From the Lafayette Gazette of October 2nd, 1897:
WANT TRAINS TO RUN.
Meetings Held at the Crescent Hotel Adopted Resolutions - Asking a Change in the Quarantine Regulations.
Sunday night a number or people met at the Crescent Hotel for the purpose of discussing the question of quarantine. The assemblage was composed principally of employes of the Southern Pacific reinforced by citizens from the parish. Carencro was well represented as several prominent citizens from that place were present. Many residents of Lafayette were among the audience, but it is safe to say that few of them were in sympathy with the purpose of that meeting. Several railroad men who live Houston, but who have been detained here by the quarantine, were in attendance.
The meeting was called to order by F. H. Gregory, the well-known locomotive engineer, who stated that they had been called together to take steps toward the modification of the present quarantine regulations so as to enable the running of trains under certain restrictions.
Judge Alphonse Guilbeau, of Carencro, was elected permanent chairman, and C. F. Latioslais, of Carencro, and H. A. Van der Cruyssen, of Lafayette, were made secretary.
The following gentlemen were nominated and elected vice-presidents of the meeting: Dr. F. W. Courtney and L. G. Stelly of Carencro, John Hahn, J. B. Coffey and F. H. Gregory of Lafayette.
Before the transaction of any business, Judge Guilbeau made a few appropriate remarks, stating that the object of the meeting was to have railway traffic resumed so as to enable planters to move their crops.
Being called upon the following gentlemen made short speeches: D. A, Dimitry, J. R. Domengeaux, Drs. G. A. Martin and F. W. Courtney.
When the time came to appoint the committee on resolutions, the meeting encountered some difficulty. Several gentlemen were requested to serve on this committee but not being in sympathy with the movement asked that their names be stricken off.
The following committee was finally appointed: Drs. W. W. Lessley and F. W. Courtney, Wm. Clegg, J. M. Jones, J. R. Domengeaux, and H. E. Toll.
A recess was taken to allow time to the committee to draft resolutions.
The committee then retired and after a short meeting brought in its report which is as follows:
To the Chairman and Gentlemen:
We, your committee appointed to express the sentiment of this meeting beg to report as follows:
Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the responsibility resting upon the authorities in the emergency that seems crowding upon us, the impending danger of the invasion of a fearful pestilence, would suggest that all effective measures be taken to protect the lives of those we hold dear, and at the same time mitigate as much as possible the deprivations attending an absolute quarantine; therefore, we would insist upon the adoption of a system of quarantine and requirements from the railroad authorities, that would a the same time give us absolutely security, and allow the people to dispose of, and move their products. Also, allow the necessities of life to be brought into the community, excluding any article, about which there now exists a reasonable doubt as to carrying the germs of disease. We would respectfully suggest that this meeting appoint a committee to adopt measure for carrying out the recommendations.
WM. CLEGG,
J. M. JONES,
W. W. LESSLEY, M. D.,
H. E. TOLL,
J. R. DOMENGEAUX,
F. W. COURTNEY, M. D.,
Committee.
The resolutions were read and unanimously adopted.
On motion of C. F. Latioslais it was resolved that in the event of the failure of the committee to secure a conference with the parish and town authorities, that said authorities be invited to attend the meeting at the Crescent Hotel the following day, Sept. 27.
An adjournment was then taken.
MONDAY'S MEETING.
At 8 o'clock Judge Guilbeau called the meeting to order.
Mr. Wm. Clegg, chairman of the committee appointed to present the resolutions to the constituted authorities, made his report. He stated that the Board of Health had postponed action until the result of the conference of physicians is known. As to the Police Jury, that body had held no meeting.
A motion was made and carried to tender the thanks of the meeting to the committee.
Wm. Kelly moved that the existence of the committee be extended twenty-four hours. This motion was carried.
F. C. Triay stated that he had presented a petition to the Board of Health asking for a modification of the restrictions on the trains. He said the petition was signed by 166 persons.
On motion of Mr. Latioslais a committee composed of L. G. Stelly, J. M. Jones, O. P. Guilbeau, was appointed to wait upon Health Officer Trahan and have that gentleman appear before the meeting. The committee left the hall and a few minutes later returned with Dr. Trahan.
Dr. Trahan questioned and cross-questioned on matters of quarantine. He answered all queries satisfactorily and enlightened the meeting on all matters pertaining to the quarantine established by the parish authorities.
Secretary Latioslais wanted to know why it was that no freight was admitted into this town but that the pay-car was permitted to come in and pay off the company's employes in currency. Dr. Trahan replied that the municipal authorities were the proper ones to furnish this information as they had allowed the pay-car to come.
At this juncture the secretary read, at the request of Col. C. C. Brown, a long protest from a labor organization of New Orleans.
Mr. Brown was called upon to express his views. He said that he believed the agreement entered into with Mr. Owens was safe and practicable and afforded ample protection to the people of the parish.
Judge Coffey got the floor and urged upon the railroad men the necessity attending the meeting which would be held the following day.
TUESDAY'S MEETING.
Judge Guilbeau opened the meeting. The crowd in attendance was much smaller than the night before.
J. M. Jones, member of the committee to wait upon the town and parish authorities, stated that they had failed to obtain an audience with the Police Jury as that body had failed to meet, and as the Board of Health had not acted upon the petition, there was nothing of importance to report to the meeting.
Some one in the audience moved to adjourn and the proceedings were brought to an end.
Before adjourning Chairman Guilbeau thanked the meeting for the honor that had been conferred upon him by electing him president. Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
For a Modified Quarantine.
The following petition was presented to the Board of Health of this town at its meeting Tuesday night:
To the Hon. Mayor and Town Council and Board of Health and Police Jury of the Parish and Town of Lafayette:
We, the undersigned railroad men and citizens in mass meeting assembled, do hereby petition the Hon. Mayor, Town Council, Board of Health and Police Jury to modify the quarantine restrictions as they were previous to Wednesday, the 22nd, 1897. Hoping that you will take favorable action at an early hour.
John B. Coffey, W. B. Lindsay, Jr., J. F. Bowen, R. Guidry, F. H. Landry, B. A. Stulting, N. Roger, J. A. Burkholder, C. H. Lusted, E. T. McBride, P. J. Tierney, E. Mouisset, F. C. Triay, C. Olivier, H. Jagou, J. Poimboeuf, Jas. Hannen, J. Bochart, Wm. Kelly, J. E. Pefferkorn, F. H. Gregory, Jasper Vasburg, G. Mitchell, J. C. Cruse, W. H. Parrot, C. Lusted, N. B. Atkinson, W. A. Clark, Alcee Mouton, P. Mouton, R. A. Bailey, Felix Aucoin, R. L. Cochrane, Jr., J. B. Coumes, R. J. Tanner, B. Donlon, F. Dana Sherfy, Ed Brown, W. C. Triay, T. M. Eves, W. D. Huff, U. A. Hebert, Thos. Fox, T. D. Coleman, J. F. Guidry, E. Right, Onezime J. Mouton, R. B. Tanner, Hy. Gankendorf, J. A. Garvey, E. Pefferkorn, J. F. Kelly, J. D. Cotter, J. Bouchard, L. Pellerin, W. S. Dorman, E. Bruce Pickett, Hebert Mouton, P. T. Corrigan, Jos. Lisbony, L. Chopin, Victor Chopin, A. J. Gentil, Joseph Roger, D. J. Smith, L. Bazin, F. Gernett, A. B. Heard, A. A. Mouton, Ed. Chase, A. Singleton, J. Martenson, J. E. Rusillon, W. Porkin, A. Coumes, J. W. Johnson, W. Laas, P. McGrath, R. H. Jackson, A. R. Lisbony, W. H. Kimmer, Robert Salsman, Ed Span, John Bagnal, Jean Brun, Victor Levy, O. Delhomme, J. A. Delhomme, F. Demanade, Lee. P. Walker, L. A. Veazey, Edward Hebert, D. A. Cochrane, A. Sladous, Arthur Couret, Otto Wisham, B. H. Wilkens, A. J. Sprole, R. B. Raney, L. Prudhomme, E. M. Tanner, Felix Foucade, Alf. Chargois, H. Senac, F. Lombard, S. Clements, Leon Plonsky, A. Hebert, Wm. Otto, R. L. McBride, Emile Romero, D. V. Gardebled, Joseph C. Breaux, L. Levy, Ed Broussard, Albert Delahoussaye, F. Otto, C. J. Sanders, Frank H. Clark, Robt. Richard, H. L. Fontenot, J. Haggarty, A. O. Patureau, Louis Lacoste, J. F. Emery, J. E. Weigel, Jr., T. Rogers, J. T. Allingham, P. Bazin, J. B. Hart, Jno. I. Bell, J. F. Mouton, L. S. Broussard, J. Broussard, W. A. Phillips, L. F. Rigues, Paul Demanade, A. B. Denbo, A. P. Baudier, Vavasseur Mouton, F. H. Mouton, N. P. Moss, John L. Graser, B. A. Salles, L. L. Judice, E. McDaniel, J. O. Mouton, E. VanVracken, H. G. Kennecky, Jos. McGraw, Phil Crouchet, R. Voorhies, Sidney J. Veazey, H. D. Delahoussaye, W. Hines, Placide Breaux, John Bunt, Louis Hebert, L. Serret, J. Vigneaux, A. G. Ledoux, O. Baron, E. Bodenheimer, A. D. Martin, A. Degres, Ulysse Bru, Henry Domecq, Henry Essewine.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
'MY REASONS."
Dr. N. P. Moss.
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO MY FRIEND, HOMER MOUTON, WITH WHOM I HAVE ENJOYED MANY A FRIENDLY "TILT" OVER THE YELLOW FEVER SITUATION WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST SHOW OF TEMPER OR BAD FEELING AT ANY TIME, BY EITHER OF US.
First. It is a self-evident proposition that yellow fever can not be conveyed from one non-infected point.
Second. It is a matter of daily ocular demonstration that certain classes of merchandise do not carry the germ of yellow fever, or any other contagious or infectious disease when disinfected in accordance with well established sanitary rules. Merchandise of this class from countries where there is infection twelve months in a year, are continually being landed at our seaports and allowed to be distributed among the American people for daily consumption, without any bad results, after undergoing the prescribed quarantine regulations.
Third. It is equally true, and of daily public record, that passengers can not and do not propagate an infectious disease after submitting to detention and disinfection.
The foregoing are scientific facts in actual demonstration, that can not be controverted by any amount of mental fear, sentiment or shot-gun argument.
The practical adaptability of any one or two, or all three, of the propositions just stated, to our present and greatly disadvantageous situation, will not be denied by an unbiased mind, and in intelligent adaption of our needs to the fundamental principles underlying these propositions would relieve to a very appreciable extent the decidedly inconvenient position in which we are now placed.
The moving of the cane and cotton crops, the marketing of country produce and the receiving of food supplies and other necessities, is of secondary consideration only if it can not be accomplished without the risk of introducing yellow fever in our midst. That this can be done in the manner already stated will be gainsaid only those who are want to usurp the right of settling questions of this great magnitude by a simple twist of the mind. It has been left to the people of southwest Louisiana to decide the merit of the principles here involved, but the conclusion had been arrived at as the result of ages of scientific research, a conclusion long since accepted by the world.
It is the province of any people to exercise their privilege of taking exception to a great truth acknowledged by entire nations and, in a country where it has been thought wisest for the majority to rule, the minority has no alternative but to submit.
I have not purposed by my remarks to impugn the conscientiousness of any man in adhering to his individual opinion, but simply wished to make known my reasons for sympathizing with the movement for a modified quarantine.
N. P. MOSS.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
CONFERENCE DID NOT TAKE PLACE.
The Train Stopped at Rayne by Armed Men.
Other Towns Wired the Train Could Not Pass.
"Thus far shalt go, but no farther" said the people of Rayne to the doctors of medicine, punctuating their stern command with a threat to shoot and kill.
The train carrying the delegates from the various towns along the Southern Pacific road passed through Lafayette Wednesday on its way to Lake Charles.
Aboard the train were Dr. S. R. Olliphant, president of the State Board of Health; Dr. Carter, of the United States Marine; Dr. Guteras, the celebrated yellow fever expert; Dr. Alred Duperior of New Iberia, Drs. Smith, Smith, Tarlton and Frere, of Franklin; Mayor Labbe, of St. Martinville; Mr. Weeks of the Iberian; Ex-Sheriff Frere, of St. Mary; Beverly Miles, of New Iberia; and others whose names The Gazette does not know. It was purposed to run the train as far west as Lake Charles, take in delegates along that route, returning to Lafayette the same evening. At this point delegates from this town and parish were to join party, after which the train would have continued to Alexandria, thence to Shreveport where it was intended to hold a conference with a view of proposing or devising a uniform plan of quarantine. Preparations had been made by the promoters of the movement and by the Southern Pacific Company to carry out the project, but the best laid plans of the wisest men are liable to be brought to an abrupt termination by the edicts of King Quarantine.
When the train reached the corporate limits of the unpretentious village of Rayne a body of determined-looking men armed with shotguns and rifles, signaled the engineer to stop. Then the men declared that the City Council of Rayne had decreed that no train should be allowed to pass through the town. It was proposed to go through at any rate of speed, but the men said no and threatened to tear the track if the train moved Rayneward. Finding that there was no use to persist, the medical men as well as the crew decided to return whence they had come. Before leaving an unsophisticated fellow, who failed to properly understand the temper of the people, boarded the train to deliver a telegram to one of the physicians. He was informed that he was wanted in Rayne no more and would have to go elsewhere. The only thing the foolhardy messenger could do was remain on the train and enjoy the hospitality of the gentlemen inside the Pullman.
The train returned to Lafayette at 6 o'clock in the evening, stopping here long enough to take coal and water for the engine. The party did not go any further but concluded to go back home as a telegram from Opelousas stated positively that no train would be permitted to pass through the town. Similar messages had been received from Crowley and Lake Charles. Under the circumstances it was decided that it would be pure folly to attempt to continue the trip. Dr. Duperior stated to a citizen of this town that they had been very much disappointed, but they would again try to carry out their project.
On board the train was the well-known yellow fever specialist, Dr. Guiteras who was trying to make his way to Texas where his services are in demand.
The train was in charge of Conductor Lusted and Engineer Gregory.
Some of the gentlemen of the party spoke of their reception at Rayne in very uncomplimentary terms.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE BOARD.
No Fever at Royville. - Absolute Quarantine Against the East.
The Board of Health held an important meeting Thursday night. The following members were present: Drs. J. A. Trahan, T. B. Hopkins, G. A. Martin, P. M. Girard and Mr. J. J. Davidson. In the absence of the president, Dr. Trahan was elected president pro tem.
Dr. Roy Young made a clear statement to the board concerning the rumor about the existence of suspicious cases of fever at Royville. Dr. Young stated positively that there was nothing at Royville or vicinity that bore the remotest resemblance to Yellow Jack and facetiously remarked that the country was distressingly healthy. Dr. Young added, however, that he and the other Royville physicians courted an investigation and would be pleased to assist the Board of Health in establishing the absolute falsity of the rumor which was causing some injury to Royville and no little vexation to the people of that town. The board appreciating the generous offer of Dr. Young, appointed Drs. Trahan and Hopkins as a commission of experts to visit Royville and report the result of their investigation to the board with a view of quelling the excitement caused by the circulation of this rumor.
Mr. Ed. G. Voorhies addressed the board in very respectful language. He said that in asking the board to establish absolute quarantine against Iberia, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes be expressed the wish of a large number of citizens of this town.
At the conclusion of Mr. Voorhies' remarks the board considered the proposition of declaring absolute quarantine against the parishes mentioned. Upon motion it was decided to recommend to the Council the adoption of quarantine regulations permitting no intercourse with St. Martin, Iberia, and Vermilion parishes and all other parishes or towns receiving goods from New Orleans.
Hon. Wm. Campbell made a short talk pledging to board his best efforts to organize and maintain a volunteer force.
Mayor Caffery stated to the board that Mayor Daboval of Rayne wished to know it the Lafayette board would be willing to meet the Acadia board in conference for the purpose of considering the advisability of running a local train from Lake Charles to this point. Mr. Caffery informed the board that a train was now running from Lake Charles to Acadia and it was suggested to extend the run to Lafayette. Mr. Caffery was authorized to communicate with Mayor Dabovel and inform him that the conference would be agreeable to the Lafayette board.
The Board then adjourned.
The City Council met immediately after and adopted the recommendations of the Board of Health.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
LET US HAVE HARMONY.
At this time when we are threatened with a dreadful pestilence, it is the duty of every citizen to preach harmony and exert all his energies toward the creation of a healthy public sentiment. It is not the time for crimination and recrimination. It is not the time for criticism and censure. It is not the time to find fault with the action of men who are unquestionably doing their best. It is not the time to go about the streets and breed disunion by impugning the motives of honest gentlemen.
It is time to put our heads together. To think together. To work together and pull together.
The Gazette is pained to see that this critical period when perfect harmony is necessary, disunion seems to be complete. The present state of the public mind is perhaps worse than the plague itself.
The Board of Health, in whose keeping have been entrusted the lives of this community, is composed of good citizens who have everything to lose should yellow fever visit this town. They too have homes to protect. They have wives and children and it is not reasonable to suppose that they would do aught which might place their lives in jeopardy.
Let there be a cessation of acrimonious talk. Let men stop venting their personal grievances, their likes and dislikes.
Let us all trust those who have been placed at the helm. They have at heart the welfare of this community and they no doubt appreciate the gravity of the condition which confronts us, and we feel they will act for the best.
The people of New Orleans to-day may have reason to doubt the efficiency of their Board of Health. But they are not saying so just now. They are assisting the board and doing all in their power to strengthen it. Let us do likewise.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
CONFERENCE IN TRANSIT.
A special from New Iberia to the New Orleans Times-Democrat of Monday last says:
"Health Officer Duperior has wired the following call to all Boards of Health along the line of the Southern Pacific and Texas & Pacific railroads:
"To the Boards of Health. By the authority of the New Iberia Board of Health, I call a meeting of representatives, one delegate from each Boards of Health of all towns and parishes along the line of the Southern Pacific and Texas & Pacific railroads, to be held on a special train from New Iberia manned by an unexposed crew, at the earliest possible time. This special train will make an itinerary for both lines, gathering the delegates at their respective stations on the main lines.
"The purpose for which the meeting is called is to arrange a system of concerted quarantine and inspection whereby uniformity of action with reference to the prohibition of passengers from New Orleans and other infected points and the transportation of infectious goods and commodities can be maintained, and whereby non-infectious goods and commodities and interior transportation and intercourse can be permitted.
"I have invited Dr. R. H. Carter, of the United States Marine Service, to accompany the meeting. Please wire the acceptance of the call and advise if this special train will be allowed passage through your parish and town. No one will be aboard except delegates from interior and non-infected points other than Dr. Carter.
"ALFRED DUPERIOR,
Health Officer New Iberia".
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
Volunteers.
An effort has been made to reorganize the volunteer force to do quarantine duty. A mass meeting was held at the court-house Friday morning for that purpose. All those who acted as guards will again be called upon and it is hoped that they will not fail to respond. The same captains, Messrs. Wm. Campbell, Crow Girard, Ed. Voorhies and A. E. Mouton, have expressed their willingness to serve. Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
Wanted to Get Home.
Thirty-three railroad men, who were here when Texas quarantined against Louisiana, leave to-day for their homes in Houston. Through the efforts of Mayor Caffery and Sheriff Broussard they succeeded in obtaining the permission of the authorities along the line to run a train as far as Texas, which State they hope to enter, having procured the necessary certificates and affidavits to show that they have visited no infected point. The men were nearly all out of money. The railroad company allowed them the use of a locomotive and a caboose, provided the necessary arrangements could be made to let them pass. Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
Lynching Rumor Proves False.
A special from Opelousas to the New Orleans Times-Democrat of Sept. 27, says: "There was considerable bustle around town last night, caused by the rumor that a mob from Grand Coteau was organizing to come to Opelousas to lynch "Man" Lemelle, the negro who attempted assault upon a white girl in that section last Thursday. Sheriff Deshotels placed twelve armed deputies in jail to protect the prisoner, and they remained there all night. The rumor was evidently false, for no mob appeared. From the N. O. Times-Democrat and in the Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
Stands at the Head.
Aug. J. Bogel, the leading druggist of Shreveport, La., says: "Dr. King's New Discovery is the only thing that cures my cough, and it is the best seller I have." J. F. Campbell, merchant of Safford, Ariz., writes: Dr. King's New Discovery is all that is claimed for; it never fails, and is a sure cure for Consumption, Coughs and Colds. I cannot say enough for its merits." Dr. King's New Discovery for Consumption, Coughs and Colds is not an experiment. It has been tried for a quarter of a century, and to-day stands at the head. It never disappoints. Free trial bottles at Wm. Clegg's Drug Store.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
Married.
Dr. Roy O. Young and Miss Nita Scranton were married at the Methodist church Thursday evening by the Rev. I. T. Reams. The groom and bride are prominent young people of Royville where they enjoy the esteem of all the community. The bride is the daughter of Dr. G. W. Scranton, the well-known physician.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
Death of J. E. Debaillon.
A special from Opelousas to the Times-Democrat announces the death of Mr. Jules E. Debaillon, which occurred near Opelousas on the 24th of September. Mr. Debaillon was fifty-eight years of age. He was highly esteemed and a valuable citizen of St. Landry, of which parish he had been a resident all his life. He was a brother of Judge C. Debaillon of this parish.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 10/2/1897.
Fever in New Orleans. - Daily reports from New Orleans have not been very encouraging during the past week. "The last bulletin from Dr. Olliphant to Dr. Trahan is as follows: "Report for 24 hours ending 9 p. m. (Sept. 30) 24 cases, 3 deaths. Total cases, 228; deaths, 28.
Some of the guns seen at the quarantine stations must have been used in the war of 1812.
We are informed that the train which was running between Lake Charles and Acadia has been stopped. The crew in charge of the train returned to Lafayette Thursday night.
Omer Patureau has taken charge of Mr. John O. Mouton's barber shop near the depot. Mr. Patureau is an experienced barber and promises to give satisfaction to all who will patronize him.
The last base ball game of the season will take place at Pilette at 3 o'clock p. m. to-morrow between the boys from that place and a club from Lafayette. The game will be played for a wager of $100. Admission, 25 cents; children 15 cents; ladies, free.
Quarantine will not prevent Moss & Mouton from supplying the demand for lumber at lowest prices from the large stock they have on hand.
Lafayette Gazette 10/2/1897.
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From the Lafayette Advertiser on October 2nd, 1869:
A Warning to Thieves.
The Sheriff of our Parish left last Saturday for Baton Rouge, having in charge Gabon (c.), lately convicted of larceny. It is hoped that the punishment will be salutary, as well as a warning to other evil-doers. The Parish Judge, upon pronouncing sentence, addressed him in substance as follows:
"Gabon, you have been regularly tried according to the laws of your country. You have had the benefit of able counsel and all the safe-guards of the law -- you were presumed innocent and tried with fairness, tenderness and mercy. The evidence against you, clearly establishes that you had in your possession and sold, the property of another, and that that property was stolen property. The law requires that you should account for that possession, and your failure to do so, creates the inevitable and legal presumption of your guilt. You have violated the law and punishment must follow. Therefore, the judgment of the court is that you be imprisoned in the State Penitentiary, for the space of two months -- term of imprisonment to commence from this the 18th day of September 1869, and that you pay the costs of this prosecution.
Lafayette Advertiser 10/2/1869.
LAGNIAPPE:
School "Readers" with Modern Improvements.
A Western paper thinks that the present style of school "Readers" is not only slow, but a long way behind the age.
According to the opinion of its editors, the following style would be about up to the mark. We commend it to the indefatigable school "marms," who have charge of the unlettered colored Republicans :
"The horse is on his nest. He is a fine horse. Can he make his mile in two minutes? Some horses have the scratches. So do some boys.
"The goose is on her roost. She is a fine quadruped, and has a tender tenor voice. Can the goose fly far? No ; neither the goose nor the rhinoceros can fly far.
"Here is a man. He is a fireman. He belongs to No. 10. Uf you are a good boy you will some day be an angel like that fireman. They sometimes get their heads broken.
"Here is the gas works. It is a high building. All our Congressmen are born here. Do Congressmen ever steal? You may be sure they do.
"Do you see that small boy? He is a good boy, and supports his mother by selling newspapers. His father don't have to work any more now.
Here is the picture of a young widow. See how 'sad' she looks. Her husband could not pay her dry goods bill, and so he -- died. Do you think she will get another man? She will try hard.
"Here is the seaside. You see that 'swell' there drinking spring water? What is he here for? For his health. Will he get it? Yes, if his father's money holds out, and she don't get engaged first to that fellow with the paste diamond.
"Do you see this colored man? See how fast he runs. He is 'running' for an office. He was a poor lad once, and worked for his clothes and victuals. Now he don't.
"This is a picture of Horace Greeley. What is he doing? He is mailing strawberry plants to his subscribers. They are fine plants, and yield about a bushel a plant. That is 'political economy.'
"Here is a fine likeness of Colfax. See how he smiles! He is looking at the White House.
"This is a scene in Tennessee. That man there, weeping, is Stokes. Why does he weep? Has he much money? No ; he can't see a Sent-er. Poor man ! He will doubtless find some one in Washington who will sympathize with him.
"What is that man doing there? He is counting over Government greenbacks ; he is a public official. See how fast he counts? Those one dollar bills on the left hand side are the money he is to return to the Government ; those ten dollar bills on the right are the money he is going to put into his pocket. Is it a good thing to be a public officer? Now you are talking !
"Here is the face of a reporter. See how joyful he looks. He has just heard that a man has cut his own throat, and he is going for an item. Should you like to be a reporter, and get licked on dark nights, and see dead persons, and climb up four pairs of stairs ?"
Original source unknown. In the Lafayette Advertiser 10/2/1869.
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