bridge. With both these generous public donations, the members of the League believe that will be amply provided with all the funds necessary.
The right of way all along through this parish has about been secured at a maximum price of twenty-five dollars per arpent, actual measurement, and it is certain that very little will have to be expropriated. From the 'Valley of the Teche' and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
A Delightful Event.
A delightful social event of last week was the Sweet Sixteen party given by Mrs. Jas. D. Kelly in honor of Miss Lucille Mouton. Upon arrival each guest was presented with four clothes pins tied with ribbon, and told that they would forfeit one of the pins each time they answered yes or no. The efforts made to avoid those two short words proved exceedingly amusing. Mr. Ashton Beraud at reckoning time was the proud possessor of the most clothes pins and received a beautiful sofa pillow as a reward for his success. Guessing the titles of books from thirty-two objects each representing a book displayed on a table, afforded large opportunities for the good guesser. Miss Clara Harper was first in the contest capturing the prize, a unique inkstand. Mr. Harold Demanade won the booby - a cabbage head.
Delicious refreshments were served and a string band made the pleasure of the evening greater with sweet strains of music. Those present were: Misses Maxim Beraud, Julia and Challie Tolson, Wilhelmina Schmulen, Clara Harper, Rena Hopkins, Claudia Upton, Adeline Toerner, Mathilde Richard, Sadie McFaddin, Helen Mouton, Lucile Mouton and little Misses Lucile Nickerson and Dorothy Davis. Messrs. Ashton Beraud, Eben Morgan, John O'Donohoe, Leon Schmulen, Fred Voorhies, Pothier Voorhies, A. Marshall, L. D. Nickerson, W. J. Avery, Frank Jeanmard, Willis Roy, Harold Demanade, Thos. Tolson and Dr. A. R. Trahan. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
New School Buildings.
Two new modern school buildings have been completed in the second ward, one at Bonin's the other at Whittington's, and new building are under construction at Scott and Royville. The addition to the Broussard school has been completed also. All the schools are to be furnished with modern furniture.
The School Board is carrying out its policy of providing modern school buildings as rapidly as possible. In this endeavor they have been laudably and generously assisted by the patrons of the various school communities.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
BASE BALL
Amateurs Enliven the Dullness of the Quarantine with Lively Games last Thursday and Sunday.
Several days ago two amateur teams were organized, the Wybles and the Lacours. A game was fixed for Thursday Sept. 1, a the Insititute Campus, resulting in a score of 13 to 1o in favor of the Lacours. Most of the Lacours were in practice while their opponents were not. Quite a crowd went out to witness the sport, which proved to be a break in the dullness created by quarantine. The spectators seemed to enjoy the game even more than if professionals were playing. After the game the Southern Pacific Railroad Men challenged the Lacours and they played Sunday at the Ball Park, the Lacours again being victorious. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Stock at Large. - Several citizens have requested The Advertiser to call the attention of the officers to the fact that in some parts of town hogs are running loose and also horses and cows, contrary to the stock ordinance.
Laf. Advertiser 9/27/1905.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 9/27/1905.
The Falk Mercantile Co. have a new rubber-tired hearse, and are well equipped to attend to funeral and grave yard work.
For Rent. - House with three bedrooms, hall, dining room, kitchen and pantry, near Presbyterian church. Apply to Dr. T. B. Hopkins.
The Lafayette Building and Loan Association held a regular meeting last Wednesday evening at which the appraisement committee reported favorably upon the E. T. McBride loan.
W. J. Shubert, book-keeper at the Refinery returned last week from New Orleans, where he went Sept. 4, on the interesting mission of getting married. Miss Alice Cornwell of New Orleans, was the name of the charming bride.
Miss Estelle Mouton returned Friday from Chicago and St. Louis where she went to buy a beautiful line of ladies hats, trimmings, etc., for Mouton Sisters. She returned by way of Houston.
Laudable Undertaking. - An organization for the purpose of taking in charge the care of the Catholic cemetery is being undertaken by a number of ladies of St. John's church. The resting place of the dead should receive the most attentive care.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1905.
From the Lafayette Advertiser September 27th, 1902:
The Theatrical Season Opens Under Fine Prospects.
The theatrical season opened Tuesday night at Falk's Opera House with Mr. Pete Baker, in Chris and Lena. The Advertiser is pleased to note the very large audience, in fact, one of the largest crowds ever seen in a Lafayette theater. This movement in patronizing theaters is indicative of life and progress, and denotes the energy of a rising town. A few hours recreation after a hard day's toil and business turmoil serves as a rest to the brain and helps materially in improving the general conditions of the worker. Let us hope that all good plays coming to Lafayette the balance of the season will receive as liberal a patronage as did Chris and Lena.
The following are some the theatrical companies who will play during the season of 1902-03 :
Oct. 2, Prince of Liars
18 Millionaire Trap
23, 24, 25 Tolson-Miller Co.
Dec 2, Georgia Minstrels
Lymon Bros, Attraction
10 Runaway Match.
21 Edwin Southers
28 Busco and Holland
Jan 4. A Wise Woman
6 Lew Tiger's Minstrels
11 Mahara Colored Minstrels
18 Chas. H. Waldman
24 A Wise Member
26 Dickman Stock Co.
31 Ollie Mack Attraction
Feb. 4 Hans Hanson Swedish Dialect
7 Rip Van Winkle
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Latest Census. - The last census shows that Louisiana is the most illiterate state in the union. Comparison with other states reveals the fact that it is not owing to the negro population, but that a large per cent of the white population can neither read nor write. Such a condition of affairs should not exist any longer than possible. There is a slight hope of doing anything for the illiterate adults, but every effort should be made to educate the young. And in the parish of Lafayette we should do our utmost part, by placing good schools in reach of every child in the parish, funds, of course are necessary, and our people should cheerfully furnish them, that the children may at least be given instruction necessary to to enable them to read and write. Politics in the past have obscured the par amount need of schools, but fortunately and wisely too, our people are waking up, and now a considerable interest is being taken in education. Let us all help the interest grow till our facilities are second to none.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Robber Confessed. - Postmaster Demanade received a telegram from post office Inspector Anderson, at Orange, stating that a negro named Ben White had confessed to having robbed the Lafayette post office on August 17th. The post office was entered in the night time, and an ineffectual attempt was made to get into the safe. Only a small amount in cash was stolen. Inspector Anderson started to work on the case a couple of days after the robbery. By working on what at first seemed an insignificant clue, he traced the man to Orange and caused his arrest there. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
BOOM YOUR TOWN.
Don't Fail to Sound its Praises Wherever You Are.
Every citizen should believe in the town he lives in, and if he doesn't think it is a little bit better in most respects than neighboring towns then he should move out. When away from home, do not neglect to give those with whom you come in contact to understand that you live is a live town, populated by enterprising, go ahead, progressive people, and one that is advancing instead retrograding.
If you can truthfully speak in commendation of ability of your professional men, the square dealing methods of your merchants, the superiority of your schools, etc., let nothing prevent you from exercising that privilege. It will not be necessary to mention the drawbacks, if there are any. Strangers seeking a location are always greatly influenced in favor of any place where the citizens are enthusiastic in its praise.
Unless its inhabitants appreciate the excellence and virtues of each and other and will collectively spread abroad their faith in the prosperity and future greatness of their own locality no city or town can expect to attain prominence over its rivals. When rightly utilized, talk can be made effective in many directions, and this is one of them.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Cut The Weeds. - Weeds are not only noxious in themselves; they beget other evils. They foster slovenliness. A big patch of weeds in a vacant lot or an alley creates an irresistible desire in the careless domestic to throw old tin cans among them, to empty among their concealing leaves the garbage that should be carted away. Such things have the germs of contagion and death. Besides, they are nasty, they a part of the weed system. Nice customs abhor them. A town to be clean and wholesome and attractive must be cleared of pestilent things. Citizens should cut the weeds. Then there will be fewer tin cans, heaps of ashes and piles of rotting garbage to the appearance and impair the health of a fine town. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Large Real Estate Deal. - A large real estate deal took place Saturday, Dr. J. F. Mouton sold his home plantation, consisting of 80 arpents, just on the edge of town, to Mr. Albert Landry for $10,000. By reason of Lafayette's progressive spirit and splendid school facilities, as well as many natural advantages, the rise in property values is steadily upward, and there is always a ready sale for all property offered. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Opening Exercises at Institute.
Last Friday night the formal opening exercises of the Industrial Institute were held. A large crowd was present. The program consisted of a number of selections by the Sontag Military Band, an appropriate address by President E. L. Stephens, and piano music by Miss Montgomery, the new music teacher. The affair was greatly enjoyed by all who attended. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Carried Off His Pants. - A robber entered the room of Mr. Dautrive Wednesday night and carried off his pants, from which he took $22. There is no clue to the perpetrator. The same night a young boy at the Sunset Hotel was robbed. He had just been paid off and the thief got his full month's wages. As the cook was found missing next morning and his whereabouts are uncertain. Suspicion has fallen on the cook. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
School Beginners.
Beginners will be received in the schools of the parish only two times during the year. In schools which opened on Sept. 1st, beginner will be received during the month of September and of February. In schools opening on November 3rd, beginners will be received during the months of November and of March.
All pupils in other grades may be admitted at any time.
L. J. Alleman, Parish Supt.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Lafayette Home Institute.
Sixth Annual Session.
Opens Monday, Sept. 1, 1902.
The merits and advantages of the school are respectfully submitted and a share of the public patronage solicited.
R. C. GREIG, Principal.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 9/27/1902.
A Lafayette girl refused an offer of marriage, telling the young man she was willing to be his sister. Later on he told her he would like to be his own brother-in-law, and she consented.
There will evidently be several weddings in this town soon. Let the good work go on. It makes business for the dry goods merchant, clothiers, milliners, grocers and furniture dealers.
Lafayette has a splendid corps of teachers. A suitable building is next. Can't we all pull together for the sake of the children, and have a modern school building?
We can't get everything at once, but let us remember that one improvement brings another. We must get a new brick school building first, other good things will follow.
Our real estate man, Mr. J. C. Nickerson, is strictly "in the push", and doing a rushing business. If your want to buy or sell, he is the proper man to see.
Don't wait for your neighbor to make your town a good town. Do your part.
Messrs. Louis Prejean and Zack Francez will leave to-morrow for Nashville, Tenn., where they will complete their medical course, and return full fledged M. D.'s.
In order to handle his increasing business, Mr. L. Levy has employed Messrs. Louise Breaux and Leon Levy. These young men are both enterprising and well liked generally. To their many friends they extend a cordial invitation to call on them.
We call the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Mr. R. H. Broussard in this issue. Mr. Broussard has lately opened up a store on Main street, and handles a first class line of groceries and general merchandise. He is a most worthy young man, and The Advertiser heartily wishes him the full measure of success he deserves.
A cordial invitation is extended to the Industrial School teachers and pupils to call and inspect our handsome line of shoes, hats, clothing and ties. The Clothing House.
A colored man by name of Ernest Slone had the misfortune Saturday of having his arm cut off by machinery at Gerac's gin. Drs. Martin and Trahan attended the injured man.
Thursday night at about ten o'clock the residence of Mr. Bibi Hebert caught fire. Prompt response to the alarm by our gallant firemen saved almost the entire building. The origin of fire is unknown. No insurance.
Mr. Wm. Clegg has been confined to his home on account of illness for some time. We sincerely wish him a speedy and complete recovery.
Strayed. - One blue mare, about 7 years old, tail broken, branded on right jaw and a cross on the left one. Wounded on both shoulders. Reward will be given if returned to A. BACQUE.
Found. - A small gold cross in the Catholic church. Owner can claim same at the Advertiser office.
A good ordinance for the City council to pass would be to order every proprietor to paint or whitewash the fences of his properties at least once a year. This measure would add a deal to the appearance of the town.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1902.
From the Lafayette Gazette of September 26th, 1902:
PROMPT WORK.
Of Firemen and Citizens Prevent the Destruction of Mr. Hebert's Home.
At about 10 o'clock Thursday night the home of Mr. Ursain Hebert was discovered to be on fire. Before assistance could be given, big flames shout out through the roof and it required the skillful and heroic work of the firemen and citizens present to prevent the total destruction of the building. As usual the fire fighters proved equal to the emergency and comparatively slight damage was done. Men never did quicker, more intelligent and effective work at a fire.
The origin of the is fire is not positively known. The fire started in the loft where no one had been for some time. It is possible that the matches which had been left there were ignited in some unaccountable manner.
About two years ago the same house was partly burned.
Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
Post Office Thief Confesses.
Last Wednesday afternoon Postmaster Demanade received a telegram from Post-office Inspector Anderson stating that Ben White, the negro arrested at Orange, had confessed to having robbed the Lafayette post-office on the 17th of this month. The post-office was entered in the night time and an attempt was made to get into the safe. Eighty-five cents in cash was stolen.
The capture of the thief is due to the prompt and intelligent work of Inspector Anderson. Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
Thieves at Work. - During the past week thieves entered the homes of T. M. Biossat and G. Dauterive was relieved of $20.
Laf. Gazette 9/27/1902.
MARRIED.
Fontenot-Martin.
Mr. Ben Fontenot and Miss Lena Martin were married at Carencro Thursday evening. The ceremony took place at the home of Mr. Philibert Broussard and was performed by Father Grimaud. Friends and relatives of the young couple were present and joined in an informal celebration of the event. The bride is a most charming young lady and is a favorite among a large circle of friends and the groom is a most estimable young man, being well known in Lafayette where he is in the employ of the Southern Pacific Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Fontenot will live in Lafayette. Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
Mr. Cade Nominated. - At the Democratic convention held Tuesday at Baton Rouge Mr. Overton Cade of Lafayette was nominated for railroad commissioner on the fifty-third ballot. Mr. J. Y. Sanders of St. Mary was chairman of the convention. Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
THE POLL TAX AMENDMENT.
The Caucasian says the Guardian-Journal of Homer is the only journal in the State up to date, aligned without reserve, in opposition to the poll tax amendment. In that case, all the other journals are right. - Baton Rouge Advocate.
If one sound reason has been offered in opposition to the poll tax amendment we have failed to see it. If the poll tax clause of the suffrage law has served one good purpose we have not yet heard of it. It has not increased the school revenues to any appreciable extent. It has had a tendency to keep voters away from the polls, and we submit that this is a most pernicious thing to do in a republic. Where it as disqualified one unworthy voter, it has disqualified one unworthy voter, it has disfranchised two good citizens. It has burdened the suffrage law with additional red tape. It has so confused matters, that every time a man want to know of he is legally entitled to vote, he must consult a lawyer. The Lord knows the illiterate suffragan has enough to contend with in the mysteries of the Australian ballot without being annoyed by poll tax receipts.
Once a man is registered the ballot should be accessible to him. The suffrage qualifications should stop at the registration book. The way from the registrar's office to the polls should be free from all obstacles.
The poll tax amendment should be adopted, and we believe it will be it the question is properly presented to the voters.
Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
INCREASED APPROPRIATION
Asked of the Police Jury to Run the Public Schools.
A circular letter, signed by Mr. A. Olivier, president of the School Board, has been addressed to friends of public education in the various wards in the parish. The circular explains itself. It is as follows:
You have no doubt noticed the great wave of progress along educational lines sweeping over the South and especially over North Carolina, where the fight for stronger central schools and longer terms is led by no less a person than the Chief Executive - "The Educational Governor of the South - " Governor Aycock.
The South is beginning to realize what Thomas Jefferson said one hundred years ago. If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."
During the fifteen years immediately after the civil war there was some tangible excuse for a poor system of schools in the South, but there is no valid excuse now and it is the duty of every citizen to insist, first of all, upon a system of schools in touch with the progress of the times. It should be aim of every public officer from the governor down and of every citizen, rich and poor, to do all in his power to better the condition of the schools of his State and especially of his parish. The leading platform of every political campaign from now on should be, "Better schools and longer terms." The time is fast approaching when no man who is not an active worker for the cause of education can aspire to positions of trust.
Every child has as much right to be educated as to be free, hence, no man can render his State a greater civic service than by making it possible for every child in his community to receive the benefits of a good common school education.
In response to a general demand of the citizens of the State the last General Assembly materially increase its appropriation for public schools. Next year Lafayette will receive from the State, as a consequence, about $8,000, and the school revenues of the parish will be as follows:
From the State ... $8,000
Poll taxes, about ... $2,300
Rent of school lands ... $2,000
Total ... $12,300.
There is no reason why the parish of Lafayette can not contribute at least as much to the support of its public schools as it receives from the State. In fact the bulk of the revenue should come from local taxation. If, therefore, we could obtain an appropriations of $8,000 from our Police Jury, the public school fund would amount to $20,300 and the schools could be run nine months as they should be. The cost for running our schools one month is $2.300.
The Board of School Directors have done their duty in raising the standard of the teachers of the parish and they now call upon intelligent citizens of the parish to lend a helping hand by appearance before the Police Jury and petitioning for at least $8,000 for the coming session.
At the suggestion of the School Board member from your ward you have been selected as one of ten representative men of your ward to appear before the Police Jury and make this just demand in the name of the 4,000 white children of school age in this parish.
Do not depend upon your neighbor to do this most important of civic duties for you, but come in person and be present in the court room at 9 a. m., October 2, in order to elect two general spokesmen for the committee of one hundred petitioners.
The Board of School Directors would further request the committee of petitioners to remain to hold a conference with them after they have presented their petition to the Police Jury.
Yours for education of all the children in Lafayette Parish.
A. OLIVIER,
President Board of School Teachers.
Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
THE SCHOOL QUESTION.
Facts and Figures Relative to the Contention that the Parish Supports the Town Schools.
To the Lafayette Gazette:
It has long been the belief of persons who have not taken the pains to inform themselves properly on the subject, that the town of Lafayette has been receiving an undue proportion of the public school funds distributed by the School Board, in comparison with the rest of the parish; and this impression has served to foster an attitude on the part of some members of the School Board that threatens, at times, to dissolve the existing harmonious relations of the town and country schools and their interdependence.
The basis of this contention is that the corporation of Lafayette does not pay any "parish taxes" and, consequently, is not fairly entitled to receive any funds from the parish for the support of its schools. If this were a correct statement of the proposition its reasonableness would be readily conceded, but the real facts underlying the whole question do not justify such a conclusion.
Under the terms of a legislative enactment that has long since outlived its purpose and usefulness, the parish of Lafayette collects yearly a "criminal tax" of three mils on the dollar on the entire assessed valuation of property in the corporation of Lafayette, amounting to $3,000. The intent of the law was to make incorporated town bear an equitable share of the cost of administering justice through the machinery of the courts conducted for its benefit in common with the rest of the parish. Such a law was entirely appropriate at the time of its enactment and as long as the original conditions continued to exist that made such a law desirable; but the town of Lafayette has long outgrown its "swaddling clothes," and continuous growth of population and rapidly changing conditions have necessitated several important amendment to the original charter of the town. At the present time the only rightful claim the parish can have against the town is for actual expenses the parish may incur in the trial of cases in the district court for infractions of the law committed within the limits of the corporation of Lafayette, and the number of such cases and their attendant expenses is very small, as is clearly attested by the court records which show that in nearly every instance the cases furnished by the town belong to the class that pays all costs and fines, thus becoming a revenue to the parish instead of a source of expense.
Of course, it is but right that the town should bear a reasonable part of the expense borne by the parish of operating the machinery of the district court, such as the services of the sheriff and the care of the court-house, jail and clerk's office; all of which is entirely out of proportion to the three mill tax now collected from the town by the parish, if viewed in an intelligent and unbiased light. To those who have made a careful study of the subject $500 a year will suggest itself as being an altogether reasonable figure at which to place the indebtedness of the town to the parish; but let this amount be fixed at $1,000 a year, to make the proposition entirely safe for the parish, and we are confronted with the cold fact that the parish collects from the town annually two thousand dollars in excess of any lawful claim it may have against the town.
Under such circumstances it is but right for the parish to refund the town the amount collected and, under existing conditions, this can be done only through appropriations for schools. Thus when the Police Jury appropriates say $5,000.00 toward the support of the public schools, $2,000.00 of that amount may be said to come from the town of Lafayette and should go back to the town in some form. Certainly no one will dispute the honesty of such a procedure? Is the parish of Lafayette doing this? Figures do not lie, so we will let the figures tell their own story.
Which represents the amount contributed by the parish through appropriations made by the Police Jury for public schools generally. And for the $1,756.25 received in this way the town paid into the parish treasury not less than $2,000 over and above any claim the parish might have against the town for criminal expenses, etc., incurred in behalf of the town.
But it would be unfair toward the town of Lafayette to accept the above figures which deal with the town schools only, inasmuch as these schools are not exclusively for the children of the town. On the contrary, the public schools in the town provide educational facilities for fully nine-tenths of the children of the third ward, there being only one other public school in this ward outside of the town - the Mouton Switch school. And besides the High School is attended by children from every ward in the parish, and even the Primary school in the town is patronizes by some of the other wards than the third ward. This fact being admitted it becomes plain that no consideration of this question would be complete which did not take into account figures applying to the third ward as a whole.
Thus it is evident that the public schools of the third ward are being maintained without any aid whatsoever from the general funds of the parish, and in addition contributes over $1,000 a year to the public school treasury. The question of revenue derived by the parish from the second ward outside of the town of Lafayette has been purposely omitted from the table of figures just presented, as an offset to the third ward's prorata of the regular parochial expenses borne in common with the other wards of the parish.
The foregoing presentation of facts challenge contradiction and should set at rest for ever the charge that is often made by uninformed persons, that the town of Lafayette is getting more than its proper share of the school funds; and it is for the purpose of disabusing the public mind of any such impression that the writer has taken the pains of collecting and publishing all the data relating to the subject. And it was for the same reason - that of removing all cause, real or imaginary, for antagonism to the town schools - that the City Council of Lafayette recently made an offer to the Police Jury to support the town schools independently of parish aid, if the Police Jury would agree to remit the three-mill tax collected by the parish from the town, and allow the town to defray its own criminal expenses at each term of court, etc. The Police Jury declined the offer on the ground that it was without authority to enter into such an arrangement, but the phraseology employed by the Police Jury in its refusal was unfortunate in that it concealed the real motive of the Town Council in the matter and conveyed the impression that the integrity and ability of the School Board was in question, with reference to its administration of the public schools.
N. P. MOSS,
Member of the School Board,
Lafayette, La., Sept. 23, 1902.
Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 9/27/1902.
Deputy Sheriff Trahan returned yesterday morning from Crowley having in custody a white man, named John Laughlin, charged with stealing two head of cattle belonging to Mr. Geo. K. Bradford.
The Morgan La. & Texas Railroad will run an excursion from Lafayette to New Orleans on Sunday, Oct. 5, leaving at 6:45 a. m. Round trip ticket $3.00.
New cane syrup at Prudhomme and McFaddin's.
The sale of Dr. J. D. Trahan's property on Lincoln avenue to Mrs. Nichols and Mrs. Otto was effected through the real estate agency of J. C. Nickerson. The price paid is $2,400.
Mr. Alex Delhomme of Scott informed The Gazette that in his neighborhood indications point to a considerable increase in the cotton crop from what is known as the "top crop."
A negro named Sloane, who was working at Gerac's, had an arm so badly mangled in one the gins that amputation was necessary.
Mr. Leo Guilbeau and Miss Anna Breaux were married at the Catholic church in Lafayette Tuesday evening.
At all hours of the day wagon loads of cotton are seen on the streets of the town. Cotton from very distant points is brought here to be ginned.
Town lots in all parts of the town of Lafayette, by J. C. Nickerson, Real Estate Agent. Lafayette Gazette 9/27/1902.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of Sept. 27th, 1890:
Town Improvements.
It is impossible for us to mention in detail all the improvements going on in our town. Suffice, to say, that Lafayette is growing rapidly, and its solid growth, most of the new building being homes of working men who have regular employment. Our drummer friends have our confidence in their judgment, and they tell us that aside from New Iberia, Lafayette is the most promising town in Southwest Louisiana.
The plank-walk from Mt. Carmel Convent to St. John's Catholic Church is nearly completed. It extends from the Convent grounds along Second Street (Convent St.) to St. John's Street, and up St. John's Street, in front of Mrs. J. N. Judice's residence to the Church. Mr. Auguste Degrez is the contractor. The credit of this substantial improvement is mainly due to the enterprise of the children pupils of the Convent, who a few weeks ago gave an entertainment and raised enough funds to build the walk. The City Council furnished the balance necessary - about one-fourth. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1890.
A Board of Trade.
The gentlemen who had in charge of the Board of Trade Organization for the town of Lafayette have dropped it, so far as our researches can extend. We regret this action; because of live town should have a well regulated Board of Trade. It is a great advantage, and we will endeavor to show it. A Board of Trade always keeps posted as to the absolute market value of all produce - by telegrams which are constantly arriving, and are subject to the inspection of the public. There is no reason why a person who has produce to sell should not be as well posted as to the market value of his products as the local Board of Trade. The price you would receive from the Board of Trade. The price you would receive from the Board of Trade here would be nearly as much as you would get in New Orleans, the Board regulating the price according to the rates of freight it would have to pay, which would necessarily be much lower than an individual would have to pay. The Board of Trade, by reason of its ability to furnish ready money and purchase "truck" will be able to relieve our "truck" farmers of a great deal of surplus produce which they would have left on their hands as a loss. A Board of Trade would be able to accumulate and save thousands of dollars worth of produce which is now wasted for want of a sure and ready market. We again urge out enterprising merchants not to let this matter die out. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1890.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 9/27/1890.
The Southern Pacific pay car came Tuesday night and left a few thousand dollars with the railroad boys. Lafayette always enjoys a little boom when the pay car comes. It is a great institution, and could not be well dispensed with in our domestic economy.
The steamer Mary Rose finds plenty of water in bayou, and makes her regular trips three times a week between Lafayette and Abbeville.
The "American Princess" drew a good house at Falk's Opera House Monday night. It is a good company.
Mrs. Zenon Broussard, of Carencro, is visiting the family of Judge O. C. Mouton.
Miss Anita Hohorst spent a few days among friends in Grand Coteau this week.
Miss Martha Mouton has returned from a delightful visit to friends in Breaux Bridge. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1890.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 27th, 1879:
OUR RAILROAD.
The bridge over English Bayou is finished, and the road bed is is ready for the ties and rails to Pine Island, thirteen miles east of Lake Charles. The convict force until recently employed west of the Mermentau has been removed east of that river. The grading is finished between Lake Charles and Mermentau, except about one mile near Welsh's on the Lacassine, which will be finished in ten days. The track is laid one mile west from Lake Charles. The steamer Col. Hooker discharged 650 steel rails at the railroad dock here two days ago, and has returned to Calcasieu Pass for more. The steamer Pearl Rivers left last Tuesday for Orange, with a cargo of steel rails, and will return at once with trucks for twenty flat cars to be used between Lake Charles and Orange. Several schooners are engaged in bringing steel rails from Calcasieu Pass. The company has erected a new and commodious blacksmith shop near the depot here, and the depot has telephonic communication with the telegraphic office in town. Everything going ahead smoothly. --Lake Charles Echo and in Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1879.
There being several rumors in circulation in regard to a change of route by Morgan's Railroad Company. Mr. Pandely was written to, by a person of this place, to ascertain the truth of these reports, and the following telegram in reply was received :
New Orleans, Sept. 20, 1879.
Our road will be built to Vermilionville, and will reach you within about sixty days. All contrary reports are false.
G. Pandley, Supt.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27.1879.
Police Jury Proceedings.
September 6th, 1879.
Pursuant to call the Police Jury met at the Court House this day.
Members present : Martial Billaud, president; Aurelien Primeaux, J. L. Prejean, and Sesbathekd 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 (unreadable words) prisoners board.
On motion of Mr. J. L. Prejean, it was resolved that Alex Constantin be and his 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 Rail Road.
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 their 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 overseer until the 31st od December, 1879, for their respective roads.
On motion resolved, that the Morgan La. & Tex. Rail Road and Steamship Co. be and are hereby permitted to put their bridge across the Bayou Vermilion, without a draw, provided they leave 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:
1st ward, 1st precinct, at Ursin Cormier's - commissioners Ernest Potier, Adolphe Guilbeau, Chas. A. Guidry; clerk, Adolphe Broussard.
1st ward, 2nd precinct, at Piere Richard's = commissioners, Alfred Delhomme, Simon Boudreaux; clerk, Joe. Begnaud.
2nd ward, 3rd precinct, at Ford Hoffpauir's - commissioners, Ford Hoffpauir, Antoine Guidry, Theophile Breaux; clerk, Valery Boudreaux.
2nd ward, 4th precinct, at A. J. Moss' - commissioners, Gerassin Doucet, Clemille Trahan, A. J. Moss; clerk, Cleobule Doucet.
3rd ward, 5th precinct, at St. Clair e Kilchrist's - commissioners, E. A. Guilbeau, V. E. Dupuis, Pierre Bernard; clerk, Edouard Bernard.
3rd ward, 6th precinct, at Court House - commissioners, H. M. Bailey, H. L. Landry, W. E. Williams; clerk, Auguste Monnier, Jr.
4th ward, 7th precinct, at E. I. Broussard's - commissioners, Alex Verrot, Darmas Broussard, Lessin Guidry; clerk E. H. Levy.
4th ward, 8th precinct, at Royville - commissioners Overton Cade, Octave Theriot, Harrison Theall; clerk, Simonet Leblanc.
5th ward, 9th precinct, at Valsin Broussard's - commissioners, Valsin Broussard, J. G. St. Julien, Aurelien Olivier; clerk Marcel Melancon.
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 9/20/1879.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 27th, 1873:
The Quarantine Rage.
We take if for granted that the quarantine system is sound in theory and in practice. If disease can be excluded by its means, it can be effected only by a strict and rigid enforcement of proper and well digested regulations. Any attempt otherwise, will prove a failure and a useless and sad farce.
Out town Council has established a so-called quarantine against the whole world in general and have left it discretionary with the Mayor, to declare what places in particular, he considers infected. If there is any necessity for a quarantine, it should be only against infected districts from which there is danger of disease being transported. We consider it an absurdity to quarantine against remote places which we have no intercourse, and absolutely silly to quarantine against places not infected. At present, we know of no epidemic existing , except in Shreveport, Memphis and perhaps other distant points with which we have no intercourse whatever. The only reasonable excuse for a quarantine, would be against New Orleans and that can only be upon suspicion, for the Board of Health deny the existence of an epidemic there.
The expense, serious loss, and inconveniences resulting from a quarantine should be compensated, at least, by a necessity for its enforcement and its thorough effectiveness. The rage of quarantine is upon us and we fear that the action of our Council will expose it to severe criticism.
We would again urge upon the Council the high and important duty of having the town kept clean and in perfect sanitary condition, which will perhaps do more good than any quarantine.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1873.
Another Good Citizen Gone. - We are called upon to announce the death of another good citizen. Mr. William O. Smith departed this life last Wednesday, after a protracted suffering from consumption. Mr. Smith was respected and esteemed by many friends and leaves a widow and several children to mourn his death. He was buried last Thursday by the Masonic Fraternity. Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1873.
Attempted Thievery. - Last Monday night, about 9 o'clock, a lot of thieves attempted to rob Mr. R. Gagneaux's grocery store, they succeeded with a crow bar in forcing the lock from the back door, which falling on the floor awoke the clerk, who was sleeping in the room, and on his rising the robbers fled.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1873.
City Council of Vermilionville.
Special Session, Sept. 12th, 1873.
Present: Aug. Monnier, Mayor, and Councilmen L. P. Revillon, F. C. Latioslais, H. Landry, R. L. McBride, Jos. O. Girouard, and Chs. O. Olivier. Absent: Wm. Brandt.
The Council was called to order and the object of the meeting explained by the Mayor.
Whereas, the Mayor having been informed that the yellow fever has made its appearance at the town of Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.
On motion it was resolved, That the Constable is hereby ordered to strictly enforce all sanitary regulations passed by this body.
Resolved, That a messenger be sent to the President of the Board of Police of the town of Opelousas, for the purpose of ascertaining if the yellow fever has really made its appearance in said town.
Resolved, That all persons residing within the limits of said Corporation, be and are hereby ordered to have all their chimneys cleansed within thirty days from the first publication of this resolution, and in case any person fails to have the same cleansed, the Constable is authorized to have the same done at the expense of the owner.
On motion, the Council adjourned.
A. MONNIER, Mayor.
H. M. BAILEY, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1873.
lagniappe:
How to Keep Fish When Caught.
The angler should take care of his fish after he has caught them. It is discreditable to fetch back a lot of sun and wind dried fish, all curled up and stiff. Put a handful of grass or ferns in the bottom of the creel and kill the fish as soon as caught by hitting them with a sharp blow on the back of the head. If the weather is hot, clean the morning catch at noon, and every few hours dip the creel in the stream. The best way to keep the fish to take home is as follows: Clean them thoroughly, taking care to remove the gills and the blood under the back-bone, wipe and dry inside and out, but do not wash them; sprinkle them inside with black pepper, but on no account use salt. Pack in cool, fresh grass and keep them in the shade. If ice is used it should be put in a tin can or at least at the bottom of the creel, for it spoils the flavor of fish to have them soaking in water. From Forest and Stream and in the Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1890.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of September 27th, 1912:
PROFIT IN ALLIGATOR
BUSINESS OF RAISING THOSE SAURIANS PAYS WELL.
Aquariums, Museums and Tourists Buy the Young Ones - Many Articles Are Made From the Hides, Teeth, and Bones.
Alligator farming is a business that is far from overcrowded and the few enterprising men who have taken it up in the last few years have practically all found their farms to be paying institutions almost from the start, according to a writer in the Scientific American. Although the supply of wild alligators is being reduced to an alarming extent, raising alligators for their skins alone can not be seriously considered until the wild supply is much smaller than it is now. As it takes several hundred years for alligators to attain their full growth, it might seem that returns would be rather slow. However, baby alligators are always in good demand from aquariums, museums and tourists, and from their sale and the fees of admission to the farms the chief present revenue is derived. The skins, too, begin to become valuable when the alligator is six of seven years old.
Until 19 or 20 years ago, no alligator skins were used for any purpose, and for several years after that only the smooth portion which was found on the stomach was utilized. Now the back or horny portion is regarded as the most valuable, and not only is the hide of the alligator used, but his teeth and bones also contribute to various articles from suit cases to paper knives and whistles. In the Florida Everglades several hundred persons, mostly Seminole Indians, make their living by alligator hunting. The Florida supply is rapidly diminishing and in the last two years Mexico and Central America along the gulf have been invaded. Extermination seems likely unless dramatic measures for protection are taken.
One of the most widely known alligator farms is at Palm Beach, Fla., at which a collection of over 1,000 saurians is kept, ranging from tiny ones just hatched to Jumbo Joe, supposed to be 900 years old, measuring 18 feet 4 inches. In this collection is also a crocodile, the largest in captivity, estimated to be 2,000 years old. It is 17 feet 7 inches long. The largest collection of alligators is at Los Angeles, Cal., on a farm owned by S. V. Ernest, on which there are over 2,000 alligators. The largest, caught only a few months ago in the Everglades in Florida, is 15 feet long and weighs about 900 pounds.
A large female alligator lays from 50 to 60 eggs every summer, and a small one from 25 to 30, and practically every egg will hatch. Special incubation for them are used at the farms. Alligators require no food from September to May. The rest of the time they eat meat. Baby alligators up to three years of age, at which time they will not exceed 18 inches in length, find the readiest market and are sold at from one to four dollars. Larger ones are usually sold at practically so much a foot, a 16-foot alligator bringing as much as 20, and the very large ones from 15 to 19 feet long, which are desired mainly for aquariums, from $75 to $100. From the Lafayette Advertiser 9/27/1912.
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