FEBRUARY 16TH M C

 From the Lafayette Gazette of February 16th, 1901:
　　
　NEW REAL ESTATE AGENCY.　

Mr. J. C. Nickerson,
 has opened a real estate agency as may be seen on this page of The Gazette. Mr. Nickerson will give much attention to the business of selling real estate and will do all in his power to bring the great advantage of this parish within the knowledge of home-seekers. Those who have property for sale will do well to communicate with Mr. Nickerson. He will defray all expenses of advertising and will charge only a reasonable commission. The more property Mr. Nickerson will have on his list the easier it will be for him to suit prospective buyers.
　
A progressive town can not get along without a live real estate agency, and for that reason The Gazette is pleased to note that Mr. Nickerson has decided to engage in that line of business.  Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.　




TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS
Asked by Rene Delahoussaye for Injuries Sustained In a Railway Collision.　

 Walter J. and Porteus Burke, attorneys for Rene Delahoussaye of New Iberia, have filed a suit in the district court against the Morgan's Louisiana and Texas Railroad Company to recover damages caused by injuries sustained in the collision which occurred last November near the Lafayette Refinery.
　
Mr. Delahoussaye was one of the passengers on the excursion train which was run from New Iberia to Lafayette on Nov. 23 on account of the performance of the Buffalo Bill Show at this place.
　
Mr. Delahoussaye avers in his petition that the coaches were overcrowded and he and other passengers were compelled to stand in the aisle of the coach, that while he was standing the train collided against a freight train coming from the opposite direction and that the collision caused a severe and violent shock which threw him forward fracturing and dislocating the inner bone of the forearm. He avers that the injuries were inflicted without the slightest contributory negligence on his part; that the injuries were due exclusively to the gross negligence and misfeasance if duty on the part of the defendant's agents. He avers further that because of the fracture of his arm he was made to undergo extremely severe pain and that he could not get rest at night and could not attend to his business in the day, and states that the injuries are of a permanent character thus seriously affecting the utility of the injured arm. The petitioner alleges that he has suffered damages in the sum of $2,000, a portion of which was incurred in procuring medical treatment.
　
 It will be remembered that the collision referred to in the petition happened referred to in the petition happened last November just beyond the eastern limit of the Southern Pacific yards. A number of persons were slightly hurt. The accident was the result of the failure of the engineer of the west-bound train to stop at Landry's switch as he was ordered to do. 
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.




A WAGON MARKET.　
Six Thousand Bales of Cotton Sold in Lafayette This Season.　
The Importance of Good Roads.　
 Many persons in Lafayette will no doubt be surprised to know the large number of bales of cotton ginned in this town during the season which is drawing to a close. The special advantage offered to farmers by the local gins have induced cotton-growers from adjoining parishes to haul their cotton to be ginned and sold. Then gins operated by the Lafayette Compress and Storage Company and Gerac Bros. are about to close a most successful season. The number of bales ginned by each nearly reaches three thousand. This speaks well for the management of both concerns. It is strong evidence that their methods are acceptable to the farmers. And it must not be overlooked that this record was made despite the shortness of the crop. Right here we desire to call the attention of the business men of Lafayette to the great importance of making a wagon market of this town. Only a few years ago little or no cotton was brought to this place to be sold, and if so much has been accomplished in so short a period without any effort on the part of the business community, it can easily be demonstrated how much can be done if the intelligent co-operation of the people is enlisted in a movement to make this point what it should be - the best wagon-market in South Louisiana. It is safe to say that every man who brings his cotton to this place does not leave without spending some money here, and if he is well treated, as he is sure to be, there is every reason to believe that he will come back to do his trading. Six thousand bales of cotton sold here means nearly $250,000 put into circulation at this place. It means that almost half of the crop of the parish was brought to be sold here. This, we submit is an item worthy of the most serious consideration of the business men of the town. But it should not be ignored that this could not have taken place it propitious weather and not given us good roads. There isn't a community on earth more interested in having good roads than Lafayette. Without them the trade of the town is deprived of its main sustenance, for even though cotton may be a dethroned monarch elsewhere, it still holds undisputed away in this bailiwick.

 Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901
.

Cumberland Extending Telephone Lines.
Manager Broussard of the local exchange informs The Gazette that the Cumberland Company is extending its line to Alexandria. The line to Lake Charles is also being built and within a short time Lafayette will be in a direct telephone communication with those towns. As soon as possible the line will be continued to Houston and other Texas points.
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.　
 


Pneumonia. - The doctors have been very busy during the past few weeks. We are informed that pneumonia prevails throughout the parish and that in some sections it has almost reached an epidemic form. A number of deaths resulting from this disease have been reported within the last week. Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.　


"Quo Vadis."　E. J. Carpenter's production of "Quo Vadis" will be a revelation to all who attend at the opera-house when they appear. The scenery is by Thos. Neville, and every set is a gem of the painter's art. The costumes are designed by Desalschi, the famous London costumer, and are rich and elegant. The furniture and draperies are perfect copies of those preserved in the British Museum. Mr. Carpenter's Company is a large and expensive one, and gives a fine representation of Sienkiewicz's masterpiece. The date is fixed for Friday, Feb. 22.   Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.



NECROLOGICAL.
Ambroise Mouton.

 The remains of Mr. Ambroise Mouton, an old and respected citizen of Lafayette, were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery last Monday afternoon. Mr. Mouton died Sunday at his home in this town surrounded by his wife and children who affectionately administered to last earthly wants.

 Mr. Mouton was a native of Lafayette parish where he spent most of his life. After an absence of several years, during which he was a resident of Vermilion parish, he returned to the place of his birth. While a citizen of Vermilion he represented the parish in the lower branch of the State Legislature.

 Shortly after his return here the deceased engaged in the real estate business and through his energy and perseverance he succeeded in establishing  a fairly remunerative agency at this place. He was the first real estate agent in Lafayette and the success that he achieved is a tribute to his energy and ability. He worked unremittingly in making known the advantages and resources of this section and through his efforts a number of desirable citizens were induced to settle in this parish.

 Mr. Mouton was a member of the local branch of Catholic Knights of America, which society attended the funeral in a body. He was also a member of the Gen. Gardner Camp of Confederate Veterans.

 Mr. Mouton was 61 years of age. He leaves a wife and nine children in whose love and affection his memory will live as long as life lasts. 
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.



Elie McDaniel.

 Mr. Elie McDaniel, a native of St. Landry parish, died at his home last Sunday, at the age of 53 years. He was buried in the Catholic cemetery Monday afternoon, his funeral being very largely attended. The Knights of Pythias followed the remains to the grave and performed the funeral rites of that society at the conclusion of the religious service.

 The deceased was a member of the Gen. Gardner Camp of United Confederate Veterans. During the Civil war belonged to Company F, 8th Louisiana Regiment. He was about 14 years of age when he joined the Confederate army and remained in the service of the South until the battle of Gettysburg. It is said of him that owing to his youth the captain of the company would not permit him to do any fighting, but he made himself very useful as there was much to be done outside the lines, though it seems that the martial spirit in him was too strong and sometimes he disobeyed orders and joined the others. He did that at Gettysburg and shouldered a musket and fought as hard as anybody else. He was taken prisoner and sent to Fort Delaware where he was kept eighteen months.

 Mr. McDaniel leaves a wife and two children. The children are : Mrs. John Fletcher a resident of Tennessee, and Mrs. Louis Lacoste of this town. 
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.



IN MEMORIAM.
Lafayette, La., Feb. 11, 1901.
Castle Hall,
Lafayette Lodge, No. 37.

 Whereas by a decree of Almighty God, Supreme Chancellor of the Universe, our late brother, Elie McDaniel, has been taken from his earthly life and it is meet that we should put upon record an expression of our appreciation of his virtues and our sorrow for his loss:

 Therefore, be it resolved, That the death of Brother Elie McDaniel, struck from the roll of the Knights of Pythias, Lafayette Lodge No. 37, the name of one whose kindly manner and genial disposition won him the fraternal regard of his brother knights and the good opinion of his friends and fellows citizens generally.

 Resolved, That our heartfelt sympathizers extended to his bereaved wife and sorrowing children, bereft by his untimely taking off, and that in token of our condolences and regard copies of this memorial be forwarded to the family by the keeper of records and seal and entered upon the minutes of the lodge.
    John Vigneaux, W. H. Alexander, Albert Delahoussaye,  (Committee.)
Laf. Gazette 2/16/1901.   


 The ladies of the Episcopal Guild gave an excellent oyster supper Thursday evening. The proceeds of the supper will be used toward the building of a new church. Laf. Gaz. 2/16/1901.



POLICE JURY.
Lafayette, La., Feb. 7, 1901.
Among other business....

 Messrs. Buchanan and Mouton reported having conferred with the town authorities relative to renting the pesthouse land. The sum of $15 had been collected last year, one half of which belonged to the parish. The committee recommended that the land be let to Paul Ducharme for the present year at $15.

 Pin Hook bridge was placed in charge of S. Bernard as keeper of $40 per annum, Mr. Bernard obligating himself to keep approaches in repair, levees excepted.

 Agreeable to a petition from the citizens of the 5th ward the following committee was appointed to investigate and report on the advisability of opening a public road from heirs of Edward Fabre to some point on the public road, in order to give outlet to petitioners: A. A. Labbe, Geo. Malagarie, Ambroise Broussard, Guillaume Bernard and Alex Billeaud.

 Agreeable to a petition from citizens of the 4th ward the following committee was appointed to trace a public road from Royville public road toward the limit of the parish near Cade's Station: Sosthene Mallet, Sr., Jules Langlinais, Sr.,  and Charles S. Young.

 Mr. Buchanan nominated Sidney McFaddin as roadoverseer for the 3rd ward. Thereupon the matter was referred to Messrs. Mouton and Buchanan representing said ward until next meeting.

 By motion of Mr. Broussard, Messrs. Numa Breaux, Clemile Cormier and L. G. Stelley were appointed a drainage committee for the 6th ward.  Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901. 




The Rose Stillman Company will give a matinee to-day at 2:30. Admission: adults, 25 cents; children 15 cents. Little Lord Fauntleroy will be played.
Laf. Gaz. 2/16/1901.   

  From the Lafayette Gazette of February 16th, 1895:



THE BEAUTIFUL SNOW.
An Unprecedented Downfall in Lafayette.
            An Average of 14 Inches.　



 This section has been visited by a very heavy snow-storm. The oldest inhabitants say it is the heaviest within their memory. The fleecy flakes began to fall Wednesday night at about 10 o'clock and when the people awoke Thursday morning they were surprised to see a perfect mantle of white covering the town, with indications in the heavens that they would be treated to a regular snow-blizzard. At first the snowy particles were welcomed with expressions of real delight, but later in the day things assumed a more serious aspect when the average depth of the unprecedented downfall measured five, six, and eight inches.
　
In the hours of the afternoon the streets of the town were enlivened by the appearance of sleighing parties composed of the younger part of the population, while the older and more sedate ones remained at home and looked on with wonder at what they termed "the heaviest snow-storm in the history of Louisiana."
　
At the close of the day the snow seemed to come down with renewed vigor and kept on adding to the thickness of the coat which had already reached proportions that would do honor to a more pretentious State than Louisiana. At about bed time the average depth is reported to have been about 12 inches, and Friday morning to the inexpressible wonder of all myriads of specks could be seen floating in the atmosphere until about half past nine o'clock when the beautiful snow stopped falling, the Sun making a fain effort to come out after a long absence, and the people of Lafayette felt as if they had just returned from a visit to some blizzard-stricken country.

 Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.






The Visit of Archbishop Janssens.　
　
Archbishop Janssens stopped over in Lafayette twenty-minutes Saturday and continued his Journey to Carencro on the train. It had been announced that a large number of citizens would come to this town in body to escort the archbishop to Carencro where preparations had been made to give him a fitting reception, but owing to the inclement weather this part of the program could not be carried out. The people of Carencro met at the depot in large numbers and received the archbishop with the ceremonies appropriate for such an occasion. As per announcement the archbishop conferred the sacrament of confirmation Sunday morning. He remained at Carencro all day Sunday and came to Lafayette Monday morning and was the guest of Father Forge until the departure of the east-bound train in the afternoon.

 Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.




 In Hard Luck. - The Humpty-Dumpty people have been in pretty hard luck. They had been advertised to play at Falk's Opera House Sunday night, but the weather was so cold that no one showed up at the performance and they were compelled to postpone the entertainment. The next day it appears that the manager skipped on the early morning train with all the cash and left the other members of the troupe without a cent to pay for their board and to get them out of town. In order to secure payment, Mr. D'Orsay, of the Orleans Hotel, went to Judge McFadden's office and caused an attachment to be issued for the troupe's baggage and other articles in their possession. Then the company divided in two and succeeded in raising enough money to redeem their baggage, etc. One part of the company left on the afternoon train Wednesday to play at Lake Charles and the rest of the members who remained in this town advertised that they would give "benefit" performances Wednesday and Thursday nights, but owing to the inclement weather they met with very little success. The Gazette wishes them better luck in the future.
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.

 　

Humpty Dumpty's Fall.　The Humpty Dumpty Comedy Company billed to play here last Sunday night not only became stranded on striking our town, but were snow-bound as well. The treasurer of the company "skipped out," leaving the members without money and the extremely unpropitious weather that prevailed here following the arrival of the company made a miserable failure of the most heroic efforts of the boys to raise a fund with which to leave town. The stranded company succeeded in patching up some kind of an arrangement that enabled them to "pull out" Thursday afternoon, after having been our unwilling guests for nearly an entire week.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/16/1895.





ARREST MADE AT DEPOT.
Last Wednesday evening the following telegram was received by the authorities here:　

New Orleans, Feb. 13. Sheriff, Lafayette, La. -- Arrest J. W. Edwards. Left on morning train. Has a small boy-child with him Age 34, height 5 feet 8 inches, slim built, black hair, eyes and moustache, side tips, sallow complexion. Has two overcoats. Charge, grand larceny.
　
D. C. GASTER,
Chief of Police.
　　
In accordance with the above instructions, Marshal Vigneaux and Deputy Sheriff Billaud went to the depot and immediately after the arrival of the train they noticed a passenger carrying a child in his arms and answering to all the descriptions given in the telegram. He was placed under arrest and readily admitted that his name was J. W. Edwards, but disclaimed all knowledge of having committed any crime. The news of the arrest was wired to Chief Gaster and Detectives Kerwin and DeRanee arrived here on the midnight train and left with the prisoner the next morning for New Orleans. Edwards seemed to be very much affected by his arrest and broke down and cried. He was neatly dressed and had the appearance of a man in good circumstances. The story of his crime, as told by the detectives, is about as follows:
　
Edwards made the acquaintance of a New York drummer on one of the trains running to New Orleans, and made known to him his misfortunes and soon gained the sympathies of the New Yorker who assisted him financially and when they arrived at New Orleans they occupied the same room at the Grunewald Hotel. Early Wednesday morning Edwards stole his benefactor's gold watch and overcoat and left the city on a Southern Pacific train.
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.


A Case of Flirtation.
The Gazette reporter was very much amused the other day at the railroad depot by a genuine case of flirtation. It was done in the most approved style and showed that those engaged in this popular pastime were adept in the art and had "been there before," especially on the part of the young man, who is generally about the depot at train time. "He winked the other eye" act was certainly performed with the grace of the true artist."
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.　

For Assault and Battery. - An affidavit was made before Judge McFadden last Tuesday charging a negro named Alexandre Bob with having committed an assault on another negro, Wm. Brown. Constable Malagarie of Broussard made the arrest.
Laf. Gazette 2/16/1895.　
　
 Dislocated His Shoulder. - Engineer Canard, who runs on the Southern Pacific road between here and Houston, while playing in the snow Thursday slipped and fell on the floor of the porch at the Olivier Hotel and dislocated his left shoulder. Dr. G. A. Martin was called and rendered Mr. Canard the necessary help.
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.


Heroic Conduct of Boys Saves a House.　
Last Saturday at about 12 o'clock young Iphis and Armand Deffez, though at a considerable distance from the residence of Dr. Mudd, saw that the roof of the house was on fire, and losing no time started toward the doctor's house to inform its occupants of the impending danger. It is needless to say that it required prompt and efficient work to put the fire out as it had already burned several feet of the roof. Don Greig and Alley Sprole climbed upon the roof and with the assistance of the Deffez boys and other persons about the premises, succeeded in extinguishing the flames which would have soon enveloped the house had not the timely action of the boys impeded their course. Dr. Mudd speaks very highly of those who saved his house from the fire, and says that the Deffez boys deserve special mention for their heroic conduct.
Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.


A Circus Coming. - As per announcement in another column the United Railroad Shows will give an exhibition next Wednesday. If we may judge by the press comments this show is one of the best on the road.
Laf. Gazette 2/16/1895.

 The Veteran Painter. - Mr. H. A. Eastin, is at work painting the houses which are being erected by Mr. J. E. Trahan. Mr. Eastin says that he will have finished painting one of the buildings by the 1st of March and we have no doubt that he will as "Bebert" is a hustler as well as a competent workman. Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.　

 Boy Badly Burned. - Yesterday morning at 11 o'clock the young boy of Mr. John Bowen, Olly, came very near being the victim of a horrible fate. The clothes of the unfortunate little fire from a grate and in less than it takes to tell it, he was enveloped in flames, but fortunately Mrs. Bowen had the presence of mind to carry him to (unreadable word), which she used to put out the fire. Little Olly was pretty badly burned about the legs. Dr. A. R. Trahan attended to the child and did all he could to relieve him. Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.

 Tom O'Chilktree. - Col. Tom O'Chiltree, the famous yarn-spinner and ex-congressman from Texas, passed through Lafayette on Wednesday night's train. Ike Broussard happened to be on the same train and we expect to hear some wonderful stories.  Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.

Time to Move. - The time is passing and no move is made to build a refinery in Lafayette. All that is necessary is unity of action, without which there is no success possible. Small communities with limited means have accomplished wonders by pulling together.
Laf. Gazette 2/16/1895.


 A Dance To-Night. - The Gazette received an invitation to attend a dance at Falk's Opera House to-night. It is to be given by the young men of Lafayette and judging from the names  of those connected with it, it is safe to say that it will be a very enjoyable affair. The following young gentlemen are in the invitation committee: Florestal Guidry, chairman; C. T. Bienvenue, E. T. McBride, Raoul Pellerin, Henry Fontenot, Louis Lacoste.

 Since the above was put in type it has been decided to postpone the dance to Wednesday night on account of the snow storm. Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.

 
Races. -Races are advertiser to take place on Primeau's track near Royville tomorrow, Sunday. The principle race will be run by "Gabe," belonging to Rodolphe Roy and "Crazy," entered by Edward Hebert.
Laf. Gaz. 2/16/1895.



The Advance Guard. - A few flakes of snow fell over this town Tuesday morning. It must have been the advance guard of the snow-storm that struck this section Wednesday the during the night.   
Laf. Gaz. 2/16/1895.

 From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 16th, 1878:


POLICE JURY. 
Jan. 7, 1878.

Among other business....

 The committee appointed to trace and open a road from Olidin's ferry to Royville made their report, and on motion, said report was adopted.

 On motion resolved, that a committee of five be and is hereby appointed and that full power be and is hereby given to said committee to confer with the members of or a committee appointed by the Police Jury of the Parish of St. Landry for the purpose of making all repairs and other work which in their estimation they may deem necessary to put in traveling order the bridge over bayou Carencro.

 On said committee were appointed Messrs. Theodule Hebert, jr., M. G. Broussard, Jean Vigneaux, Ernest Potier and ands Alfred Peck.

 Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the president of the Police Jury of the parish of St. Landry for action thereon by that honorable body.

 On motion resolved, that a committee be appointed to lay out and trace a road leading from the new bridge built on Mine's coulee to the old bridge on Isle des Canes lying near Wm. Guidry's plantation.

 On said committee were appointed Messrs. John S. Whittington, Jules Guidry, Jules Duhon, Antoine Guidry and Cleobule Doucet.

 On motion resolved, that a committee be appointed to trace a road from the bridge lying near Montgomery's plantation leading to the Mermentau river.

 On said committee were appointed Messrs. Jules Guidry, Ed. Louviere, Dr. Cunningham and Theophile Breaux.

 On motion resolved, a committee be appointed to consider the possibility and to advise the proper means of opening and tracing a public road leading from Vermilionville to Isle Pilette, said road to join the public road southwest of the town near Messrs. H. Eastin and McBride's plantations.

 On said committee were appointed Messrs. Lessin Guidry,  Drozin I. Broussard, Valery Breaux, H. Eastin, Alcide Judice, Arelien Primeaux and Adolphe Comeaux.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/16/1878.

    
State and Parish taxes for 1877 are now due and collectable. See notice of Tax Collector in another column.
Laf. Adv. 2/16/1878.

 There will be a celebration of the anniversary of Lafayette Fire Co. No. 1, at this place, on Monday, March 4th next, by a Procession, Christening of the Truck and Grand Calico Ball. For programme,  and handbills. Laf. Adv. 2/16/1878.




 From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 16th, 1912:

LAFAYETTE'S SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

Interesting Trial of Appeal from Portia's Decision in the Merchant of Venice.

 No more interesting and instructive session of court has ever been held in Lafayette than the Lafayette Shakespeare Club's special session of Venetian Court of Appeals last Thursday night in which the appeal of Shylock from the decision of Portia's court in the Merchant of Venice was argued by eloquent and learned counsel before the higher tribunal. The court was presided over by Mr. Justice William Campbell of the 18th Judicial District Court of the 18th Judicial District Court of Louisiana, judge and hoe of the Appellate Court of Venice, with Judge Julian Mouton, of the Louisiana Circuit Court of Appeals, as Attorney for Venice, and Hon. John L. Kennedy of the Lafayette Bar as the counsel appellant. Judge Orther C. Mouton impersonated Shylock and Dr. E. L. Stephens was clerk of court. Judge Julian Mouton opened for the State of Venice with expressions of his high esteem for the character and integrity of the lower court from which appeal was made, declaring his admiration for the learned, wise and charming Portia, who had been the organ of the court, and expressing high praise for William Shakespeare, the clerk of the court, because of the luminous and admirable record he had made of the case in litigation. He pointed from specific notations in the record that appellant had himself expressed great satisfaction with the judicial character and erudition of the judge in the lower courts, using such expressions in open court as "Oh noble judge", "O excellent young man", etc.

 Counsel therefore did not believe that the decision of such a judge would now under the circumstances be reversed by this learned and honorable Court of Appeals; notwithstanding the well known eloquence and astuteness of opposing counsel. Mr. Kennedy, on behalf of Shylock, amply illustrated his worthiness of the compliment paid him by the attorney for the State, making a most eloquent and convincing argument and pleading for his client ;  and it was said by many that if this had been a jury trial the decision of the lower court would undoubtedly have been reversed. He won sympathy at once by pointing out the natural difficulty of counsel undertaking to reverse the judgment of woman as the charming Portia. Nevertheless in simple justice to his client he was obliged to submit that, under the circumstances of the case in the lower court, as shown in the record, Portia should have recused herself from the trial on account of interest in the verdict. She was the wife of Bassanio, for whose sake Antonio had obtained the loan of 3,000 ducats from Shylock, giving the bond of the pound of flesh in case of forfeiture. She was therefore deeply interested party to the suit, and it was scandalous for her to sit in judgment - and the more especially because she did so surreptitiously ;  for beneath the innocent-appearing disguise of the cap and gown of a doctor of the laws there was concealed a militant suffragette! If such a precedent be sustained then must justice ever halt on broken wing! Taking up in detail the grounds for the lower court's decision, the learned advocate argued that the bond was legal and drawn up in due form. "If it proved to be an improvident bargain on Antonio's part, I respectfully submit to the court that there is no affair of my client, who was well within his rights to insist upon the execution of the bond according to its tenor! It was not set up or claimed in the lower court that the bond agreement as contracted was contrabonos mores! An no cause is pretended to be shown why the execution of its provisions should be denied to my client, save the gratuitous suggestion of the court that we should all be charitable! Now, your honor, I respectfully submit that it is not for judges and courts to recommend to litigants before them what they should do with their own! It is their province, fixed by the laws, to judge between litigants according to the laws in such cases provided and upon the principles of justice ;  it is not for them to be recommending mercy and charity as between mercy and charity as between rival claimants before them. Portia herself acknowledged this principle in the lower court, saying to Shylock, "The Venetian law cannot impugn you as you do proceed." And that my client was popularly regarded as being within his rights in the case is attested by Antonio to himself in his reply to Salarino's remark that he didn't think the Duke would grant this forfeiture to hold: "The Duke cannot deny the course of law, for the commodity that strangers have with us in Venice; if it be denied, 'twill much impeach the justice of the State." The learned attorney then denounced as "flimsy sophistry" on the part of Portia her famous injunction that in the taking of the pound of flesh justly and legally awarded to Shylock by her own decision on the bond he must shed no drop of Christian blood. "How," he cried, "in the name of common sense, could my client be expected to obtain a pound of flesh, in execution of the bond without the drawing of blood! The term flesh naturally implies all that appertains thereto - dermis, epidermis, veins, arteries, capillaries, hair, hide, feathers, and what not! Surely it is not supposed that this intelligent and honorable court will be imposed upon by such claptrap as that! And furthermore, may it please the Court, I especially except to the assumption of authority in the lower court to introduce a criminal charge against any my client in the course of a civil proceeding! Why, sir, not content with the mockery of denying him the right to shed blood in the cutting of the pound of flesh legally adjudged as his, this pseudo arraigns my client on the spot, in flagrante delictu, for "indirectly and directly too, conspiring against the very life of Antonio! This, I submit, was in contravention of those articles of the Venetian Constitution directed against the deprivation of liberty and property without the process of law. And I invoke the power and justice of this honorable Appellate Court to avoid and reverse the decree set forth through such a irregular and monstrous procedure!" Mr. Kennedy's peroration was an eloquent tribute to the Jewish race, against which, he protested, great injustices have been operating through the centuries, party by the example of the grossly unjust decision from which he now appealed.

 Judge Julian Mouton's closing argument for the State was upon the nullity of the bond contract because of the immoral purpose on Shylock's part to destroy his rival Antonio, who, as the record shows, had been grossly overbearing and insulting to Shylock on many occasions. Many pertinent passages from the record were eloquently quoted by the speaker to show the motive of revenge in the heart of the defendant-appellant. The passages beginning "Many a time and oft on the Rialto" and "He hath disgraced me and hindered me half a million" were effectively quoted in support of the argument that any contract entered into under the play of such motives and feelings was stricken with nullity under the most ancient laws of mankind. Counsel made much of the fact that the judge in the lower court was a woman (there being many ladies in the court room) and hailed the approaching day of woman's larger influence in all the world's affairs. This argument also evidently had weight with the court, for Mr. Justice Campbell was prompt in rendering his decision ;  and first solemnly warning the waiting audience in the crowded courtroom that he would not tolerate any demonstration upon the announcement of the verdict, he admitted to Mr. Kennedy, counsel for appellant, that his argument and eloquence had been able and convincing, but said that after considering arguments of opposing counsel and the extraordinary character of the lower court, he could go back on Portia. Judgment affirmed! It was with difficulty that order was maintained in the courtroom, as friends of the appellant expressed their disappointment ;  but counsel would not end here, as he would carry the case up to the Supreme Court.

 The Lafayette Shakespeare Club is a live organization, holding weekly meetings with interesting programs for two months each winter (this is the third year) and closing the season with one week of reading and lectures from the plays by Mr. C. E. W. Griffith, of Chicago, the distinguished Shakesperean reader and scholar.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/16/1912.
                            












 

lagniappe:
THE WORLD'S HOLIDAYS.
　
JULY 24, Pioneer day, is a holiday in Utah.
　
SUNDAY is a legal holiday in all the states.
　
MAY 10, is Memorial day in North Carolina, and is a holiday.
　
MARCH 4, is a legal holiday in New Orleans. It is called Firemen's day.
　
JULY 4,  Independence day, is a legal holiday in all the states of the union.
　
APRIL 26, Memorial day, is observed in the states of Alabama and Georgia.
　
SEPTEMBER 9, Admission day, is observed as a legal holiday in California.
　
NOVEMBER 25, is Labor day in Louisiana and is a legal holiday in that state.
　
JUBILEES,  in the Roman church were instituted by Pope Boniface VIII, in 1300.
　
IN many parts of rural England,  Morris dances are still popular at Whitsuntide.
　
APRIL 21, the anniversary of the great battle of San Jacinto, is a TEXAN holiday.
　
FEBRUARY 6, Mardi Gras, has been made a holiday in Louisiana, and also in Alabama.
　
A MIDWINTER festival, was known and observed in Europe long before the Christmas era.
　
FEBRUARY 12, the birthday of President Lincoln, has been made a legal holiday in Illinois.
　
IN almost all countries the birthday of the reigning sovereign is regarded as a popular holiday.
　
JUNE 3, the birthday of Jefferson Davis, has been made a legal holiday in the State of Florida.

 Original source unknown. In the Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1895.　

　

lagniappe:
Judge from Faraway Alaska Visits his Former Schoolmates in Lafayette.　


 A quite distinguished visitor spent several days in our town this week, in the person of Judge Kenneth M. Jackson, of Nome City, Alaska. Although Judge Jackson is scarcely thirty years of age, his wealth is already in the millions, and seems to be continually growing larger in the way that large capital does, notwithstanding that he provides for the enjoyments of life, both for himself and his friends, with a large and generous hand. His present visit to the United States is in the interest of one of the great mining corporations of the Klondike region for which he is attorney and counselor. He has just returned from Washington upon this business, and is now returning to Alaska by way of San Francisco, after having spent a few days here in a visit to his friends and former schoolmates, Rev. Mr. Wier, and President Stephens, of the Industrial Institute.
　
The story of Judge Jackson's brilliant and quickly won success is quite as remarkable and interesting as a fairy-tale, and all the more pleasing because true. Fourteen years ago he was a plodding, everyday kind of half-grown Texas boy, attending school at Keachi College in North Louisiana, then under the direction of T. N. Coleman. He won friends easily, and had many of them; but he did not figure noticeably as a student or a scholar. After leaving there, however, he studied law and was successfully admitted to the Texas bar. Seeing no outlook at home (in Falls county,) he struck out for Alaska on a venture - and has succeeded beyond his greatest expectations. During the past seven years he has won his way from almost poverty to twenty-five thousand dollars, then back again to nothing, and finally to more than a million - the same fellow who ten years before would have been delighted with four dollars and thirty cents! Such is the life in Alaska! Meanwhile he has developed in every way to the fullest stature of American manhood; -- standing six feet, two inches, weighing two hundred and twenty pounds, speaking a large, full, and logical sentence, and looking you square in the eye. He was appointed Probate Judge by President Cleveland, and since his retirement at the end of the Presidential term, he has devoted himself to law-practice and to his large mining interests in Alaska and Mexico.
　
The Judge expressed himself as being delighted with this visit to his old-time friends, whose incredulity regarding his great wealth and good fortune was easily satisfied and silenced with a number of handsome and expensive presents. We join his friends in hoping that his fortunes may continue to flourish and that the time of his next visit may not be far hence.  Lafayette Gazette 2/16/1901.
　

lagniappe:
What is Snow?　



 Snow is defined to be "the aqueous vapor of the atmosphere precipitated in a crystalline form, and falling to the earth in flakes, each flake consisting of a distinct crystal, or more commonly of combinations of separate crystals. The crystals belong to the hexagonal system, and are generally in the form of thin plates and long needles or spicule; by their different modes of union they present uncounted varieties of very beautiful figures. The whiteness of snow is due primarily to the large number of reflecting surfaces arising from the minuteness of the crystals. When sufficient pressure is applied, the slightly adhering crystals are brought into molecular contact, and the snow, losing its white color, assumes the form of ice. Precipitation take the form of snow when the temperature of the air at the earth's surface isn't near or below the freezing point and the flakes are larger the moister the air and the higher its temperature."
　
Snow is often called the "poor man's manure." The question whether snow is capable of affording to lands any of the elements of fertility, is one often asked; and in reply it may be said that it probably is. The atmosphere holds ammonia and some other nitrogenous product, which without doubt brought to the soil by snow flakes as well as by rain drops.
　
A reference to the following statistics on snow falls in this vicinity for the past eighteen years furnished to the States by Capt. Kerkam may possibly be of interest to the reader:
　
In 1877 and '78 an inappreciable amount fell, melting as it neared the ground; in '79 about an about an inch fell during a heavy sleet storm; in '80 in appreciable flurries; '81 a snow of something less than g inches; in '87 and 89 an inappreciable amount came down mixed with sleet; '92 and '93 inappreciable flurries.

 Lafayette Advertiser 2/16/1895.