From the Lafayette Gazette of December 3rd, 1898:
PURE SLANDER.
Judge Debaillon has rendered his decision in the Guilbeau-Babineaux suit.
This suit was the result of certain statements made by Sevigne Babineaux reflecting upon the character, private and official, of Mr. Octave P. Guilbeau, a justice of the peace in the sixth ward of this parish. At the time that the derogatory remarks were made by Mr. Guilbeau would wreak personal vengeance upon his defamer, but he wisely refrained from doing what men are wont to do in this country when similarly attacked. He did what a good citizen should have done - he appealed to the court for redress. The judgement of the court not only vindicates his honor, but inflicts condign punishment upon the one who has wronged him. According to Judge Debaillon's decision Mr. Babineax will be made to pay $800 as compensatory damages and $1,000 as punitive.
The charges which had been made by Mr. Babineaux were of a very grave character and had they permitted to go unrefuted, were calculated to do no little injury to Mr. Guilbeau and family.
The trial of this case, the manner in which it was brought into court, the severity of the punishment, will have a wholesome effect. People are entirely too prone to speak ill of others. Men, and women too, give too much freedom to their tongues and often without any regard for the good name of their neighbor, say things which are untrue, and if they were true, can do no good to the one who utters them or the one against whom they are uttered.
Let this decision by Judge Debaillon in the Guilbeau-Babineaux case serve as a lesson to those who are inclined to wag their slanderous tongues, regardless of the feelings of others and the reputation of some man or woman who may have unwittingly incurred their hate. Slander against any one one is one of the most abominable crimes of which man can be guilty, but a slander uttered to impair or tarnish the reputation of a virtuous woman is the is the darkest of all infamies. Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
AGAIN POSTPONED.
The trial suit of the Consolidated Engineering Co. vs. the town of Lafayette has again been postponed. The case was called for trial last Monday, but owing to the absence of Mr. Gaines, one of the principal witnesses for the defendant, it was postponed and refixed for some time in January.
We are informed that an effort was made to effect a compromise, but that it failed. It is to be regretted that it was impossible for the company and the town to reach some common ground upon which the differences could be immediately settled. It is certainly to the interest of the Consolidated Engineering company to bring this matter to a close and the town has everything to gain and nothing to lose by an early settlement of the difficulty. It is useless to speak of the merits of the case. In law suits, as in chicken fights, each side claims to have an advantage over the other. The courts will decide who is right and who is wrong. But before a decision is obtained, months, perhaps years will have elapsed and the costs of court will have greatly accumulated.
When it is considered that the town cannot hope to put in new boilers to run the waterworks and electric plant before a final decision is had in the pending suit, the importance of an early settlement of this question is apparent to everybody, and as it seems to be impossible to have a trial of this case now, we repeat that it is unfortunate that the attempt made to reach a compromise was not successful.
So long as the suit is not decided, so long will Zell's miserable boilers to be in the way of a satisfactory service. Almost any sort of a compromise that will give the people street lights will be welcomed, to say nothing of the genuine pleasure that all will feel over the happy riddance of Zell's fake boilers. Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
To Build a Walk to the High School. - If there is one thing that is needed and badly needed it is a plank walk from Lincoln avenue to the High School building. In order to raise the money to build this plank walk Prof. LeRosen has decided to give a concert on the 23rd of this month in Falk's Opera-house. In rainy weather the way to the school is almost impassable and it is urgent that a plank walk be built at once. If the friends of public education will attend the concert on the 23rd they will earn the thanks of the children and of the teachers as well.
Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
The Poor Justice.
As will concede that the justice of the peace is a much persecuted individual. He has been the favorite target of the critics of the press. He has been mercilessly caricatured. And worst of all he has been savagely attacked by the reformers. Upon his worthy shoulders has fallen the whole burden of reform. Although it is of record that he has shown at times a dignified contempt for the code and perhaps a little recklessness in his treatment of the blind goddess, he is not as bad as he is painted and The Gazette sympathizes with him in his forlorn condition. The new constitution has shorn him of his honors and his emoluments and to use the picturesque expression of Editor Chevis "he is innocuous as a sitting hen." Under the old constitution the justice of the peace could make his office pay and the position was sought by good men who were willing to serve their country in a humble capacity, but in his future we are threatened with something unknown to Louisiana politics - for the first time in our history the office will seek the man.
The following letter, written by a justice of the peace to Secretary Michel, shows in what predicament the magistrates have been placed by the action of the late constitutional convention.
Hon. John T. Michel, - Baton Rouge, La. .. My Dear Sir - Can't you stretch a point and send me a copy of the acts of 1898. We poor justices are catching it from every quarter. They have cut down our salaries, knocked out our chief source of revenues - peace bonds - we are no longer a court of last resort, not even on a 15 cent claim. We can't get even with the police juries for we for we have no jurisdiction in suits against them. We can't find anybody, are even beneath the mayor of a chicken coop town. We are now to all intents and purposes a harmless institution. There must be a redeeming clause somewhere in the acts of 1898, and besides I need the acts. If possible please send me a copy. Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
Sunset Limited Wrecked.
The Sunset Limited train was wreck near Jennings Thursday evening. Nothing definite could be learned from the railroad employees who were as usual very reticent. It seems to be pretty sure, however, that no one was killed. The impression appears to be that the accident was caused by the condition of the track which is said to be unable to stand the pressure of the large engine used to pull the Sunset Limited. Several persons are reported hurt, but it can not be ascertained of the injuries are serious or not. When a railroad accident happens the employees are not permitted to talk about it and the public are seldom informed of its cause and results.
Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
Theophile T. Allain.
Thephile T. Allain, who will be remembered as one of the nigger politicians who was not hung or otherwise disposed of during reconstruction days, has recently bobbed up in Chicago where he delivered himself of the following:
"I do not think there was ever practiced more brutal tyranny than that of the colored people. You may ask, "Why do the negroes stand it?" It is because the good men and women, whom the North has sent to educate them, have taught them to be patient. If it had not been for the teaching of the North we would have burned every house. It is not through cowardice that we allow our political rights to be trampled on, but because we will not murder white men for the sake of office."
Orignal source unknown. In the Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
To N. O. for Holiday Goods.
P. Krauss, the jeweler and watchmaker, will leave to-day for New Orleans, where he goes to buy a nice line of goods for the holiday trade. During Mr. Krauss' absence the store will be in charge of Alfred Martin. After his return Mr. Krauss will be glad to have people call and see his stock. Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
The Carencro Fair.
Father Leforest wishes The Gazette to thank those who by their presence and otherwise, have helped the fair given last Sunday for the benefit of the Catholic church. He is particularly grateful to those persons from Lafayette and Scott who braved the weather to attend the fair.
On the 4th of December Father Laforest will give a fair for the colored people. There will also be an entertainment. Lafayette Gazette 12/2/1898.
Scores at Alexandria Fair.
Mr. Ambroise Mouton, our real estate agent, deserves much credit for the energy he has shown and the success he has had in getting the first prize for the best parish exhibit at the Alexandria fair. Mr. Mouton's success reflects credit upon himself and speaks well for our parish. Lafayette Gazette 12/2/1898.
Meeting of the Police Jury.
The Police Jury met last Thursday. The proceedings will appear in our next issue.
The committee appointed to estimate the probable expenses of the parish for the year 1899 submitted a report fixing the expenditures at $24,705.00. A number of accounts were approved. Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 12/3/1898.
A. J. LeBlanc, the up-to-date meat man, has had his stand thoroughly renovated and is now better equipped than ever for business.
Christmas and wedding presents to suit every body at Biossat's.
Mr. Henry Gerac, formerly of Lafayette, and Miss Frances Ader, of New Orleans, will be married at the St. Louis Cathedral in that city, on Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Joe Motry, Wm. Foot, Thompson Vincent, three young bucks, were jailed by Sheriff Broussard and charged with stealing hides from F. Otto.
The members of the Business Men's Association are urged to be present at a meeting at Falk's Hall Monday night. A good attendance is desired as a matter of great importance will be considered.
Willie Elmer leaves to-day for Arnaudville where he will open a bakery.
Prof. Gentry's dog and pony show performed here Thursday. It was first-class in every particular.
Miss Lucille Revillon returned home last Monday after spending some time with friends in Texas.
The following boys left last Monday to enter the State University at Baton Rouge; Frank Broussard, Andrew McBride, Kossuth Olivier, Dudley Mudd, Wm. Neveu, Richard Chargois, Lorne Nickerson, Ovey Herpin, George Lessly and F. Francez. Lafayette Gazette 12/3/1898.
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From the Lafayette Advertiser of December 3rd, 1887:
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH BELL
Last Wednesday the large new bell of the Catholic Church here was christened with solemn and imposing ceremony. The bell was beautifully decorated and received the baptismal name of Marie Jeanne. The church building was filled to its utmost with people from all sections of the parish. The ceremony which was very impressing was rendered much more so by the splendid music from the choir under the leadership of Rev. Parmentier. Quite a large number of distinguished divines were present from various parts of the State to assist the Right Rev. A. Durier, Bishop of Natchitoches, who conducted the ceremony, among whom were the following:
Very Rev.G. Rouxel, Administrator of the Archdiocese; Very Rev. G. Raymond, Rector of Opelousas, V. G., Very Rev. J. Montillot, President St. Charles College; Rev. F. Abbadie, Rector Grand Coteau, Rev. L. Curioz, S. J. ; Rev. J. Anthonioz, S. J. ; Rev. C. Jacquet, New Iberia, Rev. A. B. Langlois, St. Martinville; Rev. J. T. Raymond, Opelousas; Rev. F. Surriray, Napolonville; Rev. A. M. Mehault, Abbeville; Rev. J. P. Ponchon, Charenton; Rev. T. M. Jouan, Washington; Rev. T. L. Pensier, Ville Platte; Rev. C. Denoyd, Arnaudville; Rev. A. Coughlan, Lereauville; Rev. A. Eby, Church Point, Rev. H. Parmentier, New Iberia; Rev. L. Lavaquerie; Breaux Bridge; Rev. E. Fallon, Lake Charles, Rev. Bardi, Jeanerette.
Rev. T. M. Jouan, of Washington was the orator of the day.
Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887
The work of rebuilding the steeple or tower of the Catholic Church progresses favorably. Instead of putting up the entire frame as was undertaken in the first instance, the architect is building as he goes.
Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887
For Clerk of Court.
We are authorized to announce Mr. EDMOND ST. JULIEN as a candidate for the office of Clerk of Court of the District Court of the Parish of Lafayette, at the election in April next. Laf. Advertiser 12/3/1887.
For Justice of the Peace.
LOUIS G. STELLY is a candidate for the office of Justice of the Peace, in and for the Third Ward, Parish of Lafayette at the election in April, 1888.
Rally, Democrats!
Tuesday the 13th day of December is the day fixed for the election of delegates to the Parish Convention. Every Nichols man is expected to go to his voting precinct and cast his ballot for Nicholls delegates. A large majority of the Democrats of the parish favor the nomination of General Nichols for that reason, some may suppose their votes will not be necessary and abstain from the polls. Such conduct is expected by the friends of Gov. McEnery, who are wide-awake, and know it will be there only chance to win. The absent will not be counted - therefore, let every friend of Gen. Nicholls turn out and do his duty, and show to the world how Lafayette stands. Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887.
Proceedings of the Democratic Parish Executive Committee.
Lafayette, La., Nov. 15th, 1887.
Pursuant to call, the Democratic Executive Committee of Lafayette Parish met this day at the Court House. The Committee was called to order by O. Cade, Esq., ex-officio chairman, and the roll being called the following members answered: D. A. Cochrane, A. E. Martin, Marcel Melancon, proxy to D. A. Cochrane, Dr. M. L. Lyons, C. C. Brown and P. B. Roy.
The Chairman then stated the object of the meeting, and thereupon Mr. Cochrane offered the following:
Resolved, That a Parish Convention to elect delegates to the State Democratic Convention and a Parish Executive Committee be held at the Court House in Lafayette on Saturday the 24th day of December next.
2d. That each precinct of this parish shall elect delegates to the Parish Convention on the basis of one delegate for every twenty-five votes cast for the Democratic candidate for Governor at the last State election and for one additional delegate for fraction over twelve.
3d. That these delegate shall be voted for at an election, by ballot held on Tuesday, Dec. 20th, 1887, at each precinct and presided over by three commissioners, hereinafter named and appointed by the this committee.
4th. That future of such elections shall be made by three commissioners to the secretary of this committee, and said committee shall agree upon some proper person to call to order the convention, and temporarily preside over the same.
5th. That the precincts shall elect delegates and places are fixed as follows:
1st Ward. - Ursin Cormier's ... 4 delegates
1st Ward. - Scott ... 7 delegates
2nd Ward. - F. Hoffpauir ... 5 delegates
2nd Ward. - A. Trahan ... 4 delegates
3rd Ward. - Carencro ...6 delegates
3rd Ward. - Court House ... 8 delegates
4th Ward. - Jules Broussard ... 3 delegates
5th Ward. - Broussardville ... 7 delegates
6th. That the following named persons are appointed commissioners as follows:
At Ursin Cormier - H. E. Toll, P. O. Richard, Joseph Brasseaux.
At Scott - Alex Delhomme, Martin Begnaud, Chas. A. Boudreaux.
At Hoffpauir - F. Hoffpauir, Antoine Guidry, Joseph Ledoux
At A. Trahan - F. Vincent, Cleobule Doucet, J. Whittington, Jr.
At Carencro. - O. S. Lyons, Alcee Broussard, Valery Guilbeaux.
At Court House - A. E. Mouton, Leo Doucet, J. E. Martin.
At Jules Broussard - Alex Verrot, J. O. Broussard, Eraste Landry.
At Royville - Simonet LeBlanc, Octave Theriot, D. Bonnemaison.
At Broussardville - Sidney Greig, Lucien St. Julien, Ulysse Bernard.
Mr. Brown offered the following as a substitute:
Resolved, That the delegates be chosen at the several precincts voted at, at the last Gubernatorial election, to be voted for by ballot as elections are generally conducted, and that only white Democratic residents of said precincts be allowed to vote at said election.
Resolved further, That the basis of representation should be one delegate to every twenty-five votes and one to a fraction over fifteen of the votes cast for Governor in 1884.
Resolved, That the delegates from this parish in the State Convention should be chosen by a Parish Convention composed of delegates elected at the several precincts as above adopted; that the primaries be called for Saturday the 26th of this month and parish convention two weeks hereafter.
Resolved, That the commissioners of election be appointed, one on each side and one by the chairman of the Parish Democratic Executive Committee to be the judge of election, and that if any objection be made in the right or anyone to vote at said election, a majority of said commissioners shall decide the question, and that in case any of said two commissioners fail to qualify and be present, the vacancy shall be filled by the judge of election.
Resolved, That the commissioners of election make an alphabetical list of the voters at each precinct and a tally sheet with the number cast for each candidate, the said list and tally sheet and the boxes to be delivered to the chairman of the parish democratic executive committee, and
Resolved, That the chairman of the parish democratic executive committee publish under his official signature the result of said election and that the returns as published, be the credentials of the delegates at said parish convention.
Resolved, That at the said convention the Parish Democratic Executive Committee be organized, and a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee be chosen.
The vote being taken on the substitute there were - Yeas 3; Nays 3.
Mr. Cochrane then made the point the substitute was lost, but the chair decided the point was not well taken and proceeded to cast the deciding vote in favor of the substitute. Mr. Cochrane protested against this ruling of the chair and claimed further that the notice to the people provided by the substitute was not such as would secure a full and fair expression of the will of the people; and Messrs. Cochrane and Martin retired.
Thereupon Mr. Roy moved that a subcommittee be appointed to harmonize and fix a time for the primaries; Mr. Roy and Dr. Lyons were appointed on said committee - and on the suggestion of said committee the resolutions introduced by Mr. Cochrane were adopted with the following amendments.
1. That December 13th be substituted for the 20th as the time for holding the primaries.
2. That December 17th be substituted for the 24th us the time for holding the Parish Convention.
The report of said committee being adopted by the following vote:
Yeas - Roy, Cochrane, Martin, Lyons and Melancon. 5 votes.
Nays - Brown. - 1 vote.
The following was offered by Mr. Brown and adopted:
Resolved, That only white Democrats be admitted to vote at the primaries this day provided for.
It was further provided that the convention should be called to order by Mr. Cade.
It is further resolved, That in case of the absence of any commissioners, that the one present be and is empowered to appoint any in their place.
And on motion, it was also resolved, That these proceedings be published in the Lafayette Advertiser.
On motion, the Committee adjourned sine die.
O. CADE, Chairman.
A. E. MARTIN, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887.
The State Weather Service.
What It Is Doing.
In less than a month we have had established in this State (22) stations of observation for recording the meteorological conditions daily at Donaldsonsville, Lake Charles, Vidalia, Clinton, New Iberia, Thibodaux, Maurepas, Delta, Natchitoches, Monroe, Cheneyville, Opelousas, Morgan City, Breaux Bridge, Mandeville, St. Joseph, Houma, Farmerville, Minden, Grand Coteau and Franklin.
Twenty-six stations for the display of cold-wave flags and frost warnings have also been established at Alexandria, Atchafalaya, Baton Rouge, Baldwin, Bayou Sara, Belair, Cheneyville, Delta, Donaldsonville, Eola, Evergreen, Franklin, Jeanerette, Labadieville, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, Pattersonville, Plaquemine, Raceland, St. Joseph, St. Martinsville, Thibodaux, Tigreville and Waterloo.
Have we no one in our midst sufficiently interested in meteorological matters to receive instructions regarding the establishment of an observation and display station? The instruments necessary for the proper equipments of a station of observation are the maximum, minimum, dry and wet bulb thermometers, a rain-gauge and wind vane, that can be purchased for fifteen dollars, and the Director of the State Weather Service informs us that he will telegraph the cold-wave and frost warnings, and send us flags for display of same free if sufficient interest is manifested by our people to secure instruments for making observations. Let some public-spirited person take up a subscription to raise the amount, or let our City Council appropriate the money, since it is a public benefit, establishing to a certainty the climatic conditions of our section; and in a very few years we may be able to predict the yield of crops from a knowledge of the percentage of sunshine, degree of heat, amount of rainfall, etc.
We ask our readers to lose no time in reflection, but to act in the matter at once, and as soon as the $15 has been subscribed or appropriated, let the person who is to make the observations and display the flags, apply to the Director for a book of instructions, blank forms for recording the observations, franked envelopes, etc., that will be furnished free. Communications should be addressed to:
R. E. KERKHAM
Director State Weather Service,
New Orleans, La.
Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887
RAILROAD TALK.
The citizens of Lafayette and Vermilion parishes have deservedly won much praise in the past by their efforts made to secure the much desired railroad from Abbeville to Lafayette, but for some cause the project was dropped and just now there is a decided lack on interest taken in the matter, while no better opportunity was ever offered than at the present time. Cannot we go to work and revive the interest heretofore taken in the matter. Let a citizen's committee be formed, and we feel sure a good, honest effort will meet with success. There is nothing more important, or that would tend to advance the growth of Lafayette and materially help the interests of both parishes than a railroad from Abbeville to Lafayette. We intend to keep pegging away at this until something is done. -- Lafayette Advertiser.
The citizens of Vermilion parish are perfectly willing to co-operate with Lafayette in building a railroad from that place to this. If they mean business over there, let a committee be appointed from among its citizens, advise us of that fact and we will soon thereafter call a mass meeting and appoint a like committee to confer with the committee from that place upon the best methods to be adopted to further the enterprise and secure a railroad between both places. A railroad from Lafayette to Abbeville would open up a convenient route to trade and travel, one of the most beautiful portions of the Attakapas country, and bring into cultivation some of the best new unoccupied lands in the State. Let the people of Lafayette sound the bugle with earnest notes and Vermilion will probably respond to the call. If the people of Lafayette will show a spirit of earnestness in this enterprise, or word for it, the road will be built and that place (unreadable word) made one of the greatest railroad centers of the Southern Country- Abbeville Meridional.
Published in the Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887
ATTAKAPAS' MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
For the accommodation of visiting physicians it has been decided to open the meeting of the Attakapas Medical Association not until 7 o'clock P. M., and the parlors of the Crescent Hotel selected as the place, thus offering the greatest amount of convenience with the least possible delay. At the close of meeting a bounteous supper will be served in the spacious dining hall of the hotel. The assemblage promises to be a brilliant one, and home members of the profession are earnestly requested to lend to the occasion by their presence. As previously stated the meeting is fixed for Tuesday the the 6th instant. Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887.
Little Shorts, About Town.
Cool Mornings.
Christmas will soon be here.
The ice-cream man hauleth in his sign.
Build that Abbeville road and you will never regret it.
Cotton receipts were light during the week.
Now is a good time to plant Christmas advertisements.
The wood and cord fiends sigh for a cold blustering norther.
A late and severe winter is anticipated.
Drummers have been a prominent feature this week.
The boss norther of the season reached us Sunday.
The scene of the great cotton ginnery fire was visited by numbers of persons during the week.
There was ice Tuesday morning and during the day the air felt as if winter had come sure enough.
If you would push things as you ought that Abbeville road could be built.
Most of the oysters brought here this season are small, poor and indifferent.
Lafayette is gradually and surely expanding. A few years from now will find quite a thriving city.
Freight trains on the Southern Pacific are now arriving and departing on schedule time.
Among the needs of this blessed town are an Iron Foundry and Cotton Factory, which this parish is peculiarly fitted to support.
The farmers are hard at work killing hogs and putting up pork. Only a few years ago they bought such supplies elsewhere. Now they raise it and have plenty to sell.
It is said Express Messenger Smith, of train robber fame, will shortly assume matrimonial responsibilities. The date is not yet fixed, but he has bought the home ready for the fair bride's reception.
The wife who gets up early these cool mornings and makes the fire for her liege lord does her duty nobly and will be forever blessed. Let all wives make a note of it, for it is cruel to make your husband get up when you can easily do it so easily.
There have been a number of tramps hanging around lately, and it would be well to keep an eye on them. Every burglar is not a tramp, but every tramp can adapt to be a burglar when occasion offers.
Miss E, Guerinfere, one of St. Martinville's charming daughters, was in town during the past week visiting relatives and friends.
Mrs. Judlin, who has been a resident of Lafayette for 19 years, left last Sunday for Algirers where she will reside in the future.
Officers of the Merry-Makers Club, of which mention was made last week, are: Mr. S. McFadden, president; Mr. Baxter Clegg, vice-president; Miss Eva Erwin, treasurer; Mr. Frank Hopkins, secretary. Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of December 3rd, 1870:
OUR RAILROAD CONNECTIONS.
"You'd scarce expect" a railroad corporation to put their money where it will not pay. Here in Louisiana and New Orleans, and over west in Texas, a road is needed connecting the great river with the great and growing Lone Star Commerce suffers for want of it. Many of the essential articles used by everybody in Texas would be made twenty, thirty, forty and a hundred per cent, cheaper by such a road - many article of Texas production would be increased ten, fifteen twenty or thirty per cent, by such a road. Texas wants the road - Louisiana wants it. Louisiana wants it so much as to offer three millions of dollars in eight per cent State bonds - one fourth more when completed to Vermilionville, a third installment of $750,000 when the road is open to trade and travel to Houston. The Texas appreciation of the anticipated blessing has not yet been expressed in currency or bonds, although we are told that valuable concessions have been made. Texas needs the road as much as Louisiana, and as the western terminus of the completed road approaches the Sabine we have reason to believe that the enlightened legislators of that progressive commonwealth will place and increasing valuation upon the connection. The roadbed is nearly finished to Donaldsonville. The track will be laid and cars running to that point as we are assured, before the end of February. This will entitle the company to $750,000 in bonds of the State, worth $600,000 in currency. This sum will materially assist the company in making the second section, from Donaldsonville to Vermilionville, on which operations have already begun. After February planters will be no longer be competitors for labor, and the company will be able to employ all the hands that can be made available and profitable and before the first of November, 1871, we have reason to home that the owners of property along the completed or contemplated road will begin to experience a benefit, positive, practical and considerable.
Two circumstances will hasten the prosecution of the enterprise. First, and chiefly, the success of the operations of the company east of the Mississippi must be assured, with a fair prospect of remuneration. Second, the inhabitants of the territory west of the Mississippi, and especially of Texas, must become thoroughly convinced of the value and importance of a speedy, safe and economical connection with the great valley. Railroad corporators are not missionaries. They do not build railroads from a religious sense of duty. They do not buy lands, dig trenches, throw up embankments, grub out stumps, cut away forests, bridge rivers, buy locomotives, and run cars, merely for a pious regard for public good. They pay for all they get, from a wheelbarrow to a depot, and from the laborer who handles a spade to the skilled financier who lies awake to contrive the ways and means of success. Building a railroad is a business affair. The company and the public must help each other. The corporation does well when it makes the public directly and indirectly interested in its success. The public would do well when they render to the corporation such aid as will assuredly be in a (unreadable word) back in certain, positive and ample benefits.
Railroads are sometimes built where they are not needed, or before they are indeed ; but how seldom this happens may be judged by the few miles of discontinued road out of the fifty thousand miles which have been built in America. No species of enterprise so rarely proves abortive. When roads are made in obedience to public wants, keeping pace with the progress of population, penetrating to the midst of new and growing States, following hard after wagons or pioneers, and giving the benefit of seaport prices to all that the distant emigrant has to sell, they cannot fail. Our communication with Southern and Central Texas is a highway, blocked up by public inertia for the past twenty years, and now, at last, about to be opened. We cannot doubt that a tide of trade and travel will flow over it that will increase in volumn as long as crops grow in the valleys and on the hills and plains of Texas, and as long as the Mississippi flows.
From the N. O. Picayune and in the Lafayette Advertiser of December 3rd, 1870.
lagniappe:
OPIUM.
DOCTOR TALKS ABOUT THE BANEFUL HABIT.
Victims of Opium Not Sane - Effect of the Drug Upon a Person's Physique - How Opium is Taken. My experience has taught me to believe that no person who is addicted to the opium habit is sane. I do not mean to say that when a person begins to use the drug he is out of his mind, but after the drug he is out of his mind, but after he has become addicted to the use of it, in other words, when he has become a chronic opium eater, I consider him insane. I have had considerable experience with opium eaters and , as a rule, I do not like to have them in an insane asylum.
In curing the habit I would show the habitue his usual dose of opium, and let him take it, but day by day I would reduce the fluid with water but always give the same sized dose. A person who has been addicted to the opium habit fourteen months is regarded as a chronic case. Three grains of opium daily is a large dose, but ten grains is enormous.
The effect of the drug on a chronic opium-eater is merely quieting, he is in a state of half-drunkenness, whether he takes large of small doses. But, in an acute case, the effects of the drug are very pleasant indeed. The victims sees visions of loveliness, and grandeur impossible to describe, and catches glimpses of a heavenly state of existence. When he has become a chronic user of the drug and his system demands it he, to a certain extent, ceases to have these visions and rapturous dreams unless he takes unusually heavy doses - enough to produce immediate sleep. Under such conditions he will usually have pleasant dreams, though sometimes he passes through horrible scenes of torture.
The effect of the drug on the physique of a person varies somewhat. Sometimes he will become dreadfully emaciated, but if the appetite keeps good he will not decrease in weight. There is always, however, a peculiar color about an opium-eater's face, and by that he can be known; the complexion assumes the color of old brass, having a peculiar death like hue, but it is seldom that the digestion is impaired.
Opium affects the spinal cord and brain principally. The nerve power of the opium eater is very much lessened without the opium, and it is very much increased with the drug until the end comes. The death of the opium eater is not marked by any particular scenes of horror. I have seen several opium eaters die a very pleasant death, and I do not know that I ever saw a very bad death among such patients.
The causes which lead persons into the opium habit are so numerous that no one would attempt to define all of them. The habit is often brought on in young medical students who resort to the stimulant through over straining themselves in study. The troubles brought about in the rush of business account for others using the drug. Excessive liquor drinking sometimes leads to the habit.
I am now attending a prominent citizen of New York city, a man of wealth, who has been a very heavy drinker. He resorted to drink to drown his sorrow over the death of beautiful daughter. I took him for the opium habit. He took chloral and morphine combined. He would take enough choral and morphine in a day to kill fifteen men. I reduced his allowance to almost nothing. H got so that he took a very small dose every day, but, in a short time, he relapsed into his old habits, became as bad as he ever was, and the consequence is he will soon die.
There are three methods by which the drug is taken, viz ; internally, by hypodermic injection and by the absorption, that is by rubbing the drug on the skin. My experience is that about one-third of the opium eaters take it in paregoric form, while two-thirds take it in the gum.
Very few people take tincture of opium. Taking the drug by means of a pill is favorite method. It can be kept more secretly about the person in that form than in any other. Paregoric has to be carried in a bottle, and it has a strong smell very familiar to anise-seed. The smell is quickly noticed, while, if a person chews opium you have to get very close to him to smell it. Dr. E. N. Carpenter, in Epoch.
Lafayette Advertiser 12/3/1887
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