LOUISIANA LOU AT JEFFERSON.
[From the Memphis Commercial-Appeal.]
"Louisiana Lou," as presented at the Lyceum Theater last night, is a typical Chicago show. Coming direct from the La Salle Opera House it brings with it a bright, breezy atmosphere of that popular playhouse. Harry Askin has a happy faculty of blending the beautiful with an irresistible sense of humor. The combination never fails to please, and of all the bright musical comedies that have developed under his adroit direction, "Lousiana Lou" is unquestionably the best.
There is not a dull line in the two acts. On the contrary, they are so well spiced with epigrams that the ear of the audience is constantly tickled, while the eye enjoys a feast of color in scenery and costumes.
New York once was, and is possibly yet, the producing Mecca of the country but somehow the attractions born in Chicago have a charm about them, a freshness, a piquant interest that is seldom found in the more pretentious productions of the older city. It may be a matter of taste, but the South is partial to Chicago, and especially to the attractions which, from time to time, Harry Askin sends to us.
"Louisiana Lou" is the composite product of Addison Burkhardt, Frederick Donaghey and Ben. M. Jerome. This is a case where too many cooks did not spoil the broth for both in book and music the comedy is coherently pleasing. The lines sparkle and are improved by a titillating environment of harmonies, each of which leaves a tinkling reminder in the ear and coax the tongue to whistle.
Strange as it may seem, "Louisiana Lou" has more than a mere thread of plot. It tells a story which might become pathetic, at times, but for the rollicking background of comedy. The scene is laid in New Orleans during the carnival season, and the opportunities for costuming and color effect afforded by Mardi Gras are splendidly illustrated. The costumes are new and the fabrics of which they are made are costly and selected with unquestioned taste. If these costumes were not the artistic creations they are, they would at least seem so because of the girls who wear them. There is a freshness about both gown and girl which tells from the minute the comedy begins until the finish of the final act.
This has been the keynote of Harry Askin's success this selection of young girls, girls who can wear clothes and who add to the attractiveness of the performance. The present chorus reflects prosperity. There are no elan and hungry looking soubrettes to worry the audience. On the other hand, the chorus looks as if it had been fed on a farinaceous diet and had been prepared for the engagement.
Ben Jerome has supplied music that will be remembered for many weeks to come. The production in its entirety has the proper swing to it which insures success.
Samuel Liebert as Jacob Lidoffski presents a Hebrew of a refreshing type. The character is too often made a caricature of for the sake of comedy, but in this instance, the Jew is humanized. He is made a man of heart, a philanthropist, in his humble way, a genial, companionable, lovable man, instinctively a Hebrew, but a Hebrew in the literal and honestly accepted understanding.
Finding Louisiana Lou when a mere baby, he rears her as his own daughter, and a bond of love unites the two throughout the action of the play, even when tried by the vicissitudes of misfortune. Mr. Liebert grasps the part with understanding. He plays it well. The natural comedy of the character is allowed to flow smoothly, with just a touch of pathos here and there to enhance the interest.
Freddie Nice is also a live wire. He is a clever actor and excellent dancer, and the part of Nixon Holme in his hands becomes one prolific in humor and pleasing at all times. Egbart Roach made a friendly Irishman and a boon companion of the Jew. He is typical of the part he plays and plays it most acceptably. Zella Call as Delia Fair proved most pleasing. She has a delightful personality and looks the part, which with her is potent to please. Anna Chandler has a character comedy part and unlicensed liberty to do what she pleases and say what she wishes. In taking advantage of such opportunities she has things pretty much her own way and scores a decided hit. Cecilia Novasio as Louisiana Lou is just the girl for the character. She is the type of beauty that one associates with New Orleans and presents the title role with an animated dash that appeals to the audience keenly.
In fact, the entire cast is most acceptable and the company is a large one. There are few better musical comedies on the road. It may be said in conclusion that the season at the Lyceum this far opened auspiciously.
There will be a matinee this afternoon and a final performance tonight.
HUGH H. HUHN.
Lafayette Advertiser 11/22/1912.
[From the Charleston, S. C., News-Courier, Nov. 6.]
PLAY A GREAT SUCCESS
"Louisiana Lou" Scored a Big Triumph at Charleston.
"Louisiana Lou," one of the cleverest comic operas ever put together in this country, was presented at the Academy last night to an audience that encored almost everything that happened. No extended review of the play is possible. It may be sufficient to say that "it has everything." The music is swaying, the girls are pretty, the principals show to splendid advantage, the scenes are accurate and beautiful, the dances are appealing, the costuming is rich and artistic, the humor is infectious and the situations are true. Comic operas of this type can never fail to win the enthusiastic applause. If "Louisiana Lou" does not play to packed houses all along the line it will be because the people have no warning of how good it is. The best thing that ever came out of Chicago. From the Charleston, S. C., News Courier and in the Lafayette Advertiser 11/22/1912.
IMPORTANT. - Owing to the immensity of production and length of performance curtain will rise promptly at 8:15 in the evening. Carriages and Motors at 10:55 p. m.
Lafayette Advertiser 11/22/1912.
From the Lafayette Gazette of November 19th, 1898:
Liquor License Expensive Proposition.
The Council met in special session to-day.
Present: Caffery, Mouton, Davidson, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Martin and J. A. Landry. Absent: John Hahn.
The mayor stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of considering the license on retail liquor dealers for the coming year.
The following resolution offered by Dr. Hopkins, seconded by J. J. Davidson, was adopted by the following vote: Yeas - Mouton, Davidson, Martin, Landry, Hopkins. Nays - None.
An ordinance relative to the sale of intoxicating liquors, fixing the license therefore, and providing a penalty for any one who may engage in such business without first procuring a license.
Be it ordained by the City Council of Lafayette, La., that there be and is hereby levied an annual license tax for the year 1899 and for each calendar year thereafter, upon every business of bar-room, cabaret, coffee-house, cafe, beer saloon, liquor exchange, drinking saloon, grog-shop, beer-house, beer garden, or other place anything to be drunk is sold directly, is said town of Lafayette, and that said license shall be based on the annual gross receipts of said business as follows:
First Class - When said gross annual receipts are seven thousand and five hundred dollars or more the license shall be three thousand dollars.
Second Class - When said gross annual receipts are five thousand dollars or more and less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, the license shall be one thousand dollars.
Provided that no establishment selling or giving away, or otherwise disposing of any spirits, wines, alcoholic or malt liquors, in less quantities than one gallon, shall pay less than one thousand dollars.
Be it further enacted that no one shall be allowed to engage in the retail liquor business as provided by this ordinance without first procuring a license, and any one violating this section shall be liable to a fine of one hundred dollars and in default of payment thirty days' imprisonment, or both, at the discretion of the mayor.
Be it further enacted that any person beginning now shall for the first year pay the lowest amount provided by this ordinance.
The mayor thereupon declared the ordinance duly adopted.
There being no further business the Council adjourned.
Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Worker KILLED.
While Moving one of the Cane Cars at the Refinery.
A. Camp, a workman at the Lafayette Sugar Refinery, was accidentally killed by being run over by cane cars last Tuesday night about half past eleven o'clock. It appears that Camp and other workmen were engaged in moving some cars on the refinery's switch and it is believed that while trying to cog the wheels of a car the poor fellow fell on the track with the above results. His neck and several ribs were broken and his back and face were bruised. From all accounts the man died almost instantly. Owing to the darkness of the night and the noise of the machinery it was impossible for any one to know exactly how the accident happened, but from the evidence adduced at the coroner's inquest, which was held the day following, there is no doubt that the killing was accidental. Coroner Trahan, who held the inquest, had the man's body interred in Potter's Field.
A health certificate found upon the unfortunate man's person is dated St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 15, and signed by Max C. Starkloff, health commissioner of that city. Dr. Trahan has written to the authorities of St. Louis to ascertain if Camp had any relatives living there.
Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
An Army of Cripples. - Lafayette was invaded this week by an army of cripples. Officers Veazey and Himel arrested seven men last Tuesday and all the prisoners, except one, walked with crutches. The six unfortunates registered at the City Hall as Ed Stone, Geo. S. Hughes, Thomas Jones, Bert Sepheno, Joe Burns and Joe Prince respectively. Some of them are too badly crippled to earn a living while the others are able to work. They remained in jail until Thursday when they were released.
Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Death of a Negro Politician. - Naco Paddio, who was at one time a prominent negro politician in this parish, died this week and was buried in the Catholic cemetery. Paddio wielded great influence among the voters of his race during the palmy days of negro suffrage and gumbo politics. When the cause of white supremacy asserted itself and the negro was relegated to the rear as a political factor in this parish, Paddio ceased to be a conspicuous figure in local politics. He was rather intelligent and spoke the English language with unusual correctness for one of his race. He was, up to a few years ago, prominent in the State politics of the Republican party, having been sent as a delegate to the last nominating convention held at St. Louis. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
To Receive Lt. Moss. - Preparations have been made to give a fitting reception to Lieut. Jas. A. Moss when he will arrive here. A meeting will be held at the court-house where addresses will be delivered by Judge Debaillon and Mayor Caffery. The local camp of United Confederate Veterans will attend in a body and the Lafayette Orchestra has offered to furnish the music for the occasion. It is not known positively when Lieut. Moss will arrive, but he is expected during the first part of next week. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
A Bad Man. - Billy Stephen, who was evidently anxious to impress upon the minds of the people near the depot that he was an all around bad man from Bitter Creek, was nabbed by Marshal Veazey last Wednesday and placed where he could do no one any harm. Stephen started out by firing his revolver and making himself generally obnoxious to the good people of that peaceable locality. As Stephen carried a concealed weapon he was turned over to the parish authorities and given lodging in Tom's cosmopolitan hostelry.
Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Wanted to Fight. - Bazile Murphy became boisterous near the Southern Pacific depot last Thursday and was run in by Marshal Veazey. Murphy said he was from Missouri and wanted to fight everybody and anybody. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Book and News Store. - In a few days The Gazette will open a book and news store where all the metropolitan papers, the works of the best authors and the popular magazines will always be on sale.
Laf. Gazette 11/19/1898.
To Build a Tramway.
A stock company has been organized to build a tramway from the main line of the Southern Pacific railroad to Octave Bertrand's farm in Berlucheau's cove, for the purpose of affording the farmers of the locality an opportunity to raise sugar cane. The capital stock is $25.000 of which a third has already been subscribed. The following board of directors has been selected: Jno. Whittington, C. Girard, J. B. Peres, Octave Bertrand and C. O. Mouton. There is reason to believe that the tramway will be built in time for next year's crop. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Unable to Move.
We are requested to state that owing to the bad weather Messrs. Jos. C. Caillouet & Co. have been unable to move into the Lacoste building on Nov. 15 as was announced. They will move within the next few days. They extend a cordial invitation to the public to call on them in their new quarters. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Wanted to be Arrested.
A man who had evidently been on a protracted spree, walked up to Marshal Veazey the other day and implored that official to lock him up for the night. He said he was not feeling well and wanted to be taken charge of lest he should commit some rash act. The man was given lodging in the town, and was released the next morning. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
The Mission at Carencro.
The mission which is being conducted at the Catholic church in Carencro by Jesuit priests from New Orleans has been very well attended, notwithstanding the bad weather which has prevailed. In order to give those who were unable to attend, a chance to hear the eloquent sermons, the closing of the mission will take place Tuesday instead of Sunday as was originally intended. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Ladies Tea Club.
The Ladies Five O'clock Tea Club after being discontinued during the heated season has resumed its pleasurable meetings with renewed energy and interest which was attested by the delightful afternoon spent at N. P. Moss' on Thursday, November the 10th. There was a full attendance, and Mrs. T. N. Blake was welcomed as a charming acquisition to the club.
The following program was thoroughly enjoyed: Quotations from the immortal poet, Thos. Moore; "The Origin of The American Woman," a prose reading by Mrs. T. M. Biossat; instrumental solo by Miss Lea Gladu; a selection from Moore by Miss. L. Parkerson, and a vocal solo by Miss L. Mudd. Animated discussions on "the present state of affairs now existing in France" were participated in by the whole club and much benefit derived therefrom by the different views expressed. When this highly interesting subject was fully discussed the guests repaired to the dining room where most delightful refreshments were served amid a gleam of snowy linen, china and silver and it was not until "Night" had dropped her sable down and pinned it with a star" that the "goodbyes" were said and all departed charmed with the opening of the season. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Fair at Carencro.
There will be a fair and entertainment, for the white people only, at Carencro on the 26th of November, for the purpose of raising funds to help liquidate the debt on the Catholic church building which was blown down by a storm some two years ago. Father Laforest will be assisted by his congregation in making this affair a success. The Gazette will publish the program of the entertainment in its next issue. Lafayette Gazette 11/29/1898.
Book and News Store.
In a few days The Gazette will open a book and news store where all the metropolitan papers, the works of the best authors and the popular magazines will be on sale. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Police Jury Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., Nov. 3, 1898.
The Police Jury met this day in regular session with the following members present: C. C. Brown, Ben Avant, Alonzo Lacy, J. E. Primeaux and John Whittington, Jr. Absent: R. C. Landry, Alfred Hebert and M. Billeaud, Jr.
The President being absent the Secretary called the meeting to order and by motion Hon. Ben Avant was elected president pro tem.
The reading of the minutes was dispensed with.
Wm. Foote, chairman of the committee, appointed to examine into the matter of building a bridge across Bayou Vermilion, near Jno. Whittington's, reported favorably upon the proposition. By motion Messrs. Jno. Whittington, Jr., and R. C. Greig were appointed to ascertain the probable cost of an iron bridge at the proposed site.
District Attorney Gordy here appeared and asked that the Jury appropriate a certain amount of money to Col. G. A. Breaux for services as attorney in the case of Navarre vs. Parish of Lafayette now pending. By motion the sum of $125.00 was appropriated and ordered paid to Col. Breaux.
Mr. O. Theriot as a committee of one, reported the condition of the bridges in the 4th ward as excellent and recommended acceptance of same approved.
Petitions from the second ward praying for the abolition of the stock law, and counter petitions, were read and by motion laid on the table.
A delegation of gentlemen from the various wards, representing the saloon interest, appeared and protested against the high license ordinance adopted for 1899. Petitioners prayed for a repeal of the ordinance or a submission of the question to popular vote. By motion the Jury refused to act in the matter but suggested that petitioners might under the law call for a special meeting to consider the matter in full session.
A petition representing the inadequacy of Coulee Mines and Coulee Isle des Cannes to carry of the volume of water poured into their channels and asking for the appointment of a committee with powers to make a preliminary survey of said natural drains for the purpose of clearing and deepening the channels, was read and laid on the table.
By motion the following was adopted;
Resolved, That the public bridge across Bayou Vermilion, at Olidon Broussard's, is hereby condemned and declared to be unsafe and dangerous. The public are hereby warned to the condition of said bridge and Messrs. John Whittington, Jr., and R. C. Landry were authorized to post notices on sad bridge, declaring its unsafe condition.
By motion duly made Messrs. Jno. Whittington, Jr., Alonzo Lacey and R. C. Greig were appointed a committee on budget to estimate the probable expenses of the parish for the year 1899.
A communication from Hon. M. Billeaud asking that the Jury order the removal of obstructions placed in a certain road by one Homer Landry, was read and action deferred.
Lucien Judice, indigent, was allowed the sum of $12.50.
Treasurer Martin reported the following amounts turned in by justices and constables:
-----------------------p. 2------------------
BEN AVANT, President.
R. C. GREIG, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 11/19/1898.
Ike Bendel will leave to-morrow for New York City. From there he will go to Worcestor, Mass., where he intends going into business.
Capt. J. M. Taylor, a valued member of the Crowley Signal's staff, paid us an appreciated visit Friday evening.
Mr. Wallis of Houma is visiting his cousin, Hugh Wallis near town.
Judge Debaillon spent the week in Abbeville holding court.
George Mayfield has been employed by the manager of the Sunset Hotel and will have charge of the rooms.
Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of November 19th, 1909:
A Good Business Location. - For rent at $20 a month. Available Nov. 1. The two-story frame building on corner of Jefferson and Convent streets (near Meaux Bros.' store). Building connected with city water works and has complete sanitary conveniences. Second story has two bed rooms, dining room and kitchen. Building is centrally located for grocery, or general store. Apply to N. P. Moss, or Andrew McBride at Moss Pharmacy. Lafayette Advertiser 11/19/1909.
Nuptials.
Linsday-Tupes - Last Wednesday Mr. W. B. Lindsay and Miss Lena Tupes of Thibodeaux were married in the Catholic church in that city. Miss Anna Talbot of Laurel Grove was bridesmaid and Mr. Mosby Lindsay, the groom's brother, best man. After the ceremony the bridal party and guests returned to the home of the bride, where a supper and reception was given by the bride's parents. At a late hour the guests departed, wishing the newly wedded pair happiness and prosperity.
Lafayette Advertiser 11/19/1909.
LAGNIAPPE:
From Santiago.
Don Greig, who was one of the first from this parish to volunteer his services to Uncle Sam during his "late unpleasantness" with the Spaniards, and who spent several months doing garrison duty in and around Santiago, has returned home having been granted a furlough of sixty days. Although Mr. Greig has been quite sick while in Cuba, he is now looking well and hearty. He informed us that the other Lafayette boys who are with Hood's regiment, Chase, Olivier, Bryan, Reaux and Ledet, are getting along very well. Mamaire, the young Frenchman from Carencro, has been discharged owing to sickness. Mr. Greig has kindly furnished the Gazette with items of interest concerning Cuba which we are compelled to out this week for want of space. Lafayette Gazette 11/19/1898.
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