AN ARMY OF KICKERS.
Lafayette seems to have the good fortune of having incurred the wrath of all the kickers of the whole country. From all quarters his shrill voice is heard against Lafayette, but with characteristic common sense our people are not at all disturbed and go on about their business in the even tenor or their way, unhindered by the wild ranting of these ferocious kickers. Not only have these loud-mouthed fellows raised their discordant voices above the roar of the quarantine artillery, but they have invaded the sacred sanctums of editors and filled columns of newspapers to air their grievances against this much abused community.
The Gazette had made up its mind not to notice the foolish stuff that is being dished out by people with imaginary wrongs and officious inter-meddlers in our affairs. but the wail of these inveterate kickers has assumed such alarming proportions that this paper would be derelict if it did not protest against it.
The accumulation of several weeks of a neighboring paper's insipid rot has been rehashed by a local journal without any excuse to the public for the infliction and without a simple apology to the Queen for the reckless manner in which her property was handled.
Every one-horse town in this section of the State has reared up on its hind legs to kick at us. Every fool has procured a lead pencil to write about us. Every long-eared denizen of the fertile valleys of the Teche and Vermilion seems to have abandoned his luxuriant pasturage to bray at us. All have joined in a grand chorus to tell the world of our total lack of brains.
When it is known that the yellow fever scare has not been confined to any particular place and that Lafayette has been, excepting a few days at the beginning, very conservative and disposed to listen to reason, it is impossible for us to see why is it that it has incurred the enmity of so many people and been made the object of so much censure.
Lake Charles, Opelousas, Rayne, Alexandria, Washington, Jackson, Miss., and a host of other towns have been far more unreasonable than Lafayette, but for some unknown reason they have escaped the wrathful vengeance of these public censors.
We are told that with the first freeze the dread microbe disappears, but let us hope that with the disappearance of this little breeder of human woes, the yellow fever kicker
Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
SPEAK KINDLY OF THE OLD TOWN.
In the present unfortunate condition in which the people of New Orleans find themselves on account of the prevalence in their midst of yellow fever, they are not only serving of the sympathy of the people of the country parishes but they are entitled to their help.
The Gazette regrets to see that in some quarters there is a disposition to show a spirit of hostility toward New Orleans. Several country papers have overleaped the bounds of legitimate criticism and have assailed the authorities and the merchants of the Crescent City in a most violent and vindictive style. There are men in New Orleans who would be willing to expose the whole country to the visitation of any infectious disease for the paltry consideration of a little trade, but persons of that ilk are found in all communities - large and small. But to charge that the people of New Orleans would be willing to become parties to any cold-blooded scheme that would spread a deadly pestilence throughout the country for the sake of very questionable commercial advantage, is to be guilty of an unpardonable indiscretion.
The people of that grand old town have upon many occasions in the past shown of what stuff they are made. Their glorious history in war and in peace should preclude from the mind of any one the thought that in the present crises they will be willing to stoop to means so villainous and contemptible.
Whenever the people of the country were in need, New Orleans extended help to them with a cheerful heart and a lavish hand. No call made to her for aid ever remained unanswered. Why not now speak kindly of her? She is making a noble fight unparalleled in the history of epidemics, and we repeat, she not only deserves our sympathy but she is entitled to our help.
Give the old town her dues, gentlemen of the country press. Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
BASE BALL.
Last Game of the Season Will be Played To-morrow at Oak Ave. Park.
LAFAYETTE TEAM.
Matthews, center field, captain;
Mouton, first base;
Heath, short stop;
Mudd, left field;
Marsh, second base;
Nickerson, third base;
Richard, catcher;
Hamilton, right field;
Meche, pitcher.
PILETTE TEAM.
Labbe, pitcher;
O. Comeaux, catcher;
Broussard, first base, captain;
D. Comeaux, second base;
Meaux, third base;
R. Comeaux, short stop;
F. Meaux, right field;
Langlinais, center field; Olivier, left field;
Umpire, Dr. Girard.
The above named teams, in the described order, will line up for the last and decisive game of a series of three, for the championship of Lafayette parish. The Dixies have won one game and the Unions were victorious on last Sunday, making the series as it now stands a tie. The last game will be played to-morrow at the Oak Avenue Park to decide the championship. The Dixies will put forth their strongest possible team for the occasion, and the name of the Unions is sufficient guarantee for a splendid diamond battle. Mangers Pellerin and Broussard have completed all arrangements for the game and it promises to be the base ball event of the season. Dr. F. E. Girard has consented to serve as umpire which assures fair and intelligent decisions. Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
Latest Reports.
The last bulletin received by Dr. Trahan from Dr. Olliphant reads: "Last 24 hours ending 9 p. m. (Thursday) 65 new cases and 8 deaths; total cases, 1,386; total deaths, 164; recoveries, 683; cases under treatment, 539.
One new case announced from Baton Rouge makes a total of five cases and one death in that city.
From Franklin and Patterson there is no authentic information, but two or three new cases are reported from the former place. At other points outside this State the fever appears on the wane. Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
Cartoonist Jabs Rayne.
A cartoon in Wednesday's N. O. States illustrating "Jack Frost and Freight in the same plight," was rather rough on our neighbor, Rayne. Whether or not Rayne has covered itself all over with glory by its rigid quarantine regulations, it has certainly made a name for itself. Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
Vocal and Instrumental Concert.
Mrs. E. Derbest, the talented music teacher, assisted by her scholars, will give a vocal and instrumental concert at Falk's hall, on Saturday the 6th of November. Mrs. Derbrest had intended to give the entertainment on the 2d of October, and she was compelled to postpone it on account of the yellow fever, but the postponement has given her more time to prepare her scholars for the concert and it is safe to say that the public will be the gainer for the delay. After the entertainment an opportunity to enjoy themselves will be afforded to those who desire to dance. There will be one price of admission for everybody - 25 cents. The music for the dance will be played by the Duhon string band. Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
A Horse Thief Captured.
[From the Crowley Signal.]
The bad element of negro criminals seems to think that Crowley is an asylum for their kind, but they find they are mistaken very often. Constable W. W. Higginbotham, accompanied by Leon Richard, of Carencro, La., who had a fine sorrel mare stolen from him there and traced the thief to Crowley, found him hidden in a hay rick on Dr. J. F. Naftel's farm, Wednesday afternoon. He was known by the name of "Buddy," alias Jean Baptiste, and has relatives living in Crowley. He said he had turned the mare loose before entering town and she had not been found this morning. A little negro boy saw the thief conceal himself in the hay and informed the officer. A pitchfork was procured and by jobbing down in the hay he was made to come out. He was lodged in the parish jail.
The stolen mare was found near Rayne Wednesday and restored to Mr. Richard. Constable Breaux, of Carencro, La., came over Saturday and carried the prisoner "Buddy" alias Jean Baptiste, back to that place. Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 10/30/1897.
Go to Oak Avenue Park to-morrow if you wish to see the most exciting game of ball this season - The last game of the season.
Lands for Sale. - Several hundred acres of good lands situated in the parish of Lafayette for sale on easy terms. Apply to Jno. A. Hunter, Rayne, La.
Joe LeBlanc of Broussard was in Lafayette this week on business. Mr. LeBlanc informed The Gazette that trade in his section is not very brisk, due no doubt to the low price of cotton.
If you want a large, luscious steak to-morrow morning, Greig & Sprole is the place to get it.
The bicycle races at Oak Avenue Park to-morrow will be well worth seeing.
Lafayette Gazette 10/30/1897.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of October 30th, 1897:
Keep Your "Bazoo" to Yourself.
Of all the political factions in Lafayette we wonder which was fortunate enough to score the most "points" over the yellow fever questions. It was certainly a nip and tuck affair with them all, as all were fighting the great cause for individual purposes, secretly trying to secure the good graces in any majority of people that could have safely landed them in office 2 years hence. This move on the part of the politicians was in our estimation a bad one, as had they kept their "bazoo" to themselves, the masses would have heard less quarantines and less excitement and the dangers of contagion would have been no greater than the experiences of New Iberia, Abbeville and St. Martinsville.
Lafayette Advertiser 10/30/1897.
Grand Races! - Races will take place at P. LeDanois race track, on Chappuis plantation, Vermilion Bayou, November 14, and 21, 1897.
First race, at 11:30 a. m sharp. Seven acres, purse $200.00, between Bessy June entered by P.
LeDanois and Texas Henry entered by L. Pitts.
Second race, at 12:15. Seven acres, "Running." Entrance fee, $10.00. Winner takes all.
Third race, at 1 p. m. Ten acres, "running" entrance fee $10.00. Winner takes all.
Fourth race, at 1:45 p. m. Seven acres, for colts 3 years old or under. Entrance fee, $10.00. Winner takes all.
Fifth race at 2:30 p. m. Mule race, entrance free. $5.00 to winner and $3.00 to second.
Sunday, Nov. 21 1897 a race will be run between Bessy June and Texas Henry, 10 arpents and purse of $200.00. Special accommodations for ladies. First class restaurant.
Dinner and refreshments at moderate prices. Excursions from Abbeville to race track. For particulars, address P. LeDanois, P. O. Box 81, Abbeville, La.
A race will take place at the Surrey Track at Lafayette, Sunday November 7th, 1897 between Fi D, the Cochrane filly, and Bessie June, now belonging to Paul Le Danois of Vermilion.
Distance 5 arps. and purse of $100.00. Admission to the track, 25cts. Refreshments of all kinds on the grounds.
Races will be run at Louis Whittington's track Sunday, November 28th, 1897, between horses belonging to Alex Landry of Lafayette, Gustave Duhon of Ile de Cannes and Dupre Broussard of Abbeville.
Distance 17 arpents and for a purse of $75.00. Races will begin at 9 o' clock. Other races will take place during the day. Admission free.
Lafayette Advertiser 10/30/1897.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 10/30/1897.
Our merchants were prompt to accept the train service to replenish their depleted stocks. Not everyone is carrying their usual complete line, and no one will find it necessary to have to recourse to neighboring towns for supplies.
Fresh sugar cured ham and breakfast bacon, at Moss. Bros & Co's.
Get a $15.00 suit for $9.00 at the Racket Store.
This cold wave will increase the death rate in infected centers but it will materially check the spread of the yellow jack.
Monday is all Saints Day, and high mass will be said in the Catholic Church at the usual hour.
Among foreign news items we notice that Pope Leo XIII is slowly passing away. He is 89 years old.
Mrs. Eugenie Derbes will give her postponed concert at Falk's Opera House Saturday, Nov. 6th. We need to cultivate a higher appreciation of music in Lafayette and everything of this nature should be well patronized. Concert begins at 8 p. m., admission 25 cents.
Judge C. Debaillon will go to Abbeville Monday to organize the grand jury for the coming term of court.
Delicious table butter is 30 cents a pound, at Moss Bros. & Co's.
The acute fright of yellow fever is passing and in consequence business is rapidly improving.
Get a $10.00 suit for $7.00 at the Racket Store.
Read Schmulen's new ad this week.
Quarantine brings out the resources of a newspaper, some of our exchanges were printed in wrapping paper and some on wall paper, we were fortunate in having a supply of paper on hand.
Mr. Salomon Wise and two daughters, of Abbeville, were visitors in Lafayette last Thursday.
You can get suited in eyeglasses, or spectacles, at the Moss Pharmacy. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Mr. Felix Demanade is attending to business again, after an illness of several day's duration.
A Norther, of no great pretensions, however, struck Lafayette, yesterday.
Both, the Martial Billeaud sugar refinery and the Lafayette sugar refinery have already been contracted for a great quantity of cane for this season, and the Carencro Manufactory is well provided for, as well.
You can get all the cane knives you want, at Moss Bros. & Co's.
The presence of three members of that ancient, and honorable order "Knight of the Grip," was a novel sight in Lafayette, one day this week.
B. F. Wilkins and John Bunt have lately opened an Oyster and Lunch stand adjoining John Breaux's saloon.
Get a Manhattan shirt, best in world for $1.00, universal price, $1.50 at the Racket Store.
Pocket knives and table knives in great variety, at Moss Bros. & Co's.
Lafayette Advertiser 10/30/1897.
LAGNIAPPE:
Coolness in Danger.
It is fact illustrated by history of the world and confirmed by every one's experience that individuals, communities, or armies, that keep cool and do not lose their reason, are safer and less liable to suffer from danger than those who become alarmed or panic stricken. In a personal difficulty a cool man has every advantage over an adversary who is swayed by mad passion, because the latter is sure to be off his guard. A cool head looks danger square in the face and makes due preparation to meet and overcome it. An excitable person is thrown off his base, is incompetent to formulate any sure plan of safety.
Panic stricken people are almost as helpless and wild as a stampede of cattle. Their excited fears disqualify them for any well organized and humane plan of averting danger in time of plague or pestilance. They forget the claims of humanity, of pity, or of affording any succor to their less fortunate fellow human beings. Witness the shotgun quarantines in many places where more harm was done than would have been done by yellow fever itself.
At a certain station on a Mississippi railroad the train stopped for water and orders, when a lady who was a passenger inside, being very hungry thrust her hand out of the window and begged that she might be allowed to buy something to eat. A guard, who was a man only in shape, thrust a shot gun in her face and told her if she did not draw her hand inside of that car he would blow the top of her head off. The vile coward fellow should have been shot on the spot for his villainous conduct to a famishing, helpless woman.
For our part we would rather face the worst epidemic that ever prevailed on earth, than that our community should resort to such inhuman practices to protect ourselves. Such conduct as that deserves no protection, and we do not believe a righteous heaven will let such people escape any sort of contagion. A retribution will come upon them sooner or later.
We are glad to know that Acadia parish, although a little excited at first, is governed by cool heads and humane hearts. Our people have not and will not resort to the rough and unwarranted methods that have been practiced in several sections of the South, and, we venture to say, will enjoy greater immunity from the pestilence than those who have resorted to undue violence to isolate themselves.
From the Crowley Signal and in the Lafayette Advertiser 10/30/1897.
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