WHO SHOULD IMPOSE SENTENCES.
We learn from the New Orleans papers that the judiciary committee of the constitutional convention has decided to recommend a radical change in the manner of trying criminals in this State.
Under the present system the sole duty of the jury is to decide as to the guilt or innocence of the accused. The work of juror ends with a verdict, which either convicts or acquits the prisoner. The sentence is left to the discretion of the presiding judge, and the jury has nothing to do with it. Sometimes the jury recommends the prisoner to the mercy of the court, that the judge is not bound to act upon this recommendation. In the majority of cases the judge, who is always thoroughly acquainted with all the facts brought out himself if any mercy is to be extended to the prisoner, regardless of the advice of the jury. The judge knows that in many instances the jury's request for mercy is made as a sort of compromise to gain the assent of some timid of over-conscientious juror.
The change offered by Mr. Pujo, of Calcasieu, and endorsed by a majority of the judiciary committee, makes it incumbent upon the jury not only to judge the guilt or innocence of the accused, but it clothes the jury with the additional authority of deciding what sentence is to be imposed.
The Gazette that the power to impose sentences should be vested in the judge. The jury has its hands full as it is, and the judge by reason of his experience and education is better qualified to wisely exercise that authority.
Instead of making the conviction of criminals easier the proposed law will place an obstacle in the way of a proper and speedy enforcement of our criminal statutes. The complaint is general, and we believe well-grounded, that juries are too prone to acquit criminals even though the proof be strong and conclusive, and if compelled to impose sentences, there is no telling to what extent their leniency will go. With the present system the plain duty is to convict when the facts adduced justify such a conclusion. They have nothing to do with the sentence, and yet too often known criminals are given their liberty. We believe that the history of criminal traits in this State is indisputable evidence of the unwisdom of the proposed change. Instead of making the duty of the juryman more difficult to perform, it should be made easier. What is needed in Louisiana is not a more complex system of criminal jurisdiction, but rather a system that will give us a better and speedier execution of the laws.
Judges may be safely vested with the authority of imposing sentences. We do not know of any cases wherein they have abused this power and we do not see how the cause of justice can be advanced by Mr. Pujo's ordinance.
Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
Firemen's Celebration.
The fire department of Lafayette will entertain the excursionists from New Orleans to-morrow, and on April 16, Company No. 1 will give a ball at Falk's hall.
A meeting of the companies was held Wednesday night and steps were taken to make arrangements to receive the large number of visitors Lafayette will have to-morrow.
At the arrival of the excursionists the fire department will conduct them to Falk's hall, where Mayor Caffery will deliver an address of welcome. A matinee will be given, and refreshments will be served at the hall. The Home Fire Company's reel will be christened at St. John's Catholic church at 6:30 p. m. That evening at Falk's hall a concert will be given, after which a dance will follow. The committees in charge of the reception and entertainment of our visitors are doing their utmost to make the celebration a decided success, and The Gazette hopes that not only the firemen, but everybody in town will give a helping hand to this laudable undertaking.
Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
Base-ball at Oak Avenue Park. - Arrangements have been made by Prof. Robert Broussard, a captain of the Pilette nine, to have a match game at the Oak Avenue Park to-morrow against a nine from Jeanerette. The game will be called at two o'clock sharp, and no delay will be permitted. The boys from Pilette are in thorough trim and are confident of adding another victory to their already long list. An admission fee of 25 cents will be charged.
Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
Waterworks Accepted. - After the expiration of the required thirty days' trial, the Council has accepted the waterworks and electric light plant. This practically put its operation entirely in the hands of the city authorities. Several hydrants have been tapped for private persons and give perfect satisfaction. Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
The Cotton Compress.
The gentlemen appointed by the Business Men's Association as a committee to take step towards the erection of a cotton compress in Lafayette, have succeeded in obtaining an exemption from the Police Jury of ten years; taxation on the property to be owned by the company that will build this much needed improvement,. The resolution was carried by a majority of 1 vote. This practically settles the question as to the loyalty of the compress, and it can be safely said that it will be in our midst next fall. This adds another to Lafayette's fast increasing improvements. This town, situated as it is, affords an splendid field for such an undertaking. The special adaptation of the neighboring country to the cultivation of cotton and the unusual railroad facilities make this make this the most suitable location in this section of the State for a cotton compress, and it will undoubtedly prove to be a successful business venture. Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
Telephone Service.
Mr. R. F. Hoggsett, manager of the local telephone line, visited Lafayette during the week, making arrangements to give our people night service at the central office. He has succeeded in getting the necessary number of subscribers, and he will immediately begin placing the boxes. He has made a considerable reduction in prices and is confident of obtaining more subscribers.
Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 4/9/1898.
Extensive preparations are being made for the concert and ball to-morrow for the benefit of Home Fire Co.
The opera-house in New Iberia was destroyed by fire a few days ago and the New Iberia Enterprise office was also burnt. The opera-house, which was the finest building in that town, was not insured, while the Enterprise plant was partially covered by insurance.
The new rolling desk top recently installed in the directors' room at the First National Bank, for the private use of the President, is "a thing of beauty" as well as a thing of usefulness.
Refreshments will be served to-morrow during the whole day at Falk's hall.
A musical concert will be given to-morrow evening at Falk's hall, which will be followed by a ball.
J. C. Caillouet has opened his drug store in the Martin building and announces to the public that everything in his store is now properly arranged and he is ready to fill prescriptions night and day.
The Postal Telegraph Company has begun the erection of posts through this section of the State and will soon have a branch office in Lafayette.
Base ball at Oak Ave. Park to-morrow.
Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of April 9th, 1898:
GALA DAY !!!
SUNDAY, APRIL 10th. 1898.
Principal Attractions and Amusements of the Day.
FIREMEN'S PARADE, CONCERTS, Matinee and Night, Dinner. Admission to Concerts 25 cts. Dinner, 25 cts.
Christening of the Hose Carriage at 6:30 p. m. at St. John Catholic Church.
Illumination of the whole church.
At 12:30 sharp, Meeting of the whole Fire Department at the Court House Square.
The members of the fire department will assemble promptly on the court house square at 12:30 p'clock and be at his post on time bearing his badge which can be obtained upon application the secretary of his company.
Soon after the department will form itself in order, two by two, and then march to the Southern Pacific depot.
As soon as the train arrives, the parade will be formed and firemen and excursionists will March to Falk's Opera House where the address of welcome will be delivered by Mayor Caffery.
The Century Brass band, under the fire department enlivening the march with martial music. After the address of welcome, the matinee will begin. Admission 25 cents. No reserve seats.
PROGRAM OF THE MATINEE.
PART FIRST.
Address of Welcome (Tiny Toto) ... Little Hinder Schmulen.
Overture (Piano - 4 hands) ... Misses Lea Gladu and Martha Mouton.
Bubolink, Song ... Miss Mouton.
The Vagabond, Recitation ... Miss Mathilde Veazey.
Credo du paysan ... H. A. Van der Cruyssen.
Selection, Song ... Miss Maud Boas.
Recitation ... Miss Isaure McDaniel.
PART SECOND.
Piano Duet ... Miss Irma and Martha Mouton.
Violin Solo (Resignation) ... Ned Voorhies.
A Boy's Fake ... Edgard Veazey.
Piano Solo ... Mrs. Alf. Mouton.
Bid me good bye, song ... Miss Martha Mouton.
Dance ... William and Myrtel Levy.
Fairy land, Chorus ... By the children.
---------
Falk's Opera House will be divided in Concert Hall and Dining Hall. A bountiful dinner will be served under the direction of the Ladies of Lafayette for the sum of 25 cents.
-------
After the night concert, the lovers of Therpsicore's art will be gratified with dancing will be indulged in, led by the Breaux Bridge String band.
Committees for the Day:
The excursionists will be met at Morgan City by the following committee:
Sidney Mouton and Aug. V. Labbe.
On their arrival the following reception committees will take charge of them in their tour of Lafaytte.
Wm. Campbell, Judge C. Debaillon, O. C. Mouton, Henry Gerac.
Jno. T. Allingham, Judge McFaddin, A. E. Mouton, Geo. A. Deblanc.
Chas. D. Caffery, T. M. Biossat, C. O. Mouton, Judge J. Mouton.
---------
The following committees will act at the hall:
COMMITTEE OF RECEPTION at the HALL.
C. M. Plonksy, J. L. Kennedy, Dr. Duhart, Judge G. Mouton, T. M. Biossat, Dr. G. A. Martin.
RESTARAUNT:
A. E. Mouton, E. McDaniel and Henry Hebert.
Waiters; Alfred Martin and John Broussard.
COFFEE:
Mrs. J. E. Couvillon; Waiter, L. E. Lacour.
ICE CREAM.
Mrs. F. J. Mouton.
Waiter: Sidney Mouton.
LEMONADE:
Mrs, Erwin Mouton; Waiter Jos. Ducote.
BARKEEPERS:
F. E. (unreadable), Jos. Mouton, Wilfrid Riu, Aug. Labbe and Jules Mouton.
TICKET SELLERS:
Gus. (unreadable), Chairman; Armand Deffez, J. F. Tanner, Sosthene Martin and Alfred Mouton.
DOOR KEEPERS:
S. R. Parkerson and Don L. Caffery.
CARVING COMMITTEE:
L. F. Rigues and A. D. Martin.
GENERAL CASHIER.
Frank G. Mouton.
CHRISTENING.
The Hose Apparatus of Home Fire Co. will be christened at 6:30 p. m. at St. John's Church. Rev. Father E. Forge and assistant, officiating.
The ceremony will be quite elaborate and the following program will be rendered:
Ave Maria (Campans) ... Miss Martha Mouton and H. A. Van der Cruyssen.
O Salutaris (Lucon) ... Choir.
Tantum Ergo (Rossi) ... Soli and Choir.
BENEDICTION.
Interlude
Laudate Dominum.
CHRISTENING.
Addresse of Rev. Father E. Forge.
PROGRAMME of the CONCERT at NIGHT.
At 8 o'clock p. m. a grand concert will be held at Falk's Opera House.
Admission: 25 cents. Reserved Seats: 35 cents.
PROGRAMME.
PART FIRST:
L'africaine ... By the Orchestra.
Recitation ... Little Hinder Schmulen.
Home Sweet Home (Variations) ... Miss Genevieve Mouton.
La Tempete, Song duet ... F. V. Mouton and H. A. Van der Cruyssen.
Song ... Miss Martha Mouton.
Recitation ... Miss Isaure McDaniel.
Freyschutz ... By the Orchestra.
INTERMISSION.
Carmen ... By the Orchestra.
Recitation ... Miss Mathilde (unreadable).
Piano Duet ... Miss Lea Gladu and Martha Mouton.
Song ... Miss Martha Mouton.
Post and Peasant ... Misses Clara Hebert and Lucy Vigneaux.
Violin Solo ... Ned Voorhies.
Selection ... Miss Martha Boas.
Selection ... Orchestra.
Quartette ... Misses Maud Boas, Martha Mouton, H. A. Van der Cruyssen and F. V. Mouton.
CENTURY BRASS BAND.
Henry Gerac: Leader.
T. Mouton, Fred Bonnet, Louie Lacoste, Alb. Coumes, Ed. McBride, Ephis Deffez, N. Judice, E. D. Pellerin, Ell Broussard, Arthur Pierret, Joseph Ducote, Felix Connetello, H. Fontenot, J. Dorias, P. Gerac, B. Falk, Dr. F. E. Girard, Chas. Bienvenu, Chas. Jeanmard, Felix Voorhies, J. Lagneaux, A. O. Patureau, Edward Broussard, Vital Arnaud, Armand Deffez, H. A. Van der Cruyssen, Adolph Mouton.
Lafayette Advertiser 4/9/1898.
lagniappe:
Holy Week.
To-morrow is Easter and the solemn ceremonies in the Episcopalian and Catholic churches of the land will close the forty days which the devout of these two churches have given to retirement, temperance and pious meditation. The six weeks which marks Jesus Christ's most eventful period of life, have been devoted to deep worship of God in keeping holy the Lenten season, these denominations thus testifying their love of and respect for the lowly Nazarene. Last Sunday the faithful brought to the churches palms and evergreens to be blessed, in commemoration of the strewing of the branches of palms under the feet of the Savior and His followers as they entered the City of Jerusalem, and thus blessed to keep them as emblems of faith in Christ. Thursday and Friday were celebrated in all the solemnity of religious devotion and fervor, and Easter will be the dawning of this period of seeming darkness and despair.
Lafayette Gazette 4/9/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of April 9th, 1909:
CAPTAIN J. C. BUCHANAN.
Captain John C. Buchanan, aged nearly sixty-eight years, died at his home near Lafayette last Wednesday, after a long and painful illness. Deceased was born near Hagerstown, Md., on the border of Virginia, and was of distinguished family connections. On the outbreak of the Civil War Capt. Buchanan, then only about eighteen years of age, joined the army and fought under that celebrated cavalry leader, Colonel Mosely, participating in some of the bloodiest and most sanguinary battles that characterized that fierce struggle for Southern rights and principles. After the war he came South and engaged service with the Southern Pacific and Morgan Railroad Company as civil engineer, and surveyed the line of the road from Morgan City to San Francisco. He was afterward appointed superintendent of the Houston division of the road, when about 1879 he resigned and came to Lafayette, marrying Miss Eugenie Joseph Mouton, daughter of Ex-Lieut. Governor C. H. Mouton. While following the occupation of farming Capt. Buchanan, always took great interest in political affairs, taking an active part against the Louisiana State Lottery and always standing true to the principle of democracy. He served four years as Police Juror of the parish and for a number of years as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Lafayette Industrial Institute, his name appearing on the corner stone of that institution under date of 1900. At death Capt. Buchanan was a member of the Parish School Board, having been elected to that position of trust in November 1908. The funeral took place at St. John's Catholic cemetery Wednesay evening and was largely attended. Rev. Father Teurlings spoke words of comfort and sympathy to the bereaved family and friends and expressed the highest esteem for the worth and manly characteristics of the deceased, whom he knew personally as an honorable man and exemplary citizen. A wife and eleven children mourn the loss of a devoted and affectionate husband and father. The Advertiser extends its condolence to the family in this hour of grief and affliction. Lafayette Advertiser 4/9/1909.
lagniappe:
The Office Boy Wants to Know.
If Bernard is crazy?
If Lafayette parish will have good roads next year?
If the lenten season will be followed by renewed activity in the matrimonial world?
If St. Martinville will not celebrate Christmas in July?
If the Lafayette saloon keepers will now be good?
If Lafayette is afraid to ask for the industrial school?
If the people of this town ought not to take a tumble and build a new fence around the public school-house?
If the law against seining will be enforced?
If the railroad commission will earn its salary?
If some people don't know that they are not the only persons who receive mail?
Why don't they move out of the way after they have taken their mail?
If some young men went to church last Sunday to pray or to look at the pretty girls?
If the citizens will ever make a move to get the industrial school?
Lafayette Gazette 4/8/1899.
No comments:
Post a Comment