HON. HENRY WATTERSON
Speaks to the People of Lafayette on "Money and Morals."
Last Saturday evening one of the most intelligent and appreciative audiences ever assembled in Lafayette listened to the most distinguished statesman that has visited our town deliver a lecture, expressed in the purest language and the most beautiful sentences. Mr. Watterson spoke for nearly an hour and a half and the most respectful attention was given the lecturer during the whole course of his talk. Mr. Watterson was introduced by Chas. D. Caffery, who said that an introduction on his part was hardly necessary as Col. Watterson had been so intimately connected with the public questions of the past quarter of a century, still it gave him pleasure to welcome him among our people. Mr. Caffery's short address was graceful and appropriate and was a pleasant salutatory to the evening's entertainment. We could hardly do justice to Col. Watterson in any report, though we would reproduce his lecture verbatim, as his personal magnetism and his wonderful fluency of language added greatly to the charm which he has over his audience.
He asked - who had not thought of the good he would do if he had plenty of money, how he would minister to the wants of his friends and to the needs of the poor. Money was relative. The man who had ten millions of dollars cut a very poor figure by the side of the man who had a hundred millions, while the poor beggar who only a measly million was regarded by these as a kind of pauper. There were men living in the great money centres who contrived to eke out a scanty livelihood of fifty thousand a year. These men could not imagine how any man could get along with less than twenty-five thousand a year. Money was not only relative; it was full of illusions and delusions.
Money was the great material affair of life. It was the pivot about which all other affairs revolved. It was the one thing universally used and abused. All men affected to hold it lightly, but secretly worshiped it. He was sometimes disposed to thank God that to him it had been at all times an instrument and not an end, and that with debts paid, he would well be himself as a gold mine for any further good that money could do him. He never knew what it was to be thoroughly unhappy until he had a good income with a number of wants. It was a good thing to have plenty of money and honestly obtained, and it was a still better thing if that money be honestly applied. There must have been many a rich man gone to heaven, men who had served God and loved their fellow men and given freely of their store to the poor. He did not think that money was a positive bar to salvation, and that it was sin to try to obtain it. It did harm in more cases than it did good. How few the instances where the possession of money had enlarged the mind and amplified the soul. It was his belief that the world had been much misled by some of its accepted maxims.
There was no maxim that appeared in so many languages and put itself in such a variety of phases as that which urges us to persevere in all things. Perseverance would divert any man from the uses for which he was born. Perseverance might be misdirected and so become vicious. Labor might be misapplied, and so be wasted. Even where success was attained, somehow it failed to bring what was expected of it. His argument was that people were constantly fixing their hearts and hopes upon the possession of some of the tangible things of life, such as office, money, an establishment or a wife. and thinking that success therein meant success in life, and failure therein failure in life.
Success in life was happiness, and the successful man was the man who believed his own wife the best woman in the world and the cottage that he called his home the sweetest place on earth. Men in their places were the men who stood. Essential as the material things of life were under right conditions to happiness and comfort, they did not always attain the desired end. Happiness was a grace of the heart and the mind. He did not believe that every man who had been short in his accounts was necessarily a scoundrel. He did not believe that every refugee need to be a thief at heart. On the contrary, he believed if the truth could be got at it would be found in many cases that there was an honest effort to repair the harm done. It always seemed to him that the worst were those men boomed as pillar of the church and masqueraded as the acme of perfection. Hypocrisy was the homage vice paid to virtue. It was also the mask behind which pretended virtue attempted to palm off her fancied jewels. Every country has its virtues and its vices, its crown of glory and its crown of thorns. Find out a nation's sins and you find out a nation's danger. The real danger sprang directly from the relation of money to the moral nature of the people.
Americans had no great aristocratic titles, and the money standard naturally became the simplest and readiest of all standards. How ready we were to overlook the sins of the rich, to forget how they got their money. What a struggle it was in all the great centres to obtain money. Humble poverty seemed to have become one of the lost arts. The genius of the nation was not engaged in honest works, but in money-making. We could not carry any money away with us when we went hence. There was often more happiness to be had over the coining of one kind thought than could be extracted out a million of money. It was true that that people who were relatively and collectively the poorest in Europe were the happiest in the world. He meant the people of Switzerland. Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
B. M. A.'S
Meet at Falk's Hall and Discuss Matters of Interest.
An important and well-attended meeting at the Lafayette Business Men's Association was held at Falk's Hall Monday evening. About three scores of hour substantial citizens, business and professional men and artisans, were present and took a lively interest in all that which was proposed. The chair was occupied by Mr. O. C. Mouton, the president of the organization and Mr. Jno. I. Bell was at the secretary's desk. In a neat and short address, the chairman explained the objects of the meeting. He said the purpose of the call was to reorganize and to elect a new set of officers. He wanted to see new blood infused into the organization by admitting new members and changing the personnel of the officers. After this would be accomplished, then it would be accomplished, then it would be time to propose active work towards initiating improvements in the town and parish. He, therefore, extended his resignation as president of the B. M. A. The members of the association present, in a few complimentary remarks to the efficiency and public-spiritedness of the president during his incumbency in office, refused to accept his resignation and he and Mr. Bell were unanimously re-elected by acclamation.
At the invitation of the association about twenty-five new members were enrolled by the secretary.
The first matter brought before the meeting was the proposed organization of at least three fire companies, that being an immediate want of absolute necessity. The chair appointed the following committee on this subject: Judge C. Debaillon, Wm. Campbell, Crow Girard, S. R. Parkerson and Orther C. Mouton. These gentlemen met at the bank Tuesday evening and appointed canvassers to solicit membership among our citizens. Mr. J. T. Allingham announced to the meeting that a fire company had already been organized, and that an application for the necessary appliances had been made to the council to no avail. Dr. Hopkins, in behalf of the council, said at that time they were not in a position to grant the request, but that a few hours before the city fathers had contracted for a thousand feet of hose, besides the other necessary appurtenances. The whole matter was left in the hands of the committee appointed by the chair to take charge of it.
The question of establishing a cotton compress was then agitated. It was declared that gentlemen interested in putting up such an improvement had recognized Lafayette as the most available town in the section of the State. Judge DeBaillon, Dr. Hopkins, Messrs. Ed. Voorhies, J. J. Mouton and Wm. Campbell were appointed by the chair to take this matter in hand. From remarks made by a few of our citizens to whom this question was referred, we conclude that in the near future we will have in our midst that needed institution.
A want, a little less pressing and immediate, but nonetheless important, that of railroads, was brought before the meeting. Several projected roads from points in North Louisiana to the Gulf were explained, at which time Mr. Crow Girard took the opportunity to admonish our people for their lack of interest in this matter in the past to the benefit of some of our neighboring towns. Messrs. Wm. Campbell, T. M. Biossat, Crow Girard, B. A. Salles and Orther C. Mouton were appointed a committee on railroads.
A plan to establish a city market in a central location was then discussed. The appealed strongly to some of our local epicureans and it is safe to say that if any of the proposed improvements are realized, this one will be the first. Dr. Moss and Messrs. H. A. Van der Cruyssen and J. T. Allingham will see the cith market proposition carried through.
Meetings of the B. M. A. will be held the second Monday of every month, at Falk's Hall, Mr. Falk having given the use of it for free for this purpose.
The meeting was a success in all particulars. Those who attended were business men and who had gone there on business, and the several committees will immediately go the work and "boom" the town in their particular respects. The Gazette was glad to see the general interest taken all during the meeting and gives its unqualified endorsement to the good work of the Business Men's Association, which has already accomplished good and with the help of all, will again do so for our town and people. Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
The Lafayette Sugar Factory.
The Gazette is informed that Messrs. S. Gumble & Co., proprietors of the Lafayette Sugar Factory, intend making extensive repairs to their mill which will enable them to handle a much larger quantity of cane next season. This factory has already been of incalculable good to this community and our people will be pleased to learn that its grinding capacity will be largely increased. It is owned by Messrs. S. Gumble & Co., known throughout the South for their superior business qualities. The cane growers of this neighborhood should remember that the Lafayette Sugar Factory is a home enterprise and is deserving of their support. The proprietors of the mill are offering, through their representative, Mr. A. B. Denbo, the highest prices for cane. They are now ready to sign contracts with cane growers and those who wish to sell their crop to them may do so at any time. The success of the Gumble factory is one of the utmost importance to the cane planters of this section. A reliable home market for the produce of the soil is always to be desired, and we are repeat, that all things being equal, it is undoubtedly to the interest of our farmers to sell their cane to a local mill. Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
A RAILROAD COMMISSION.
Opelousas Courier.
We think Louisiana ought to have a railroad commission. A large number of the States of the Union have one, and wherever they have been given a trial the results have been satisfactory. As the Constitutional Convention meets this month, and the Legislature in May, we think it is a good time to explain to our readers what a railroad commission is, and we therefore take the following extract from the A. & E. Encyclopedia of Law, volume 19, which clearly presents the matter:
"State legislatures have authority to establish reasonable regulations for the control of railway corporations. To enable them to exercise such authority prudently and intelligently, boards of railroad commissioners frequently are created, charged with the general duty of preventing the exacting of unreasonable or discriminating rates upon transportation within the State, and for the enforcement of reasonable police regulations for the comfort, convenience and safety of travelers and persons doing business with the companies. These boards are required, usually, to make annual reports to the legislature of their doings, including such statements, facts and inspections as will disclose the actual workings of the system of railroad transportation in its bearing upon the business prosperity of the State, and such suggestions as to the general railroad policy, the amendment of the laws, and the condition, affairs, or conduct of any railroad corporations as may seem appropriate, and to recommend and draft for the Legislature such bills as, in their judgement, will protect the interests of the public. The authority to create these boards is founded on the principle that railroad corporations enjoy privileges and franchises created and exercised in order that the public may not fail to receive it. Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
Begun Wiring. - Chas. F. Melchert, an electrician from New Orleans, arrived here Tuesday and began the wiring of houses the next day. This work will be completed in a couple of weeks when the electric light plant will be given a trial. Supervising Engineer L. Zeel informed The Gazette that an effort will be made to operate the plant on Mardi Gras night. Laf. Gaz. 2/12/1898.
POLICE JURY.
Among other business....
By motion of Mr. Avant the jury of freeholders composed of David Spell and others was discharged and the following jury of freeholders appointed to trace and lay out a public road from lands belonging to David Spell and Jonas Weild to Bayou Queal Tortue to meet the public road traced in Acadia parish: Silas Hoffpauir, Ellis Hoffpauir, Jules Bavoni, Oneal East, Claiborn Avant Joachim Leger. The said road according to law.
Messrs. Ben Avant, Jno. Whittington, Jr, and Antoine Broussard were appointed to repair the Simeon Cormier bridge.
Messrs. Chas. D. Caffery, W. B. Torian and Alfred Hebert were appointed to investigate the drainage North of the corporation of Lafayette.
Messrs. C. Debaillon and E. G. Voorhies were appointed to confer with the City City Council and arrange for securing electric lights for the court room.
Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
Bottling Works. - Mr. Ed Lehman informs The Gazette that his bottling works will be in practical operation in about two weeks, and will be ready to fill all orders for pop and seltzer. This is another much needed improvement in our midst. The factory will be located near Leon Plonsky's store. Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
Electrician Arrived. - Chas. F. Melchert, an electrician from New Orleans, arrived here Tuesday and began the wiring of houses the next day. This work will be completed in a couple of weeks when the electric light plant will be given a trial. Supervising engineer L. Zell informed The Gazette that an effort will be made to operate the plant on Mardi Gras night.
Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 2/12/1898.
Another gun club has been organized and will soon be ready to meet all competitors. Laf . Adv. 2/12/1898.
There will be a meeting at Falk's Opera-house to-night. All interested in the organization of fire companies are requested to be present.
Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Geo. Doucet, of the firm of Trahan & Doucet, has purchased the share of his partner and is now sole proprietor of the drug store, which will continue to do business at the same stand. The notice of dissolution of partnership appears in another column. Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
Dr. F. E. Girard is having a neat and commodious office built near Clegg's Drug Store. Laf. Gaz. 2/12/1898.
Mr. Ed Lehman informs The Gazette that his bottling works will be in practical operation in about two weeks, and will be ready to fill all orders for pop and seltzer. This is another much needed improvement in our midst. The factory will be located near Mr. Leon Plonsky's store.
Laf. Gaz. 2/12/1898.
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From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 12th, 1898:
As We See It.
It has occurred to us that while we have been claiming needed innovations and practical benefits for our City, at the hands of our City Council, that after mature deliberation upon what we have urged we came to think think that the principal element to carry them into execution is an outlay of money; - we think that our city treasury is kept empty by an expense which being borne wrongly by our municipality, keeps a constant drain upon our municipal funds; and while money thus employed is a necessity in a certain point of view still our city funds could be employed in a way that would benefit more of our people. We refer to our plank side-walks. We offer the suggestion that the construction and repair of our plank sidewalks ought not to be a burden on the whole taxpaying community. It may be that our city fathers have their hands filled keeping in repair what we have now. Without entering more deeply into an argument of the favored few against the masses, we are nevertheless constrained to say that in streets where our people reside they have not that convenience, and yet, they pay, we suppose, their taxes just like others do.
What then would be the proper remedy to relieve our City Treasury of this constant drain and at the same time satisfy all of our people. To our mind there is but one solution of this question, - let the landlords build the side walks wherever they have their houses bearing all the expenses as it is done in many other towns. Now this may be called, by some, a radical suggestion but let us see if it is or it it would be rather a benefit to them. Their houses would rent more readily, and the expense would be very slight, - then our municipality relieved of this care could employ their funds in a manner that would be beneficial to our people at large. We may add, without fear of being contradicted, that hundreds of dollars, yes, thousands of dollars have been spent by the City in constructing what we have now and that a great deal of money is disbursed every year for the repairing. This is a question that we can well afford to study, and therefore we submit it to all parties interested.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898:
BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION MEETING:
A large number of business and citizens of Lafayette representing all the leading business houses and avocations of our city met last Monday night at 8 o'clock (sharp time) at Falk's Opera House to discuss the possibilities of advancing our city in the march of progress and by the amount of business transacted, the assemblage was real, earnest one, having a heart above everything else the welfare and prosperity of Lafayette. The meeting was called to order by the president Chas. O. Mouton, who stated that they had assembled to reorganize the Business Men's Association of Lafayette, elect new officers, infuse new life into the organization and go to work as there was a great deal to do. Remarks were made that the organization was satisfied with its managing officers and that the greatest need was to infuse new life and new vigor by the accession of new members. Quite a number of them were received. The president stated that he did not stand for re-election but nevertheless he was re-elected unanimously, as was also Mr. Jno. I. Bell, for Secretary.
The first subject discussed was about the organization of fire companies. After good many speeches all in favor of such organization, the following committee was appointed by the president, Messrs. Judge Debaillon, Campbell, Crow Girard, S. R. Parkerson and O. J. Mouton. Said committee to attend to the organization of a fire department and report the result of their labors to a subsequent meeting of the business men association to be called by the president. Then the president made a statement that a gentleman representing a Cotton Compress Co. had interviewed him as well as several other business men, upon locating a compress in Lafayette, being favorably impressed as the best locality for the erection of such a plant in Lafayette. A committee of 5 was appointed to act as a "Cotton Compress Committee" to receive communications from this company and learn what kind and amount of help they were in need of. Dr. Hopkins, E. G. Voorhies, O. C. Mouton, Judge Debaillon and Crow Girard with the president as Chairman ex-officio.
Mr. Crow Girard, declining to serve, by reason of business pressure, Mr. Campbell was substituted in his place. The next subject was brought to the attention of the meeting was an article contained in the Times Democrat of New Orleans, of Sunday, Feb., 6, speaking about the projecting of two new Rail Roads. There seems to be two line of R. R. to be constructed in the near future and Lafayette is spoken as either the central point, the terminus or important station on the way of these railroads. Such being the facts brought to the attention of the meeting, a motion was made to appoint a committee on R. R. to look after the interests of Lafayette - the following committee of 5 with the president as chairman ex-officio was appointed to look after these R. R.'s and see what could be done to induce them to come to Lafayette. Wm. Campbell, T. M. Biossat, Crow Girard, B. A. Salles and O. C. Mouton. Last but not least the following resolution was adopted unanimously by the meeting.
Resolved: That it is the sense of the Business Men's Association of Lafayette that the city ought to have a public market where all vegetables, meats, and fishes be sold for the consumption of its inhabitants and that a committee of 3 be appointed with the president as chairman, ex-officio to present said resolution to the City Council and urge upon them the erection of a public market as soon as possible.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
A harmonious session it was, everyone pulled the same way, no one balked, and therefore we are justified in saying that we are looking forward to an era of prosperity for the town and parish of Lafayette.
Let us all pull together and something will be obliged to move.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898.
Prison Escape. - Honore Joe, the negro who escaped from the prison at St. Martinsville passed through Lafayette, last Tuesday in charge of Sheriff Rees, who gave us the following information: It seems that Joe resisted the officer who arrested him in Texas, and he pulled a knife, but the latter got entangled in his pocket before he had a chance to use it. Sheriff Rees says that Joe's wife was in the custom of coming to see her husband every two or three days and that the turnkey had no mistrust whatsoever. When Joe came out of the cell disguised in his wife's clothes, he way crying (imitating his wife) with a pocket handkerchief to his eyes which hid his face (a smart trick) and the turnkey though that it was the wife who vented to her feelings.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898.
Serious Runaway. - A serious runaway occurred last Wednesday morning at the freight depot of the Southern Pacific. Mr. Wm. Beadle, came to town with his two horse wagons to make a shipment of sweet potatoes to New Orleans and take some freight back and while engaged in getting a truck of freight train came by which started his team to run in the direction of Mr. Rosenfield's store where Mr. Siadoux, a drayman, was unloading some freight from his two horse wagon. Mr. Beadle's wagon and team collided with the dray wagon and the shock was so violent that one of the horses of the drayman was knocked down and the tongue of his wagon broke to splinters. Mr. Beadle's team and wagon were uninjured, while of Mr. Siadoux's horses was so badly hurt that he limped. Mr. Beadle took the broken wagon to the shop of Mr. Miller to have it repaired at his own expense and gave one of his horses to Mr. Siadoux until his would be in a working condition. It is a wonder that he casualties were so small.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898.
At Work. - They have also made an estimate of all things needed to supply two hose companies and a hook and ladder company.
Let the good work go on. Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898.
Our Brands. - We hope that the other parishes that are interested will act promptly as did our own in appropriating their part of the expenses.
This is an important work and ought to be done ere is too late.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898.
Police Jury Notes:
The Police Jury met this day in regular session with the following members present:R. C. Landry, Ben Avant, M. Billeaud, Jr., J. E. Primeaux, Alonzo Lacy, and Alfred Hebert.
Absent: C. C. Brown and Jno. Whittington, Jr.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.By motion Mr. Hebert was authorized to sell all old iron about the jail for $10.00.
A half year peddler's license was granted unto Jos. Ledoux by reason of physical disability.
The sum of $28.80 was reimbursed for cattle sold. The contract for keeping Pin Hook bridge was let to S. Bernard for the sum of $39.00 per annum, under same conditions as previous contract.
The jury by personal inspection found the record book of brands in so dilapidated condition that on motion it was resolved: That Mr. D. A. Cochrane is hereby authorized to transcribe the said record on condition that other parishes interested defray proportionate shares of the expense.
The sum of $50 was appropriated on the part of Lafayette parish and the following committee appointed to supervise the work of transcription: Judge C. Debaillon, Clerk E. G. Voorhies, and President, R. C. Landry.
By motion of Mr. Avant the Jury of freeholders composed of David Spell and others was discharged and the following jury of freeholders appointed to trace and lay out a public road from, lands belonging to David Spell and Jonas Weild to Bayou Queue Tortue to meet the public road traced to meet the public road traced in Acadia parish; Silas Hoffpauir, Ellis Hoffpauir, Jules Bavoni, Oneal East, Claiborne Avant, Joachim Leger. The said jury to assess all damages and trace said road according to law.
The sum of $12.50 each was granted to the following indigents: Mrs. Sarazin Mathieu, Mrs. O. Duhon, Emerenthe Bonin and Celeste Boudreaux. Messrs.
Ben. Avant, Jno. Whittington, Jr., and Antoine Broussard were appointed to the repair of Louis Whittington's bridge. Messrs. A. D. Landry, Jno. Whittington, Jr., and Antoine Broussard were appointed to repair the Simeon Cormier bridge.
Messrs. Chas. D. Caffery, W. B. Torian and Alfred Hebert were appointed to investigate ther drainage north of the corporation of Lafayette.
Messrs. C. Debaillon and E. G. Voorhies were appointed to confer with the city council and arrange for securing electric lights for court room.
The following accounts were rejected:Geo. DeBlanc, coal for sheriff's office $1.40.
J. R. Davis, Quarantine guards $1.00.
The following account was laid over:Clerk and Courts books, clerk's office $45.00
The following accounts were approved:A. Broussard, building bridges $50.00.
O. H. Breaux $50.00.
I. A. Broussard, feeding prisoners $132.30.
S. Greig, notary fees $10.00.
Estorge & Billeaud, lumber etc., $49.09.
David Spell, plow and grader $9.75.
A. R. Trahan, Parish physician $11.50.
Geo. DeBlanc, coal $6.50.
Wallet & Co., certificate book $6.00.
Mrs. J. J. Revillon, nails $6.45.
Ben. Avant, 1 plow and nails $12.20.
G. Schmulen, for clerk's office.
Wm. Graser, repairs stove $3.90.
Thompson Hoffpauir, repairs & road grader $4.50.
Silas Hoffpauir, plow $10.00.
P. A. Delhomme, returning officer $12.50.
A. Comeaux, returning officer $25.00.
A. M. Martin, returning officer $25.00.
A. M. Martin, making poll books $15.00.
Edw. Pellerin, com. of election, $3.00.
The following names, commissioners of election paid $3.00 each: L. Brousard, J. E. Primeaux, F. Trahan, A. Olivier, Ed. St. Julien, Alcin Comeaux, Alcide LeBlanc, Alf. Chargois, J. C. Martin, Jos. Ducote, J. A. Labbe, Eloi Bonin, Ovey Comeaux and Robert Broussard.
Ben. Avant, 3 oxen, hauling etc., $105.00.
A. Broussard, drainage 8th ward, $15.00.
H. Sonnier, drainage 1st ward $11.50.
Severin Bonin, drainage 7th ward $12.00.
There being no further business the Police Jury adjourned.
R. C. GREIG, Secretary.
R. C. LANDRY, President.Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898:
Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 2/12/1898.
Where do you live? Let us have the news.
Mr. L. G. Stelly, of Carencro, was in our city last Saturday.
Judge J. Mouton went to New Orleans during the week.
Mr. Moise Dupuis will have very soon a delivery wagon.
Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Q. Where is out market? A. It is on the way for certain.
Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Miss Philomene Judice, of our city, is gone on a visit to Royville.
Mr. V. E. Dupuis, of Carencro, was in our city, last Monday.
Dr. L. Fourgeaud, of Breaux Bridge, was in town last Thursday.
Mr. J. Caillouet returned from Lockport where he spent a few days.
Dr. B. M. Cushman, of Milton, was attending the "lecture" last Saturday night.
The My Hit Cigars is all hand made and imported tobacco, at Robert Richard. Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Mr. Charles Voorhies, of New Iberia, was a visitor in Lafayette, last Tuesday.
If you want to make a lucky Hit, smoke the Hit Cigars at Robert Richard's.
Remember the great ball of Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at Falk's Opera House. Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Mr. T. M. Biossat is the Crescent City as busy as he can be and hustling as he always does.
Some beautiful, fragrant flowers were sent by Dr. F. E. Girard for the adornment of the rooms of the Century Club.
Henry and Pierre Gerac were in the Crescent City during the week attending the reception of Archbishop Chapelle.
On the 7th. instant Mr. George Doucet bought out the interest of Mr. J. E. Trahan in the Trahan and Doucet drug business.
Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Mrs. Jules Rousseau, of Biloxi, Miss., sister of Judge C. Debaillon, left Tuesday for her home after a few days passed in our city.
Rev. Father Forge, of Lafayette, went to New Orleans to welcome the new Archbishop, having been appointed on the reception committee.
Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Many prominent physicians recommend the My Hit 5cts. Cigars as unexcelled. They do not make you nervous. At Robert Richard's.
Miss Marie Renoudet, one of New Iberia's most charming young ladies,is the guest of Miss Maud Boas for a few days.
Miss Lilly Breaux and Mr. Hebert Trahan were married at the residence of the bride's parents last Thursday afternoon at 6 o'clock by Rev. Father Baulard.
Homer Mouton, editor of the Gazette is back at his post after a prolonged absence of some weeks at St. Martinville where the typhoid fever had a claim upon him. Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
F. F. Carter has a fine lot of frames - 8 x 10, 10 x 12, and 14 x 17. Crayon enlargements made from any old tin or photos from $1.00. Photographs cheaper and better than ever.
Our merchants will have "advertising floats" on Mardi gras day.
Laf. Adv. 2/12/1898.
Mr. A. L. Dyer, of Youngsville, left last Monday for the Crescent City where he took his son Lee to the University school.
We are glad to see the starting of the "ditch cleaning."
Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 12th, 1909:
SCOTT MAKING IMPROVEMENTS
Streets Well Kept and Well Drained and a Lighting System Now Under Consideration.
Over Mile and a Half of Plank Walks.
Attractive Homes, Churches and Schools - Gin and Syrup Mill - Officers - Fine Farming Country Around.
The town of Scott, situated just five miles west of Lafayette on the Southern Pacific main line, is the center of trade and population of a most beautiful and productive agricultural district, and is already making progress in many improvements that mark municipal life and development. Incorporated barely more than two years, the town today presents a neat and cheerful appearance, the streets being regular, wide, well graded, and maintained in first class style. An effective system of drainage has been established and while the country is level, no water is allowed to remain within the city limits. The authorities are just now negotiating for the installation of an acetylene or gasoline lighting system and have been conducting a series of experiments to test the efficiency of the two lights. In a short time it is hoped a decision may be reached and Scott enjoy the luxury of street and house illumination. The Board of Aldermen have just completed over a mile and half of plank walks on the principal streets through Contractor Luke LeBlanc. This is an improvement long needed and will add greatly to the comfort and convenience of the business men and people generally.
The residences are all neat and cosy looking, the general appearance being (unreadable word) enhanced by the free use of paint. While several homes are on a more pretentious order, the majority are of a cottage type, giving evidence of the industry and growth of people who own their own homes. Flower gardens and parterres attract attention on every hand and indicate the aesthetic taste and refinement of the gentler sex in the art of ornamentation. The beautiful home of Mr. L. L. Judice, who is probably the leading merchant of the place, is admired for its handsome residence and the magnificent grove of live oak and other shade trees on spacious grounds. Dr. L. J. Breaux has recently built a beautiful home on the outskirts and is rapidly improving his property in many ways. The presbytery and Catholic church are noteworthy institutions and add much to the town materially and otherwise. Mrs. J. B. Peres is building a neat front fence to her fine property. The public school building, a large and commodious two-story structure, presents a most pleasing sight near the center of town. The ample grounds have been enclosed with a neat fence and so soon as the oaks and shrubbery shall make proper growth, the school will have one of the most beautiful properties to be found anywhere. The people of Scott should indeed be proud of their fine school property, acquired largely through the enterprise and liberality of the citizens, chief among whom was the late lamented Alcide Judice. Prof. W. O. Dean, of Grant parish, is the principal, assisted by Misses Loolahbel Williams and Quintilla Morgan. The enrollment is 100. An inspection of the school showed four large comfortably furnished rooms, with all appurtenances betokening an orderly and well kept school. The teachers are cultivating a love of the beautiful as well as the minds and hearts of the children by adornment of the rooms with pictures, plants and flowers.
The parochial school, under Father Detchemendy, and taught by Mrs. Wright, has an enrollment of about 50 pupils. This school is situated near the church and has only recently been opened, but it is gradually winning its way into public favor. Mrs. Wright is a former public school teacher and with the assistance of Father Detchemendy will no doubt make a success of the institution.
The Dugas ginnery is an important business, and under the direction of Messrs. J. B. Dugas and Aurelien Patin, is doing well. Near by is Farmers' Warehouse, for storing cotton from all parts of the parish. Scott also boasts of a nice little steam syrup mill, owned and operated by Mr. Pierre Guchereau. The mill capacity of 10 barrels per day and the excellent product is sold in sealed cans and other containers.
Victor Dugas and Valmond Hebert are the tonsorial artists and seem to have a good trade. Gaston Begnaud is the butcher and supplies the town with excellent meat. J. A. Landry is the railroad agent and despite the discharge of the baggage man, holds down is job in good style. Luke LeBlanc keeps a first class lumber yard and supplies the surrounding country with building materials. Mr. LeBlanc is a young man of worth and integrity and is developing in character and business capacity with the growth and advancement of his town.
The post office is in charge of Miss Emelie Broussard, who attends to her duties with grace and efficiency. The business of the office is growing rapidly and one of the citizens says they are beginning to look around for a post office site, as Congress is expected to make an appropriation soon.
The officers of the village are: Mayor, L. H. Prejean; Secretary, Hector Prejean; and Alderman L. L. Judice, Luke LeBlanc and Jos. B. Dugas. Felix Foreman is marshal, but as this official was off duty on a fishing or hunting expedition the reporter ran a-muck all over the town and didn't get "run in."
From an elevation of the public schools is a magnificent view of the surrounding country was obtained, and stretching away as far as the eye could reach in every direction was that all-embracing and entrancing vision known as "Aux Large." Over the gently undulating and far away stretches or prairie country, could be seen the busy farmers plowing and preparing their fields, all clean and ready for sowing. Cane planting was in full blast and over 600 acres will be raised this year in the immediate vicinity. H. L. Dupre, of the Segura Company, is erecting a derrick in addition to the Lafayette Refinery, and a third is expected soon. Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1909.
SOUTHERN PACIFIC DISCONTINUES SEPARATE TITLES
For a Number of Offices and Hereafter They Will Be Designated Assistant Superintendents.
Officials at Local Office Affected by New Order.
Purpose, Says Vice-president Fay to Develop Capable, Resourceful All-around Operating Officers.
The Southern Pacific Company last Monday inaugurated a new form of organization for the operating department of the road and the new system has effected several officers at Lafayette headquarters for the Louisiana division under Division Superintendent E. E. Shackford. The official use of the titles Master Mechanic, Resident Engineer, Trainmaster, and Traveling Engineer has been been discontinued and the following officials have been designated assistant superintendents: G. C. Scarlette, W. N. Norton, L. Mims, and C. F. Bradshaw, who will hereafter be obeyed and respected accordingly. Each of the above-named officials continues charged with the same responsibilities heretofore devolving upon him and in addition assumes such other duties as may from time to time be assigned. These officers, when in the same building, shall have but one consolidated file in common with the superintendent.
Vice-President and General Manager Thornwell Fay in speaking of the innovations says:
"The purpose of this change is both to strengthen the existing operating and maintenance department, and to make it a better school for developing capable, resourceful, all-round operating officers. The Operating Department has three sub-divisions, the transportation, the engineering, or roadway, and the mechanical. The hardest problem railway managers have is to get a simple and satisfactory correlation between these sub-divisions, and men competent to preside over all of them in the offices of Superintendent, General Superintendent, General Manager and Operating Vice-President. Mr. Kruttschnitt, Director of Maintenance and Operation, and the Vice-President and General Managers of the Harriman lines, have given hard study to the subject, and Mr. Kruttschnitt hopes that in the plan referred to it has been found a solution of this vital problem.
"There is always danger that a railway operative who is kept long at a desk will develop the academic tendencies of office government. For this reason the Senior Assistant Superintendent, after being kept at headquarters four or six months, will be assigned to other duties for which he is fitted, and some other Assistant-Superintendent will take charge at headquarters, and while there will be senior assistant. Thus, each of the Assistant-Superintendents, who formerly had the titles of Division Engineer, Master Mechanic, Trainmaster, etc., may perhaps serve in rotation at headquarters, and get experience in supervising the operation of the entire division. Each will know all about either the transportation of the mechanical or the engineering departments of the division, according to his special training, and something about each of the other departments." Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1909.
PREPARING FOR NUMBERING HOUSES
Mouton Engineering Co. to Whom the Contract Was Awarded Having Signs Painted for Streets...
NEARLY 3000 METAL NUMBERS HAVE BEEN ORDERED
Numbering Will Prove of Great Convenience and Help to Secure Free Delivery for Lafayette.
The Mouton Engineering Co., to whom has been awarded the contract for numbering the houses and designating the streets of the town, has already made progress in the work, having two men now busy painting sign boards and preparing for naming streets. Nearly three thousand metal numbers have been ordered and the actual work of attaching them will soon begin. Those who desire may secure larger and more costly numbers, but the size adopted by the Council for uniform numbering is about 2 1/2 inches and is made of aluminum metal.
The system, when fully inaugurated, will prove of great advantage and convenience to everybody, besides hastening the adoption of the free postal delivery to which the town is now entitled under the regulations of the department. Lafayette Advertiser 2/12/1909.
lagniappe:
ARCHBISHOP CHAPPELLE.
The Rev. Placidus L. Chappelle was formerly inaugurated Archbishop of this Catholic diocese at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans Wednesday. Most of the clergy of this diocese and several hundred of the laity welcomed the new Archbishop to his future field of labor and give him a cordial reception. Impressive ceremonies were held at the Cathedral, and the great churchman made an eloquent address to his newly appointed flock. The successor of the late Archbishop Jannssens began his administration under auspicious circumstances, and we hope that he will be as successful as his worthy predecessor.
Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1898.
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