The following is taken from the syllabus of the court, and gives in brief the reasons for the reversal:
"Where in a prosecution for criminal assault, the prosecutrix has testified that she made complaint to persons whom she names, and the persons so named have testified as State witnesses, in corroboration, it is error to deny to the defendant the right to bring out, on cross-examination, the details of the complaints so testified to in chief.
Where, upon the whole examination, upon his voir dire, of a person summoned as a juror; the most that can be of it is, that he had formed and expressed an opinion upon the merits of the case, that would require strong evidence to overcome, that his mind is not in such a condition as to be influenced, solely, by the evidence to be submitted on the trial, and that it would be influenced, to a great extent, by the opinion already formed, but that, nevertheless, he could go into the jury box, and, if the evidence should prove strong enough, disregard such opinion and decide the case upon such evidence, a challenge, for cause, should be sustained."
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
The Cleanliness of Lafayette.
(Communicated.)
Now, members of the city council, excite that dormant pride in your bosoms, and spread like all up-to-date towns the propaganda of cleanliness, and spend a few dollars to help the health of the town. We are not asking for a system of sewerage, but merely a small drain from that pond leading the water out of town, so as to give us residents of that part of town a dry road to go to the railroad track. As it is now, we have to go around four blocks to reach it.
Lafayette is not like New Orleans, visited by thousands of people, but no matter as to the number of visitors she receives, I fear the conditions of our streets and principally that dirty, unhealthful pond in Mills addition may shock them; otherwise if they should see that disgraceful hole cleansed out, and put in a condition to relieve us of the danger of all kinds of diseases that breed there.
Now members of the city Council, Lafayette has made such a stride in the progressive world, and with the prospect of being the leading town in Southwestern Louisiana, reflect only a minute; don't let a few dollars for the welfare of the town be in your way, and no more harsh words would be heard against our beautiful little city. Do as much as you can to benefit her and it will be an evidence of its commercial and financial prosperity and progress.
Now members of the city Council, it is left to you. Do your duty.
signed, F.
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
Promotion for Mr. Hawks. - A special from Houston to the New Orleans dailies announces the probable promotion of Mr. G. F. Hawks, now assistant superintendent of the El Paso division of the Galveston, Houston and San Antonio Railway. Mr. C. C. Mallard who is connected with the Southern Pacific in the capacity of resident engineer at New Orleans, is slated to succeed Mr. Hawks, according to this report. Mr. Hawks has been a resident of Lafayette for several months, and the news of his promotion was received with satisfaction by his friends. Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
A Deplorable Accident. - Mr. Harris Lester, employed at the Southern Pacific yards as a car-inspector, was accidentally struck by a train last Thursday morning at 6 o'clock, and both of his legs were crushed below the knees. The unfortunate man died from the injuries at 11 o'clock the same morning. - Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
Aimee! - Aimee the pretty serpentine and fire dancer, assisted by Hilliard the clever prestidigitateur, will give a performance to-morrow night at Falk's opera-house, for the benefit of the Lafayette Orchestra and Symphony Club.
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
Exercises in the Memory of Dr. Curry.
Monday afternoon, Dr. E. L. Stephens of the Institute called the student corps in the auditorium, and presided over memorial services held in memory of Dr. J. L. M. Curry, the South's great educator who died on the 13th instant. Rev. A. C. Smith pronounced benediction, and Miss Ella Montgomery played an appropriate funeral march.
Dr. Stephens delivered an eloquent address on the life and labors of the eminent Southerner, which The Gazette reproduces in this issue.
Many townspeople and a large number of public school children attended the ceremonies. Laf. Gazette 2/21/1903.
Insane or Drunk. - An unfortunate man, either insane or drunk, entered Prof. W. A. LeRosen's yard Monday afternoon, tried to force entrance into the house, and failing in this attempt, bombarded the house with brick-bats. When seen, he escaped but was overtaken and jailed.
Laf. Gaz. 2/21/1903.
LETTER FROM MR. GIRARD.
To the Editor of Laf. Gazette.
You have frequently expressed the willingness to use the columns of your paper for the discussion of questions of public interest. I therefore take advantage of your kind and generous offer to submit a suggestion on the all important question of special tax for public education.
The unanimity with which the tax-payers have always supported such tax propositions is sufficient proof of their interest in and appreciation of public education. The tax-payers of the town and parish of Lafayette have never failed in their duty in this respect.
When the matter of the location of the Industrial Institute was submitted, the tax-payers with singular oneness of purpose, put aside all differences, political and all others, and by united effort secured for themselves the greatest benefaction that has ever come to this community.
I feel fully justified in risking the statement, that whenever the proposition is submitted for a special tax for the improvement of the school facilities the authorities both town and parish to the duty they owe to the tax-payers in the matter of rendition of account of their trust in the management of public funds.
A case in point which I think is particularly in point is that of the special tax for the water works and electric lights.
I have been informed by some of those in position to know, that notwithstanding the tax has nearly all been collected, there is still a large proportion of those bonds still outstanding and unpaid, and that the amount yet available from that tax cannot possibly meet those bonds.
I have also been informed, that the total revenues from the special water works and electric light tax should have been sufficient to meet the entire issue of bonds.
I was unable to obtain any exact figures.
While on this subject I consider it just and proper that the Police Jury should furnish the tax-payers with a full statement of revenues and disbursements of the public funds.
From the fragmentary statement, published from time to time, it is practically impossible to form any reasonable estimate of our financial affairs.
Mr Editor, I stand ready at all times to advocate and support any proposition which the authorities think proper for public improvement.
I think however that we must not lose sight of the importance and necessity of the proper use and distribution of the funds so realized. It is right and proper and the tax-payers of the town and parish can be depended on to do their duty in this respect.
It is equally right and proper that, the people should have full information of the uses and purposes to which proceeds of the special tax are placed as also the present revenues derived from the regular taxes are applied.
Thanking you for your kindness for permitting so great a trespass on your time and space, and earnestly hoping that all will pull together in this commendable enterprise.
I beg to remain,
Yours very truly,
CROW GIRARD.
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
Morgan's Railroad. - Morgan's Louisiana & Texas Railroad and Steamship Company will sell tickets from all Sun Set Stations to New Orleans and return Feb. 17 to 23, 1903, with return limit Feb. 28, 1903 at a rate of one fare on account of Mardi Gras. For additional particulars, apply to local agent, or to C. B. Ellis, Division Passenger Agent. New Iberia, La.
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
Century Club. - The stockholders of the Century Club met at the club rooms Tuesday evening, and it was decided to sell one-half of the lot purchased from Dr. F. R. Tolson several months ago. The whole lot was paid $2,300, and the club will realize $2,100 from the half of it. It is the purpose of the club directors to erect a two-story frame building on the remainder of the lot.
Laf. Gaz. 2/21/1903.
The following ticket is submitted to the Democratic voters of the town of Lafayette, for their consideration, 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.
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, GUS SCHMULEN, C.D. BOUDREAUX.
Subject to thje 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, ROBT. H. BROUSSARD.
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
SOCIETY.
Mrs. O. B. Hopkins entertained at an enjoyable Flinch party on Tuesday afternoon, complimentary to her guest, Mrs. Phillips of Texas.
Her sweet home presented an unusually attractive appearance, embellished with verdant foliage and fragrant flowers.
Several games were played and Mrs. A. Denbo coming out victorious was awarded the first prize, a beautiful picture framed in ebony. Mmes. W. A. LeRosen, T. N. Blake, A. Doucet and C. Girard tied for the second prize and cutting, Mrs. LeRosen was the fortunate winner of a dainty potpourri of delicate design. The booby prize, a match holder was awarded Miss Holmes. The tables which seated the players were afterwards spread for the delicious refreshments served by the tea girls, Misses Rena Hopkins and Qunitilla Morgan.
The guests on this occasion were: Mmes. T. N. Blake, B. J. Pellerin, A. B. Denbo, C. Girard, J. L. Kennedy, W. A. LeRosen, T. B. Hopkins, sr., A. Doucet, J. A. Phillips, V. L. Roy; Misses Lizzie Parkerson, Louise Tolson, Fadra Holmes, Alicia Dickson, Zelia Christian, Eliza Hopkins.
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
Woman's Literary Club.
The Woman's Literary Club met on the afternoon of the fourteenth with Mrs. T. N. Blake as hostess. The club colors, purple and white, were carried out very effectively in the decorations.
Russian violets of the deepest hue were lavishly used, contrasting with the waxen whiteness of the narcissus blossoms. After the roll call which was responded to with original valentines a short business meeting was held, after which an unusually attractive program was enjoyed.
Lafeadio Hearn and his book "Chita" a tale of the Last Island disaster was the subject of Mrs. E. L. Stephens' paper and proved to be one of the finest papers that the club has ever enjoyed. Mrs. F. E. Davis read a sweet selection entitled "Father Dagobert" from the pen of Mrs. E. M. Davis. Mrs. W. A. LeRosen read interesting character sketches of Catherine Cole, Pearl Pivers and Dorothy Dix. The latter, in response to a request from Mrs. LeRosen sent a charming sketch of her life accompanied by a nice letter which was read to the club.
During the afternoon classic solos were rendered by Misses Montgomery and Mudd and a duet by Mrs. Blake and Miss Mudd was played.
At the conclusion of the meeting a valentine luncheon of twenty-two covers was served in the dining room. At each plate was placed a heart with some appropriate quotation inscribed upon it, and in the centre of the table lay a large heart of violets, surrounded by graceful sprays of narcissus. A dainty salad course followed by ices was generously enjoyed, The club welcomed the following guests at this meeting: Mmes. John Johnson of Michigan, M. E. Davis of New Orleans, J. A. Phillips of Texas, F. B. Baker of Washington, D. C. and C. M. Parkerson. Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
"A GLIMPSE OF THE SOUTH"
That the pamphlet issued some weeks ago by Supt. Alleman will do much good we have not the least doubt. It will not only advance the cause of public education in this parish, but it has already forced itself upon the attention of school-people in a distant State. The county Superintendents' Monthly, an educational journal published in far-away Nebraska, reproduces several pages of Mr. Alleman's pamphlet, under the significant caption, "A Glimpse of the South." As many readers of The Gazette may not have read Mr. Alleman's splendid pamphlet, the following excerpts from it -- taken from the Nebraska paper are printed:
"We cannot hope to have a school that will command the respectable community without having a respectable school-house.
"Too few of our school-houses, in fact none of them come up to the standard of what a school-house must be if it is to render its best services to the community. A great deal can be done by us in arousing communities to the necessity of building school-houses that will supply the demands of this enlightened century. As one old gentleman of the parish has aptly said, "Our schools should be as sanitary as our jails, and we should tax ourselves at least as much for the education of our children as we do for the conviction of our criminals." This philosopher has given, in that one sentence, the key to the whole situation in this State.
"Does it not seem reasonable to believe that communities which willingly spend on criminals from four to five mills of the tax raised, could be easily induced to tax themselves as much for the education of their own children? And does it not seem incumbent upon us who understand this to question to present it to our neighbors who will never understand it unless it explained to them?
"Should we not emulate the noble example of Governor Aycock, Governor Montague and the host of public-spirited citizens of Virginia and North Carolina, who, led by the governors, are waging a crusade against illiteracy in those sections of the South? Let us join hands with the Southern Education Board, the General Education Board, with Governor Heard of the State in their attempt to ameliorate educational conditions in this otherwise fair State. While much has been done in the past, we cannot afford to rest upon the laurels of our ancestors. It remains for us to carry the work to its legitimate end. It is the privilege and sacred duty of an enlightened citizen to help his help is fellow man out of the bondage of ignorance. Every enlightened man owes this to his community. A greater or more sacred service can no man render, be he governor, judge, priest, lawyer or doctor.
"By the earnest efforts of a few leaders this was induced to levy a tax of two mills for ten years to obtain the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute, which stands a monument to their united effort. Yet this magnificent institution reaches but a small percentage of the school population of this parish. And how can we hope that our children will ever be able to enjoy the benefits of that splendid institution unless we improve our public schools? There are thirty-five public schools in this parish, but the revenues are not sufficient to equip and maintain them. The revenues will never be sufficient until we make them so by using our own efforts. If the Industrial Institute could elicit such energy on our part, how many times more should we exert ourselves for the schools which will give 90 per cent of our children all the education they will ever receive?
"We know that the Industrial Institute is a great blessing; that it costs the wealthy parish of Lafayette the paltry sum of $9,000 a year for ten years. Knowing this we should stick to our convictions and discourage the petty grumblings of the chronic kicker who says that the people have been deceived. The argument that children are not admitted to the kindergarten department in the Industrial Institute is no evidence that it will not be done as soon as the funds will permit. And besides, the public schools of the town of Lafayette offer instruction under skilled teachers who have made professional preparation for their work. Any child in the parish will be enrolled in the public schools of the town. We have something to work up to, and it now remains for us to make a study of the educational systems of the communities which have good schools. There is no surgeon in the parish who does not use the latest improved surgical instruments; no farmer who has not the latest improved mowing machines and rotary hoes. Why should not we introduce the best system into our schools?
"When the matter is properly presented, communities, no matter how illiterate, can always be depended upon to do their full share toward raising funds for building decent school-houses and for maintaining good schools. The special school tax movement of the first ward is an example of what can be done when the proper leadership is at hand. Every ward in the parish would do the same thing under the same conditions. The question of raising ample funds for maintaining in this parish a school system worthy of the name is an issue which the intelligent men and women of the parish can no longer ignore, and an issue which must be met now. The women of the parish are a power we must enlist in this great work which is worthy of the best efforts of the noblest women in the Southland. The time is at hand. Let us act.
"Decent school-houses and a good system of schools are good things of this world that never come before demanded by a strong, healthy public sentiment; and public sentiment; and public sentiment never comes spontaneously. When we reflect over the fact that there are 8,000 children of school age in this parish and that there are less than one thousand attending school, every true man and woman instinctively feels an impulse to join the holy task of enlightening those hungry souls. I insist that there is no excuse for this condition of things at this stage of the development in our country, and I firmly believe that God will hold us who have enlightenment; us who distribute the public funds; for us who hold responsible positions of influence; us who have been woefully negligent in the past -- God will hold us responsible for what we fail to do in this matter. These 7,000 little ones in utter darkness are holding up their hands in supplication to us, and we must do our whole duty, and we must do it now. And teachers, your lives are given to this holy work. Will you sit with arms folded or will you reach out for whatever portion of the benighted little ones within your district, and thus do a great service to the human race? This is an effort worthy of the best men and women that ever trod upon earth. Teachers, these little ones can be saved if you will only make the effort. Go out among your people, visit them, plead with them. Show them their duty toward the children, show them the necessity for better schools and longer terms.
"Great has been the progress made in this parish during the past few years, and credit must be accorded those who deserve it. But we must not close our eyes to the fact that we have only made a faint beginning. This is plainly shown by the appalling statistics of great illiteracy and of small school attendance. We have obstructions mountain high to remove, but we take up the task like the true and brave men and women that we are. Our path of duty is plainly marked for us and it is for us to decide whether we will heroically perform this duty to our country or whether we will cowardly shirk it.
"The intelligence and the brain of the parish can be counted on in this struggle for light, and the teachers can be counted on to resume with redoubled energy the good work done last session. Meeting of the patrons at the school-house, at which the needs of the school and the school system are discussed, and where addresses are made, have resulted and will continue to result in building up public sentiment in favor of better facilities for public education. With little energy on our part, our attendance can be easily doubled, yes, and even trebled. Let us hope that the new teachers will fall in line and continue the good work until every child of school age is in the schoolroom. A teacher's value to a community is not measured by the grade of the certificate she holds, but her value is in direct proportion to what she stands for in that community. She must be a leader, a doer. She must impress upon her people that whatever the child's education costs is an investment which will yield an eternal interest not to be measured in dollars and cents. She must show that the education of the child is worthy of the greatest sacrifice on the part of the of the parent.
"And citizens of Lafayette parish, we too, can and must remedy this great evil."
Lafayette Gazette 2/21/1903.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 21st, 1891:
SUNDAY CLOSING LAWS:
Grand Jury Report.
To the Honorable Judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial District in and for the Parish of Lafayette:
We the Grand Jurors, duly impaneled and sworn to inquire in and for the Parish of Lafayette, beg leave to submit this as our final report.
We have carefully and impartially examined into all infractions of the law, that have been submitted for our consideration by Justices of the Peace, as well as all others, that came to our notice from other sources; we find that crimes are diminishing in our midst:
We have examined all violations of the Sunday Law, that have come to our knowledge; there is but little doubt, but that the law has not been enforced, but that we believe, if the Parish officers, will make it their duty, to make complaint before a magistrate of all the violations of the aforesaid law, that before long the Sunday Law will be as strictly observed as any other criminal statutes. We would suggest, that the different Peace officers throughout the parish, to watch all places of business on Sundays with an eye, solely to oppose the supremacy of the Sunday Law statutes.
In regard to the roads their conditions are such, as to warrant us in suggesting to the Police Jury, to see to it, that the Road Overseers be forced to do their duty and for this measure; we would advise the Police Jurors in their different wards to report and prosecute criminally any road overseer, who is inefficient in his road district; it is true that the roads, are not in some places even passable, but this condition, we attribute not alone to the negligence on the part of the road overseer, for we believe that the present protracted rain, is enough to make the best road bad.
The parish jail, as far as we can learn from the inmates thereof, is not properly kept, the prisoners complain of their food, their bedding, and clothing are not sufficient to make them comfortable, the jail in its present condition, is hardly the place for human beings. We would suggest, that all parties imprisoned for misdemeanors be incarcerated down stairs; the sanitary condition of the jail could be very much improved on, and for very little expense, the door sills on the back part of the jail are rotten, should be built in bricks and cemented; there is a large desk in the water closet, which prevents parties from entering near different sewers, and this desk ought to be removed, a pipe and faucet needed upstairs at the east corner; there is a leak in one of the pipes in the cage, which should be stopped, the ceiling, and in fact, all the iron work about the jail would be better preserved if painted.
We have examined the Clerk's office and find that the Records of the Court, as well as all other documents, therein, are kept in order; the gutter and corniche on the west side, north corner of the Clerk's office, has a leak in it, and ought to be repaired; a new book of brands should be furnished to the Clerk, and all brands recopied.
We have examined the Sheriff's office, and report the same as well kept, the Sheriff exhibited the receipts of the Auditor and Parish Treasurer of all moneys collected up to date for the parish, and for the last quarterly statement with the Auditor, the Sheriff desires a railing to be put across his office.
The Parish Treasurer's books and receipts balanced.
The general appearance of the Court House is not as it should be, a few coats of paint would do much towards improving it.
Having discharged our duty to the best of our ability, we respectfully ask to be discharged.
A vote of thanks by the members of the Grand Jury is duly tendered to Mr. Gordy, our District Attorney, for his kind advice to our body, and the interest he takes in the welfare of the parish.
P. E. COUVILLON,
Foreman.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/21/1891.
LAFAYETTE POST OFFICE.
Following is the schedule of the arrival and closing of the mail at the Lafayette, La., post office.
Arrives from the East twice daily - 6 a. m. and 1:15 p. m. Closes for the East at 1:15 p. m. and 6 p. m. daily.
Arrives from the West twice daily - 6 a. m. and 1:35 p. m. Closes for the West at 1 p. m. and 6 p. m.
Alexandria - Arrives at 1:15 p. m., closes at 1 p. m. daily.
Breaux Bridge - Leaves at 2 p. m., arrives at 12 m, daily except Sunday.
PAUL DEMANADE, Postmaster.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/21/1891.
Grinding Season. - During the grinding season the water of the Teche was poisoned to such an extend by the refuse chemicals discharged into it by the sugar factories that fish were poisoned in large numbers, cattle and stock that drank it died, and the health of the communities living along the banks of this beautiful and historical stream are greatly affected by the foul water. Lafayette Advertiser 2/21/1891.
Selected News Selected (Advertiser) 2/21/1891.
Miss Mamie Moss is home again after a visit of a few weeks with relatives in New Iberia.
Dr. J. D. Trahan, after a short stay in New Orleans, returned home Monday.
Miss Leonora Bisland, of Orange, Tex., who was here on a visit to her aunt, Mrs. John Clegg, left for home this week.
Miss Alice Castex, of Mermaentau, was in town this week, the guest of Mr. and Mrs. P. Gerac.
Col. G. A. Breaux, of New Orleans, is in town attending the session of the District Court.
The fragrant little magnolia fuscata is now in bloom, and its sweet aroma pervades the atmosphere.
Miss Augustine Desbrest, of Opelousas, is in town visiting friends and relatives.
If you have headache, try Preston's "Hed-Ake."
Mrs. J. J. Revillon has built a commodious and handsome stable upon the rear of her residence lots.
Judge C. H. Mouton, of St. Martinville, is here attending the session of our District Court.
The glorious Springtime has come at last. Birds have mated and are singing their sweetest, and all vegetation is unfolding in the balmy breezes.
Mr. L. Hirsch is building a neat cottage residence on Lafayette street adjoining Mr. Noville's jewelry shop.
Mrs. E. Priollaud, of Lake Arthur, who was the guest of Mrs. J. J. Revillon, left for home this week accompanied by Miss Louise Revillon.
The Advertiser was favored Tuesday evening with a visit from Mr. Dom. Cauret, junior partner of the firm of Bernard & Cayret, near Mouton station.
Our Street Committee is doing some good work now, filling in low places on the streets with brickbats. The bats will soon grind up and make a solid road bed.
Mr. Auguste Degrez has fenced in half a block on Lincoln Avenue, just east of Louis Livet's gunsmith shop, preparatory to building several tenement cottages as soon as the weather settles.
Our streets are again in fine condition, dry and hard, and driving upon them is a pleasure; owing all to our excellent drainage.
Court in session, bright weather, lots of people in town, and Lafayette presented quite a lively appearance for the first part of the week as contrasted with a month last past.
Mr. A. Baudoin, late of Perry, P O., Vermilion parish; has removed to this place, and will build a residence on the upper part of St. John street. Mr. Baudoin is warmly welcomed to our town.
Now is the time to use whitewash and lime. A great many new fences and improvements have been put up during the winter, which would be greatly improved by a coat of white wash.
As one evidence of the solid growth of Lafayette there is not a dwelling house in town for rent.
More tenement houses are needed, and the building boom will commence soon. This will put more money in circulation here.
About all of our truants to the New Orleans Mardi Gras Festivities have returned home. Many of them, as they ram their hands way down in their pockets are divided in thought as to whether they are glad or sorry they went.
The portly personage of our jovial friend from Opelousas, General George O. Elms, was in town on
Wednesday. He was here to survey a tract of land belonging to the Donat Breaux succession.
Last Monday our worthy neighbor, Mr. J. E. Martin, killed a fine corn-fed hog which rendered twenty-eight gallons of excellent lard. As to the intrinsic merits of that pig we can cheerfully testify, as we assisted in devouring a large portion of its spareribs, for which he will accept our thanks.
Mr. H. L. Monnier is now erecting three neat tenement cottages on his property between I. Falk's corner store and his residence. He has already engaged to rent the cottages, and tenants are awaiting to move in as soon as they are finished.
Long's Artistic Pavilion Show and the Hickman Comedy Company have been entertaining our citizens for a week past, and we but voice peculiar sentiment when we say that it is one of the best and most satisfactory shows, for the money charged, that has ever visited our community. The performance abounds in variety, is altogether chaste and proper, and interesting throughout. Mr. Long is a prompt and pleasant man to do business with, and we recommend him and his show to people of Louisiana.
Mr. Hahn, of the Crescent Hotel, is taking a break to raise his own bananas. He has planted eight or ten trees in the plot of ground between the hotel and J. O. Mouton's corner, which seem to be thriving. With proper protection during winter they ought to bear in two or three years, at any rate, their luxuriant foliage for eight or nine months of the year will be an ornament and an attraction for Northern visitors.
As the weather seems disposed to clear up and settle down to business, our farmers have yet ample time to put in crops, and, if the season is good, will have all they can manage to gather them.
Remember the late frosts last year. A good start now on a favorable season, and the farmers of Lafayette will again come out ahead. We see no cause as yet for despondency or forebodings of a failure.
On the afternoon of the 17th inst., at 3 o'clock, the cistern floor broke down at J. and Henry Putnam's sugar refinery, breaking the steam pipe of the clarification tank killing of (unreadable name) Broussard, son of Alexander Broussard, of Vermilion parish. This refinery is on the Bayou Vermilion in the vicinity of Abbeville. Lafayette Advertiser 2/21/1891.
This story has its first few sentences missing. Its about the need for electric lights in Lafayette, so we'll pick it up here...
...What a railroad center of the importance of Lafayette, with its constant solid growth, needs is electric lights; and we are bound to have them - sooner or later. A plant amply sufficient to supply demand for a few years need not cost more than $5,000 or $6,000 - say it costs $8,000. We feel assured that with what lights the town would take the revenue collected would be sufficient to pay running expenses and good interests on the money invested the first year. The electric light grows in appreciation and demand by use, and those who have once used it are not considering the time and trouble of cleaning lamps, the breakage of chimneys, etc., it is much cleaner and cheaper than oil and also safer. As new inventions and methods are constantly cheapening the production of electric light in a few years use will become more general. The company that secures the territory of Lafayette will have a good thing. Here is food for reflection and enterprise.
Lafayette Advertiser 2/21/1891.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 21st, 1911:
EVANGELINE PARISH.
Is Now a Reality - Supreme Court Having Affirmed Decision of Lower Court.
In a decision handed down the state supreme court upheld the creation of the new parish of Evangeline. It was the suit of Landry Fontenot and others, taxpayers against Alfred Young et al. Justice Monroe was the organ.
Division in St. Landry was agitated for many years. In 1908 the divisionists got an act through the legislature providing for an election. It carried by an overwhelming majority. The supreme court however, nullified the election on the ground that no provision had been made for representation. At the time of the election the full membership of 116 in the legislature had been exhausted through the creation of LaSalle.
At the last session a new act was passed creating the parish without a referendum, which the supreme court had held within the power of the general assembly. Ville Platte was made the parish seat and the new parish began business on January 1, having elected its parish officers with Paulin Fontenot as Sheriff.
Meantime an attack had been made in the district court by taxpayers on the election. Judge Pavy decided for the division. The supreme court upheld the lower court. Lafayette Advertiser 2/21/1911.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of February 21st, 1913:
BRIDGE AT BATON ROUGE
Over Mississippi Authorized by House - Would Be Marvel of Modern Engineering.
The Broussard bill authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Mississippi river at or near Baton Rouge was passed by the House Tuesday by unanimous consent. The Louisiana member was lucky in getting in early, for later in the day a filibuster was organized and the consent needed to get the bills was withheld.
If the Bridge is built, it will be one of the engineering wonders of the country of not of the world, because of the difficulty that is expected to be encountered in the construction of the foundation. It is estimated that the bridge would cost $15,000,000, and of that sum between $12,000,000 and 13,000,000 will be spent in getting the foundations deep enough to support the piers. They will have to be sunk in hard-pan, and it is a question as to how much work will be required to accomplish that feat. Job Hedges, Republican candidate for Governor of New York last fall has represented the capitalists who want the privilege, at least in all the work that has been necessary in Washington. It is suspected he represents a commission of railroads that would be benefited by a bridge at that point, probably the Southern Pacific, the Frisco and the Louisiana Railway and Navigation Company, if not even more roads than that. Lafayette Advertiser 2/21/1913.
lagniappe:
OF GENERAL INTEREST.
Large breeds of poultry do not pay so well as the average or smaller ones. They eat twice as much and their eggs are larger, but an egg is an egg and big eggs sell for no more than those of average size. A moderate-sized breed is the best investment for a man's money if he is raising poultry for profit.
- Another fertile resource of the great centennial state was drawn upon, for her unemployed people, a week or so since, when the cowboys and farmers about Lamar, Col., had a grand jack-rabbit round-up for the benefit of Denver's hungry poor. Over two thousand rabbits were secured and sent to Denver to fee the poor.
- If election dispatches are to be trusted, not only is there a modern Robinson Crusoe, but as well a man Friday. The names of Robinson Crusoe and John Friday appeared a few years since in an official capacity in connection with a contested election, and they were set down as residents of an interior county of New York State.
- Georgia's criminal superior court has discontinued the kissing of the Bible in the administration of oaths. Judge Clark, in explaining the order to the effect says "Holding up the right hand is the more convenient form. Then the kissing of the book is a very nasty thing. I have heard of persons catching disease in that way.
- A ventriloquist in Lancashire, England, pretended to have a dog in a bag, and imitated the animal's cries so naturally that a bystander insisted that the dog should be released. The ventriloquist refused, and the bystander so thrashed the mimic that the latter went to bed sick with the erysipelas. In a suit for damages the court sustained the defendant.
- Two years ago James Tobin, of Ladoga, Ind., and athlete, weighing 240 pounds, had a severe attack of dyspepsia, and it was thought he would die. He suddenly fancied ice-cream, and this has been his only diet ever since, as nothing else would stay on his stomach. He is the chief foot-ball player of the Ladoga team, and recently played in a game.
- During the night your watch is quiet, as it were - that is, hangs in your vest without motion or touch. If you don't wind it up at night the mainspring is then relaxed, instead of being in that condition during the day. By winding it in the morning the mainspring remains close and tight all day. It keeps the movement steady at a time when you are handling it, running about the city tending to your daily affairs. A relaxed mainspring at this time accounts for fine watches varying slightly.
- One of the few places in this country where the curfew bell is yet rung is Fayetteville, N. C. The village has been settled more than two centuries, and the practice has never lapsed. Indeed, so quiet and undisturbed by the outside world has this community remained that the curfew has there almost its original significance, and it is considered time for all good folk to be indoors when its summons is heard. The village has also a town crier, but it is not alone among southern towns in this respect.
- Up to a short time ago the marshal of Portland, Mich., had naturally supposed that his sole concern should be to keep people from breaking out of jail; he is now keeping a careful watch to prevent folks from breaking in. The jail was recently empty of prisoners, and when he went away to pay some calls he didn't think it necessary to lock the doors. When he returned about daybreak the next morning he found a fire burning in the stove and three of the cells occupied by sleeping tramps, who had walked in uninvited and made themselves comfortable.
The reclamation of the arid wastes of southwestern desert lands proceeds marvelously apace. Another reclamation company was incorporated at San Bernardino, Cal., a few days ago, with a capital stock of two million five hundred thousand dollars. A dam is to be erected at Victor narrows, on the Mojave river, in San Bernardino county, one hundred and fifty feet in height, which will make a lake nine miles long and about three wide, whose water will be used to irrigate about two hundred thousand acres of land on the Mojave desert, which will then be especially adapted for growing raisin grapes and alfalfa.
- Salvador Pecani, under sentence of death at Tacoma, Wash., for whose hanging a scaffold had twice been erected, was pardoned by the supreme court recently. Twice convicted of the murder of his uncle, he averred that the deed was committed by the Mafia, and declared he would rather be hanged than released because of his fear of the murderous brotherhood. At one time, when the prisoner's hanging was imminent, the sheriff issued a number of elaborate invitations to his execution, on black cards, with gilt script lettering, and a picture of Pecani in the upper left-hand corner. Pecani was glad to get out of peril of hanging, despite his fears of the Mafia.
Original source unknown. In the Lafayette Advertiser 3/3/1894.
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