Van der Cruyssen's Telescopic Erection.
Our confrere, H. A. Van der Cruyssen, is now seeking honors in the world of inventions. After a great deal of hard work he has invented a telescopic tower, which from all accounts, has a splendid chance to become both useful and ornamental. To give our readers an idea of Mr. Van der Cruyssen's invention we will give as clear a description of it as we can.
The telescopic tower is composed of a series of sections which can be raised to any given height and when closed, fit one within the other like the sections of a telescope. The tower may be made any circumference or height, the principle remaining the same and the mechanical construction will be as simple and as substantial for a 500 feet tower as for only only 50 feet high.
The building is elevated by a perpendicular screw which is firmly attached to the smaller or top story. The screw is contained in a threaded well in the ground, so when it is desired to make an ascension the entire tower is rotated which causes the screw to be forced out of the ground, forcing the small or top story up, which draws the succeeding stories after it. One story, the top one, has positive relation to the screw, the others are merely braced against it, the braces sliding in perpendicular grooves, by which means all the stories are held in permanent relation to each other and all rotate at the same time, giving the occupants a continuous revolving panorama changing at every plane of elevation. The visitor may choose the height to which he wishes to ascend and take his position in the section of the tower which reaches that height. When the tower is closed the floors of all the sections are on the same plane. The tower can make an ascension every two hours and will accommodate from 1000 to 5000 sight-seers, which, suppose at 50 cents, each will make an investment even better that a trip on the Ferris Wheel. The structure itself will be artistic and from its novelty is bound to be a great attraction at a fair.
The possibilities of the invention are not limited to the tower, but Mr. Van der Cruyssen has made a very unique and attractive stand on the same principle, which can be used as a trunk, desk, shelf and numerous other articles. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
A Negro Robbed. - A young negro, named Massie, who was returning from one of the sugar plantations in St. Mary parish where he had worked during the sugar rolling season, was held up by other negroes near Jeanerette and robbed all of his earnings. Besides being relieved of all his hard-earned money Massie was beaten almost to death. He was brought here the following day in an unconscious condition. Although one of the robbers is known the officers have so far failed to find him.
Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
The Special Tax. - Mr. J. E. Martin has been very busy in the sheriff's office during the last few days attending to the collection of the special road tax. Last Wednesday ever $500 had been collected. Let it be said to the credit of the people of the 8th ward that they have been, as usual, very prompt in paying their taxes. That portion of the parish is always first to settle with the government. As this is the first time that the road tax is collected it will be some time before it is all paid. Now that the people are putting up some of their hard cash for the purpose of building the public roads they have a right to expect better roads in the future. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
Will Lecture. - Mrs. Ada Unruh, national organizer of the W. C. T. U., will be in Lafayette next week. On the 4th of February she will speak in Falk's Opera-house on a subject which should be interesting especially to the apostles of Single Blessedness and to those who have a soft place in their hearts for this abandoned portion of the human race to whom domestic felicity is known only through story and song. Mrs. Unruh, will give a humorous description of the bachelor's ancient and time-honored methods of looking after his household effects, which can not fail to be amusing to the laity, is not instructive to the order. The Sunday following she will deliver another lecture. The subjects, time and place will be announced on the bills and bulletin board. Mrs. Unruh is an able speaker and all who can should hear her lectures. No admission will be charged. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
The Shooting of Laughlin.
John Laughlin was shot by Arsemus Spell Thursday, Jan. 19, at the home of the latter in the second ward of this parish. It appears that both men, who were apparently on friendly terms, went to Rayne on some business, where they drank freely. They returned to Spell's home in the afternoon. When they arrived at the house Spell proceeded to exhibit his pistol, frightening his wife and children out of the house. Laughlin remonstrated with him whereupon he (Spell) fired two shots at him, one entering his back and following the abdominal wall and lodged itself near the eight or ninth rib.
The next day Sheriff Broussard arrested Spell and brought him in town and placed him in jail.
Dr. Trahan visited the wounded man last Sunday and reported him as doing well. He was attended by Geo. C. Mouton, of Rayne. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
EVEN-HANDED JUSTICE.
The killing of the negro child by a white man in St. Martin parish, is, from all accounts, a most deplorable tragedy. If the killing of this negro boy is accidental, of course there can be no guilt attached to it. If it is not accidental no plea can be advanced which justifies the killing. We can not conceive how the willful killing of a 12-year old child by a man can be justifiable. That is all there is to it.
Politically speaking the negro is where he should be. He has no business in governmental affairs and his disfrachisement by the constitutional convention was, as all good people will concede, a most salutary measure. Experience proves and every law of nature shows that the Caucasian is immeasurably superior to the negro race. But now that the white men of this country are in charge of every branch of government, the courts especially should deal out even-handed justice to all, regardless of their color or social standing. We are no negro lovers, nor are we a sentimentalist, but we do believe that a plain sense of human justice should behoove every white citizen to exert himself toward the condign punishment of the guilty no matter what be the color or condition of the victim. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
A Good Show.
The Cyrene Novelty Company gave a pretty exhibition at the Opera-house last night and fully sustained all the good things said of it before its first appearance here.
The company will appear at a matinee this Saturday afternoon at half past three and again to-night and Sunday night. To those who enjoy a good, clean performance, Cyrene and her associates will please immensely. The prices are extremely low. Reserved seats for adults twenty-five cents and children fifteen cents. Read the endorsements printed elsewhere in this paper.
Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
Surprise Party. - Miss Lizzie Parkerson entertained a number of her friends at a surprise party last Tuesday evening. Among those present were Mmes. A. B. Denbo, T. N. Blake, N. P. Moss, F. E. Girard, B. Clegg; Misses Louise Rochelle, Bessie Cornay, Lea Gladu, Susie Hopkins, Liza Hopkins, Adelie Young, Eva McCampbell, Lily Pharr, Lizzie Mudd, Clye Mudd, Mattie Goodwin, Lily Kittredge; Messrs. Jno. Givens, Don Caffery, Felix Mouton, Jack Nickerson, Pink Torian, S. R. Parkerson, Profs. W. A. LeRosen, Simmons, Drs. F. E. Girard and A. R. Trahan. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
Work For Hoboes. - It is a very noticeable fact that since the mayor has provided the hoboes with work on the streets, the burglaries have ceased, and our peripatetic friends are making themselves scarce. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
The Knights of Honor.
The local lodge of Knights of Honor had a very fine banquet at Falk's Opera-house last Tuesday night. The banquet was given to celebrate the installation of the following officers who were elected on the 13th of last December to serve during the ensuing term: Dr. J. Franklin Mouton, dictator; F. H. Clark, vice-dictator; Alfred Hebert, assistant dictator; George DeBlanc, reporter; A. E. Mouton, financial reporter; B. Falk, treasurer; Albert DeLahoussaye, guard; F. V. Mouton, chaplain; B. Miller, guardian; Louis Lacoste, sentinel; J. WEiggle, F. H. Clark, Alfred Hebert, trustees. All the officers were present at the banquet and the following members were there: Desire Doucet, P. A. Delhomme, Cyprien Montet and Gus Schmulen. The rotund and genial knight, Isadore Isaacs, represented the Opelousas lodge in a very creditable manner both from a culinary and social standpoint. The dinner was prepared and served under the efficient supervision of Vice-Dictator Clark who earned the thanks of all the diners. The lodge is in a very prosperous condition and numbers on its list of membership some or our best and most substantial citizens.
Lafayette Gazette 1/18/1899.
OUR PUBLIC ROADS.
It need not be told that the system of working the public roads of this parish is an unqualified failure. The condition of all of our highways, with very few exceptions, is a disgrace pure and simple.
The money expended by the Police Jury in paying the road overseers and for drainage and the building of bridges has been so thrown away. There isn't a thing to show for it. The principal roads -- those leading to Carencro, Broussard and Royville, have long since become impassable. The property-owners living along these roads are using them as canals for drainage.
The roads in the second ward make one large mud hole. If any money has been spent there or if any work has been done, there is no sign of it.
The present condition will not only entually ruin the merchants, but it is bound to ruin the farmers also. The former can't sell their goods because the country people can't get to them and it is impossible for the latter to market their crops. It is as clear as anything can be that unless something is done, and done at once, the whole country will be severely crippled.
Under the new constitution a special tax will be collected to be used exclusively to work the roads. It is believed that the revenues from this source will amount to about $4,000. Heretofore, every year about $4,000 were put aside in the budget for the purpose of building bridges and paying road overseeers. If the Police Jury will take these two amounts and put them together it will have $8,000 which can be used toward building our public roads. A great deal can be accomplished by a judicious expenditure of this sum.
But $50,ooo spent in the old way will not amount to anything. In the hands of an incompetent, even though an honest man, this sum will not suffice to drain a single road. What is primarily neede is a good, competent man at the head of the road system, who will be made to furnish bond for the faithful performance of his duty. The success or failure of the system will greatly depend upon the selection of the road overseer. It is not reasonable to expect that any Tom, Dick or Harry, who knows nothing of this business, can do the work properly. If you want to have an arm amputated you will surely not seek the services of a blacksmith. You will prefer to get a surgeon. For the same reason the Police Jury should secure the services of a man who understands the business of building and repairing roads. That ought to be clear enough to any mind.
There is another thing which the Police Jury will have to understand if it really wants good roads. It will have to abandon the shortsighted policy of dividing the work among the different wards. It will have to be altogether. The money will have to be used for the whole parish, and in repairing, first, the principal roads, we mean the roads which are used the most. If every cross-road is to be worked and every property-owner, no matter how isolated he may be, must have a road leading to his home, the funds at the disposal of the parish will have to be fifty times larger than they will be. When the main roads will have been put in good condition it will be time to look after the little roads which are used only by a limited number of people.
Eight thousand dollars spent in a judicious and business-like manner can not fail to be productive of good results. The same sum distributed as political favors and used by people who know as much about road-building as a pig does of theology. The system must be entirely divorced from ward politics if it is desired to be a success.
The Gazette thinks that if the Police Jury will exercise some judgement in disbursing the money that will be appropriated for road purposes the people can hope to have better roads in the future. If not, they will have to get flatboats or stay at home. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
City Council.
Lafayette, La., Dec. 27, 1898. -- The City Council met this day in special session with the following members present: Mayor Caffery, Councilmen Davidson, Mouton, Hahn, Martin, Landry, Hopkins. Absent: Bru.
The mayor stated the meeting was called in response to the following petition:
Lafayette, La., Dec. 26, 1898. -- To the Hon. Chas. D. Caffery, Mayor of the Town of Lafayette, La.: -- We, the undersigned members of the City Council, would respectfully that you call a special meeting of the Council at once, in order to reconsider, if possible action on liquor dealers recently adopted by our body.
G. A. MARTIN, A. E. MOUTON, JOHN HAHN, J. A. LANDRY, J. J. DAVIDSON.
Thereupon, Dr. Martin moved, seconded by Mr. Mouton, that the license ordinance relative to retail liquor dealers, be amended so as to conform to the following schedule, to wit:
Class I. When the said gross annual receipts are $10,000 or more and less than $15,000, the license shall be $400.
Class 2. When the said gross annual receipts are $7,500 or more and less than $10,000, the license shall be $300.
Class 3. When the said gross annual receipts are $5,000 or less, the license shall be $200.
Provided, however, that said ordinance, except as hereby amended, remain in full force and effect.
On call of the roll the vote stood as follows: Yeas -- Mouton, Hahn, Martin, Landry. Nays -- Davidson and Hopkins.
The mayor then stated that the ordinance as originally adopted was manifestly in the interest of the people, and moreover that the revenue to be derived therefrom was absolutely necessary to meet the expenses of the coming year, and for these reasons that they would exercise the right conferred upon him by charter and did thereupon veto said amendment.
The Council then adjourned.
CHAS. D. CAFFERY,
J. J. DAVIDSON. Lafayette Gazette 1/28/1899.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of January 28th, 1899:
Something We Need.
Of all the necessary buildings erected by a State or Parish tending to the betterment of a certain class of its population, there is none which represents so highly its morality as the place where moral law breakers are confined.
Therefore to our mind anyone confined in a jail ought to be barred from the possibility of corrupting outsiders by inciting them to disrespect that very same law which they themselves, disregarded.
On the other hand outsiders and especially boys and young men ought to be prevented in their endeavor to communicate and parleying with those on the inside.
Our Police Jury ought to put their thinking cap on this important question and remove the temptation standing in the way of our young manhood.
It is no secret to anyone that lewd, unprincipled females are sometimes confined in our jail and that any casual observer can at any time find loitering around it, young men parleying, exchanging glances, exchanging jokes with such moral law breakers.
Some even bring easy chairs to be comfortable during the social chat.
Gentlemen of the Police Jury remove this temptation and disgrace to the community-at-large by placing a high fence around the moral building.This would be money well invested, it may not be quite to the taste of the occupants but it will be a safeguard and protection to our weak young manhood. Let us have the jail fenced and soon. Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1899.
ARE YOU FOND OF READING?
The reporter of The Advertiser dropped in at the Moss Pharmacy and found many interesting books, magazine and papers on the news counter, and he would like to call the attention of the readers of The Advertiser to some of these.
In the 10 and 15 cent books are the "Favorite" "Eagle" and the "A(unreadable letters)dia" libraries. The standard authors are represented (unreadable), DICKENS, BULWER, SHAKESPEARE, THACKERAY, ELLIOT, DUMAS, etc.
In magazine and papers are the following:
Puck, Etude, Century, McClure, Standard, Baby Land, Self Culture, Young Folks, Photo Era, Metropolitan, Cosmospolitan, Enfant Terrible, Music World, The Horseman, Vanity Fair, N. Y. Clipper, N. Y. Weekly, Catholic Herald, Sunday Reading, American Jewish, Jewish Messenger, Christian Herald, Harper's Monthly, Harper's Weekly, Harper's Bazar, Cabinet Maker, Review of Reviews, Scientific American, Nineteenth Century, Locomotive Engineer, Sportsman Magazine, Organist, N. Y. Sunday World, N. Y. Sunday Journalm, Ladies Home Journal, Frank Leslie's Monthly, Frank Leslie's Weekly, North American Review, Professional Photographer, Carpenter and Builder, N. Y. Family Story Paper, Woman's Home Companion, Painting and Decorating, Vick's Illustrated Magazine, Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Judge, Outing, Munsey, Donohoe, Demorest, Black Cat, St. Nicholas, Little Folks, Gattling Gun, Lippincott's, Life's Comedy, School Review, Literary Digest, Home Decorator and Nickel Magazine.
Over two-thirds of the above list of publications sell at 5 and 10 cents a copy, and the latest issues of any of them can always be found on the news counter of the Moss Pharmacy, Lafayette, La., Mr. Davis, the affable manager, informed the Advertiser reporter that new titles would be added from time to time, and that orders for any publication (American or foreign) would be filled on short notice and at publisher's rates. Also, subscription will be received for any publication in the world. Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1899.
Opera House. - The Cyrene Co., will give a matinee at 3:30 p. m., today Saturday and will play again at night. This Company is a first-class one.
Laf. Advertiser 1/28/1899.
BENOVOLENT SOCIETIES.
K. OF H.
At the regular meeting of Lafayette Lodge 3194 K. of H. the following officers were installed by Past Director Chas. D. Caffery to serve for the year 1899.
Dictator,Dr. J. F. Mouton,
Vice Dictator, F. H. Clark,
Asst. Dictator, Alfred Hebert,
Reporter, Geo. A. DeBlanc,
Finan. Reporter, A. E. Mouton,
Treasurer, B. Falk,
Guide, Alb. Delahoussaye,
Chaplain, F. V. Mouton,
Guardian, B. Miller,
Sentinel, Louis Locoste,
Trustees, Jake Weigle,
Alfred Hebert, F. H. Clark.
K. OF P.
At a meeting held on Saturday January 21st, Lafayette Lodge No. 37, K. of P. elected the following officers to serve for the present year.
B. Falk, C. C.
H. Gankendorff, V. C.
J. Walters, M. of W.
C. H. Lusted, P.
J. Hannen, M. of Ex.
D. H. Delahoussaye, I. G.
G. Poinboeuf, O. G.
E. Lehman, K. R. & S. I. of F.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1899.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 1/28/1899.
Lafayette society has been in a perfect whirl for several past on account of numerous theatricals and surprise and euchre parties. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
A new lumber yard will soon be in operation upon the land of Dr. J. F. Mouton, near the old brick yard. Messrs. Price and ______ will be the owners.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
M. Dupuis has just moved in the Hession's building north side of the R. R. with a large and new stock of goods. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Mr. Adams will open a new blacksmith shop on Lincoln Avenue, next to the Racket Store. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
OPERA HOUSE. The Cyrene Co., will give a matinee at 3:30 p. m., today Saturday and will play again at night. This company is a first class one.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Buy your tickets now for the Grand Masquerade Ball, Mardi-Gras.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Strict investigation will be made on the masqueraders at the Masquerade Ball to be given by the Fire Dept. at Falk's Opera House on Mardi Gras.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
TO TEACHERS. - A regular meeting of the Parish institute will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, at half past ten a. m. in the public school building Lafayette. All teachers are earnestly requested to be present.
Respectfully,
W. A. LEROSEN.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1899.
NOTICE. - Public notice is given that Dr. F. R. Tolson has this day has this day purchased from Mr. J. C. Caillouet the entire stock of drugs, medicines, fixtures, etc., belonging to the business in Lafayette, La. heretofore done by the said J. C. Caillouet, -- including all accounts. And the said F. R. Tolson in part consideration of said sale assumes the debts due by said Caillouet growing out of said business as enumerated in the sale between them.
JOS. CAILLOUET,
F. R. TOLSON.
Lafayette, La. Jan. 19, 1899.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1899.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of January 28th, 1893:
READ, CONSIDER AND ACT!
The letter we publish below, which was handed us by Mayor Wm. Campbell will explain itself, and it should be carefully read and deeply considered by every person in the parish, for undoubtedly, it means a great deal to every property holder in both the town and parish. The following is a copy of the letter:
DeWitt, Ark., Jan, 1893.
Mayor Wm. Campbell,
Lafayette, La.
MY DEAR SIR:
I am thinking of visiting Louisiana next week again and if I was assured your people would give hearty co-operation in the building of a railroad from your place to Abbeville, I would visit it with my engineer and view the advantages.
I presume I might as well state what aid I would want to take it up, and if your people think it too hard I need not come down.
If your town will vote a five-mill tax for ten years to aid it, and the parish a three mill tax for same time, and Abbeville a five mill tax and Vermilion three mill, I will at once take up the matter and build you the road during the summer. Do you think this can be accomplished? Alexandria has offered us this to build west from there.
If you are favorable to the deal please ascertain the facts and be ready to mail me a letter to Alexandria should I wire you the date of my arrival there, and if favorable I will visit you.
I should want to know your tax valuation in the city and the parish, also as near as you could ascertain the value of the Abbeville and Vermilion.
It is doubtful if they will respond very liberally as they will not be profited by the road as your city will be, as quite, a territory will be drawn to your city who have business on the coast and especially all living north on the roads will come to Lafayette as being more convenient that going around some other way.
The main value to your city is the fact that it opens up an outlet direct to water water navigation and thus attracts attention from manufacturers to your railroad and other advantages and brings about internal self-sustaining plants that gather in the profits and causes constantly increasing resources that eventually make a wealthy, populous city that continually gathers strength and reputation as a thriving business city. The world is full of men seeking desirable locations for all manner and all lines of business. But what do they seek for first? An outlet and an inlet; cheap transportation and a thrifty, live, progressive people. That is what they all want. Do you want to make a city? If so bring about these condition and plenty will be found ready and willing to cast their lot with you.
Yours, truly,
T. H. LESLIE.
It will be seen by the above that Mr. Leslie expects to be in this part of the country next week, and would at that time like to learn of the feelings of our people towards the enterprise, and as the time is short, steps should be taken at once to ascertain as far as possible what the popular opinion regarding the building of the proposed road is. Of course, the time is too short to make a thorough canvass of the question, but the opinion of some of our leading townspeople and influential planters could be learned, which would afford a fair idea of the general feeling.
There can be no question as the benefit to be derived from such a road, for the advantages which would accrue to the country and people generally from a competing road are too apparent to everyone to admit of argument on that score. The only question which can arise and which will need to be considered and discussed is whether it will be a paying investment for the amount asked.
Mr. Leslie asks for a 3-ill tax for ten years from the parish, and a 5-mill tax from the corporation. As the assessed valuation of the property in the parish is $1,894,572, therefore a 3-mill tax would amount of $5,683,72 per year, or a term of ten years, the gross amount given to the road by the parish would be $56,837,20. The assessed valuation of property in the corporation is $392,485 and a 5-mill tax would amount to $1,962,17 per annum, or for a term of ten years, $19,621,70. The two amounts together would give us a total of $76,458,90 which the town and parish would invest in the road, looking to an enhanced valuation of property and a reduction of freight rates, brought about by competition, for their remuneration. Would it, from a business standpoint, be a good investment? We believe that it would. Property values would only need to advance about 8 per cent, to say nothing of the saving in freights, to make it a (unreadable words) let to water navigation (unreadable word) the value of all property at least 10 per cent.
Again, we believe that the only existing railroad we have absorbs nearly all the net profits that the country produces. A competing line could not help reducing freight rates to and from this point, and every cent saved in freight would add just that much to the wealth of the parish. The fact that the people were helping, financially, to build the road, would become known abroad, and thus attract people and capital to our town.
View the matter in any light that we may, we cannot but see advantages to be gained by the people from the building of the road.
Do not let us by procrastination lose this opportunity of freeing ourselves from the oppressive grasp of the railroad monopoly that now holds our country by the throat, and like a vampire suck the life blood from our veins. But go to work and secure this road and thus take the first step that shall lead to the future wealth and prosperity of our town and parish. Nature has given us as fair a laud as the sun ever shone on, and if we are too blind to see our opportunities and take advantage of them, then we deserve nothing but hardships and poverty.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1893.
An Important Capture.
On the 24th inst., Marshall Bradley made what may prove to be an important capture. It seems that on the evening of the 23rd, a negro woman named Lucy was standing in a coffee house near the depot when she was accosted by a white man. At the time she had in her hand a pocketbook containing about $6, and after talking a few moments the stranger requested her to let him look at the pocketbook saying, "I don't want your money, I only want to see the purse." he very foolishly granted his request but as soon as it was placed in his hand he darted out of the door and taking to his heels made his escape.
Marshal Bradley was at once notified and started out in search of the robber, but his efforts to locate the thief were of no avail until the next evening, when he ran across him near the depot. He arrested him, and was fully identified by the woman. When questioned he made evasive answers, first claiming that he came from from Owensboro, Ky., but later said he was a gambler and lived in New Orleans. He gave his name as Wilson Anderson. Marshall Bradley had his photograph taken, as he thinks he is a professional criminal and is wanted elsewhere. He was given an examination and bound over to the district court, and in default of bonds was committed to jail to await trial.
Lafayette, owing to its present effective police force, is a very unhealthy place for the light fingered gentry.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1893.
Our New Clerk of the Court.
The vacancy in the office of Clerk of the Court, caused by the death of Mr. Emile Creighton, has been filled by appointment, by Governor Foster, of Mr. W. B. Bailey, until recently editor of the ADVERTISER. The appointment was a wise one, and a just recognition of the services performed by Mr. Bailey, and has given very general satisfaction in all parts of the parish. Mr. Bailey's reputation for strict honesty and fair dealing being universally known and appreciated by all. Mr. Bailey informs us that he intends to qualify and enter upon the duties of his new office : today, his bond being signed by about twenty of the most prominent men in the parish. Congratulations have been pouring in on Mr. Bailey from old friends from all over the State, and everyone seems to be satisfied that the Governor could not possibly have made a selection that would have given more general satisfaction. We understand that the same assistants that were in the office under Mr. Creighton will be retained by Mr. Bailey.
There can be no doubt that the office will be conducted in such a manner as to give general satisfaction, for Mr. Bailey will fit the office well, giving it conscientious care and attention.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1893.
Another Fire. - On last Thursday evening, about 5 o'clock, the store of Levy & Son had a narrow escape from destruction by fire. A hanging lamp began to flare up, and fearing that it might explode, Mr. Levy got up on a step ladder to it but being unable to do so, decided to take it down and remove it to the street. He called his son to take the lamp, which he did and started for the front door. When he had gone about half way the lamp began to flare out all over and burned his hand, and finally the globe breaks and the lamp exploded, the oil running out and igniting. They at once went to work with blankets and comforters to put it out, and soon had it out. The alarm, however, had been given and the court house bell rung, which caused a large crowd to congregate. Very little damage was done by the fire, the greatest loss being the blankets and comforters used in putting the fire out. The loss will not probably exceed $50. This is the second incipient blaze that has occurred in Levy's within a month, and they have escaped both times with slight damage.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1893.
New Photograph Gallery.
Being no longer connected with the Lafayette Portrait Studio, I will open a Photograph business of my own upstairs at Moss Bros. & Co's. Having worked in some of the leading galleries, I can give you strictly first class work. I make a specialty of genuine Crayon Portraits. Will be ready the latter part of next week. Any size Photograph or Crayon made. Would be pleased to see my friends and customers.
T. A. Biossat.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1893.
New Selected News Items (Advertiser) 1/28/1899.
The Lafayette Brass Band now numbers 14 united members.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Mrs. A. C. Young left for Opelousas, Thursday evening, to spend a few days in that city.
Last Tuesday night, the officers recently elected, whose names were published, at the time, of Lafayette Lodge No. 3194, K. of H., were duly installed. Past Dictator B. Falk officiating. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Mr. Clarence K. Darling, of Simcoe, Canada, is the guest of Mr. John Nickerson. We trust that Mr. Darling's stay among us will be so pleasant that he will sing the praises of our glorious climate when he returns to snow-bound Canada.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Prof. W. A. Bonnet has leased the photographic gallery over the Moss Pharmacy formerly occupied by Mr. Geo. B. Petty, and has been busy this week arranging and renovating the place preparatory to opening up for business.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
We had the pleasure of meeting in our town this week, Mr. Kenneth Benllina, of Opelousas, who came down to attend a meeting of the Ladies Aid Society, of which he is one, if not the most active members. The next will be "Two hearts that beat as one." Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
On Thursday evening of this week a very pleasant social hop was given by the young men of the city, in the upper part of the court house. The Lafayette Brass Band furnished the music, and as everyone went with the intention of having a good time, the evening proved to be a most enjoyable one. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Mr. Emile Romero, on last Tuesday, sold his grocery and liquor store to Mr. G. M. Derouen. Mr. Derouen is a live, energetic business man, and we predict for him success and prosperity in his new venture. Mr. Romero, we understood, will remain in Lafayette, and will probably embark in some other line of business. We wish him success in whatever he may undertake. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Mr. Romain J. Francez, of Carencro, has been engaged for several days past in laying out a site for the town of Duson, in this parish, on a fine and very suitable tract of land belonging to Judge J. G. Parkerson. We learn that Judge Parkerson has already received several applications for lots from persons intending to engage in business there. Considering the great desirability of that locality, both from a business and health standpoint, it is safe to predict that a town will soon grow up at Duson.
Mr. P. E. Couvillon, one of the leading citizens of Carencro, was in town last Monday.
When in town, call at the office of the Advertiser, and see our new quarters. We want to see you all. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Mr. F. O. Cornay, now stationed at Cheneyville, was circulating among his friends here last Sunday.
Creole Cherry Cough Cure is pleasant to take and is a certain cure for recent and chronic coughs and colds.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Roy, of Broussardville, were in the city last Sunday, the guests of Mr. W. B. Bailey.
Sheriff D. J. Raid, of Lake Charles, was in the city last Wednesday, shaking hands with old friends and acquaintances.
Mr. John W. Rhorer, the popular young civil engineer, of Welsh, made a short visit in Lafayette, the early part of the week.
Don't forget that we must have a high school building completed and a school opened therein the coming fall. The town and parish needs and demands it. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
The friends of our popular young townsman, Mr. F. G. Mouton, will be glad to learn of his recovery from a sever spell of illness of several weeks duration.
Mr. Jean Breaux, after disposing of his saloon near the court house, removed to Lake Charles with his family, last Wednesday, where he will engage in business.
Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
Our farmers and planters are beginning the year's work of making new crops, and in a few weeks the country will present a busy appearance from one and of the parish to each other.
Mr. W. G. Bailey, one of Duson's substantial citizen's, visited our town on Monday, and was accompanied home by his mother, Mrs. A. L. Bailey, who had been sojourning among relatives and friends.
Mr. L. Nollive has the honor to announce to the people of Lafayette that he has opened a jewelry store, directly opposite the store of Salles & Mouton. His advertisement will be found in another column. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
On last Tuesday evening an impromptu dance and social was held in the house formerly run as a hotel by Mr. Veazy. Notwithstanding the disappointment regarding the music, was enjoyed by all present. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
The natural advantages of soil and climate of Lafayette parish are bound to attract the attention of people seeking new homes, sooner or later. We predict that ere many years have passed that our town will have outgrown even the expectation of the most confident. Laf. Adv. 1/28/1899.
A gentleman of means from Breaux Bridge, was in town last Wednesday, and is course of conversation remarked that while it was 15 miles further from his place to New Iberia than to Lafayette, the business men of that place, found it cheaper and more convenient to transact their business at the former place, owing chiefly to the bad condition of the roads between here and Breaux Bridge. He said that more than time the roads were so bad that to travel over them was almost impossible.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/27/1893.
Mr. Jean Breaux, after disposing of his saloon near the court-house, removed to Lake Charles with his family, last Wednesday, where he will engage in business. Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1893.
The Hebrew Ball.
As will be seen elsewhere in this issue, our Hebrew friends have made the preliminary arrangements for their ball on the 18th of February. The several committees are composed of some of our best citizens, who in matters of this kind "know no creed," and have never been known to be laggards when the good of any one class of our people is in question. For the benefit of those who don't know, we will state that the room in which the ball is to take place is not inferior to any in the State for dancing purposes, in fact a glance at it will satisfy the most aesthetic that it is specially adapted to the uses of the Terpsichorean art. Its dimensions are ample, -- the floor is superb, and we are assured that music of no mean order will be had for the occasion. Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1882.
SCHOOL SYSTEM BROKE?
School Board Proceedings.
VERMILIONVILLE Jan. 7th, 1882.
Pursuant to a call, the School Board to-day President Chas. D. Caffery called the meeting to order, with the following members present, Messrs. F. S. Mudd, C. Debaillon, D. Hulin, E. Dugat and P. Offpauir. Absent, D. Comeau.
On motion of Dr. Mudd, it was resolved, to sell at public auction all lands in this parish belonging to the Public Schools, and that is President of this Board and the Superintendent of the parish are hereby authorized to fix or appoint a proper time for an election for that purpose after 30 days advertisement.
On motion, it was ordered that the committee of examiners meet on the 28th of this month.
On motion of Dr. Mudd, it was resolved, that a warrant be issued for the relief of Alphonse Neveu, and be paid to him from the contingent funds. -- for the sum of $20, being amount received by him as School Board Trasurer in spurious currency.
Be it resolved, that all the schools where the funds are exhausted, be suspended until further orders.
On motion, the Board adjourned to the 11th day of February next.
CHAS. D. CAFFERY, President.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1882.
LAGNIAPPE:#1.
THE MISSING LINK.
People who are buying cotton for investment will naturally wish to be kept informed on all points bearing on the cost of production. It is a part of history that Whitney's invention of the cotton-gin changed the whole face of things in the South. The problem of labor in the harvest has remained to this day. In the present crop the cost of picking has been, at the very least, one-fourth the value of the commodity. The following article from January number of the Cotton Planters' Journal holds out a warnign to the fanatical bulls which they would do well to heed in time.
"Two years ago at the Vicksburg Fair, in the fall of 1896 as Prof. S. M. Tracey and Mr. W. W. Mangum were watching some trained monkeys perform their various tricks, Prof. Tracey said:
"As sure as you are live, Mangum, these monkeys can be taught to pick cotton better and more cheaply than our negroes do, and perpetual fame will be the part of the man who first tries the experiment."
At first Mangum was inclined to laugh at the idea, but the more he thought over the matter, and the more he watched the monkeys at their various tricks, the more he became convinced there was something in it, and the next day as he left the professor at the Carroll Hotel, he said.
'Well professor, I have been thinking over your suggestion of teaching monkeys to pick cotton and I am determined to try the thing and see if it will work. They have been taught to do much more difficult things than that, and I am almost sure they can be taught to pick cotton. We can't rely on the nigger much longer, and next fall I am going to be me a dozen monkeys and see what can be done.'
"The next fall, that is Sept. of 1897, Mr. Mangum hunted up the owner and trainer of ten monkeys in New York City, and made arrangement both to buy the monkeys and to get the services of their trainer who understood the business and assured Mr. Mangum that it would be the simplest thing imaginable to teach the monkeys to pick cotton. "These were placed upon one of Mr. Mangum's Mississippi plantations about the middle of September of that year, and the training began. The monkeys belonged to the race known to scienties as Sphagrails Vulgaris, the males weighed about 110 lbs each. Bags were made for each monkey, which would hold about twenty-five pounds of seed cotton and a bag over the shoulder of each. It is surprising how rapidly the trainer taught the monkeys to pick the cotton. Baskets to hold the cotton were placed at the end of the rows, and one man, over and above the trainer, was necessary to take the cotton out of the sacks and put it in the baskets. The females proved much better pickers than the males, for they not only picked cleaner cotton, but they would also pick more of it in a day. In less than a month after the monkeys were started at the work they could pick on an average of 150 pounds a day. They picked in weather in which negroes wouldn't pick, and picked cleaner cotton. The cost of picking was much less, and in every way they made much better pickers than the average negro. This first experiment, although on a small-scale, proved to Mr. Mangum that monkeys could be used with great success as cotton pickers, so in June of 1898 he made an order for 300 monkeys of the same breed, on an exporter of monkeys from Africa with the understanding that most of them were to be females.
About the first of September of this year the new batch of monkeys arrived, and the services of the old trainer were engaged to train this new lot. But this was not such an easy matter as was at first thought, for many of the new monkeys were still wild. But the trainer thoroughly understood his business, having served for a long time under Barnum as trainer of monkeys. Finally with the aid of the ten old monkeys, who were of great assistance, and a great deal of punishment and rewarding, the new monkeys were trained by the middle of October.
"I have watched the experiment with greater interest than I have watched any new thing in years. I have kept in constant correspondence with Mr. Mangum about this matter, and about the middle of November I visited his plantation near Smedes to see the monkeys at their work. I must admit that it was a glorious sight to see, and one that did my heart great good. The rows were filled with monkeys, each one with her little cotton sack around her neck, picking away quietly and orderly, and without any rush or confusion. When they got their sacks full they would run to the end of the row, where a man was stationed, to empty them into the cotton basket, when they would hurry back to their work. The monkey's seemed actually to enjoy the picking.
"That night I stayed all night with Mr. Magnum, and we had a long talk about this matter. I asked him to give me the plain facts about the case so I could give them in the Cotton Planters' Journal, to the cotton growers of the South. Mr. Mangum said in substance:
I consider the day that Prof. Tracy suggested to me the trafficking of monkeys as cotton pickers as the most fortunate day the South has seen in many years. It means to the South than a cotton picking machine, for the monkeys are a success as pickers, while the machines have been failures. The monkeys are in every way superior to negroes as cotton pickers. In the first place the cost of picking is only about one-third. Then they are more careful than negroes, and pick a cleaner grade of cotton. Even in this rainy fall, when all other cotton was of low grade, that picked by the monkeys was all middling, and sold for at least one-half cent more than that picked by the negroes. Then they will pick in weather in which you can't get a nigger in the field. In fact, I believe that it is the greatest discovery that has been made since Whitney has discovered the cotton gin. People laughed at me at first when I tried this thing, as they always do when a man tries anything new, but now that it has proved a success all my neighbors are wild about it. The negroes have made repeated threats to kill the monkeys, but as of yet they have not done so, and I apprehended no very great danger in this direction."
"In closing Mr, Mangum said, 'You may say to the cotton planters of the South that is is a grand success, and that next June I shall make an large importation of monkeys from Africa, and that I would like to have other planters join me. My address is Smedes, Miss., and I would be glad to correspond with anyone interested in this matter.'
"I believe that Mr. Mangum is a greater benefactor to the cotton planter than Eli Whitney. I have just given him an order to import to me 200 monkeys next summer, and I feel sure that we will soon be independent of the negro so as cotton picking is concerned.
TOM G. LANE.
Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1899.
LAGNIAPPE:#2.
A Mushroom Which Intoxicates.
The inhabitants of the northeastern part of Asia use a mushroom to produce intoxication. It is known as the fly blown mushroom and is also very abundant in Scotland. The fungus is gathered in the hottest part of the year, and is then hung up by a string in the air to dry. Some are dry before gathered, and these are stated to be far more narcotic than those artificially preserved. Usually the fungus is rolled up like bolus and taken without chewing, for if masticated it is said to disorder the stomach. One large or two small fungi produce what is looked upon as a pleasant state of intoxication for one day. The effect is the same as that produced on taking a quantity of spirits of wine, except it is delayed from one to two hours after the bolus has been swallowed. At first it produces very cheerful emotions of the mind; it renders some persons exceedingly active, and is a stimulant to muscular exertion; if a person affected by it wishes to step over a straw or a small stick, impels him to take a jump sufficient to clear a low hedge or the trunk of a tree; it keeps those fond of music perpetually singing, and under its influence a talkative person can neither keep secrets or silence, hence it is a source of danger to ladies and politicians. -
From the Horticultural Times, published in the Lafayette Advertiser on 1/28/1893.
Lagniappe:#3.
ELEPHANT'S MEMORY.
Evidence of Reasoning Power in the Stupid Looking Pachyderm.
Stories of the elephant's sagacity are everything rife in India, and indeed every one who happens to have seen these creatures employed in government contract labor will scarcely have failed to notice numerous instances of it himself.
An engineer officer who was stationed at Calcutta a few years back was possessed of a very valuable elephant, which, to his great grief, contracted a virulent disease of the eyes, and after suffering with it for a few days became completely blind. His owner thereupon applied to a resident surgeon, stating the case, and asking if he could do anything for the relief of his favorite.
The surgeon, after examining the elephant's eyes, said that he was willing to try the effect of nitrate of silver on one of them, that being a remedy which was very beneficial to the human eye afflicted with a similar disease. The animal's driver was accordingly summoned, and the great beast by his instrumentality made to lie down. The doctor then applied the nitrate of silver, and the elephant uttering a roar of pain jumped up and behaved in such an outrageous fashion that it was some hours before he could be calmed down and secured in his stable.
A day or two afterward the doctor called again, and found that his application had worked wonders, the sight of the one eye being almost entirely restored, and in consequence determined to operate in a similar manner on the other. He was apprehensive of the animal's behavior, more especially as he was now able to see, and suggested that he be properly secured before he operated upon him. However, the elephant had recognized the doctor's voice, and to everybody's astonishment followed him of his own accord out of the stable into the open, lay down without and persuasion, placing his head quietly on one side with the diseased eye upward, then curled up his trunk and drew in a deep breath, like any human being might do who was about to undergo a painful operation, and awaited the doctor's pleasure.
The latter used his brush as dexterously as possible, and applied the caustic as quickly as he could and at the same time perform the work thoroughly. During the entire operation the elephant, so far from behaving as he had previously done uttered not a sound, and when it was over got up with a sigh of satisfaction, and manifested by every means in his power, the delight and gratitude he experienced at its completion, gently caressing the surgeon with his trunk and making other similar demonstrations as he walked back to his stake, and, despite the pain he was suffering, uttering no sound.
This incident, which was well known in Calcutta, not only showed memory, but a high order of reasoning power, for the animal remembering the benefit he had received from the first application, was, in spite of the pain it caused him, not only willing but anxious to undergo the second in order that his other eye might be cured in like manner.
From the St. Louis Globe Democrat and in the Lafayette Advertiser 1/28/1893.
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