The Social Event of Valentine's Week.
The social event of valentine week was the entertainment of the Ladies' Five O'clock Tea Club by Mrs. A. Denbo, whose charming personality lent additional pleasure to the meeting. In the unavoidable absence of the president and vice-president, Miss Gladu ably presided. Arrangements for an anniversary supper was discussed, but final developments postponed until a called meeting which will take place this Saturday afternoon, at the residence of the Misses Trahan. A recitation by Miss Lizzie Mudd, vocal solo with guitar accompaniment by Miss Susie Hopkins, readings by Misses Trahan and Mudd were enjoyed. After the serving of choice cakes and a delicious ice, followed a Valentine party, a unique and appropriate diversion. The first prize, a dainty powder-box, was won by Miss Lizzie Mudd, the booby, a surprise-box, was awarded Miss Adele Young.
Lafayette Gazette 2/26/1898.
Lafayette Gazette 2/26/1898.
The latest and daintiest valentines for 1896 are now on sale at Moss Bros. & Co's. Sentimental and comic valentines to please every taste. Laf. Gaz. 2/1/1896.
Valentine's for 1889. A fine assortment. Entirely new design's, at tthe Moss Pharmacy. Laf. Adv. 2/2/1889,
Next Friday, Feb. 14th, will be Valentine's day.
Laf. Adv. 2/8/1902
Valentines of all kinds at D. V. Gardebled's drug store.
Laf. Adv. 2/9/1895.
Valentines! Valentines!! Valentines!!! at Moss Bros. & Co.
Laf. Adv. 2/9/1895.
Next Thursday is St. Valentine's day and we know postmaster Mouton and his deputy greatly dread its coming. It always means a pile of extra work for post office officials.
Laf. Adv. 2/9/1895.
Latest styles in Valentines at Gardebled's pharmacy.
Laf. Adv. 2/9/1895.
Fancy and comic Valentines at Gardebled's pharmacy.
Laf. Adv. 2/9/1895.
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.
Valentine's day has come and gone and with its advent no doubt joy was occasioned to many, as also anger to not a few, if this year was no exception the rule. We know two persons, at least, who are very glad the event is now relegated to the past, and those are postmasters Demanade and Simpson.
Laf. Adv. 2/17/1894.
From the Lafayette Gazette of February 14th, 1903:
THE DEMOCRATIC TICKET.
The following ticket is submitted to the Democratic voters of the town of Lafayette, in the primary election to be held on March 4, 1903.
For Mayor: CHAS. D. CAFFERY.
For Councilmen: FELIX DEMANADE, A. EMILE MOUTON, GEO. A. DEBLANC, JOHN O. MOUTON, D. V. GARDEBLED, M. ROSENFIELD, H. L. FONTENOT.
Democratic Executive Committee: Wm. CAMPBELL, JULIAN MOUTON, I. A. BROUSSARD, HENRY CHURCH, ALFRED HEBERT.
Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1902.
The following citizens, by request, have consented to serve the corporation of Lafayette for the coming term, as
Mayor: C. O. MOUTON.
Councilmen: PAUL L. DECLOUET, DR. J. D. TRAHAN, DR. F. E. GIRARD, WM. CLEGG, ARTHUR J. LEBLANC, C. D. BOUDREAUX.
Subject to the approval of the qualified voters at the primaries to be held on March 4, 1903.
The following to serve as Democratic Executive Committee:
SIMEON BEGNAUD, ED. G. VOORHIES, DR. A. R. TRAHAN, JOHN L. KENNEDY, ROBERT H. BROUSSARD.
Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES.
The Gazette publishes in this issue the announcement of the candidacy of Hon. Chas. D. Caffery for mayor, and of Messrs. Felix Demanade, John O. Mouton, Geo. A. DeBlanc, A. E. Mouton, D. V. Gardebled, M. Rosenfield, and Henry L. Fontenot for councilmen of our town. With the exception of the three last named, these gentlemen have served the town in the capacities mentioned during the term about to expire, and believing that they have discharged their duties faithfully and well during their incumbency in office, The Gazette, exercising its right in the choice of public officers, endorses them for re-election. The new candidates are well known citizens of the town, and qualified to assume the duties of councilmen.
The Gazette gives its support to this ticket for the reason that the affairs of the town have been honestly and economically administered, and also because of the active and personal interest shown by those who stand for re-election, in the substantial welfare of the town, and because of its belief that the new members will serve equally as well and show the same commendable public spirit. Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
THE ONLY REMEDY.
Last Saturday's Gazette contained a very thoughtful contribution from the pen of Dr. N. P. Moss. Dr. Moss contends with much reason that the failure of hundreds of men to pay their poll tax is attributable to illiteracy, rather than to a lack of patriotism. We believe that Dr. Moss is eminently right. Most of these men who temporarily disfranchise themselves by failing to pay the poll tax are not unpatriotic. When the South called her sons to the defense of constitutional liberty and the crucial test of civic devotion was made on the field of battle, none responded with more alacrity than the citizen who, in time of peace, took little or no interest in the affairs of his government. Men refrain from exercising the right of suffrage because they do not understand its importance. Illiteracy or false education is in a large measure responsible for the lamentable indifference among the people regarding the performance of their duties of citizenship. The apathy evidenced by the nonpayment of the poll tax is an evil which bids fair to undermine our system of government. It naturally prevails in a greater degree among the illiterate people, but unfortunately it is not confined to any class of citizens. Even among the educated there is an inclination to shirk the performance of civic duties. Men of intelligence and education often employ questionable methods to escape the discomforts and responsibility of the jury-room, and they consider the hours devoted to political matters as so much time lost. Many evils grow out of this popular indifference to governmental affairs. One of its legitimate results, and the one which has caused more trouble than all the others, is that abnormal product of modern society known as the political boss, who, after all, merely wields the power of which the people have divested themselves by their own apathy. The boss avails himself of conditions for which he is not responsible, and if he has not grown more powerful it is a tribute to his own moderation, because with so much indifference among the voters there is nothing to prevent him from becoming the absolute master.
There is something defective in the education or rearing up of a people who care so little for their government. It would seem that the importance of discharging their civic duties has never been properly instilled in the minds of the men of to-day. Both the home and school appear to have been derelict in this respect. The percentage of citizens who are not conversant with the workings of the government is appallingly great. The popular idea seems to be that the government is a thing which will take care of itself and that it is not the citizen's business to take part in its administration.
The only remedy for this condition of affairs lies in the hands of the State. It is the correct education of the young. That broad education of the child which the State alone is able to give offers the sole cure for this common disease which so seriously affects the body politic. In a country like this where the people are supreme and where the popular will is law, it is important that the voters should have a proper appreciation of their duty to the State. Too much about the government can not be taught in the schools, and it should be impressed upon the mind of every boy that it is a great privilege to be born an American citizen and it is still a greater privilege to be allowed to exercise the rights of American citizenship. Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
IT BREAKS OUT AGAIN.
While the South is rationally and earnestly dealing with the negro question the Republicans of the North are doing all in their power to cause trouble not only to the white people of the Southern States but to the negroes of this section. Every time President Roosevelt entertains a negro at the White House the solution of the race problem in the South is rendered more difficult, and whenever some radical measure is proposed in Congress to secure political equality for the Southern negroes the results are disastrous to the very people whose welfare this pernicious kind of legislation pretends to promote.
If any further evidence is needed to prove that the Republican party is determined to pursue its infamous policy of interference in the affairs of the South that evidence is furnished by the recent action of the Senatorial committee which made a favorable report on Senator McComas' bill to create the "Freedman's Inquiry Commission." The purpose of this bill is to investigate racial conditions in the South and incidentally to make a few soft berths for some of the pets of the g. o. p. who have not yet been provided for.
The Republican party knows that it can not reverse the social and political conditions in the South. If reconstruction has done one thing it has settled forever the question of racial supremacy in the South. And almost embittered by the bloodiest of civil wars, which had just ended, backed by the civil and military forces of the Federal government, was unable to coerce the South into submission to the rule of an inferior race. The South, weakened and impoverished by war, with its homes destroyed and its fields devastated, was yet mighty in moral strength and unconquerable pride and could not be made to submit to infamous Federal laws. If the South could not be subjugated then, the Republican party knows that it will not submit to force bills to-day.
These spasmodic outbursts of sectional rancor, as shown by the McComas bill are intended merely to wave the bloody shirt for political reasons. There are enough prejudiced, narrow-minded white people and negroes in the doubtful States to hold the balance of power, and unfortunately among this class the bloody shirt has not lost all its once potent charm. It must be occasionally resurrected to keep the niggers and the meaner whites together to help out the grand old party of moral ideas. Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1903.
The Negro Question.
[Communicated to the Lafayette Gazette]
To the editor:
Will you kind enough to allow me space in valuable paper to make a few remarks on the above question. I see by the press that some of our wise men and would-be-lawmakers are advocating a system to have the negroes all colonized in some foreign country, and I see that some of our prominent leading men think it advisable for every city or town to set off a certain portion of land on one side of the city or town and compel all the colored population of the town to go there to live.
I don't think it possible to carry out either of the above systems under our existing laws, neither do I think it advisable to do so if we could. What would our country look like if all the colored people were banished out of it. It would look as though some terrible scourge had passed over it. Every white woman and man, sick or well, would be compelled to be his or her own servant, for it would be impossible to hire any help to carry on farming or any kind of public works.
Then again if our town were divided in two sections as proposed, what would be the consequences? Imagine a lot of niggers living in one group. As it is they are scattered over the town under close observation of white people.
* * * * * * * * *
The planters and other employers get together occasionally and agree upon a scale of wages. Unfortunately the ladies of the town make no similar rules, and they are consequently at the mercy of the negro women. With but few exceptions these servants are dishonest, work irregularly and when remonstrated with become insolent.
I think it is time for somebody that has energy to come forward and make a move to break up some insolence and impudence and the accursed nigger-cook reign.
JUSTICE.
Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
A Lafayette Inventor.
Mr. John Price of Scott has received from the United States Government a patent for a "boltless rail joint." He is confident that the device meets the requirements for a simple and durable joint for the building of railroads, and he has already received flattering offers from several manufacturing firms to put the invention on the market. Mr. Price desires a thorough test of its value. He says that its use will result in a saving of labor, and that wrecks are less liable with this boltless joint than with the one now generally used.
The following is a technical description of his invention taken from the circular letter which he has distributed:
"It provides a simple and effective organization of contributing elements which bind closely against opposite portions of rail sections to prevent the rails from having sidewise movement as well as to prevent any sagging at the joint. It comprises three elements which lock about the rails by a wedge action. The base plate has two inwardly projecting flanges, the inner edges which converge. When the end of the rail is seated in the base-plate the clamping sections are drawn in between the flanges. These clamping sections shoulder on the base and top portions of the rail and also upon the face and flanges of the base-plate. The base-plate has a longitudinal rib to strengthen it and to prevent lateral movement by fitting within a recess in the ties. The joint is designed to rest upon three ties and is secured by spikes. After the clamp sections are driven in the end, spikes are driven and lock the sections from endwise movement.
The joint is of an unusually durable nature and the parts can be easily assembled."
Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
Changes at Cumberland Telephone Co.
Mr. W. A. Broussard, who has been acting as local general manager of the Cumberland Telephone Company since its establishment of an exchange in Lafayette a few years ago, has resigned his position, and has been succeeded by Mr. H. G. Whitney of McComb City, Miss. The new manager assumed charge of the office Tuesday morning. Mr. Broussard had built for the Cumberland one of the best telephone exchanges in the State, and Mr. Whitney takes charge with more than two hundred subscribers. At the time that Mr. Broussard was given the management, there were twenty-eight subscribers. With the resignation of Mr. Broussard, the Cumberland loses a faithful and energetic employe. Mr. Broussard has made a number of friends in Lafayette, who, with The Gazette, wish him success in whatever field of endeavor he may devote his energies.
Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
Public School Notes.
The citizens of the second ward near Ridge post office, have raised sufficient money by private subscription to erect a model central school building and furnish it with comfortable school furniture. The school house will be papered inside and painted outside and will cost about $1,200 when completed and furnished.
While the citizens of the neighborhood in general have subscribed toward the building for this school, Chas. Burke, Wm. Wagner, Eloi Duhon and Phinis Hoffpauir deserve special mention for their zeal for the cause and for their untiring efforts in canvassing the community for the necessary funds. Three of the four men are German descendants, and this act of theirs in erecting in a rural community a school house of which the parish may be justly proud, and one which would reflect credit upon any community, shows that they have inherited the noble sentiments of the greatest man in all German literature - Goethe - who, though he lived one hundred years ago was well aware of the fact that the most important thing in all the world is a child.
He knew that the greatest privilege of the parent and of the state was to make the greatest sacrifices for the children; and this poet-philosopher summed it all up in one short, significant, world-embracing sentence when he said, "The best is good enough for the children." Yes Goethe was right; Mr. Burke and Mr. Wagner are right; the best is good enough for their children. Every father, every man, every woman in Lafayette parish should emulate the example of these citizens and not rest satisfied until every school house is the best that money can buy; until every teacher is the best that money can procure. The best is always cheapest in the end.
President B. C. Caldwell of the State Normal School has accepted the invitation of the people to deliver the address to them when the school building will be dedicated.
On account of bad weather last Saturday the shade trees could not be furnished to teachers.
The Broussard school house is nearing completion and preparations are being made for the dedicatory exercises. The gathering promises to be one of the largest ever held in the parish.
The enrollment and attendance of the schools of the parish have increased beyond the expectation of the most sanguine friends of universal education in Lafayette. As a result of the increased attendance the citizens have been compelled to improvise school rooms on few days' notice. Mr. Pierre Breaux and Mr. Alcide Judice have each given the use of buildings to accommodate the increased attendance of their respective schools. The Indian Bayou school has a result of a large increase in attendance. Scott school, Bertrand school, Mathieu school, Ridge school, Lafayette Primary and High schools, Broussard school have each required one or more teachers in addition to the corps employed last session. The Burke school will need an assistant as soon as the new building is completed. All the school of the parish are in a prosperous condition. Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
Fire Company No. 1. Elects Officers.
The annual election of officers of Fire C. No. 1 took place Monday night. The fire boys took advantage of the occasion to give a smoker. Several guests partook of the hospitality of the company. The following members were elected to the respective offices: President, Wm. Campbell; Vice-President, Judge C. Debaillon; treasurer, D. V. Gardebled; Secretary. Felix H. Mouton; Foreman, Paul Castel; First Assistant Foreman, Abe Hirsch; Second Assistant Foreman, Albert Trahan; House-Keeper, Eugene Ducharme; First Nozzlemen, Theodore LeBlanc; Plugman, Willie Adams; and Keyman, Felix Meaux.
This company is one of the strongest of the department and numbers among its members some of the best fire-fighters. The officers elected have always shown active interest in the town's organizations for protection from fire and they will no doubt exert themselves to promote the welfare of number one during the ensuing year. Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
Dr. F. E. Girard the manager of the Sontag Military Band, was the recipient a few days ago of a handsome gold-headed umbrella presented to him by the members of the band as a testimonial of their friendship and as a recognition of his untiring efforts to promote the welfare of the organization. Laf. Gazette 2/14/1903.
Frank Gulley and Israel Prejean will open a meat market opposite the post office, on the first day of March. Mr. Prejean will attend to the purchase of cattle, and Mr. Gulley will give his attention to the market. They will always keep a supply of good meat. Laf. Gazette 2/14/1903.
Wm. Butcher , the real estate and insurance agent, is now a resident of Lafayette. He occupies his pretty cottage in Mill's Addition. Laf. Gazette 2/14/1903.
For fresh groceries phone R. H. Broussard, No. 177.
Laf. Gaz. 2/14/1903.
POLICE JURY.
Lafayette, La. Feb. 5, 1903.
Among other business....
Mr. Jean Begnaud appeared and complained of obstruction in the public road near Alex Martin's and Mrs. P. Gerac's plantations in the first ward. Messrs. Lacy and Begnaud were thereupon appointed to investigate the matter as well as complaints relative to the road near Dominique Bonot and Vincent P. Domingue.
By motion of Mr. Mouton the committee appointed to confer with the Vermilion authorities to appoint a new conference committee provided the Police Jury of Vermilion shall likewise change the personnel of its identical committee. President Billeaud then then appointed on said conference committee Messrs. F. G. Mouton, P. R. Landry and Harrison Theall and urged an immediate endeavor to reach some satisfactory understanding as to the site of said bridge in order to accommodate public travel so seriously affected.
Mr. Blanchet was authorized in conjunction with Vermilion to rent a ferry for the D. O. Broussard crossing pending the reconstruction of the old ferry boat.
Mr. Mouton reported recovering of the court-house roof with corrugated iron roofing by Mr. A. E. Mouton at a cost of $300. Approved.
Mr. Mouton also reported renting pest house land to Dr. Rouif for three years at $5 per acre.
Messrs. A. Judice, Alex Delhomme, Sr., N. P. Moss and L. E. Patterson here appeared and complained of certain dams across Bayou Queue Tortue, obstructing said stream and flooding the lands in the western portion of the parish. By motion of Mr. Mouton, President Billeaud appointed Messrs. A. Judice, M. Broussard and Aurelien Olivier a committee to investigate the complaints and thereupon if justified to present due information to the Grand Jury at its next session of any violations of the law respecting obstruction of natural streams and drains.
Mr. Judice on behalf of the committee also prayed for an appropriation of $75 to aid in the construction of a canal to drain the lands in the western portion of the second ward. No action.
Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
Low Rates to Opelousas.
Morgan's Louisiana and Texas Railroad and Steamship Company will sell tickets from Lafayette to Opelousas and return Feb. 22 and 23, 1903, with return limit Feb. 25, 1903, at a rate of 65c. on account of Carnival and Parade. Lafayette to California,Common Points, Colonists rates $30, Feb. 15, to April 30, 1903. For additional particulars, apply to local agent or to C. B. Ellis, Division Passenger and Freight Agent, New Iberia, La. Laf. Gaz. 2/14/1903.
SOCIETY.
On Sunday afternoon Mrs. V. L. Roy was hostess at a very delightful Progressive Flinch party. Her artistic home in Johnston St. was enhanced by a large collection of potted plants, foliage and cut flowers interspersed throughout the entrance hall and parlor, the same effect extending to the dining room.
After eight exciting games the first prize, a costly vase, fell to the lot of Miss Zelie Christian and Mrs. A. B. Denbo was given the consolation, a dainty violet bowl.
Mrs. M. Meriwether was awarded the booby.
A tempting lunch was served from savory dishes, and delicious ices completed the repast. The sweet music of a string band added much to the enjoyment of the afternoon.
The guests present were: Mmes. E. F. Baker, E. L. Stephens, J. A. Roy, C. Girard, J. J. Davidson, T. N. Blake, A. E. Denbo, B. J. Pellerin, J. A. LeRosen, T. B. Hopkins, jr., M. Meriwether, N. P. Moss, L. J. Alleman, L. Mayer, B. Clegg, A. Doucet, I. A. Broussard and C. D. Caffery. Misses E. and A. Hopkins, Z. Christian, G. Mayfield, E. Dupre, E. Montgomery, H. McLaurin, L. Parkerson, M. Robertson, L. Tolson and L. Bailey. Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
ABOUT FOOTBALL.
A bill has been introduced in the Missouri Legislature to prohibit the playing of football. The people of this country are pretty well divided on this question. Many very estimable persons think it is just the thing, while an equally large and respectable portion of the population are convinced that it is a barbarous form of amusement and should be prohibited by law.
During the last football season many deaths resulted from injuries sustained by football players. If the published reports are correct football caused a greater loss of life in the past year than the prize ring has been responsible for during the last twenty years. And, strange to say, prize-fighting is outlawed, while football is the favorite sport of the most cultured classes of the American people. If there is any difference between prize-fighting and football, it is in favor of the former. When a thug is killed in a pugilistic contest, the occurrence is certainly not as regrettable as when some enthusiastic school boy loses his life on the gridiron. One is a matured man and goes into the game for gain and gambles away his life. The other is carried away by a spirit of college rivalry and dies in an effort to furnish amusement to a lot of football enthusiasts. Of course, all football games do not cause fatalities, but many of them do.
We believe that if the lists of casualties are compared, it will be shown that the victims of football are much more numerous than those of prize-fighting. Despite all that has been made said in favor of both forms of amusement, neither is so conducive to physical development as to compensate for the injury that it does.
The Gazette is not disposed to seek a legislative remedy for everything that does not seem exactly right and it is rather of the opinion that the force of public sentiment will compel the devotees of football to rid the game of the abuses which have crept into it. But in the meantime let us not be too severe in arraigning the sporting elements for patronizing the prize ring and the wicked Spaniards for raving over their bull-fights.
Lafayette Gazette 2/14/1903.
THE ATTAKAPASIAN.
MARCELLE BLOT, Editor.
The Official Journal of the Attakapas Literary Society of the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute.
The fourth year cooking class has been giving some delightful luncheons lately to faculty and friends. The manner in which they are carried on is this. One of the girls is selected and she is given one dollar with which to buy the provisions, then she chooses among her classmates, some to help her cook the meal which she serves to four invited friends. The reports are so favorable, as to give great credit to teacher and school.
It has become remarkable how many friends we cooking girls seem to have on the days we cook. Why, before we come out our way is blocked by a crowd saying, "Oh, I love you Dorsie, I'm your best friends," and all such exclamations, and before you know it you have not had a taste of the thing you cooked, for it would be impossible to resist your new friends.
The Institute, I am sure feels proud of its growing student body, which now numbers nearly two-hundred, New students have been coming in, all along, since the new term.
If you want to see a measly group of girls just go over to the dormitory. "The Measles" were very polite, and did not slight us, even if we don live out of the Corporation. Mrs. Baker treated them very nicely, and now that they have been so well received and had such a pleasant time, they are speaking of leaving. But Miss Morton has taken quite a liking to a set them and is now enjoying their company.
The Attakapas Literary Society will be pleased to hear from its nameless rival in the near future, and wishes it success.
The Athletic Club met on Wednesday for the purpose of electing various teams, and before long the campus will be resounding with the joyous echoes of the practicing teams.
The "Reign of Terror" as examination times were called, is thankfully over, and the faculty has expressed a satisfaction with the work of the students. But, as usual result of the "Reign of Terror" a very contagious disease has spread throughout the school - this change of courses.
Every one you meet says, "Where are going? What course are you taking?" Until really, you get so confused you don't know but that they are speaking to a waiter in some restaurant, and asking something about the dinner course. And such a thing would not be so unpleasant at certain times.
Miss Huger and Mr. Mayer gave the Rules of Order Club a delightful talk yesterday morning, and no doubt they were inspired by a sweet solo sung by Miss Ula Coronna.
Rumors are afloat that our worthy president is getting ready to put up a pretty cottage, which I am sure will add to the beauty of our school grounds. But, I heard it whispered, that the only objection was he intends building it on the boys' ground instead of on the girls' side. The faculty and students were all pleased to welcome in their midst, Professor Smith, who has begun his work in Mathematics and Latin. He has already made a deep impression on his pupils and other school members. The first days Mr. Smith was here, he courteously invited the students to call on him at his boarding place, expressing his wish of becoming soon acquainted with them, and this invitation was accepted by many.
It is startling to see how interesting a subject history has gotten to be. Last term it was a noticeable fact that history had a few devotees in its class, but now it would make your heart swell with joy to see the numberless eager faces, craving a wider knowledge of the world's past events. What influence wrought the change? Has our skilled doctor found a pleasant remedy that for "historical: disease that once threatened to become epidemic?
We were all very pleased to welcome back Mr. Perry Singleton, and it seems quite natural to see him passing through the balls.
We hope to see back real soon Misses Richard, Thibodeaux, Belliveaux and Morton, our young friends who have been absent on account of sickness.
We have missed Miss Montgomery's lively music very much for the past two weeks, during which time we were compelled to march to funeral music.
We were very sorry indeed to lose two of our club girls, Miss West and Miss Dudley.
Among two new arrivals we are pleased to announce Miss McLaurin's cousin, Miss Williams who has come all the from Mer Rouge, North Louisiana.
Where did Dr. Stephens contract his rheumatism? From beating time so vigorously during morning exercises.
Should any of the teachers want a neat looking paper, apply to Mr. Harry Smedes. He has become quite famous for respectable looking papers.
The editor of this paper has always looked upon a nickel as being a small amount, but was forced to change her idea, as that small sum has been the cause of disagreeable feelings between two of the lady teachers, which resulted in a law suit.
The authorities should be warned of a dangerous character that has appeared in the school lately, and has threatened to kill several persons with his glass pistol
The captain of the Tennis Club was pleased to notice that rackets would hardly be of any use to the players, as she remarked that Mr. Willie Mills, a new member - had done away with his racket, and in the future intended batting the balls with his hands.
Mrs. Baker phoned to a certain stable to send the bus out to the dormitory. The man said "all right" but after ringing off felt very much puzzled, and seeing one of his friends said, "say, you know every body here in Lafayette, can you tell me where that fellow "Dormitory" stays?
Miss First Year, putting her arms around Miss Second Year, said guyingly, "D. C. Smith was put on the committee." Miss Second Year answered innocently, "Oh! no, I didn't here his name called." But Miss Fourth Year wisely interposed and said, "Whoever didn't hear D. C. Smith's name called out, he certainly needs to consult an occultist, and perhaps next time he'll here."
They say that men are brave, but I'd like to know if we dormitory girls are not equally as brave when the whole gang of us come back from the kitchen after study hour, with large quantities of bread and syrup, which we have succeeded in stealing, after much fussing as to which one should have the most, and then as we came down the illuminated hall in mortal dread of being met by one of the teachers and still more so by our good Mrs. Baker - who I am sure does not suspect us. We are often disappointed however, for we sometimes find the bread locked up, and you can certainly know it when we don't find anything to eat.
In behalf of the Attakapas Literary Society I wish to congratulate our good friend the Picayune on its sixty-seventh birthday, and hope it will continue doing good until the end of time as it has done in the past.
Lafayette Gazette 2/12/1903.
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From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 14th, 1903:
The Martin Gas Creek.
Assessor A. M. Martin reported to the Advertiser that he and other parties have contracted to have a well bored on the place called the "Martin Gas creek" about one mile from the town of Lafayette.
The following are the contractors: Joseph Espola, broker and real estate agent of Mobile, Alabama ; P. D. Dowlen, state and county tax collector of Mobile and Marcus R. Williams, president of the Cosmopolitan Bank of Baltimore, Md.
The lease contracted for consists of 80 acres furnished by the following parties :
A. M. Martin - 20 arpents
Jos. A. Chargois - 10 arpents
Mrs. Edgard Martin - 10 arpents
C. G. Bienvenu - 10 arpents
C. D. Caffery - 10 arpents
Richard Bros. - 20 arpents
The boring is to commence in 90 days from date and a forfeit of $1,000 was agreed to in case of failure.
Mr. Martin also received a sum necessary to build the derrick and everything will be ready to start next Monday.
The Advertiser always admired Mr. Martin in his efforts in the oil question and wish him full success which he so justly deserves.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1903.
Lafayette will have a Base Ball Nine This Season.
There is a movement on foot to organize a good nine of ball players, Lafayette has some fine material and it is possible to make up a splendid nine here. It is the intention of the promoters to call on the merchants for some financial assistance which, no doubt, they will readily give. There is no sport that exceeds in popularity and it is something which always arouses enthusiasm with the proper effort which will probably be made, our citizens ought to enjoy some excellent playing this season. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1903.
The Reason of Our Success.
The substantial progress Lafayette has made in recent years is the subject of much favored comment at home and abroad. There was a time when our people remained content to drift along with the natural current, and in those days our progress was on par of that of the snail. Several years ago however, we discovered that we could help our condition very materially by all pulling together in matters affecting the public welfare and for the purpose of establishing industrial enterprises, and we have been "pulling together" ever since ; and the results are so apparent on every hand that it is not necessary to enumerate them. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1903.
The New Opera House. - The work of clearing the ground for the new brick opera house, was begun this week. The blacksmith shop occupied by Mr. Bernard Miller has been purchased by him from Mr. F. E. Moss, and is being removed to a lot adjoining his residence on the South. It is expected to break ground for the Opera house within the next 30 days, and the work of construction will be pushed rapidly to completion. The projectors of the enterprise have decided to install their own electric light plant to illuminate the theater building so as to be able to get the best results for the spectacular electric light effects that now form such an important feature in the staging of high-class plays. Provision will also be made for heating the building by steam.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1903.
Fragile Cargo. - Effective This Date, a tri-weekly egg service will be established between Lake Charles, Cheneyville and Lafayette and New Orleans. This service will be run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, in the following manner.
Train No. 84, leaving Lafayette on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, will have a car into which will be loaded eggs for New Orleans from points between Lafayette and Morgan City, From Morgan City it will be run into New Orleans in the first available train. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1903.
The Cost of Education.
"But to establish and maintain schools for the fullest and best education of all our children will cost money ; we are poor and can't afford it." It will cost money ; we are poor and for that very reason we must afford it. It is the only permanent cure for the disease of poverty. Roads and bridges and factories cost money. The law is universal ; we must sow if we would reap ; and spare sowing never makes abundant reaping. Capital must be invested before dividends can be declared. It has been shown beyond doubt that the productive power of a people is in direct ratio to the quantity and quality of its education. It costs as much in equipment, time, and talent to educate the children of a poor people as it does to educate the children of a rich people, and the difference in money cost cannot be very great. Whatever else we save in, we must economize here by being liberal. There is a withholding that does not lead to wealth or any kind of prosperity.
After all, cannot a brae and noble people, industrious and economical, make from the intelligent use of the fertile fields, mighty forests, inexhaustible mines and the power of the thousands of singing waterfalls of this vast empire won for us by our fathers, the few millions necessary to fit out children for all that is best in life? We must do it. It is our first duty to our children for whom alone we live, and in and through whom we must lie after we are dead. The wealth we have is theirs-beyond what we must consume in the economic relief of the daily needs of our life. Sooner or later we must leave it to them; we are only their stewards and guardians. Shall we invest their money for them in bonds or brains; in land or life? Shall we leave them money, or skill to produce and a little of the higher wealth which can never be measured in terms of minted coin?
When we have done our full duty in providing facilities for the best education of all our children, developing the capacity of each; when the "forgotten man" has been remembered the "last wail" housed and redeemed, and every hidden talent brought to light and invested in the commerce of life then shall we enter into our rightful heritage and the wealth and power, the glory of a rich and abundant life shall be ours or our children's beyond what we can now comprehend.
And to this end the teacher above all must give their lives and persuade the people to give their wealth. They are the salt that must not lose its savor. Their duty does not end with hearing the lessons of their classes or the preparation of lectures on their particular subjects. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1903.
Serious Accident.
A serious accident happened at Broussardville last Sunday, in which fifteen persons were injured. A large crowd had gathered at the new public school for the purpose of celebrating the opening of the new building for school purposes. Prof. Alcee Fortier of New Orleans was to be one of the speakers of the occasion. Just before the exercises were to begin, and while the Sontag Band was playing underneath the gallery, a large number of people crowded the stairs and gallery, which proving too week, broke and fell upon those beneath. Tow of the Band members, Messrs. Anatole Piat and Eloi Broussard were seriously injured, the former being hurt about the head, and the latter in the chest. Mrs. Lucas Bernard was badly wounded, and Mr. Norbert Breaux's son had his arm broken, also a son of Mr. Geo. Malagarie was hurt about the chest, and a boy named Landry and a little girl of the name of Comeaux.
The gallery had only recently been built and had no posts to support it, and was not able to bear up the immense weight that was put on it. The accident is greatly to be regretted. It was indeed fortunate that nothing more seriously resulted. Owing to the accident the exercises were not carried out as intended.
Whilst the disaster is bound to be a subject of deep regret, yet no blame is attached to anyone in particular by those who were present and are familiar with circumstances attending the accident. The yielding of the platform and staircase was not due to faulty construction, but they were never intended to withstand such a great strain as was put on them at the time, and which it is impossible to foresee. On the other hand it is very gratifying to note the absence of any fatalities, and to be able to report continued improvement in the condition of all the injured persons, all of who, are expected to make a complete recovery.
No attempt was made after the accident to hold the dedication exercises, but it was decided to postpone them to a more favorable time, when it is hoped nothing will occur to interfere with the carrying out of the original intention of the school officers and the citizens of Broussard to make the event a pleasant and memorable one in the lives of the people. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1903.
Mr. Gabriel Beadle brought to the Advertiser office on Thursday a large cabbage, weighing 13 pounds, which is on exhibition in the office window. The cabbage is another evidence of the great productivity of our soil, and is another demonstration of its adaptability for garden truck.
Laf. Adv. 2/14/1903.
Mr. Bernstol Schroder, who left Copenhagen in August 1901 on a tour of the world, arrived in Lafayette Thursday. He is traveling handcuffed and wears a badge with Reporter for Police Gazette written on it. The tour is being made on a wager. Laf. Advertiser 2/14/1903.
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From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 14th, 1874:
Published by Wm. B. Bailey, Proprietor.
Sat. Feb. 14, 1874.
We are authorized to say that the Public Schools of the Parish, will be re-opened on the first of March next. To all interested - take notice.
At the request of the members of the Planters' and Farmers' Mutual Benevolent Association, high mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Guillot, at the residence of Mr. Joachim Cormier, in this parish, on Sunday the 15th inst.
Remember that Tuesday the 17th instant is the day on which the grand masked and fancy dress ball is to come off at Hebert's Hall in Vermilionville.
Just received a lot of dry goods, etc., direct from New York, for sale at Edmond Cain's store, near the Catholic Church. Goods of all kinds and quantities can be purchased there at the very lowest prices. He is constantly receiving goods direct from New York City, and can supply planters and farmers, as well families, with all they wish in his line of business. Those interested are respectfully invited to go and see for themselves, before purchasing elsewhere. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1874.
New Orleans, Mobile and Texas Railroad.
A subject worthy of serious consideration which it appears, will be brought up in the Kellogg Legislature during its present session, is the new charter, or charters desired to be procured for the New Orleans, Mobile and Texas Railroad, in order to secure its completion on to Texas and the Southern Pacific.
The road, as it now stands, has been completed between this city and Mobile, and westward of this point from Westwego to Grand River, east of the Grosse Tete. Here, owing to the lack of money, energy or something else, it fell through and everything remains in status quo.
Mr. Alley, the President of the road, and Mr. Hart, one of the largest stockholders, have been for some time at work on the affair, and with an agreement from the rest of the stockholders, have at last resolved on the following course :
The road between here and Mobile having been completed, will be made an entirely separate road. Of, Mr. Alley will assume the presidency ; while another charter will be procured for the road between Westwego and Texas - European capitalists having already agreed to furnish money for its competition.
Mr. Meyer, the representative of large German bankers, will, it is thought, be President of the latter section under the new charter ; and a consolidation taking place with the Central Railroad, the Backbone and other, the road is guaranteed to be completed. One particular point worthy of notice is that this is intended to be done without a cent of money from the State, the gentlemen in charge stating their willingness to assume every risk and responsibility. The road under this new charter will, it is alleged, run to Houston, Texas, with a branch line to Shreveport, bringing all of the cotton which is now diverted elsewhere into our market. A bill covering all these points is said to be in preparation, with a view to its immediate appearance before the Dryades street Legislature. We have heard it suggested that the fact of its "having no money in it," ought to secure prompt and favorable action, but whether that novel circumstance will avail anything for good remains to be seen.
From the N. O. Picayune and re-printed in the Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1874.
Remember that Tuesday the 17th instant in the day on which the grand masked and fancy dress ball is to come off at Hebert's Hall in Vermilionville.
Laf. Adv. 2/14/1874.
Just Received a lot of dry goods, etc., direct from New York, for sale at Edmond Cain's store, near the Catholic Church.
Goods of all kinds and qualities can be purchased there at the very lowest cash prices. He is constantly receiving goods direct from New York City, and can supply planters and farmers, as well as families, with all they wish in his line of business. Those interested are respectfully invited to go and see for themselves, before purchasing elsewhere. Laf. Adv. 2/14/1874.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 14th, 1908:
WILL SOON BE COMPLETED.
The Levy building on the corner of Pierce and Congress streets is approaching completion and they expect to be able to move about the tenth of next month, if not sooner. The building has a white glazed brick front and the side wall on Congress street is finished in gray brick. All the front of the store will be a large plate glass and the upper floor will be divided into offices and a large hall. When completed the building will be one of the handsomest of its size in the State, and a big credit to a town even much larger than Lafayette. The construction of such an expensive building by Messrs. Levy Bros. shows that they have a great deal of confidence in the future of this city, a confidence we believe that is fully justified.
Just across the street on the opposite corner of the Falk Mercantile Company will some time in the future build a handsome three story brick. They purchased the corner some time ago and intended building early this year, but the money stringency caused them to delay the building. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1908.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 14th, 1911:
AVIATION MEET.
Fair Association Signed Contract for Exhibit by Three Men and Machines March 16-17.
The Lafayette Fair Association yesterday signed agreements for an aviation meet at the Fair grounds Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17.
The flying will be done under the management of the W. I. Swain Show Co., of New Orleans.
John J. Frisbie, Jules Biscayart, and Lieutenant Miller.
The four machines will be displayed in a hanger tent and lecturers will explain the mechanism and use of the machines.
The ground inside of the race track will be walled in and used for the aviation field and the flights started there. Seats will be put up inside the walls to accommodate about two thousand people. Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1911.
JOHN J. FRISBIE FLIES TO DEATH New York Herald September, 1911 New York Aviator Crushed Under Aeroplane at Kansas Fair. HIS WIFE BITTERLY DENOUNCES CROWD Cries of "Faker!" Cause Flyer to Risk Life in Flight with a Damaged Aeroplane. WAS AT BELMONT MEET Had Also Taken Part in the Recent Aviation Tournament Held in Chicago. He fell about one hundred feet and the engine of his machine fell upon him, crushing his left side and chest. He died an hour later. Mr. Frisbie had been giving exhibitions at Elmwood Park for several days. Yesterday his machine acted badly and he had a fall of about forty feet, but beyond bruises and a shaking up, was not injured. He was skeptical about the ability of his machine to stand another flight today and announced he would not take to the air this afternoon, but when this statement ws communicated to the crowd, there was an angry demonstration. The spectators hooted and shouted "Faker!" and refused to Then Mr. Frisbie announced that rather than have the big crowd go away with the impression that he was not willing to do his best, he would attempt a flight. He ascended from the track without difficulty and attained a height of one hundred feet, but in attempting to make a turn, the plane tipped and he lost control. As he came crashing to the earth, the spectators could see the aviator trying to right the machine, but as it approached the ground, one of the wings crashed into a barn and the biplane, glancing off, struck the earth with the aviator underneath. Physicians who hurried to the aviator's assistance expressed their opinion at once that his injuries were fatal. Mrs. Frisbie, her son, and little daughter were witnesses to the accident, and Mrs. Frisbie was prostrated when she saw her husband fall. Tonight she bitterly denounced the action of the spectators in forcing her husband to make the flight with a disabled machine. Mr. Frisbie was well known among aviators, having flown at Belmont Park, and at the recent big meet in Chicago. He was an Irishman, forty-two years of age, and had spent twenty-six years as a balloonist and a parachute jumper in Europe. Although he flew a Curtiss machine, he was under the direction of the Moisnat flyers. TRUE TALES OF THE ANCIENT AVIATORS |
lagniappe:
How Louisiana Girls Kiss.
The editor of the Rice Belt Journal has been writing on a mighty interesting subject, but being very modest he is content to take hearsay evidence and pass it on for what it is worth, as witnessed:
The Alexandria girl, tall and ruddy, kisses as though she was taking an impression in her chewing gum.
The Monroe girl kisses in Greek style, flavored with the brain bread. The Jennings girl kisses with as much care and preciseness as if she was selecting a new dress.
The kiss of a Crowley girl is as fiery as a taste of applejack.
The little Lafayette girl's kiss is as soft as a peach and makes a fellow want another one.
A New Iberia girl's kiss is as rich and juicy as a dish of fresh gumbo file.
The kiss of a Welsh girl is said to be like eating sugar cane, the more you eat the more you want.
In Lake Charles you are met with genuine hospitality, the girls kiss as though they want you to stay.
The Opelousas girl is described as possessing the comprehensive qualities of the St. Landry man - she wants all she can get and gets all she can.
Remember this is only hearsay, I consequently cannot vouch for the truth of it. But we are from Missouri. From the Rice Belt Journal, printed in the Lafayette Advertiser 2/17/1904.
lagniappe:#2
Just a Valentine.
Away back in old England and Scotland, years ago, there was a quaint custom of observing Valentine's day. Old writers had it that on this day - a day in springtime - brides first choose their mates. At that time each young bachelor and maid of a village received by lot one of the opposite sex as a "valentine" for that year, much as partners for an evening are now given to those who attend dancing parties. The village sweethearts and swains regard this valentine business as a kind of mock betrothal, marked by polite attentions and giving presents. The custom doubtless led many bashful couples - who could not find tongues to tell their love - to make matches and marry. It was to a business-like proposition, and yielded fruit. Then sentimental fools stepped in and polled the custom by sending to those who did not want to get them gushing words of passion, soft as baby's gurgle, idiotic as a loon's cry to the moon, sad as lovesickness, and as unreasonable as a bleeding heart skewered on a merciless arrow that never could so have pierced the blood-pumping heart of a maiden fair whose sentiment and sense is in her brain. The abuse of the valentine is the anonymous sending of vulgar and brutal caricatures to selected victims, calculated to wound their feelings. It is a fact that no lady or gentleman ever purposely wounds the feelings of another human being. But here are others, not in the class of refinement, who take as much delight in giving pain to their fellow-creatures as cruel boys do in sticking pins through buzzing flies, to see them squirm. It is not a man's fault if he as crooked legs, a bald head, a Cyrano nose, a humped back or a glass eye. Heaven knows men want to be physically perfect. When they are not they know it, and the pain is theirs to bear in secret. If a woman is too fat or too thin, had fiery hair - or none she can call her own - has a turned-up nose, or a pug nose, or is older than young fools, she should not be insulted. She is a woman. If she happens to be an old maid, there is nothing funny about that. There are many gentle women legally tied toi brutish husbands who wish they might have been allowed to live in single blessedness. There are unmarried women who are the very salt of the earth, who give their lives to lessen the afflictions of others, who have given themselves to no man that they might be with and nurse aged parents or rear the children of brothers or sisters and not their own. There are those who have kissed a dear heart good-by, and sent a lover to fight for his country, and for that only news of a death came back to be remembered as long as the kiss can be be remembered. To be an old maid is sometimes to be the embodiment of faithful lovel to be a martyr to truth; to be possessed of a crown of glory; to be always one entitled to respect. And so Valentine day should be always a lover's day, and no occasion to wound sensitive feelings.
From the New Orleans Picayune and printed in the Lafayette Gazette 2/17/1900.
LAGNIAPPE:#3
A PRISON STORY.- A prisoner in a Missouri Penitentiary, too weak to work and who had the run of the yard, one day asked the warden if he could be allowed to cultivate a small corner in the enclosure. "What do you want to raise?"
"Cucumbers, sir."
"Why, you can't raise them here, the prisoners would steal them."
"No, sir," said the man firmly, "they will steal one of them."
"Well, go ahead," if any of the cucumbers are stolen, don't come to me with your complaints."
"You will never here from me on that score, sir."
The cucumbers were planted, watered, trained and cultivated, and an immense crop was the result. At last, however, as the fruit grew it disappeared, and the warden became convinced that the owner sold if for liquor produce, or some other contraband article. He directed the man to the warden, and finally he was detected in the act of carrying his cucumbers to the hospital and giving them to the poor fellows who in sickness craved them. Not one had been stolen.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/14/1874.
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