THE TOWN WINS.
Judge Debaillon's Decision in the Suit of the Consolidated Company vs. the Town.
The recent decision of Judge Debaillion in the above named suit should be a cause for general congratulations among the people of the town. The decision is a signal victory for the town as well as the triumph of justice. The town has been very badly treated by the contracting company and the consulting engineer, R. R. Zell, and The Gazette, in common with the taxpayers of the community, rejoices over the result.
For the benefit of those who are not informed as to the case we will give a short history of it.
The original contract price of the plant was $36,000 in bonds, which was to be paid in five installments. After the contract was made the contractors informed the Council that they had found a purchaser for the bonds who was willing to take the whole amount. The contractors argued that it would be to the interest of all concerned to dispose of all the bonds at one time. After due deliberation the Council agreed to this and the bonds were converted into $32,000 in cash, which the contractors were willing to accept in payment. This arrangement gave $8,900 each for the 1st, 2d and 3d payments and $5,300 for the last.
Under this agreement the plant was built. After the trial of the plant, during the thirty days fixed by the contract it was found that there were certain defects in the plant. The Consolidated Engineering Company promised that if the town took charge of the plant it would remedy the defects before the expiration of 30 days, and in case of its failure to do so, the town was to have the work done at its expense. The plant was then accepted under these conditions. The town held back $1,000 from the last payment to guarantee the fulfillment of the company's promise.
Shortly after, the boilers began to show signs of general inefficiency. Application was made to the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company for insurance. The Hartford people sent Mr. Bittgood, a most competent expert, to inspect the boilers. The insurance company acting upon Mr. Bittgood's advice, refused to insure the boilers. It then became necessary for the town to employ an expert and the services of Mr. C. A. Gaines were engaged. After a thorough examination Mr. Gaines condemned the boilers in every respect. Subsequently the Council adopted a resolution in line with the reports of Bittgood and Gaines and called upon the Consolidated Company to put in new boilers and to remedy certain defects. Some days later an official of the company came to Lafayette with Prof. Creighton, a recognized authority from Tulane University. Although Prof. Creighton's test was made under a written agreement that a copy of the result of the test would be furnished the town, the company positively refused to do.
Two or three days after Prof Creighton's test, the Consolidated company took steps to dismiss its suit which had been filed in the court of this parish. By prompt action the town's attorneys prevented the dismissal of the suit by filing its answer in reconventional demands, thereby doing away with the necessity of going to New Orleans to sue the company.
The trial of the suit was taken up on the 1st of September and partially heard and for certain causes was not concluded until last January. During the trial of the case, Experts Bittgood and Gaines, and other including Printz, the engineer who superintended the construction of the plant for the company testified to the absolute worthlessness of the boilers.
The judgment of the court established the correctness of the town's contention that the infamous Zell boilers are not of the kind provided for in the contract, acquitting the Consolidated company for $1,000 and gives the town judgment for $1,500. which is tantamount to $2,500. The judgment reserves to the town all its rights to sue on the bond furnished by the company.
The Gazette compliments the town upon its splendid victory and desires to throw a large bouquet at Mayor Caffery, Judge O. C. Mouton, Messrs. Campbell and Girard, the attorneys, who worked with such zeal and ability in prosecution of the suit.
Lafayette Gazette 2/11/1899.
Accidentally Shot. - Young Harold Demanade accidentally shot his left hand last Wednesday with a small rifle. The ball passed through the flesh between the thumb and the fore-finger. Lafayette Gazette 2/11/1899.
A New Brass Band. - The Gazette is pleased to announce that hereafter Lafayette will have a brass-band and as the new organization will have Mr. Joseph Ducote as president, and Prof. Walter J. Mouton as leader, we have every reason to think that it will have a successful career. The officers and members of the band are: Walter J. Mouton, leader; Joseph Ducote, president; Sam Plonsky, secretary; Mrs. Sam Plonsky, treasurer; members: Ed. McBride, Louis Lacoste, Henry Judice, Victor Levy, Emmanuel Pellerin, Albert Robicheaux, Dr. F. E. Girard, Pierre Gerac, J. Dauriatte, L. Pierriette, L. Lagneaux, Joseph Gabriel. Lafayette Gazette 2/11/1899.
The Pellerin Bros. have improved their saloon by enlarging the bar-room. The place was greatly beautified by C. E. Carey who tastily papered and decorated it. Laf. Gaz. 2/11/1899.
NUPTIALS.
Ducrocq - Trahan.
On Tuesday Feb. 7, at 9 a. m. at St. John's Catholic Church, was solemnized the marriage of Miss Haydee Trahan to Dr. H. Ducrocq. The fair bride was 'becomingly attired in a in a resida green costume while her maid of honor, Miss S. Trahan, acting as ushers.
After the ceremony the bridal party together with a few intimate friends repaired to the home of Dr. J. D. Trahan and there drank to the health and future happiness of the young couple, whose popularity was evidenced by the numerous handsome presents received. Dr. and Mrs. Ducrocq left on the noon train, amid showers of rice and best wishes for their future home at Rousseau. Lafayette Gazette 2/11/1899.
LeROSEN - HOPKINS.
On Thursday February the ninth, at 10:30 a. m., Miss Susie Hopkins, and Mr. W. A. LeRosen, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony by the Rev. I. T. Reams. Long before the hour appointed the Methodist church was crowded to its utmost capacity with the friends of both bride and groom. Promptly at half past ten the sweet strains of Mendelson's march were heard and the bridal party entered.
Preceding the party were the two ushers, Messrs. James Davidson and Archie Morgan. Then came little Bennie Williams, a nephew of the bride, bearing a beautiful cushion upon which the couple knelt to receive the benediction. The attendants, Mr. P. B. Torian and Miss Mamie Duson, Mr. T. R. Simmons and Miss Eliza Hopkins, and Mr. O. B Hopkins and Miss Stella Trahan, entered next and were followed by the bride who was indeed a "vision beautiful" in her bridal dress of exquisite gray and punk novelty goods, trimmed elaborately with cerise pink, silk and lace. A handsome pink and and gray hat adorned her shapely head and altogether she was indeed fair to look upon. The groom, in the regulation attire, met his bride at the altar and during the ceremony "Fauconier's Resignation" was played with much feeling on the violin by Mr. Ned Voorhies, accompanied by Miss Lizzie Mudd on the organ. Immediately after the benediction the beautiful song, "Love Me If I Live" was well rendered by Mrs. Crow Girard, after which the bridal party marched out of the church to the music of Lohengrin's march.
The whole party together with a few intimate friends of the family then drove to the residence of the bride's father where an elegant repast was served and generously partaken of.
Some very pretty and appropriate toasts were made and the health of the bride and groom was drunk by all present.
Mr. and Mrs. LeRosen left on the mid-day train for New Orleans where they will spend Carnival week.
Lafayette Gazette 2/11/1899.
Society.
Mrs. C. M. Parkerson entertained at cards on Wednesday afternoon in honor of Miss McCampbell, of Corpus Christi, Texas. The first prize was won by Mrs. B. Clegg; booby by Mrs. Davis. A dainty repast terminated a very pleasant entertainment. The participants were, Mmes. B. Clegg, E. Trahan, A. Denbo, F. Girard, T. M. Biossat, J. B. Pellerin, A. Bonnet, N. P. Moss, C. D. Caffery, F. E. Davis; Misses A. Young, L. Pharr, E.McCampbell, L. Parkerson, V. Kelly, L. and C. Mudd, Lea Gladu and Zerelda Bailey. Lafayette Gazette 2/11/1899.
Water & Lights.
During the month of January Engineer Melchert, of the electric light and waterworks plant, collected $290. The plant bids fair to becoming self-sustaining before very long. Laf. Gaz. 2/11/1899.
Collected.
Two thousand nine hundred dollars had been collected for the special tax fund up to Feb. 6. It is believed that the collections will exceed $4,000. Laf. Gaz. 2/11/1899.
New Bar-keeper. - Joe Lazaro has been employed as bar-keeper in the Domengeaux saloon. Mr. Domengeaux is making changes which will enable him to add pool and billiard tables to his establishment.
Laf. Gaz. 2/11/1899.
Pardoned. - Elijah Hornsby, who, it will be remembered, was captured in this parish about a year ago by Sheriff Broussard, has been granted a full pardon. Hornsby had several years more to serve out his sentence.
Laf. Gaz. 2/11/1899.
Assessor Martin is at work taking the assessments in this town for the special road tax. It is questionable if the Police Jury has a right to collect this tax from the residents of the town. Laf. Gaz. 2/11/1899.
.jpg)
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 11th, 1899:
THE WEATHER. - For the last few days the weather man has provided us with New England weather. It has been cold, very cold. Overcoats and fires have been boon companions. On last Wednesday the ground remained frozen all day. This is indeed invigorating weather. It is better than mud.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
A New Brass Band for Lafayette.
A new brass band was organized in Lafayette last Sunday. Mr. Walter J. Mouton, the popular coronetist was chosen leader. With such a thorough energetic musician at the helm, success will attend the new organization.
The following officers were elected: President, Joseph Ducote; Secretary, Sam Plonsky; Treasurer, Mrs. Sam Plonsky.
The roll is as follows : Corenetists : Walter J. Mouton, E. McBride, Jos. Ducote, J. Dauriac; Altos: Pierre Gerac, E. Arnould, Dr. Felix Girard, Albert Robichaux; Tenors : Leon Lagneaux, E. Pieriet, Victor Levy; Trombone: Joseph Gabriel; Barytone: Henry Judice; Snare drum: E. Pellerin; Bass Drum : Louis Lacoste.
The band is ready to fill any engagements.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
MARDI GRAS COSTUMES.
Get One! - Mardi Gras costumes from the French Opera's wardrobe to rent for the ball fo next Tuesday. Apply to the Advertiser.
A nice prize will be given to the best lady and gentleman dancers at the Mardi-Gras Ball. Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
JUDICIAL DECISION. - The water work and electric light case which has been before the District Court for quite a while was decided last Tuesday by Judge C. Debaillon, awarding the City Council $1,500 damages and rejecting the $1,000 claim held by the Consolidated Engineering Co., of New Orleans, against the town of Lafayette. Now the case goes up before the Circuit Court which meets at Lafayette in March.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
HYMENEAL.
Last Thursday morning at 10 o'clock at the M. E. Church, South, Rev. I. T. Reams, united in marriage Miss Susie Hopkins, to Prof. W. A. LeRosen, principal of the Lafayette High School. Mr. O. B. Hopkins with Miss Stella Trahan and Mr. T. P. Torian with Miss Mamie Duson were the attendants upon the couple. Miss Eliza Hopkins gave away her sister at the altar to Prof. W. A. LeRosen who was accompanied by Prof. Simmons.
The bride wore a beautiful costume of novelty dress goods trimmed with pink silk.
During the nuptial ceremony Mr. Ned Voorhies played an artistical selection on the violin accompanied by Miss. L. Mudd on the organ. Mrs. Crow Girard rendered a beautiful song. Quite a crowd witnessed the impressive ceremony. The young couple left for New Orleans on the noon train where they will remain till after Mardi Gras. The Advertiser extends to both of them a long, blissful and happy life on this tempestuous worldy sea.
Miss Hayden Trahan, daughter of Dr. J. D. Trahan, and Dr. Henry L. Ducrocque, of Rousseau, Lafourche parish were married at the Catholic Church, last Wednesday, by Rev. Father Baulard. In spite of the weather quite a number of relatives and friends witnessed the ceremony. The young couple left the same day for their home in Lafourche parish.
Cards are out announcing the marriage of Miss Zoe Reaux to Mr. Andre Girouard.The ceremony will take place at St. Ann's church, Youngsville, La., on Monday Feb. , 13th. Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
Pardoned. -Elijah Hornsby, who was convicted of murder in 1879 in Iberia and sentenced to life imprisonment in the penitentiary has been pardoned by Governor Foster, upon the recommendation of the full board of pardons. Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
Yellow Fever. - With the hard weather of the last few days all germs have been stamped out and so have the germs of high prices for first-class goods been killed by Levy Bros., the up-to-date merchants. Go and and see them if you need something in their line from a pin to a suit of clothes.
Laf. Advertiser 2/11/1899.
S. P. & Mardi Gras. - The Southern Pacific will sell tickets to New Orleans and return on Feb. 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th at rates of one fare. Tickets good for return up to and including Feb. 24th.
Children under 12 years of age adult rate.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
RESOLUTION.
At the regular meeting of Camp F. Gardner No. 580 U. C. V., the following resolution was unanimously adopted. Resolved that this camp desires to join its protest with other camps in condemning the late action of certain southern men in congress relative to aid for confederate soldiers also we protest against asking aid for living or dead confederates from the federal government.
A True Copy AMBROISE MOUTON, Adjutant.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
NOTICE.
Lafayette, La., Feb. 4, 1899.At the regular meeting of Camp F. Gardner No. 580 U. C. V., the following resolution was unanimously adopted. Resolved that this camp desires to join its protest with other camps in condemning the late action of certain southern men in congress relative to aid for confederate soldiers also we protest against asking aid for living or dead confederates from the federal government.
A True Copy AMBROISE MOUTON, Adjutant.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given that the partnership heretofore existing between us under the firm name of Clegg & Givens, doing business in the town of Lafayette as manufacturers of rice, and selling same at retail and wholesale, is this day dissolved. Baxter Clegg has sold all his interests in said partnership including machinery, etc., and all movables, as well as his interest in all accounts due said firm, to John S. Givens, who will continue as successor of the firm.
Respectfully, J. S. GIVENS, BAXTER CLEGG. Witnessess: ORTHER C. MOUTON, HOMER MOUTON. Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
Police Jury.
The Jury resolved to meet informally sat Darmas Broussard's Feb. 22, to investigate the condition of said bridge and determine what disposition shall be made of the road and bridge.
The Jury examined plans and specifications for a bridge at Jno. Whittington Jr., submitted by the New Jersey Steel and Iron Company. No action, however, was taken toward accepting bids for said bridge or advertising for same.
Judge Mouton appeared and addressed the body in regard to the Darmas Broussard bridge, arguing in favor of retaining said bridge in the interest of the inhabitants on either side of the stream.
One thousand dollars was authorized issued to School Board out of amount now due.
Pin Hook Bridge was relet to S. Bernard at $39 per annum.
A petition from the citizens of Broussard and vicinity praying for the reopening of the Bernard and St. Julien public road was read and a committee consisting of Messrs. M. Billeaud, Jr., and R. C. Greig was appointed to ascertain whether said road has ever been abandoned by the parish or not.
By motion the salaries of the president and secretary of the Board of Health were fixed at $50 per anumm respectively.
Messrs. Alfred Hebert and R. C. Greig were appointed to advertise for bids to paint the court house.
Mr. Primeaux was authorized to about 2000 feet lumber.
It was resolved that the time for payment of the special road tax be extended until March 1st after which date the treasurer's office cancel his vouchers etc., submitted the following report which was adopted.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
JOS. CAILLOUET.
F. R. TOLSON.
Lafayette, La. Jan. 19, 1899.
.jpg)
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 11th, 1893:
THE BUSINESS MEN
Effect the Permanent Organization of Their Association.
A Large and Enthusiastic Meeting of Representative Citizens. -
A Determined Effort to be Made to Secure the Abbeville Railroad.-
The Meeting Addressed by Able Speakers from Home and Abroad.
Last Monday evening there was a gathering in the Court House such as Lafayette had not witnesses before in years, fully, two hundred enthusiastic citizens being present on that occasion.
Mr. C. O. Mouton, the Chairman pro tem, called the meeting to order at 8 o'clock, and in a short but enthusiastic speech explained the object of the association. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and on motion approved.
The committee consisting of Messrs. O. C. Mouton, Alfred Hebert and A. C. Ordway, who were appointed at Friday's meeting to prepare the constitution for the organization, made their report, and presented the following articles, which were adopted unanimously as a whole:
PREAMBLE. -- Believing that a new era of prosperity is drawing for our State, and that those towns which make the greatest effort, and offer the most encouragement and support to both the people and capital seeking locations and investments, will be the ones to receive the greatest benefit, and fully realizing the truth of the old saying that in "Union there is strength," we, the Business Men and Citizens of Lafayette, form ourselves into an organization to be known as the
BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION OF LAFAYETTE.
ARTICLE I. - The object of this association shall be the furtherance and support of any and all legitimate enterprises, which in the opinion of the Association, will tend to advance the material progress and prosperity of both the town and parish of Lafayette.
ART. II. - A Board of nine Directors, elected annually by the members of the Association, and shall elect from their own number a President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of three.
ART. III. - Duty of officers. - It shall be duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Association. It shall be the duty of the Vice-president to perform all the duties of the President in case of his absence or inability to act. The Secretary shall keep a correct record of all business transacted by the Association and also attend to all correspondence of the Association. The treasurer shall have charge of all monies of the Association, and shall collect all dues and fines that may be imposed by the Association. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to examine into and investigate all propositions that may be made to the Association, and report the same to the Association. It shall be their further duty to exert a general supervision over the business of the Association and its officers, and it shall have the powers which are generally accorded to an executive committee.
ART. IV. - All persons who are residents of Lafayette shall be eligible to membership, and shall become members in good standing by enrolling their name on the list of members and paying the membership fee.
ART. V. - Each and every member shall pay the Treasurer the sum of one dollar as a membership fee, and further shall pay the sum of fifty cents as monthly dues.
ART. VI. - The Association shall hold one regular meeting each month, and special meetings shall be called by the Executive Committees whenever business of importance shall arise for the consideration of the Association.
ART. VII. - Any of the above articles may be amended or changed by a majority vote of the Association at any regular meeting of the Association.
ART. VIII. - Parliamentary rules shall govern the Association at all its meetings and deliberations.
After the adoption of the constitution, and the following named citizens enrolled as members of the Association: L. Levy, W. E. Bowen, O. E. Mouton, Numa Schayot, E. Priolland, Pierre Dugas, H. D. Guidry, Geo. M. Deiower, Alfred Hebert, L. F. Rigues, James Hannen, R. Coffey, Felix Demanade, B. Falk, I. A. Broussard, C. Lusted, H. C. Salles, Alfred J. Theriot, R. H. Wilkins, Leon Plonskey, B. I. Denlon, Chas. D. Caffery, P. A. Delhomme, Thos. F. Webb, Jr.,
Gustave Lacoste, I. N. Satterfield, Mouton & Salles, J. M. Jones, F. S. Mudd, E. Constantine, T. M. Biossat, A. C. Ordway, N. P. Moss, Arthur C. Mouton, J. Nickerson, P. J. Hanks, Julian Mouton, C. H. Bradley, J. E. Martin, Wm. Campbell, R. C. Greig, H. Church, Chas. O. Mouton, E. G. Voorhies, H. Billeaud, Wm. H. Cayard.
A motion was made, and after some debate was carried, that the same committee that drew up the constitution select the names of nine members to act as a BOARD OF DIRECTORS and present the same to the meeting to be voted on. The committee made a report and presented the following names: Chas. O. Mouton, Wm. Campbell, J. Nickerson, Alfred Hebert, J. E. Martin, N. P. Moss, B. Falk, A. C. Ordway, W. E. Bowen.
As this finished the routine business of the evening, different gentlemen were called on to address the meeting. Mayor Wm. Campbell, Judge O. C. Mouton, Mr. Julian Mouton, Dr. Mudd and others made enthusiastic and stirring addresses, and their remarks were greeted with enthusiasm and rounds of applause.
Judge Allen and District Attorney Gordy were called upon and favored the meeting with fine speeches, and assured our citizens that they were in hearty accord with the movement, and that they felt confident that it would be carried through to a successful issue, bringing to Lafayette new people and new capital until she should take her place as the leading city in Southwest Louisiana.
There can be no doubt but that our people are in dead earnest in regard to this matter, and mean to work with united effort to to carry it through. The meeting was the largest and most enthusiastic that has ever been held by the people of Lafayette for a similar purpose, and now that our citizens are awake to the advantages to be derived from this movement, no reasonable man can doubt that a grand and glorious future awaits Lafayette, and all that is needed is for the people to continue as they have begun, and the railroad, cotton factory and sugar refinery will become assured facts.
No further business coming before the meeting, it adjourned to meet Wednesday night, in Falk's opera house, at 7:30 o'clock.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
WEDNESDAY'S MEETING.
Pursuant to adjournment the Business Men's Association met in Falk's opera house, Wednesday evening. The President called the meeting to order, and the Board of Directors reported the following permanent officers elected: President, C. O. Mouton ; Vice-President, Wm. Campbell ; Secretary, A. C. Ordway ; Treasurer, John Nickerson ; Executive Committee, Wm. Campbell, N. P. Moss, J. Nickerson.
The President addressed the meeting and in well chosen remarks reviewed the work done and outlined the work necessary to be done in the future to make the movement a success.
Mr. Julian Mouton addressed the meeting in regard to the necessity of securing the hearty co-operation of the people of the parish outside of the corporation, and concluded by making the following motion:
Resolved, That the chair appoint at his leisure a committee of five to select three gentlemen from each ward to act as a general railroad committee, and agitate the question as soon as Mr. Leslie is again heard from; also, that a general invitation be extended to all citizens of the parish to become honorary members of the association, who shall be exempt from the payment of all dues and fees.
After a discussion of the question, in which Messrs. O. C. Mouton, J. Nickerson and C. H. Bradley took part, it was carried and the president appointed the following named gentlemen to constitute said committee : Julian Mouton, Chairman; E. Constantine, Wm. Campbell, Chas. D. Caffery, Gustave Lacoste.
Judge O. A. Mouton addressed the chair and made a plea in favor of the high-school, stating it as his belief that the association should take some action in the matter looking toward the speedy completion of the building, and made a motion that the chair appoint a committee of three to take charge of the matter and see what help could be obtained from the town council and police jury. The motion was carried and the president appointed the following gentlemen to act as such committee : Messrs. O. C. Mouton, R. C. Greig and T. M. Biossat.
The next question to come before the meeting was that of the state convention. Several spoke in regard to the matter, and a motion was made that a committee of three be appointed by the chair to take charge of the matter, solicit subscriptions, and correspond with the Governor in regard to the holding of said convention in Lafayette. Messrs. Wm. Campbell, Julian Mouton and A. C. Ordway were appointed on the committee.
On motion the president was empowered to appoint a committee at his leisure to act as a Corresponding Committee, whose duty would be to prepare and have printed descriptive matter setting forth the advantages of our soil and climate, and inaugurate a systematic plan of making known to the outside world the great inducements the parish offers to emigrants.
The matter of securing a regular meeting place for the association was discussed, but as Mr. Falk generously offered the use of the opera house without compensation, it was decided to hold the regular meetings at that place, and the first Wednesday of each month was selected as the regular meeting night of the association.
The meeting then adjourned.
It will be seen that the association has taken hold of several very important matters, the chief of which is the school question, and will endeavor to push them through at the earliest possible moment.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
Good Words.
Believing they would prove interesting to your readers, we have selected a few from the many notices given Mr. W. B. Bailey, on his appointment as Clerk of Court, by the state press of Louisiana. It must certainly be gratifying to Gov. Foster, as well as to Mr. Bailey, to see that the selection has met with such universal approval.
EDITOR BAILEY TAKES THE PLUM.
Truth is extremely gratified to learn the news of the appointment to the position of clerk of court for the parish of Lafayette of that worthy veteran soldier and journalist, W. B. Bailey, formerly editor of the Lafayette ADVERTISER. Mr. Bailey came here on Sunday evening last and left for home on Monday, carrying his commission, which was obtained upon petitions of the best citizens of the parish of Lafayette, where Bailey is quite popular. In making a clerk of court of Bro. Bailey is quite popular. In making a clerk of court of Bro. Bailey, the press of the State loses a most valuable member, nevertheless we believe we can safely assert that there is not a member of the Louisiana Press Association who will not rejoice at the good fortune of this most worthy and popular pencil pusher who will not join us in wishing our worthy confrere of many a year the most abundant prosperity. - Weekly Truth.
A MASTERLY SELECTION.
Gov. Foster has made another masterly appointment. The position of Clerk of the Court for Lafayette parish becoming vacant by the death of the incumbent, Mr. Emile Creighton. Gov. Foster, upon the recommendation of the leading business men of Lafayette, appointed to that position Mr. W. B. Bailey, the late veteran of the Lafayette ADVERTISER.
Only two weeks ago Bro. Bailey retired from the editorial control of the ADVERTISER after having conducted it ever since his return from the surrender at Appomattox.
Brother Bailey is one of the old landmarks in Louisiana journalism, a charter member of the State Press Association, and has always been true to his State and to the principles of the Democratic party.
During the dark days of radical oppression his paper held aloft the white banners of Democracy and his pen and tongue never faltered in the discharge of every faltered in the discharge of every duty incumbent upon him. In later days when his services were needed in behalf of this State's honor he never failed to respond to the calls of duty, and remained poor and honest rather than "bend the pregnant hinges of the knee that thrift might follow fawning."
Governor Foster, this is one of the best appointments you have ever made, and the press of Louisiana congratulates you upon your deserved recognition of a brave and true hearted old veteran - a member of the Fourth Estate.
Bro. Bailey, we salute you.
Baton Rouge Advocate.
By the death of the clerk of the district court of Lafayette parish that office was recently made vacant, and has just been filled by the appointment of our esteemed confrere, Capt. W. B. Bailey, late editor of the ADVERTISER. Ever ready to do justice where justice is due, as well as to criticize when it believes criticism proper. The Item desires to compliment Gov. Foster on this selection. No truer man lives than W. B. Bailey and he is fully competent for the duty assigned him. - Baton Rouge Capital Item.
Gov. Foster has made an appointment which will not only meet with the unanimous endorsement of the people of the parish in which the appointee resides, but with that of the entire press of the state as well. The clerk of the parish of Lafayette having been removed from the active theater of life by grim visaged death, the Governor has filled the vacancy thus created by the appointment of Mr. W. B. Bailey, late editor of the ADVERTISER of that parish. For the past 28 years he fought the hard battles of the Democracy, and in the recent campaign he was a fine supporter of Governor Foster and the cause he represented. No better man than brother Bailey could have been selected for the position, and none more worthy or deserving could have been found within the limits of the parish. We congratulate him on his good luck and hope he will live long to enjoy the fruits of it. -- Plaquemine Daily Journal.
Governor Foster, last Monday, appointed Mr. W. B. Bailey clerk of the court for the parish of Lafayette, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Creighton. Mr. Bailey, for many years, was editor of the Lafayette ADVERTISER and no knight of the quill has fought more zealously and consistently the battles of Democracy than he. Mr. Bailey was also a gallant Confederate artilleryman in Virginia. His appointment is a merited compliment to a gallant Democratic editor and it will meet with the general approbation of the fraternity. The editor of the Review heartily congratulates his old schoolmate, army companion and confrere upon this recognition of his abilities and of the life he has spent in serving the State. - Louisiana Review, New Orleans.
The Governor has appointed Mr. W. B. Bailey, late editor of the Lafayette ADVERTISER, to fill the vacancy in the clerk's office of Lafayette parish caused by the death of Emile Creighton. Governor Foster, accept our humble congratulations on your selection ; and to our venerable old friend, Bro. Bailey, we say hurrah for you -- may your new trust afford you more satisfaction and prove more lucrative than journalism. - St. Charles Clarion.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
Railroad Burglar. - On Thursday night about 1 o'clock an attempt was made by unknown parties to burglarize a car of the Southern Pacific. The night watchman, Mr. William Graser, discovered them as they were carrying off some of the goods and fired at them. The robbers dropped the goods and returned the fire of the watchman, but without wounding him. They made their escape.
Laf. Advertiser 2/11/1893.
Temperance Lecture. - On next Thursday evening, Feb. 16th, a meeting will be held in the court house, in Lafayette, in the interest of temperance. Mrs. J. N. Pharr and Mrs. Snell, of Mississippi, will be the speakers. A cordial invitation is extended to all to be present.
Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
THE RAILROAD QUESTION.
Last week we published in the local columns of the ADVERTISER, certain propositions from Mr. T. H. Leslie, together with the action taken by a meeting of business men, regarding the same. Mr. Leslie's proposition to the tax-payers of the corporation and parish of Lafayette in substance is as follows;
In consideration of a 5 mill tax by the corporation and a 3 mill tax from the parish for a period of ten years Mr. Leslie agrees
1st. To build a railroad from Lafayette to Abbeville.
2nd. To donate $20,000 as a bonus to be given to anyone who will erect a cotton factory in Lafayette, which will shall employ not less than 150 hands.
3d. To donate $10,000 to anyone who will erect a sugar refinery in our city.
To make it possible to accept the proposition it would be necessary for the Police Jury to order a special election, and for the people by a majority vote to sanction the proposition. This, we believe, would be done by the people, for they have everything to gain and nothing to lose. The tax asked for would amount to about $76,000, taking the present valuation of property as a basis ; this sum would be paid to the promoters of the railroad in ten equal installments, covering a period of ten years, providing the road was built, for nothing asked, nor would a cent be paid until the road was completed and trains running. In addition to building the road we would secure two industries, one of which -- the sugar refinery -- is of vital importance to the people, for with $10,000 offered as a bonus, a sugar refinery would soon be erected, as such offers do not "go a begging." The cotton factory, employing as it would, not less than 150 hands, whose salaries would add to the money circulation of the parish a nice sum each month would likewise prove of great benefit to our people generally.
The construction of the road would be commenced and carried on from this end of the line, affording work for a large number of people, who would expend their salaries in our city. The establishment of the two above named industries would cause the distribution of about $10,000 per month in our town as wages, besides what would be paid to laborers constructing the road.
In consideration of the above facts we believe that the statement can be truthfully made that all property values would increase at least 25 per cent within six months from the date that the building of them becomes as assured fact. For all of the above benefits the people who are asked to vote a tax for ten years, the total of which would amount to about 3 per cent of the present assessed valuation of property in town and parish. It seems impossible that a question of the people being blind enough to refuse the offer made, should for a moment be entertained.
We believe that when the question is voted on, it will be accepted by an overwhelming majority. Let this matter be carried through the railroad built, the factories erected and running, and Lafayette would double her population within five years, and the wealth of the entire parish would increase 100 per cent in the same length of time. The establishment of one industry would lead to another, until the sound of the whistle would be heard in different parts of our city calling the people to their daily work, and Lafayette would ere many years in Southwestern Louisiana.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
Now, Let's Work On It.
Now that we have something tangible to work on, something that holds but encouragement to those who have so long wished for the advancement of our town and parish a stimulant with which to incite the people to labor with a united and earnest effort for the future welfare and prosperity of our country, now that the dark clouds are rolling away and the bright sun of advancement is beginning to shine on our land, it behooves us to consider well the future actions, lest a mistake may cause the clouds again to gather and shut out the new light and spirit which is dawning on the view of our over-anxious watchers. In the words of the immortal Shakespeare, "there is a tide in the affair of men, which taken at the flood leads to success," and our people now have the chance of launching their bark, the New Era, on the flood tide and riding joyfully forward to the goal of success.
Let us consider well our actions and set upon plans formed by mature judgment. Two great and vital questions present themselves in considering the steps that must be taken to insure success, and these questions are: Upon what foundation shall we build? What shall be used as the corner stone upon which to build that new temple of prosperity? A fertile soil and perfect climate has been given us by the Divine Ruler - of these advantages we are certain - they are natural advantages but what it the most necessary artificial or human built requisite is what we must decide. It is a competing railroad ? No ! Is it a cotton factory ? No ! Is it the erection of a sugar refinery ? Again reason as well as experience answers, No ! Then what is it that we most need ? What will have the greatest influence with people inducing them to locate here and invest their capital ? We answer, feeling confident in the knowledge that experience will support us in our decision and assertion, that the one great thing needed, is better schools and greater interest in educational matters. Unless a move is made, and made at once, to complete our school building, and open therein a first-class graded school, we might as well drop the railroad question and give up all thought of advancement, for without better school facilities than we now possess, our efforts to induce new people and new capital to locate here will prove futile and of no avail. Let us, therefore, unite our efforts and work together with this end in view, and get our school opened. When this is accomplished, then, and not till then, we will be able to make any headway in advancing the material interests of our people.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
POLICE JURY.
Lafayette, La. Feb. 6, 1893.
Among other business....
The committee appointed to ascertain in regard to the establishment of a potter's field was granted further time to report.
The committee appointed to examine and report upon the advisability of accepting the donation of a public road between the properties Mrs. Frank Gardner and Chas. A. Mouton, submitted a report recommending the acceptance of the donation, and establishment of the proposed public road.
By motion of Mr. St. Julien, the Stock Law, together will all amendments thereto, was ordered posted throughout the parish, and the president authorized to carry out the objects of this enactment.
By motion Mr. Brown was appointed a committee to confer with a like committee from St. Landry parish, and authorized to contract for the construction of a bridge over Bayou Vermilion, at the public road leading to Opelousas.
The attention of the Police Jury being called to the waste of old and refuse bridge materials, in various parts of the parish, it was ordered that the road overseers for the different wards be and are hereby instructed to preserve all such material, and use the same in repairs upon the public roads.
A petition from the citizens of the 8th ward praying for the establishment of a public road, was read and action deferred.
The contract with Mr. Marquis for the keeping of Pin Hook bridge was extended one year at the same rates per month, to-wit: -- $10.00.
By motion duly made the Police Jury proceeding under act 92 of 18823, to provide for the organization of local Boards of Health for the various parishes of the State of Louisiana, resolved into a parish Board of Health as follows:
LAFAYETTE, LA., FEB. 6, 1893.
By virtue of the powers vested in the Police Juries of the various parishes of the State under act 92, of the session of the State legislature of the year 1882,
Be it enacted,
That the President and members of the Police Jury of the Parish of Lafayette do hereby constitute themselves a Board of Health under the following rules and regulations and the officers of the Police Jury are hereby elected to serve in their respective capacities on the Board of Health to-wit: W. B. Torian, President, and R. C. Greig, Secretary.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
1st the coroner and parish physician, Dr. A. Gladu, is hereby appointed health officer for the parish of Lafayette, and is hereby empowered and instructed to carry into effect all ordinances, rules and regulations now in force, or that may hereafter be adopted by this Board of Health.
2d. It shall be the duty of the health officer to inform himself thoroughly as to the introduction of any and all infectious or contagious diseases into the parish of Lafayette, as to the presence and progress of any such disease or diseases at all points infected, or where an epidemic of any kind is report as prevailing, or where individual cases have occurred or hereafter may occur, and he shall adopt such measures and precautions as the rules of the Board of Health may provide, and in case of an emergency to act for the moment as his judgment may determine.
3d. In case of the occurrence of any infectious or contagious disease or diseases, anywhere in the State, the health officer is required to adopt stringent measures of quarantine as may be deemed most effectual for preventing the introduction of any such disease from the affected locality or localities, and to this he shall at the proper time, with the advice and consent of the President of the Board of Health, establish quarantine guards to enforce the rules and regulations of this ordinance.
5th. It shall be the duty of the Health officer to carefully investigate all sources of danger to the public health, from collections of filth for other nuisances, and to adopt prompt and stringent measures for the abatement of such.
6th. In case of any danger from the introduction of any infectious or contagious or diseases or if any infected clothing or goods should threaten the public health in any Police Jury ward of this parish, them and in such cases the Police Juror representing such ward, is empowered to act promptly for the suppression or such danger, and it shall be his duty to report the facts to the Health officers without delay.
The President was authorized to confer with the Health officer and to establish if necessary a pest house for the isolation of any person or persons who may be afflicted with any infectious disease or diseases.
The President was also empowered to act in conjunction with the authorities of the town of Lafayette, against the introduction of small pox into the parish from any and all infected localities:
W. B. TORIAN, President.
R. C. GREIG, Secretary.
Complaints have been made to the Police Jury relative to the bad condition of the public roads under contract. It is hereby resolved that the road contractor, Mr. I. N. Satterfield, be and is hereby instructed to take prompt measures to remedy the matter.
Mr. Brown was appointed a committee to confer with the committee from St. Landry as to the construction of a bridge across Bayou Carencro at Boagni's place.
By motion duly made, the President of the Police Jury, Mr. W. B. Torian, was appointed as purchasing agent for the parish and authorized to purchase any all supplies required in the administration of the parish prison as well as such repairs as may be deemed necessary upon the court-house or Clerk's office.
A communication from Dr. F. J. Mayer on the subject of rice culture and the advisability of a proper exhibit of the cereal at the Chicago Exposition, was read and owing to the late hour, action thereon deferred.
The following was duly adopted :
Resolved, That the keeper of the parish jail be and is hereby instructed to keep an account with every prisoner of the blankets, etc., furnished, and if any prisoner shall fail to account for the same, then in that case the jailer is authorized and required to make affidavit against such prisoner for theft before his liberation.
A communication from Mr. W. B. Bailey, Clerk of Court, calling attention to the unsafe, condition of the archives of his office by reason of the loss of a large key by his predecessor in office, and also representing the necessity of a new seal for the Clerk's office, was read and on motion the President was empowered to take such steps as would be deemed essential.
TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS.
The general conformation of the country is level, except in the north-western portion, where it is somewhat hilly and contains one of the finest forests of pine and the hardwoods to be found in the United States. Here abound all the varieties of oak, cypress, beech, maple, poplar, gum, ash, sycamore, magnolia, etc. South of this and on the Gulf the land is prairie, except along its eastern limits, where it is swamp, and though of unsurpassed fertility and abounding with a vast expanse of magnificent timber, it is subject to overflow from the freshets of the Mississippi and Red rivers. This immense tract of prairie land is above overflow and stands generally on what is knopw geologically as the bluff formation. It is about 40 feet above the overflow waters of the Mississippi river, and offers the advantages of good and healthful homes to such as desire to cast their lots in this favored section of the State. This prairie region is not like some of the great prairies of Texas and the West, almost devoid of water and fuel. It is interspersed with streams of running water along whose banks timber enough is generally found to supply the wants of the inhabitant in improving his lands and affording him a constant supply of fuel for present and future consumption. The blending of prairie and woodland through this section furnishes the eye with a scarfe of serene and marvelous beauty, and, while the natural arrangements of the scenes presented here are not such as to inspire the mental conditions of sublimity, which one would experience on being thrown into contact with lofty mountains, deep canyons, rushing cataracts, frightful precipices or the vast expanse of ocean as it unfolds itself before our eyes and leads us to the recognition of that infinitude of power which awes the mind with its terrific grandeur, and reminds us that despite our great knowledge in the arts and sciences, we can with our finite faculties, take in but a moiety of the mysteries of creation, and render subject to our domination so small a share of the rude forces of nature as to impress us with the impotency of our strength. Yet there is another class of mental conditions which arise from the contemplation of natural objects. It is one that imparts serenity to the soul, and contentment to mind. It is the offspring of a sense of repose, or rest in nature, and produces a feeling correspondent to the absence of domestic troubles and prosperous family. It tends to smooth down the rugged spots in our nature and gives to our feelings that placidity and calmness which are inspired by our surroundings when nature is in state of repose, and the earth presents none of her rugged and scarred places, the cicatrices of ancient catastrophes to obtrude upon our vision or ruffle the smooth current of our sensibilities. Such are the impressions produced on the mind by the natural phenomena of our country as contrasted with the effects of the scenery of some other places. Ours is serene, beautiful and pleasing. Theirs is awful, sublime, grand and off-times terror-inspiring.
But there is another consideration which weighs heavily in favor of South-western Louisiana as a dwelling place, and that is the superior advantages of its soil and climate. Here one is not troubled by heat and cold, as in more northern and pent-in districts. The gentle breezes from our Mexican Gulf are not obstructed by the interposition of mountain ranges and immense and impenetrable forests, nor are the sun's rays reflected by the rocks on mountain sides and made convergent on the valley beneath, but healthful and invigorating breezes proceed directly up the plains, unopposed in their march inland, dispensing comfort and vigor to those who are so fortunate as to have cast their lot in this this favored clime. The thermometer here in winter has an average fluctuation of from 40 to 70 degrees, of course it is sometimes below 40; it even gets below the freezing point, but his is the case for only a few days during the winter, and the rest of this term may be said to be free of frost, and life is pleasant outdoors, in fair weather, all the winter through. In summer the mercury ranges from 80 to 96 degrees registering the latter temperature but seldom. Such chronicles of sunstroke and death as are being detailed by the papers published in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Louisville, St. Louis and other populous northern centers are things which never occur, even in New Orleans - that city which in the popular belief of the Northern people, is the abode of pestilence and disease. On account of the rapid evaporation of the Gulf of Mexico, the temperature of the atmosphere is lowered and driven inland by atmospheric currents, thereby relieving the heated term of the sultriness and oppressiveness peculiar to climates where the air is more rarefied than here, endurable and restful, and making it possible or persons to engage in outdoor labor without detriment to health, during the whole of the heated term.
The soil of this section in most instances is extremely fertile, and though varied in its general appearance, and character as to constitute elements, it produces good crops with results generally satisfactory to those engaged in its cultivation. In the alluvial lands are to be found several varieties of soil, the sandy loam, the clay loam, consisting of red, black or gray clay and the mixed soil of sand and clay loam. All of these soils are extremely fertile, but the pure clay is not adapted to the production of all kinds of crops. It is fine for rice, cotton, corn, cow peas, etc., but will not turn out the quantity of sugar yielded by the less tenacious soils.
We are not blessed here with as good a system of schools as is to be found in the Northern, Western and some of the Southern States, but we have good school laws and a spirit towards intellectual and moral awakening, and as new people flow in and the country becomes more thickly settled, and its resources, better developed we may look forward to marked progress in the way of education and the more general dissemination of knowledge.
Nearly all the Christian religious sects are represented among us, and in the town of Lafayette, the county site of Lafayette parish, the Roman Catholics, Methodists and Presbyterians have churches.
Politics.
Our State and local governments are generally Democratic, owing to the fact that a preponderance of the intelligent people here are of that political faith, but were it not for on'es political sentiment among the whites. political contests would be better defined and conducted on party issues, and no doubt, as the result of such a course, a better condition of government would exist. However, every one is free to act as he pleases in most instances and it makes no difference what ticket one votes, if he possesses the proper elements of manhood and character, he is respected and has extended to him the same social attention as if he were a member of the dominant party. So to all who desire to cast their lot among us we extend, regardless of creed or political faith, a hearty welcome. Come to Southwest Louisiana and help us build and develop the country, assist us in reclaiming the waste places, and investing your money where it pays to make investments.
CROPS, PROSPECTIVE AND WEATHER.
Though an improvement upon the weather of January, the weather of the past ten days was far from being steady. The thermometer varied and the wind has blown from all points of the compass. We hear that, notwithstanding the late copious rains, planters in certain quarters have commenced ploughing. Our almanac says its none to soon, - and this is the highest disinterested authority we have. As far as our observation goes, we back to the almanac, but we have heard planters (?) say, "what's the use of being in such a hurry ? the first of March is soon enough. Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 2/11/1893.
SOUTHWESTERN LA.
Her Soil, Climate and Natural Advantages.
From an exchange we copy the following description of Southwestern Louisiana.
EXTENT AND POPULATION.
The section of country lying south of the 31st parallel west of the Atchafalaya and east of the Sabine rivers may be said to constitute the territory which is called South-western Louisiana. it has a population of about 200,000 souls, and includes within its confines the whole of the parishes of Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and St. Mary and the southern portion of the parishes of Avoyelles, Rapides and Vernon.
TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS.
The general conformation of the country is level, except in the north-western portion, where it is somewhat hilly and contains one of the finest forests of pine and the hardwoods to be found in the United States. Here abound all the varieties of oak, cypress, beech, maple, poplar, gum, ash, sycamore, magnolia, etc. South of this and on the Gulf the land is prairie, except along its eastern limits, where it is swamp, and though of unsurpassed fertility and abounding with a vast expanse of magnificent timber, it is subject to overflow from the freshets of the Mississippi and Red rivers. This immense tract of prairie land is above overflow and stands generally on what is knopw geologically as the bluff formation. It is about 40 feet above the overflow waters of the Mississippi river, and offers the advantages of good and healthful homes to such as desire to cast their lots in this favored section of the State. This prairie region is not like some of the great prairies of Texas and the West, almost devoid of water and fuel. It is interspersed with streams of running water along whose banks timber enough is generally found to supply the wants of the inhabitant in improving his lands and affording him a constant supply of fuel for present and future consumption. The blending of prairie and woodland through this section furnishes the eye with a scarfe of serene and marvelous beauty, and, while the natural arrangements of the scenes presented here are not such as to inspire the mental conditions of sublimity, which one would experience on being thrown into contact with lofty mountains, deep canyons, rushing cataracts, frightful precipices or the vast expanse of ocean as it unfolds itself before our eyes and leads us to the recognition of that infinitude of power which awes the mind with its terrific grandeur, and reminds us that despite our great knowledge in the arts and sciences, we can with our finite faculties, take in but a moiety of the mysteries of creation, and render subject to our domination so small a share of the rude forces of nature as to impress us with the impotency of our strength. Yet there is another class of mental conditions which arise from the contemplation of natural objects. It is one that imparts serenity to the soul, and contentment to mind. It is the offspring of a sense of repose, or rest in nature, and produces a feeling correspondent to the absence of domestic troubles and prosperous family. It tends to smooth down the rugged spots in our nature and gives to our feelings that placidity and calmness which are inspired by our surroundings when nature is in state of repose, and the earth presents none of her rugged and scarred places, the cicatrices of ancient catastrophes to obtrude upon our vision or ruffle the smooth current of our sensibilities. Such are the impressions produced on the mind by the natural phenomena of our country as contrasted with the effects of the scenery of some other places. Ours is serene, beautiful and pleasing. Theirs is awful, sublime, grand and off-times terror-inspiring.
CLIMATE.
RAINFALL.
The average annual rainfall is about 60 inches in this section, and of quite even distribution, bestowing upon us immunity from the excessive droughts of Western Texas and portions of the arid districts of the northwest. It fall in showers during summer, and though we sometimes have protracted spells of showery weather, it hardly ever falls in such volumes as to inflict much injury, and in winter it seldom becomes to wet to prevent the prosecution, in some manner, of the ordinary labor demanded on the farm at that season of the year.
SOIL., ETC.
The soil in our prairies is in some places a black, sandy soil, and ranges in color from a black to a greyish soil, and is generally under-laid by a good clay subsoil which is very tenacious of manure, and for this reason is susceptible of wonderful improvement. Along the eastern belt of this prairie section the land is extremely fertile and produces in profusion all the vegetables and staple crops grown in this latitude. Further west the soil is not so fertile and the principal and most profitable crops grown is rice, but in the hands of the intelligent and systematic agriculturist, who would introduce and employ the improved methods of agriculture and pay some attention to supplying the wants of his land, it could be made extremely productive and would produce any of the crops grown by its naturally more favored and contiguous sections of the country. The land contains a good and tenacious clay subsoil, and a judicious use of the cow pea, the clover of the South, would soon enrich the soil, supplying it with the elements of plant food, and make it produce far beyond the expectations of its most sanguine inhabitants.
Our pine lands, covering the western and northwestern regions of this territory present about such an appearance as the pine forests of other sections of the South. They are generally well timbered and watered and possess a variety of hill-bottom or hammock lands. The upland or hill lands are not profitable for agriculture, but are good for grazing lands and the time will come when apart from the value of the timber they contain, they will be made remunerative to their owners, as furnishing ranges for vast flocks of sheep. The hammock or bottom lands of this section produce well, not only vegetables and the staple crops, but some day, when they become accessible to lines of transportation, which must in the future traverse this country, they must contribute to the world's supply an immense quoto of fruit of such varieties as the fig, peach, pear, quince, several varieties of the apple plums, strawberries and grapes, all which will do well here under intelligent management. The prices of these lands are to-day almost nominal, but we opine that it will not be far in the distant future when they will rival those of California as a grape producing district.
PRODUCTS.
The State field products are cotton, corn, rice, sugar cane, oats, and potatoes, both Irish and sweet, though other things might be profitably raised. Jute and ramie and barley and tobacco grow very well here, as well as such varieties of the domestic grasses as clover, red-top, millet alfalfa, lapadeza, or Japan clover, and no doubt in the future will be cultivated to a considerate extent, when the people of this country recognize more fully the necessity for diversified agriculture. All of the esculents grow here to perfection, and could be raised with profit, if enough people would engage in truck farming to justify the railroads in making special preparations, as is done on the Illinois Central railroad, for handling that species of traffic, and thereby enable them to offer a freight rate that would stimulate and encourage investment in this line of business.
Cotton, sugar-cane and rice are our most important money producing crops, but they are affected by several drawbacks, viz : The overproduction of cotton and the low prices consequent thereon ; an insufficiency of sugar refineries, and the uncertainty and difficulty of disposing of the crop at remunerative prices after the corn is raised, and the absence of rice mills in the territory where this cereal is produced. The subject though is now undergoing some agitation, and the prospects are that sugar refineries will be multiplied and placed in greater proximity to each other, thereby affording the cane raiser the benefits of a healthful competition for his produce, and presenting to him ample opportunities for its disposal. The spirit of resentment engendered in the rice producer and the local merchant against the action of the proposed recent rice trust will terminate in a healthy state of affairs locally, and eventually result in the erection, by home capital, of rice mills in the country, at several important points, which will relieve the rice grower from the manipulations and extortions of the city mill men.
It is a question with some as to which is the most profitable crop, rice or sugar-cane, but to one conversant with the cultivation and average yield of both, all doubt soon becomes dispelled and the general verdict is in favor of cane, where the proper facilities exist for its disposal. It is not an overestimate to assert that at least $60 will result to the cane grower as a net profit on his average production, while with rice neither his gross nor his average profit would be quite so large. The average yield of cane per acre is about 20 tons, while that of rice is about 12 barrels. Cane is worth $4 per ton f. o. b., and rice ranges in price from $2 to $4 per barrel, so we fairly estimate $3 as about the average price. Now basing our estimate on the above figures, which we consider about fair, it will readily be seen that the profit from cane-growing will exceed by one-third that which proceeds from rice growing. In the last six years the production of rice in Southwestern Louisiana has increased from 12,300 to an estimated crop of 700,000 barrels of 161 lbs. each in 1892, and the prospect now is that the crop of 1892 will near double that of 1891.
There are men in this section of the country who have engaged in the cultivation of rice and sugar within the last five years, who when they began had comparatively nothing and commenced their operations on the credit system, but who are now independent, having amassed a handsome competency, and who live here under their own vine and fig tree, a life of prosperous peace and contented ease. They have fought the wolf away from the door and established themselves on a solid basis.
SCHOOL AND CHURCHES.
Nearly all the Christian religious sects are represented among us, and in the town of Lafayette, the county site of Lafayette parish, the Roman Catholics, Methodists and Presbyterians have churches.
Politics.
Our State and local governments are generally Democratic, owing to the fact that a preponderance of the intelligent people here are of that political faith, but were it not for on'es political sentiment among the whites. political contests would be better defined and conducted on party issues, and no doubt, as the result of such a course, a better condition of government would exist. However, every one is free to act as he pleases in most instances and it makes no difference what ticket one votes, if he possesses the proper elements of manhood and character, he is respected and has extended to him the same social attention as if he were a member of the dominant party. So to all who desire to cast their lot among us we extend, regardless of creed or political faith, a hearty welcome. Come to Southwest Louisiana and help us build and develop the country, assist us in reclaiming the waste places, and investing your money where it pays to make investments.
CROPS, PROSPECTIVE AND WEATHER.
Though an improvement upon the weather of January, the weather of the past ten days was far from being steady. The thermometer varied and the wind has blown from all points of the compass. We hear that, notwithstanding the late copious rains, planters in certain quarters have commenced ploughing. Our almanac says its none to soon, - and this is the highest disinterested authority we have. As far as our observation goes, we back to the almanac, but we have heard planters (?) say, "what's the use of being in such a hurry ? the first of March is soon enough. Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 2/11/1893.
The people of Lafayette are waking up!
Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
Fresh Vaccine Virus at the Moss Pharmacy..
Laf. Adv. /11/1893.
The remains of the lamented Col. H. A. Kennedy were brought from New Orleans the 7th. inst. and interred in the Protestant cemetery here.
Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
Conductor Joe Carr, of the Morgan Road, was on a visit to the District Court, Monday, and Isaac had to get two chairs for him to sit in.
Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
The proceedings of the Police Jury have encroached on our reading columns this week, consequently the ADVERTISER is not quite up to the mark.
Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
The State and parish licenses are now due and payable at the Sheriff's office. If they are not paid by the 2nd of March, 2 per cent per month will be added for each month they remain unpaid.
The remodeling of the second story of the bank building has been complete, and now the K. of P. and B. of Ry. T. can boast of having one of the neatest and most comfortable lodge rooms in the state. Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
To-night the Lafayette Brass Band will give a complimentary ball. No invitations have been sent out, but each and every one is specially invited to attend. Let there be a good attendance, for all can feel certain that they will have a pleasant time. Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
The Police Jury last Monday appointed the President, Mr. W. B. Torian, a committee of one, and the City Council appointed Mayor William Campbell a similar committee to establish a pest house in case of an emergency. The move is a good one the community will appreciate it.
Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
There is some talk of a regular express agent being appointed for Lafayette. This is something that has long been needed, and if one is sent, it will be appreciated by our business men. As it is now, with only one train a day bringing express, our merchants are at a disadvantage, but if all trains carry express, as they will if we have a regular agent, matters will be greatly improved. Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893/
Tuesday night five carloads of Chinamen passed through on their way to New Orleans in bond. Several had heard of Lafayette's new boom and wanted to remain, but owing to the objections of Uncle Sam's representative, they were compelled to continue on their route. Their destination is Havana.
Laf. Adv. 2/11/1893.
On last Sunday evening a very pleasant party was given in Lacoste hall, by a number of our young people. It was one of the largest attended parties that has been given this year, and the dancing was kept up until a late hour. The music was furnished by the Lafayette string band, and although the full band was not present, they made delightful music. Everybody present had a most delightful time, and all agreed that it was a successful a party as had been given in a long time. Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1893.
Police Jury.
Jan. 7th, 1882.
Among other business....
On motion, the following was adopted :
Ordered, that the Sheriff be instructed, as keeper of the Parish Jail, not to permit the Town authorities hereafter to have the use of the jail but upon the distinct understanding and condition that the Town Council be responsible for all damages done by individuals incarcerated therein by the Constable, and under no circumstances is the Sheriff to permit the use of the blankets and other property therein belonging to the Parish to any other than Parish prisoners.
Ordered further, that the Sheriff is hereby instructed to demand of the Town Council payment for all damages to the jail, heretofore committed by prisoners incarcerated by the corporation authorities.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1882.
Valentine's Day.
Next Tuesday will be the 14th, -- a day which many no doubt regard as one of the most important of the year. Those blessed or afflicted, as the case may be, with the "tender passion" will have carte blanche to uncork their pent up feelings and under the patronage of St. Valentine, pour out ad libitum genuine streams of the unadulterated article which, perhaps, a native modesty would otherwise forever keep to itself. Messrs. Revillon and Nelson are provided each, with a select assortment of 'Valentines,' sentimental, comic and satirical, among are found designs that are really attractive, if not artistic, with appropriate verses attached, -- and we are sure many will be drawn either by cupid-ity, or cu-riosity at least, to call and see them.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1882.
Late Train. - The East bound Texas passenger train, due at 10 a. m., did not reach here on Wednesday until 6 p. m. The cause of the failure is said to have been the failure of connections at Houston brought on by "washouts" in the road beyond. Laf. Advertiser 2/11/1882.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 10, 1910:
CORNERSTONE LAID
Of First Baptist - Masonic Rites by Hope Lodge, Grand Master Thomas Officiating.
Yesterday afternoon at half past three the corner-stone of the new Baptist church was laid in the presence of a large audience with masonic ceremonies. Grand Master of the State L. E. Thomas officiated with the local lodge, Hope Lodge No. 145, and a number of brethren from nearby lodges.
In the corner stones, which is of marble, was placed a Bible, Baptist Chronicle, Home Field, Foreign Mission Journal, List of Contributors to the church lot and building, Roll of Membership of Hope Lodge 145 A. F. & A. M., Lafayette Advertiser, Lafayette Gazette, and Lafayette Democrat.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies which were beautiful and impressive, all assembled inside of the church. After two songs by the choir, Mr. O. B. Hopkins introduced Grand Master Thomas, who delivered a most entertaining lecture upon what Masonry stood for. He explained the high purpose and teaching of the order, while showing some of the things it was not, but erroneously believed by some people. He gave reasons for the secrecy practiced by the order and told of its ancient origin and the great truths the order taught. From beginning to finish Mr. Thomas made his subject very interesting.
At the close of his talk Mr. E. W. Jones sang a solo, and after Mr. Hopkins had expressed thanks to the audience for their presence. Worthy Grand Chaplain Dr. J. D. Trahan read the benediction.
A night a fine banquet was given by Hope Lodge at the Gordon Hotel in honor of the Grand Lodge officers and visiting brethren present. Lafayette Advertiser 2/10/1910.
Lagniappe:
The Country is Infested with Tramps.
Men whose sole occupation in life is to occupy the borderline between the alms-house and the county jail, are found swarming in all the roads that lead to the great cities and larger towns of the country. They work little and steal much; they are dirty, ragged, foul in language and in person; too lazy too work for a meal if the chance to steal one is apparent. Too cowardly to move or act alone, they move in gangs, assaulting or robbing the weak, or the aged, or the unprotected. Drunken, criminal, lawless, they have become the terror and annoyance of all. To remove or to lessen the evil has become the problem which law makers are striving to solve; but so far all efforts in that line have been fruitless.
Whence they came? What causes produce such social monstrosities? What beginnings lead to such terrible endings?
A prominent manufacturer has said that the (unreadable words) laborer in Massachusetts (unreadable words) out by the Irish, (unreadable words) Canadian, the (unreadable words) the Italian by the (unreadable words) Polander. Thus was formed (unreadable words) ascending scale at the beginning of which stood an American at the end an ignorant, lawless type of humanity. Our curiosity tempts us to ask if there is any lower type to present themselves for the honor of being the tail end of such a progression ; but we leave that to the imagination of our readers. Our business is with the causes.
The lower forms of civilization, having less brains and less needs, work for smaller wages than those whose methods of though or training, or modes of living demand a greater compensation. It follows then that the higher form will refuse work offered at a less rate than that to which he has been accustomed - a rate which seems too low to satisfy the demands of a living. Measured by the experience of past years - what is there for him to do? Put yourself in his place. Conceive yourself as working at ordinary laboring work, meet with the wages thereof the ordinary demands of living, food, shelter, raiment, and then find that a newcomer, foreign to you in everything, birth, language, customs, civilities, offers to do work at a reduced rate, what would you do? Labor on by one by one side of these wretches, at their wages ; come in contact with them ; learning of them only their vices. What would you do? Look out for other avenues of labor. Alas your hands are not skilled. The ways wardness of misfortune of youth have left you stranded, almost a useless wreck, and you must work on in the old way or starve. No family to hold you to duty ; no prospects ahead to allure, only a dull round of un requited labor. What would you do? You will work with inferior men, at inferior wages ; you cannot find work in any other channel, and so abandoning home and all its associations you start along the roads looking for a little labor, possibly finding it at times, and if the alternative presents itself to beg or starve. So then, working little, begging much, never starving, drifting from place to place, alternating between the winter poor house and the summer roadside ; the spirit of the man constantly weakening, homeless, house-less, the tramp stands before you, a notable evolved by the conditions of life and living produced by the competition between American and pauper labor.
Examine the nationalities of these men and you will find that they are mainly of American birth, or men of the English class ; they are from the higher types ; they are never from the lower class of the European labor. We know to well, that some of these men are drunkards of the vilest type, who have neither air nor hope in life but the gratification of a depraved appetite. Such men, however, would exist under any circumstance, they come as much from the ranks of skilled labor as from the ranks of unskilled. The great majority of them you will find, if you take the trouble to examine, are from our own people, offering evidence, clear and indisputable, that when we open our doors to these outcasts to come in will make outcasts of our own. (Unreadable words) take crumbs that falls from (unreadable word) the children's table and feed it to the dogs.
If, in the future, from the (unreadable word) taken notions or ignorance (unreadable word) relations between capital (unreadable word) there should be an arm...(unreadable word) tramp stand? With you I (unreadable word) you with the (unreadable) at his back.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/11/1899.
lagniappe#2
How to Rid Hogs of Lice.
These troublesome parasites may be destroyed by the use of the kerosene emulsions applied freely to the animal and brushed well into the skin with a stiff brush. This emulsion is thus made: A pint of kerosene oil is added to a hot solution of common or soft soap, in, hot water, in the proportion of half a pound of the soap to a pint of water. This mixture is kept for use in a bottle. For use take one part of it and dilute with three of water, cold or warm. This may be applied to any animal without any ill results, and is a specific for lice and other skin vermin. Pure kerosene must not be applied to skin, as it will cause blisters.
Original source unknown. In the Lafayette Advertiser 5/12/1893.
No comments:
Post a Comment