Monday, January 12, 2015

^^MARCH 18TH M C

 From the Lafayette Gazette of March 18th, 1899:


LARGE MEETING.




Of the Three Fire Companies of Lafayette - Chief and Assistant Chief Elected.

 The members of the three fire companies of the city held a meeting in Falk's Opera House last Monday night for the purpose of electing a chief and assistant chief of the whole department. Chief Allingham called the body to order and Assistant Chief F. E. Voorhies kept a record of the transaction of business.

 Aside from the fact that the election of a chief developed into a large and violent tempest in a diminutive tea-pot the meeting was a howling success. It was the cause of bringing together a large number of our gallant fire-laddies and it afforded an opportunity to some them of them to display oratorical talent of no mean order. In the course of their speeches the speakers threw some pretty bouquets at the chief and his assistant for the satisfactory manner in which these diligent officers performed their onerous duties during their term of office which had just expired.

 There were two or three candidates for the chieftancy and all kinds of rumors 0f dark and mysterious combinations were afloat. As The Gazette is a novice in things of that kind it will neither affirm nor deny them, but will simply state that as there are some resourceful politicians in Home Company such things were not altogether improbable. Sage counsel prevailed, however, and all passed off as harmoniously as a country candy pulling.

 Owing to the lack of information as to the purpose of the meeting it was some time before something definite was proposed. There were members who wanted each company to appoint five delegates to whom would be entrusted the duty of electing officers, while others contended that a popular vote was fair and equitable. Members pleaded eloquently for equal representation and election by delegates, citing as an instance that portion of the Federal constitution which gave Rhode Island two votes in the Senate while New York with its millions of population was entitled to the same representation. As it was feared that the question was assuming too wide a scope some one sagely called for a vote. An election through delegates was decided upon and Chief Allingham and Assistant Chief Voorhies were re-elected without opposition  and by acclamation.

 After the appointment of a committee to draft a suitable charter and by-laws with a view of regularly incorporating the fire department and of bringing it within the purview of the law, the crowd proceeded to discuss a few kegs of beer which had been brought there for the entertainment of those firemen who have not yet joined the W. C. T. U.
 Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1899.





THE TOWN WINS.

The Circuit Court Affirms the Decision of the District Court.

Just before going to press we are informed that the Circuit Court, Judges Blackman and Mouton presiding, in session at New Iberia, has affirmed the decision of the District Court in the suit of the Consolidated Engineering Company vs. the Town of Lafayette. Three cheers for Lafayette!
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1899.





The New Boiler.
 Engineer Melchert is a happy man and so are we. In fact we think everybody in Lafayette will be happy to learn that the new boiler has been received. This means the lighting of our arc lights within the next ten days. And then it again it means the total, complete and absolute riddance of Mr. Zell's invention, the much-abused and deservedly unpopular Zell boilers. There isn't a thing on earth that these boilers are good for, except perhaps, it be the coal-dealer. They are howling successes as consumers of coal and are splendid friends of the coal mine. It is not known what the town will do with them. Whether they will be kept as mementoes of the inventor or sold for what they will bring, has not yet been decided. In any event the people of the town will be delighted to learn that in the future they will not be compelled to grope in the dark on account of the worthlessness of the boilers at the power-house of the electric light plant.

 Now that the plant has survived the most critical period of its existence there isn't much doubt that with good management at no distant day in the future it will be self-sustaining.
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1899.





NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

 Although the next municipal election is yet two months off, the local political pot has already begun to betray unmistakable evidence of e-bullion and aspirants for the marshal-ship and various other positions of trust or emolument are even now bending every energy in efforts to form combinations which will advance their personal and pecuniary interests. While nothing definite can be learned as to the stage of development which marks the progress of these as yet embry cabals, rumor has it that at least one has secured the nomination of an entire ticket. Whether this faction has also perfected arrangements for the election of the ticket is of course exceedingly problematical and it is not the purpose of this article to discuss the question. It is safe to say that self interest is one of the strongest motives governing human action and no surprise need be expressed when men endeavor to further their pecuniary or material welfare. All honorable efforts are laudable and it is therefore in no spirit of condemnation that The Gazette offers a few suggestions pertinent to the issues involved.

 In the first place, the election of a city administration for the town of Lafayette is a matter of grave public importance and by no means should be left to the tender mercies of any man or set of men intent primarily upon the gratification of personal ambition or the acquisition of pelf at the public expense. It has been the unfortunate experience of this city, for years to allow its entire machinery to be controlled and made subservient to the will of some politician sufficiently shrewed and successful to select and elect a Council and mayor pledged to do his bidding. Some years ago, this practice was relegated to the background by the regular nomination of a municipal ticket by the people in public meeting. The administration then selected certainly deserve praise for the honest, economical and business-like manner in which it conducted the city's affairs. Later another set of officers were chosen, and while severe criticisms have been expressed as to their management, yet any fair minded citizen will consider the peculiar and almost insuperable difficulties with the present administration has been confronted ever since its induction into office.

 No doubt there exists just grounds for many complaints and possibly some better selection of officers could have been made. However, let our people give the devil his due, and address themselves to the problem of rectifying existing evils and securing the future by the selection of a municipal ticket whose personnel shall be a guarantee against all that savors of favoritism or maladministration. This is a matter that appeals to all good citizens irrespective of factional differences and should receive thoughtful consideration as it is of vital importance to the welfare and prosperity of the entire community. There is too much at stake for the public generally, too much at stake for the business and professional men, to permit one or two designing politicians to manipulate and control the entire municipal government from mayor down. And yet if nothing is done to prevent it, this will inevitably follow. The proper remedy therefore lies in the prompt and intelligent consideration of the subject by our people in order to arrive at some satisfactory solution. Let there be an earnest, well-directed effort made to place in power true and tried men whose character shall be a pledge for the faithful and judicious exercise of all vested authority.
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1899.




Public Funds. - Sheriff Broussard turned over $6,609.90 to Treasurer J. E. Martin last Wednesday. The sum was divided as follows:  Parish taxes, $949.95, poll tax $32.00, parish licenses $2,120.00, special road tax $3,508.00.
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1899.








 From the Lafayette Advertiser of March 18th, 1899:

FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Meeting and Drill.

 Last Monday night at Falk's Opera House the Fire Department held a general meeting to elect a chief and assistant. The three fire companies were largely represented. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 p.m., by Chief Jno. T. Allingham, assistant F. Voorhies acting as secretary.

 Inasmuch as the fire companies have not the same number of members and so to give to each one equal representation in the selection of a Chief and Assistant, Hon. Wm. Campbell moved t nominate five delegates from each company and empowered them to elect the required officers.

 After a hot and friendly discussion indulged in by a large number of members the motion was seconded and adopted, and each company nominated its delegates.

 The committee of fifteen after ten minutes of deliberation announced that they were ready to report and Hon. Judge C. Debaillon acting as chairman presented to the meeting the names of the officers elected by the delegates at the same time informing the successful ones of their election.

 The present incumbents, Chief Jno. T. Allingham and Assistant-Chief F. Voorhies were re-elected.

 This is the second term of these gentlemen. The result was received with deafening applause.

 In a few Chosen words the officers elected returned thanks for the honor bestowed upon them and upon motion of the chief the following board to act in concert with him was appointed:

LAFAYETTE FIRE CO. - No. 1 - Judge O. C. Mouton, Judge C. Debaillon and Hon. Wm. Campbell.

 HOME FIRE CO. -Chas. O. Mouton, E. G. Voorhies and Crow Girard.

 HOOK & LADDER CO. - Geo. A. DeBlanc, Emile Mouton and Judge F. A. McFadden.

 The Lafayette brass band under the leadership of Mr. Walter Mouton enlivened the occasion with good music.

 After the election the fire department engaged in a hose drill, but for this special occasion the hose were connected with special foam hydrants. The drill proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the fire department has among its ranks excellent pumpers.

 We noticed with gladness the complete cordiality between the three companies throughout the meeting. True eloquence was indulged by several members notably by Dr. G. A. Martin, C. O. Mouton, Wm. Campbell, Judge C. Debaillon and it seemed like a political meeting through politics were banished from it.

 All speeches ere made to the point not lacking in ripplings of (unreadable word) but the calumet was smoked to a friendly spirit of good will. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1899.




TOWN ELECTION.
To the Advertiser:
   
 Mr. Editor,
 Last May an election for mayor and councilmen for our growing little city will be held. The results of that election are bound to be of very material importance in regard to the future prosperity, stability and steady growth of the town. Hence I beg to be allowed to throw out a few humble suggestions (through your paper) to the voters of the corporation. My hope is that the citizens and taxpayers will rise above petty differences of the past, both political and otherwise, in the selection of candidates for above mentioned offices. Now what I hope to see is that the business men, and in short all taxpayers who have the prosperity and dignity of the affairs of our "Loved Town" at heart should meet together and then with but one desire, one hope, one object in view, select as candidates man of the very best material based om business and moral qualifications regardless of past factional affiliations. This simple "modus operandi" I belive would insure the election of one of the most respectful, efficient and honorable councils that ever took charge of the affairs of the town.
         With respect,
              COMMON CITIZEN.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1899.

   

District Court.
 The Court opened its term last Tuesday under the presidency of Hon. Judge C. Debaillon.

 District Attorney M. T. Gordy, taking care of the State interests.
 Chas. O. Mouton was chosen foreman of the Grand Jury.
 As we are going to press, the Grand Jury made a partial report.
 The following true bills were assigned to the docket:

 Larry Comeau, larceny; Wm. Robert, concealed weapon; Louis Babin, assault and battery; Edward Jasmin, assault and battery; A. Peck, Sunday law; Homer Guidry, shooting with a dangerous weapon; Arista Broussard, murder; Bernard Carp, larceny; Jeff William, violation labor contract; John Tillman, concealed weapon and discharge fire arms; Ernest Mouton, assault and battery. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1899.  


NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
 Although the next municipal election is yet two months off, the local political pot has already begun to betray unmistakable evidences of ebullition and aspirants for the marshalship and various other positions of trust or emolument are even now bending every energy in efforts to form combinations which will advance their personal and pecuniary interests. While nothing definite can be learned as to the progress of these as yet embryotic cabals, rumor has it that at least one has secured the nomination of an entire ticket. Whether this faction has also perfected arrangements for the election of the ticket is of course exceedingly problematical and it is not the purpose of this article to discuss the question. It is safe to say that self-interest is one of the strongest motives governing human action and no surprise need be expressed when men endeavor to further their pecuniary or material welfare. All honorable efforts are laudable and it is therefore in no spirit of condemnation that The Gazette offers a few suggestions pertinent to the issues involved.

 In the first place, the election of a city administration for the town of Lafayette is a matter of grave public importance and by no means should be left to the tender mercies of any man or set of men intent primarily upon the gratification of personal ambition or the acquisition of pelf at the public expense. It has been the unfortunate experience of this city, for years to allow its entire machinery to be controlled and made subservient to the will of some politician sufficiently shrewd and successful to select and elect a Council and Mayor pledged to do his bidding. Some years ago, this practice was relegated to the background by the regular nomination of a municipal ticket by the people in public meeting. The administration then selected certainly deserve praise for the honest, economical and business-like manner in which it conducted the city's affairs. Later another set of officers were chosen, and while severe criticisms have been expressed as to their management, yet any fair minded citizen will consider the peculiar and almost insuperable difficulties with which to present administration has been confronted ever since its induction into office.

 No doubt there exist just grounds for many complaints and possibly some better selection of officers could have been made. However, let our people give the devil his due, and address themselves to the problem of rectifying existing evils and securing the future by the selection of a municipal ticket whose personnel shall be a guarantee against all that savors of favoritism or maladministration. This is a matter that appeals to all good citizens irrespective of factional differences and should thoughtful consideration as it is of vital importance to the welfare and prosperity of the entire community. There is too much at stake for the public generally, too much at stake for the business and professional men, to permit one or two designing politicians to manipulate and control the entire municipal government from mayor down. And yet if nothing is done to prevent it, this will inevitably follow. The proper remedy therefore lies in the prompt and intelligent consideration of the subject by our people in order to arrive at some satisfactory solution. Let there be an earnest, well-directed effort made to place in power and true and tried men whose character shall be a pledge for the faithful and judicious exercise of all vested authority. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1899.   





Races.

 On Sunday March 26th, 1899 at Oak Avenue Park at 12:30 noon, interesting races will take place.

 Quite a number of good racers are entered for the event.

 Refreshments and meals will be served at low rates.

 All the races will be judged by Wm. Campbell ans Ozeme LeBlanc, while I. A. Broussard will act as starter.

 Admission 25 cts, Children 15 cts.

 It is hoped that a great crowd will be in attendance thus encouraging the proprietors in their venture and at the same time enjoy the races which will be first class in every respect.

 There is nothing like a good exciting Sunday enjoyment to rest from the labors of the preceding week.

 We bespeak for Messrs. Roy and Martin a successful season.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1899. 





Police Jury Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., March 2, 1899.

 The Police Jury met this day in regular session with the following members present: Ben Avant, C. C. Brown, Alfred Hebert, Jno. Primeaux, M. Billeaud, Jr., Alonzo Lacy.  Absent: R. C. Landry and Jno. Whittington, Jr.

 The committee appointed to advertise for bids to paint the courthouse, submitted a report showing the follows:
 By motion the contract for painting the courthouse was awarded t C. E. Carey, on proposition number two, and the commmittee further authorized to enter into a formal contract with Mr. Carey for the proper performance of the work. The committee was also ordered to purchase all necessary material for the execution of a first class job.

 The president being absent the secretary called the meeting to order and Hon. Ben Avant was elected president pro tem.

 The minutes were read and approved.
 By motion of Mr. Billeaud the proposition to construct a bridge across Vermilion river at the Whittington place was indefinitely postponed.

 Honore Sonnier drainage commissioner for the first ward having removed from the parish, his position was declared vacant, and Alonzo Lacy appointed instead.

 Judge Mouton here appeared and presented a numerously signed petition fr the retention of the Darmas Broussard bridge and the public roads leading thereto. The petition was laid over until next meeting.

 The following jury of freeholders was appointed to retrace and properly designate that portion of the public road leading to the Darmas Broussard bridge, between the properties f Jean Senegal and Mrs. Francola Clotios and assess all damages to proprietors - Adrien Theall, M. Durke, Maxime Bourg, Theodule Broussard, Jr., Jules Desormand, Bastien Benoit.

 The sum of $22.,50 each was granted unto Mrs. Amelia Duhon and Henry Chase.

 By motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Primeaux, the following was adopted:

 Resolved that, the road overseers of the respective wards are hereby authorized to estimate every month the probable expenditures for repair of the public roads under their supervision, and on approval of same by the Jury, they shall draw such sums, from the special road tax of the respective wards. Due returns shall be made showing the amounts expended, and the purpose of such expenditures, together with written receipts on all persons employed.

 By motion, the following Jury of freeholders was appointed to trace and lay out a public road in the second ward from the public road at Tillman Spell's to the public road at Howard Hoffpauir's and assess all damages to proprietors: Wm. R. Foote, V. Spell, Middleton Morgan, Augustus Perry, Elijah Hoffpauir and Tillman Spell.

 Hon. O. J. Broussard, Alfred Hebert and D. A. Cochrane were appointed t select a suitable site for a detention camp, acquire sums by proper act, and if necessary secure right of way to said proposed camp.

 Capt. J. C. Buchanan, and Messrs. D. A. Cochrane and Wm. Clegg representing Camp Frank Gardner U. C. V. have approved and requested the Jury to grant sufficient space in the court building t construct a neat repository for the (unreadable) and archives of their organization. By motion the request was unanimously granted.

 Mr. A. Baque appeared and called attention to the executive charges made for the repair of the bridge near Mrs. Edw. Mouton's. The president thanked Mr. Baque and promised investigation.

 By motion, the attention of Sheriff Broussard was called to the unsatisfactory manner in which the parish jail is kept and request made for a compliance with the terms of the agreement, to maintain proper supervision of the jail day and night.

 Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana, That the boundary line between the parishes of Acadia and Lafayette shall be and is defined and located as follows:  Beginning at the corners common section two, three, ten and eleven, township nine south range three east, Louisiana meridian, at the intersection of the dividing lines of Acadia and St. Landry parishes, thence running in a westerly direction, about one mile, following section lines between sections three and ten, to corners common to three four, nine and ten, one mile following section lines between sections nine and ten, to corners common to sections nine and ten, fifteen and sixteen thence in a westerly direction about one mile and sixteen to section corners common to sections eight, nine, sixteen and seventeen thence in a southerly direction, about two miles following section lines between sections sixteen, seventeen, twenty and twenty-one to corners common to sections twenty, twenty-one, twenty-eight and twenty-nine, thence in a westerly direction about two miles following section lines between sections nineteen, twenty, twenty-nine and thirty, to corners common to sections nineteen and thirty on township nine south range three east and sections twenty-fur and twenty-five, township nine south range two east thence in a southerly direction following the township line, to Bayou Que Tortue, thence following the center of said bayou to the intersections of the dividing lines between Lafayette and Vermilion parishes, with the Bayou Que Tortue.

 The following amounts were ordered paid out of the special road tax fund to the respective road overseers:

TREASURER'S REPORT.

 To the President and Members of Police Jury Parish of Lafayette, La., Following is a statement of receipts and disbursements of Parish funds since my last report:
 Respectfully submitted,
               J. E. MARTIN, Treasurer.
   The following account was laid over:

 Eloi Broussard, keeping bridge ... $8.30

 The following accounts were approved:
 Police Jury adjourned,
BEN AVANT, President pro tem.
R. C. GREIG, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1899.

  

Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 3/18/1899.

Yesterday was St. Patrick's day.

 Mrs. H. A. Van der Cruyssen, our editor's wife, her face wreathed in smiles, presented her husband with an heir, a bouncing  baby boy who made his triumphal entry into this world yesterday at 2 a. m.

 H. A. Jr., and his mother are doing well.

 Hon. Wm. Campbell rejoices in the birth of an addition to his family - a girl.

 Mrs. S. R. Parkerson left for New Orleans last Wednesday.

 Mrs. B. Falk returned from Lake Charles last Wednesday.

 Mr. Bob Richard has established a Steam laundry near the depot.

 District Attorney M. T. Gordy is attending the regular term of Court.

 Contractor T. A. Anderson is very busy these days. He has two contracts for modern buildings which will be embellishments for the town in the very near future. A two-story one for Miss Louise Revillon near Chas. D. Caffery's residence and the other one for Mr. Emanuel Pellerin.
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1899.  






 From the Lafayette Gazette of March 18th, 1893:

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF LAFAYETTE.

That Lafayette parish has increased the efficiency of its public schools; that it is constantly improving and adopting more effective methods; that a healthier sentiment in favor of good schools is gaining additional impetus, year after year, are facts that the subjoined figures fully attest.

 Let it be remembered that the Parish of Lafayette covers an area of only 30 miles both ways, and in consequence the wards are small.

 The report of the parish superintendent shows an increase in attendance as follows :  In 1899 there were only 579 children enrolled in the public schools; in 1890, 939; in 1891, 955; and, in 1892 the increase showed the healthy growth of 1,080, a gain of nearly 50 per cent in a little over three years.

 At the beginning of 1889 the parish owned no school houses in the parish, except a dilapidated structure in Broussardville, which when sold brought $25, and an unfinished house in the town of Lafayette. To-day the parish has 20 good school houses, of which 4 are rented and 16 belong to the parish, 15 being erected since 1889, as follows; In 1889, 1 in the first ward; 2 in the second ward; 1 in the fifth ward; and 3 in the sixth ward. In 1890 we find there was built in the 1 in the second ward. In 1891 these had been increased to 1 in the second ward; 2 in the seventh ward;  and 1 in the eight ward. In 1892, 1 in the fourth ward, and in 1893 1 in the third ward, making 16 houses belonging to the parish.

 Out of an enrollment of 1,080 the average attendance was 552, taught by 21 teachers. And right here we desire to say that Lafayette makes a splendid showing in the small number of teachers employed for the large number of children enrolled; this, according to the report of the State Superintendent of Public Education, is a much better showing than most parishes, and as good as the best.

 While the attendance is not as large as it should be, it shows a marked increase from former years.

 In this matter of forwarding the interests of the public schools of the parish while much praise is due the very effective parish superintendent and the school board, it must not be forgotten that the Police Jury has been an important factor. Out of the general 10 mills tax levied in the parish, the Police Jury has contributed substantial aid.

 So it will be seen that the people have by no means been neglectful of their educational facilities, and the schools are so situated that they are within accessible distance of all.

 But this is not all. If we are to judge the future by the past, and inasmuch as some of the wards have three schools now, it is within reason to predict that in a few years each ward will have from three to four schools thus affording the amplest opportunity of securing for every child in the parish an education.

 In this connection it may not be amiss to state that the High School building in the town of Lafayette is nearing completion, and when finished will be a striking monument to the intelligence and enterprise of the people. For the building of this magnificent temple of learning the people went down into their pockets and contributed the handsome sum of $800, and this amount was increased by generous donations from the Police Jury and City Council. Every thing is paid up on the building, and there is yet some $30 or $40 to the credit of the old fund, and besides $500 lately donated by the Police Jury and City Council and turned over to the treasurer.

 The Gazette firmly believes that in a few years Lafayette will be able to show more and better schools than any parish in the State, and will afford as fine an opportunity to obtain an education as any place in the older States, and will earn the claim of having more schools to the population and area than any other county in the United States. We shall speak of the town private schools in a future article. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893. 



GAZETTE SOLD OUT EARLY.
 We felt quite put out Saturday by not being able to comply with the many requests made for extra copies of The Gazette. Although we printed a large edition, one that we believed would cover every demand, the supply was exhausted early in the morning. Fully a hundred more copies would not more than meet the demand.

 We tried last Saturday to place a copy of The Gazette in every home in the town and parish. Possibly we may have failed in our wish in some instances, if so, we very much regret it, as we desire that every one should see a copy of the paper, and we trust it will be found good enough to induce every one to subscribe. The subscription price is only $1 a year. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.  



OUR SAY.

  This is about the time of year when the press feels called upon to give the farmer some advice in regard to agriculture. The latter are generally chary of its acceptance, however. Still to be in "the swim" The Gazette must put in its oar. Im primus, our first mistake (the planters) is to cultivate our lands so as to get the most out of them without any reference to the future, and, as a result, the lands are proving less productive, every year, and we begin to suspect that we are advancing a la crawfish - fertilizing is the remedy that will effect a cure every time. Secondly, we are dependent too much on a single crop - diversity of crops must be the rule. Thirdly, the old ruts must be forsaken - new ideas and better methods must be adopted. Fourthly, better tillage is necessary. Fifthly, and lastly, we must learn the economies of the farm. Now follow strictly these rules, and if in due course of time you don't find yourself far ahead of your present condition, just come to the office, call us way off in a corner where no one can hear us, and call us an addlepated-----------.
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.    


 THE CARENCRO BRANCH ROAD.

 We call the attention of The Gazette readers to our Carencro letter published elsewhere. In it will be seen that the grading and building of the branch road connecting Carencro and Arnaudville will soon commence, and will be hurried to completion. As our correspondent adds, "it will run through the most fertile section of the parish, and will undoubtedly prove an inestimable value to Carencro and bring us in contact with a large area that now is wholly dependent on the Teche for the transportation of its produce. It will greatly enhance the value of property through which it will run, and will no doubt prove a very successful and valuable investment; all the property owners" as The Gazette announced last week, "have promised the 'right of way' and doing all in their power to encourage the enterprise. Yes, friends, we are keeping our eye on Carencro" and will note with pleasure its onward march. That Carencro is destined to be a town of some importance in a few years is one of the certainties of the future. Every section of the parish is on the upward march, and Carencro is keeping abreast with the procession. 
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.  


THE IMMIGRATION CONVENTION.
 This meeting of the representative men of the State can not fail to be productive of much good. It will be no task for them to prepare a statement, which by the recital of the actual facts must prove attractive to the home seeker as well as to the capitalist.

 Louisiana is practically a new country with a soil of great fertility, vast areas of which have never been cultivated; a climate the most healthful and genial, both furnishing inducements and opportunities that will be accepted; besides, lands are cheap, productiveness considered, very cheap. And the immigrant who is in search of just such conditions, when apprised that such exist will not be slow to avail themselves of them. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893. 


THE B. M. A. MEETING.
 The Business Men's Association met in regular session Wednesday evening, at Falk's Hall, with C. O. Mouton, president, presiding.

 The committee of five on railroads, presented, through their chairman, Mr. Julian Mouton, their report, which says that the commmittee had decided to employ the services of a competent person, to ascertain the assessed value of property of every qualified voter in the parish, which when done, it was the intention of the committee to send to every voter, a circular, showing the assessed valuation of this property, and the amount consequent thereon that the would be called upon to pay should the railroad tax be levied. The report was adopted.

 The same committee was then instructed to assign the membership of the association, as committees, to the several wards, for the purpose of obtaining signatures to a petition asking the Police Jury, at its next sitting, to order an election to obtain the will of the voters on the proposed railroad tax.

 A communication, from H. Van der Cruyssen, the general agent of the Teche and Vermilion Telephone company, was read, asking that if the town of Lafayette would donate a bonus of $250, to their company it would, at an early date, extend the line to this town. After reading thereof a committee of three composed of Messrs. Ordway, Campbell and Julian Mouton, was appointed to look and communicate with Mr. Van der Cruyssen in regard to the matter.

 Mayor Campbell read a letter of inquiry from Mr. Taylor of New Iberia, which letter the Secretary was authorized to answer.

 Whereupon the meeting adjourned to meet on the 20th instant. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.      



REDEVIVUS BOTTOM.

"...Lafayette is going to have another newspaper. Messrs. C. A. Thomas and Homer J. Mouton will be at the helm. The Vindicator wishes the new concern success, and we venture the prediction  at the same time that somebody is going to get more experience than they have any use for. Lafayette, with its present population and surroundings, will not support two papers. The strongest will stand the blast of the hurricane but the weak must be swept away. The Vindicator has been there and it knows whereof it speaks..." - Attakapas Vindicator.

 As this is the second "prediction" of failure made by the Vindicator in regard to the new paper evidently the wish is father to the thought. That the editor has some grievance against the people of Lafayette, the cause whereof we are ignorant, is clearly apparent. That he should wish us success in one breath and in the next hope that we will not achieve it is corollary seemingly necessary to make the kick hard. En passant we may add that it failed of its purpose. But frankly, Alpha, is assuming the character of Casandra, you will find that you are out of your sphere. To preserve the eternal fitness of things better stick to the role designed by nature for you, that of Bottom, the weaver.
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.   

   
THE UNITED STATES MARSHAL.

 "...We have heard with much pleasure, that Mr. Jules J. Mouton if this Parish has been mentioned in connection with the office of United States Marshal, for this district of Louisiana. We are sure that no better man and Democrat can be found to fill that high position. His name is a familiar one, and has been eminently connected with the history of La., and as a man he has always shown himself a true descendant of that distinguished patriot of the Parish of Lafayette, the Hon. Alex. Mouton. As a Democrat his unswerving fealty and support to that party is a well established fact. To him and men like him do the people of the Parish of St. Martin owe the honor of being the Banner Democratic Parish if this State. Our representatives in Congress would do themselves much honor in securing his appointment to the office of U. S. Marhsal..." - St. Martinville Evangeline.

 We know Jules J. Mouton, we have known him from childhood; a better man, a more sincere friend, a more stalwart Democrat does not exist, and should he receive the appointment the office will have at its head an officer that will fulfill to the letter every demand. 
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.




PARISH OF LAFAYETTE.

 Relative perfection in several particulars, and not in all, to be found in Lafayette parish, suggests the conclusion that it is an ideal parish in more than one feature.

 The first of these qualities is its deep, rich black prairie soil, carrying with it the fertility of the Mississippi river bottom lands, without their danger of annual inundations. It enjoys the benefits of being prairie without suffering from the cold, wet soil of the many coulees and low places of the extreme southwestern corner of the prairie section. It enjoys the cooling and fragrant gulf breeze without its storm dangers. It is high, dry and healthful, without being upon the poor lands of the hills. It needs no fertilizer, and 7 per cent of it is not available for immediate use.

 While the average cultivated area of Louisiana is only about 10 per cent of its total area, Lafayette parish enjoys the distinction of having 54 per cent of its entire rich soil producing its multiplied fruits of corn, cane, cotton and rice in unsurpassed quantities for man's daily use. It is not believed that such a high percentage in cultivation is found anywhere else in the southern states. While this is true, there is another strong feature in its condition of to-day, and that is, while Louisiana has only twenty-five inhabitants to the square mile, making a close and well settled parish affording fine neighboring school and church possibilities.

 The people are small home-owners, with but few renters and less debt and mortgages, and while not brilliantly prosperous, are in altogether easy and comfortable circumstances. Their want of brilliant prosperity is due to themselves. The soil, the climate and general conditions are such that a living is made without much effort and without any modern advantages, and for these reasons but few fortunes have been accumulated by the people, though good round estates are to be found in the hands of several men, one being rated in commercial agencies at $125,000 to $200,000, and these are the examples of more energy and progressiveness than is enjoyed by the masses of the parish, and constitute eloquent testimonials of the richness of the soil.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *    *    *    *    *    *

 A great boom is expected in school methods in the near future, as the people of Lafayette, aided by the a liberal city council and police jury, have nearly completed their 30 x 70 foot two-story, 6 room, high school building on a beautiful school ground of 150 feet by 250 feet in size, costing, when completed, about $3,000. The grounds, or the largest part thereof, were donated by Dr. Hopkins.

 The parish has a white population 8,998 and a colored population of 6,996, of which 43 per cent are school children.  The parish has transportation facilities east and west, and north by the Morgan Railroad, and south by the navigation via the Vermilion river to the gulf.

 The officers of the parish are: Isaac Broussard, sheriff; W. B. Bailey, clerk; Wm. Clegg, treasury; W. B. Torian, president of the police jury; Overton Cade, member of the legislature. The court house is a frame building of thirty or forty years of age, but the clerk's office is a model brick structure, with fire-proof vaults for every official department of the parish. There is no floating debt or bonds due by the parish and its paper or warrants are at par,

 (Description of the town of Lafayette on the local page.)

 The second largest town is Royville (post office knows as Youngsville), which has a population of 500 and about ten business houses in an adjacent to it. It has a new school-house with fifty children in school, wit twenty five more to attend soon. This is its first public school. The town is near the corner of Lafayette, Vermilion, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes.

 Carencro is the third largest town in the parish and is located on the northern branch of the Morgan Railroad and has a population of 289 and about twenty business houses in and adjacent to it. It also has a good public school.

 Broussard is the fourth largest town in the parish and is located on the Morgan Railroad, nine miles east of Lafayette, and has a population of 75 and six business houses in and near by it and a good public school.

 Scott is the least of the towns and is a few miles west of Lafayette on the Morgan Railroad and has a population of 50 and four business houses.

 *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *   *    *

 Everything considered, there are many advantages in Lafayette parish. Cheap and rich lands, hospitality and a good people; big crops and fine health; no floods or pestilence, such features as should make any man glad to move with this family into this agricultural paradise of four staple crops - cane, corn, cotton and rice. H. H. Hardgrove in New Orleans Picayune. Printed in Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.  

     

  
 A Mysterious Killing.
 Last Saturday night Alcide Thibodeaux, a married man 44 years old, accompanied by Simon Navarre, a young man 18 years old, stopped at the home of Gesnaire Breaux living 3 miles north-east of Rayne, and left there with Breaux's two daughters, stating they were going to Crowley.

 After passing through Rayne, and near there, they were joined by a crowd of 15 men, and coming over to Lafayette parish, stopped at the home of a farmer named Oscar Benoit.

 From what could be learned, some of the crowd appears to have enjoyed more favor in the eyes of the women than the others, whereupon the green-eyed monster took possession of Erwin Meaux and some others. And they hatched a plot to kill one of the number; Erwin had borrowed August Morgan's (his friend) 45 calibre pistol, and later they were seen in the yard and heard to make threats.

 Morgan was standing near the door. Erwin was a few feet from him, when a shot was heard, and Aug. Morgan fell dead with a bullet hole above the right eye.

 The Sheriff heard of the killing at about 8 o'clock next morning and immediately left for the scene, and when he reached the place he was informed that the killing was accidental. But on noticing that the pistol was in the scabbard, and that the scabbard was laying unbuckled on the dead man's breast, at once surmised that the tale of the accident looked decidedly dubious, and proceeded to arrest Erwin Meaux; the arrest being made just across the line in Acadia parish.

 At the coroner's inquest but little in regard to the true inwardness of the affair was elicited, the testimony given having but little of the elements of probability, it was evident that it was given apparently either through fear or with a view to screen the one who fired the fatal shot, hence the inquest was closed with very little light thrown upon the subject.

 Sheriff Broussard returned Monday to the scene, gathered additional evidence, which it is thought best not to divulge presently, which led to the arrest of Alcide Thibodeaux and Simon Navarre charged as accessories before the fact. The belief is that others are implicated in the affair, and other arrests may follow.

 The three parties arrested are now quartered in the parish jail.

 Altogether it is a mysterious and complicated affair. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.


 Some Pleasant Visits.
 Monday four charming young ladies, the Misses Ida Mathieu, Henriette Doucet, Regina Romero and Mercedes Broussard, and Tuesday four bewitching and lovely ladies, the Misses Zerelda Bailey, Isaure Guidry, Alix Judice and Nellie Bailey, favored The Gazette with most pleasant visits to look into the "art preservative of all arts." We have not got the office into ship shape, but will soon, when we trust we will be able to make the calls of the young ladies more interesting and entertaining by initiating them in the "mystery" of how to paint. We are always most happy to have the ladies call, and hope this will not be their last visit. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.    




Necrology.
 The Gazette deeply regrets the painful duty of chronicling the death of Mrs. Louisa V. Denois, wife of Mr. Edmond Pellerin, who departed this life on the 11th instant, at the age of 50 years, 5 months and 6 days.

 The interment of the mortal remains took place next day from the Catholic Church, and were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of friends.

 Kind hearted, generous to a fault, this estimable lady had endeared herself to a large circle of friends, who feel sadly her demise. She was loved best by those who knew her best, and many are the recipients of her kindness and generosity who will sadly miss her.

 The Gazette begs to tender to the bereaved family its most sincere sympathy. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.





IN MEMORIAM.
   Day dawned; within a curtained room,
     Filled to faintness with perfume,
     A lady lay at point of doom.
 On Saturday morning, March 11th, there departed from this life a lady known throughout the parish for her social qualities and well as for her many charitable deeds. Mrs. Ed. Pellerin nee Louisa Denois, beloved wife of an old and esteemed citizen of Lafayette breathed her last, at 8:30 o'clock, Saturday morning last. Possessing a kind and noble heart, being a true and sincere Christian, and with many other sublime virtues, she endeared herself to all classes alike. Even when disease had laid its heavy hand upon her, her own troubles never made her forget the wants of others. Solicitous to the last for the comfort and welfare of those surrounding her, always attending to the supervision of household cares, she indeed proved herself worthy of the sacred names of wife, mother, friend. Rev. Father Forge who conducted the funeral ceremonies paid a most eloquent tribute to the virtues and noble qualities of the deceased, and numerous were the sorrowing and desolate ones, who followed the remains of the lamented dead to their last resting place, in the Catholic Cemetery.

 The bereaved husband, the son Mr. H. Hohorst, the daughter, Mrs. F. J. Mouton, have the heartfelt sympathies of the entire community. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893. 

 

Remembrance.
 On the 17th of March, St. Patrick's day, was the Rev. Father P. J. Healey's fete, and on this anniversary of the birth of his patron saint, he was kindly remembered. First, the little boys of Mrs. Bailey's school called in a body at the Presbytery to wish him many returns of the happy day and presented him as a token of their affection and gratitude, a beautiful carving set, the presentation remarks being made by Master Walter Donlon.

 The boys were loaded down with pretty bouquets and delicious cakes. And all told it was a most happy event.

 Later few of his personal friends presented him with a magnificent combination shaving cup, with the inscription "happy feast." The remarks on this occasion were made by Master John Tierney.

 It gives us much pleasure to say that Father Healy had endeared himself to the people in a very pronounced manner, and what is more he is fully deserving of their regard and esteem. The Gazette here toasts his health and hope the returns of the day will follow for many, many years to come.

 On this auspicious occasion the printers on The Gazette force were not forgotten, and for the courtesies extended desire to return their grateful thanks. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.



  

The Ball.
 We understand that the young people are looking forward, with pleasant anticipations, for the evening of the 19th instant. On that evening will take place the grand ball, the proceeds from which will be devoted to the High School Building fund.

 The object for which this ball is given appeals strongly to every one interested in public education, and the purse strings should be thrown away for the occasion.

 But besides this it is pretty certain to be a great social success, and will afford to those attending much pleasure.

 The arrangement committee, we understand, are leaving nothing undone to make it the event of the season, and those who miss it will be a pleasurable and financial success. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.




Back From the West. - Mr. B. A. Salles, returned home last Saturday, from a trip West, and after remaining a few days with his family, left for other points. Mr. Salles represents Clark & Joubert, wholesale grocers and commission merchants of New Orleans, and, he is, also the State agent of the Wichita Mill Company, of Wichita, Kansas. This is one of the largest flour manufactories of the country and the amount of flour sold by Mr. Salles proves the superior quality of their goods. Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.




Runaway Horse. - Last Monday while a countryman was trying to effect a sale of some dozen eggs with our merchant friends across the way, and explaining the freshness of his goods, the old horse hitched to the vehicle took a motion to go home, and he did, at a very lively rate, and the consequence of his freak was the painting of the street, for some distance, a very pretty yellow. 
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893. 




"Anarchistically" Inclined. - A little coon "anarchistically" inclined., on Wednesday last was carrying a small bundle, and on being asked what he had in the package, replied "dynamite!" To prove his assertion he lit a match and applied it to the package, it did not burn fast enough to suit him, so he drew a long breath, until his lungs were full, and blew with all his might on the fire, he hastened it. In the package was gun powder, it exploded, and there came near being one little coon less in the world. The only injury he sustained was a pretty badly burned face. 
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.




Sugar Refinery. - What Lafayette needs most and will have in a central refinery. The only question is, will the people of the town and vicinity build it and reap the great profits that will follow its operation, or will they wait for outside capital to come and scoop the immense amount of money that might just as well be theirs ?  Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.

  



Selected News Notes (Gazette) 3/18/1893.

 The Revs. Father Forge and Healy spent Tuesday in Carencro.

 Dr. J. D. Trahan took a trip to the Crescent City this week.

 Mr. P. B. Roy, president of the People's Bank of Lafayette, came in from Royville.

 A new shed is being erected in front of L. Lacoste's hardware establishment.

 Miss Lea Gladu, one of our popular young ladies, is visiting her aunt, Mrs. L. Domengeaux, in Houston, Tex.

 It is a pleasing sight these lovely afternoons to see the many ladies out buggy riding.

 Sheriff Isaac Broussard went to New Orleans this week and will return some time in the future.

 A coach load of Johnnie Chinamen passed through this week from California to Havana.

 The popular conductor of the Alexandria branch, Mr. C. H. Lusted, is off on a leave of absence.

 Mr. V. E. Dupuis, the president of the Farmer's Alliance of Lafayette was in town Tuesday and called at The Gazette office.

 Mr. Leon Plonsky, one of the principal merchants of town, went to New Orleans Monday.

 Judge C. Debaillon was in Abbeville this week attending a regular term of court being held in that place.

 Dr. G. A. Martin will soon remove to the Veazey building next to Lisbony's boarding house.

 The children of Mt. Carmel Convent, feasted their beloved superior, Mother Patrick, on Thursday, and enjoyed a holiday Friday in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

 Mr. H. S. Willitt, representing Bugger & Beauregard of New York, with headquarters at Houston, has been stopping at the Crescent.

 Mr. Geo. Doucet, the accommodating clerk at Trahan's drugstore. took a pleasure trip to New Iberia Saturday and returned on Sunday.

 The painters are at work on the building that will be occupied, as soon as finished, by Alex. Delahoussaye, who proposes to open a first-class grocery store.

 Mrs. M. Denois and Mr. E. Borilly from Galveston, Texas, came to Lafayette to attend the funeral of Mrs. E. Pellerin, last Sunday and left Monday for their homes.

 Mr. E. E. Bourg, the well-known cistern maker, made a business trip to New Iberia last Saturday.

 The Gazette thinks it would be a good idea for our business people to join hands and get a street sprinkler.

 Have you thought over the matter that a good and well organized fire department would tend to reduce the present rates of insurance.

 Our young friend, Sidney Mouton is now waiting on customers at Mouton Bros. store. Buyers will always find Sid to be a polite and accommodating clerk to deal with.

 Jas. Choate, charged with stabbing Maturin Clatio, last summer, and who was out on bail, has been re-arrested and incarcerated, in jail at the request of his bondsmen, who feared that he was about to skip "out of sight."

 The "Black Diamonds" are still actively rehearsing, and from what we can learn on the quiet, will give the people a very entertaining performance, when they give their first entertainment, early after lent.

 Through the courtesy of our popular young friend, Vic Levy, a Gazette man enjoyed a very pleasant buggy ride about town last Sunday evening. The Gazette man was pleased to note the many evidences of prosperity, in the way of new buildings going up in the different parts of town.

 The first number of the semi-weekly Advertiser made its appearance Wednesday in folio form, six columns to the page, having reduced its size from eight pages as a weekly to four pages, its present form. It is very neatly printed and The Gazette wishes it a large measure of success.

 We heard a gentleman remark the other day that the perpetrator of an infraction of the law in Lafayette might just as well give himself up to be tried, as escape for any length of time was out of the question, for no matter where he will go Ike would nab him for sure, sooner or later. Quite a neat complement to the vigilance of the sheriff.

 Mr. Willie Lewis, president of the Lafayette Drayman's Association and Transportation Company, has placed on his horses beautiful leather shields of black with large brass letters, "Lafayette Transportation Co." Hurrah for Willie.

 Dr. F. B. Hopkins who was one of the leading practitioners of yore in Lafayette, has returned from a short residence in Texas, and will pitch his tent with us again, and will resume the practice of his profession.

 Mr. F. Otto, the butcher, has just returned from Texas with a lot of fine cattle. The Gazette saw one of the lot dressed and can truly say that it looked "fat and tender." Mr. Otto says that this one is but like the average of the lot.
Lafayette Gazette 3/18/1893.




  From the Lafayette Advertiser of March 18th, 1893:


ELECTRIC LIGHTS.

A Move on Foot to Have Our Streets Lighted by Electricity.
 At the last meeting of the City Council a resolution was adopted authorizing the street commissioners to purchase 37 new lamps and have them put up in different parts of our city. But since the action was taken matters have so arranged themselves that it may become possible for the city to be lighted by electricity instead of oil.

 On last Thursday a committee of business men called on Mayor Campbell, who had kindly called the street commissioners together to meet the delegation and talk the matter over. Mr. LeDenois, who is erecting a rice mill here, as mentioned in The Advertiser a short time since, was present at the meeting and expressed his willingness to add a dynamo to his plant, with which the necessary voltage could be furnished for the lights, and he stated that he would at once place himself in communication with the manufacturers of electric plants and ascertain the cost of such a plant, as well as the expense of running it, so that at the next meeting of the Council he would be able to state what the expense to the city would be.

 If he puts in the plant, he will have it large enough to enable him to supply such or our business houses as may desire them, with electric lights, and we believe that many of our progressive business men would adopt this modern method of lighting their places of business as soon as the opportunity was offered them. In fact, quite a number have already agreed to take lights if the plant is put in.

 The great advantage that would be derived by our citizens from having the city well lighted would be incalculable, and our council deserves the praise of our citizens for the progressive spirit manifested by them in their attempt to secure for Lafayette this modern system of lighting. It would cost only a little more for the electric lights than it would for the ones in use, and we all know what poor results are derived from the present system.

 We believe that it will be accomplished and if so, it will add very materially to the growth of our city. We hope that our business men will all see the advantage of the movement, and agree to take one or more lights from Mr. LeDenois. If our streets were well lighted it would enable our people to cultivate social intercourse to a greater degree than has heretofore been possible, owing to the darkness of the streets, and in this way would prove of great and lasting benefit to our citizens aside from the advantages to be gained in a business way. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.  




THE B. M. A.
Holds Its Regular Meeting at Falk's Opera House. - The Work Progressing Rapidly and the Good Effects of the Movement Already Felt.

 The Business Men's Association, of Lafayette, held its regular meeting last Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock in Falk's Opera House.

 The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. C. O. Mouton. By motion the reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting was dispensed with, and the Railroad Committee called upon for their report.

 Mr. Julien Mouton, chairman of the committee, in his usual happy style, made the report of the steps taken by the committee at their meeting last Saturday. He said that the committee, after discussing different plans of canvassing the parish, had decided to have circulars printed, setting forth Mr. Leslie's proposition, and show the great advantages to be derived by our people were they to accept the proposition. The circulars will be mailed to every property holder in the parish, and will contain in addition to the above, a statement showing the exact amount of tax each man who received the circulars would be called upon to pay in case the tax should be called upon to pay in case the tax should be voted. He said the committee believed that the circulars would have a very beneficial effect, as it would clearly show to the people how a little a 5-mill tax would really amount to. They had also had petitions printed which would be circulated in the parish for signatures at once, so that if the required number of property holders signed, the petition could be presented to the Police Jury at their next regular meeting. The Advertiser published this petition in its last issue, and our readers are therefore familiar with it. It had also been decided by the committee to have the members of the association divided into eight committees - one for each ward - and call upon each member to devote at least two days time in canvassing for signatures to the petition, the committee to arrange the dates for them to make their canvass. Mr. Mouton said in conclusion that with the plan mapped out, provided earnest work was done, the committee felt confident that the parish would vote in favor of the tax.

 The following communication was received from Mr. H. Van der Cruyssen, agent of the Teche and Vermilion Telephone Company, was then read by the secretary.


 After a short discussion the matter was referred to a committee composed of Messrs. A. C. Ordway, Wm. Campbell and Julien Mouton, who were instructed to investigate the matter and report at the next meeting of the association. Mayor Campbell then read the following letter, which he had received from. Mr. W. R. Taylor, asking for information regarding the proposed bonus for a sugar refinery, and on motion the secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Taylor and give him the desired information.


 A motion was made and carried that a special meeting of the association be called for next Monday night in Falk's Opera House, and that a call for said meeting be published in the Gazette and Advertiser.

 The meeting then adjourned to meet next Monday night at 8 o'clock in Falk's Opera House. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893. 



THE RAILROAD QUESTION:
[To the Editor of Lafayette Advertiser.]
 Having spoken to a great many planters during the past few weeks in regard to the projected railroad from Lafayette to Abbeville, I am sorry to state that I have found quite a number who are opposed to voting the tax asked, not that they can give any good reason for their opposition, except that they don't want to increase their taxes. They seem to imagine that a 3-mill tax will become a great burden to them. It is hard to argue the question with these men, and one has to use a great deal of patience in discussing the matter. But yet it is this class that we need to labor with. It will do no good to talk to those who already favor the tax, we want to convert those who are opposed to it.

 Why, I heard one old gentleman, an intelligent farmer at that, say that his land was worth probably $10 an acre now, and that if the railroad and refinery were built and land increased 100 per cent in value, his land would produce no more than it does now, while his taxes would be doubled.

 Let us look at the other side of the question for a moment.

 Everybody is aware that the all-cotton system of farming don't pay. e want a diversity of crops, with sugar cane in the lead, plenty of all kinds of cereals and vegetables, then if any land is left over plant cotton. By having a refinery in Lafayette, any person within three mikes of the refinery can haul his cane direct and save cost of freight that would have to be paid, and even those who are further away and had to load their cane at switches would save money. Say the freight is 25 cents a ton and the average production of cane is 15 tons to the acre, there would $3.75 saved on each acre. This would give an impetus to cane growing, and in a few years that would be the principal crop raised and would put Lafayette in the lead as a cane-growing parish.

 Once the railroad and refinery are built, other industries would follow and the development of our natural resources would be rapid and great. Many industries not thought of now would spring up and be developed; farmers would plant vegetables, raise poultry, and in fact could do a great many things that are now impracticable on account of high freight rates and a lack of home markets.

 In conclusion, let every man who is in favor of voting the tax devote his best efforts in trying to convince others of the need of these industries and improvements, and in a short time all those who are now opposed to it will change their views and support the tax.

 Hoping that these few remarks will be considered, and that they will impress some of those opposed to the road, I remain very truly yours. * * *  

   

The Railroad Tax.
Lafayette, La., March 16, 1893.

 To Editor A. C. Ordway: - It is with unfeigned satisfaction the writer has been witnessing the gradual yielding to argument and reason, of many of our fellow parishioners who in the beginning honestly and strongly opposed the taxation for the contemplated railroad and central sugar factory embodied in Mr. T. B. Leslie's proposition to us.

 I confess that when the subject was first presented for the consideration of the taxpayers, I had serious doubts as to the successful outcome of the issue. Taxation has ever been a "bug bear" to the people of all countries, and special taxation in particular has always proven an unpopular measure.

 It is eminently proper that we should weigh carefully any proposition submitted to our judgment, entailing the payment of a special tax for a term of years, and if the compensatory benefits to result from the measure under consideration do not counterbalance the outlay required, we should not fail to exercise our privilege of refusing to make such an investment.

 In the present case, if we impose on ourselves a tax of 5 mills in the town and 3 mills in the parish for a period of ten years, it is proposed, firstly, to construct a railroad connecting the town of Lafayette with the town of Abbeville, and destined to form a link in a great trunk line seeking deep water in Vermilion Bay, thereby securing to us the incalculable and lasting advantages of competition in transportation.

 In the second place, it is proposed to procure for our parish an extensive Central Sugar Factory (the bonus of $25,000 offered guarantees that enterprise) whose influence, it is admitted on every hand, would bring about a complete revolution for the best, in our present farming interests that an experience of many years has been demonstrated barely sustains the country.

 The great benefits to flow from the construction of this railroad and sugar refinery is not denied by any person but, on the contrary, is admitted by even the strongest opponents of the taxation measure. The question, then, is not whether the establishment of the contemplated industries is desirable, or not, but are the benefits to be derived from them sufficient to justify an outlay of investment of the nature proposed? The larger land owners of the parish are almost as a unit in their belief that the ends do justify the means, and feel convinced that a contrary view is erroneously based and not tenable.

 It we leave out of consideration all the other industries, with their attending remunerativeness, that would follow as a natural result of the establishment of the first named enterprises, and reason entirely from the standpoint of the vast and ever increasing benefits guaranteed from this source alone, we cannot fail to admit, view the subject in whatever phase we please, that the investment would prove a safe and judicious one. The property holders, who would be the principal sufferers in event the said railroad and central sugar factory were not secured to our town and parish, cannot afford to lose such a valuable opportunity of bettering to such an incalculable extent, their material interests and prosperity.

 The thinking men of the parish are of the firm opinion that after the masses will be more fully informed as to the real issue under discussion, a large majority of the taxpayers may be depended on to support the project as a simple business speculation, if for no other reason; and this is the sincere hope of all persons who have at heart the true interests of our people.
                        Yours truly,
                                N. P. MOSS.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.        

  
 Communication With Breaux Bridge.
 The Business Men's Association have received a communication from the Teche & Vermilion Telephone Company, offering to build a telephone line from here to Breaux Bridge, connecting at that point with a line already constructed running to Abbeville, New Iberia, St. Martinsville, Opelousas, Washington, and other towns in Southwest Louisiana, providing the citizens of Lafayette will give a bonus to the company of $250. We hardly think it probable, however, that such a bonus will be given, nor do we think that under existing circumstances the benefits that would be derived from such a line would justify the giving of any such an amount. We cannot see how it would materially benefit Lafayette. If we were in direct rail communication with Breaux Bridge, then the people of that place might order goods from our merchants by telephone, and under such circumstances the business men might in time be reimbursed by a larger trade for the amount they would give as a bonus. Another thing the road between here and Breaux Bridge is not in a condition to encourage people coming from that place to Lafayette to trade, it being almost impassable a great share of the time. If any money is to be expended by the business men in an effort to gain trade from that point, it would be much better to put the money into the roads, for a good road leading here to Breaux Bridge is badly needed and would do more to increase our trade with that part of the country than a dozen telephone lines. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.   



Important Purchase of Real Estate.
 Mr. J. Nickerson has purchased of Mr. Cochrane, one hundred and forty-four town lots on Lincoln avenue. This property includes all that portion of Mr. Cochrane's plantation fronting on the South side of Lincoln avenue, opposite Sterling Grove, the beautiful home of Mr. Nickerson. This is one of the most desirable pieces of residence property in Lafayette, fronting as it does nearly 800 feet on Lincoln avenue, one of the finest and best laid out streets in our city. The land is high and dry and consequently one of the healthiest locations in the town. Mr. Nickerson informs us that he intends to lay out two broad avenues, running south at right angles to Lincoln avenue, divide the land into large lots, and set our shade and ornamental trees, thus transforming this plot of ground into a fine addition for residences.

 This transfer of land and the accompanying improvements is a direct result of the railroad agitation, and we have no doubt that Mr. Nickerson will find a ready sale for the lots as they will certainly be as desirable as any that can be found in Lafayette. Mr. Nickerson is one of our most enterprising citizens, and he thus shows his faith in our future growth and prosperity of our city. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893. 



At Mt. Carmel.
 Yesterday, the 17th of March, being the birthday of St. Patrick, Mother Patrick's Patron Saint, it was commemorated by the scholars of the convent in giving to her many little tokens of their affection and esteem. Many who have outgrown their school days joined with the children in doing honor to Mother Patrick. She certainly occupies a very warm place in the hearts of her former as well as present scholars. Many beautiful attributes were sent to the convent with messages of love and congratulations. The ADVERTISER joins her many friends in wishing her many anniversaries of the occasion. 
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.  



Masquerade and Calico Ball.
 To-morrow night, at Falk's Opera House, will be held the masquerade and calico ball given by the employees of the Southern Pacific Railroad, in the interest of the high school fund. The Lafayette string band will furnish the music, and every preparation has been made that is possible to insure a good time for those attendance. This party should be well patronized, as the object is a most worthy one, and we feel confident that it will prove a grand success. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.


The Black Diamonds.
 We had the pleasure of witnessing a rehearsal of the Black Diamonds, the home minstrels organized for the purpose of giving an entertainment in interest of the high school fund, and we are frank to confess that we were most agreeably surprised at the fine showing made by the performers. We had not imagined that Lafayette possessed so much good minstrel talent. After witnessing the rehearsal, we feel no hesitancy in stating that when the entertainment is given that all those who attend will feel well repaid, for they certainly will give a most interesting and entertaining performance worthy the support of all.    Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.   


Re-Arrested.
 Joseph Shost, who stabbed Materiau Cloteaux, last summer near Royville and who was out on bond, was re-arrested last Tuesday at John Clark's place in Vermilion parish, by Sheriff Broussard and brought to Lafayette and placed in jail. It was understood by his bondsmen, that he was making preparations to leave the state, and they therefore requested the sheriff to place him jail to await his trial. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.

  

City Council Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., March 6th, 1893.

 The Council met this day in regular session. Members present: Wm. Campbell, Mayor; I. E. Martin, Gus Lacoste, Felix Demanade, Numa Schayot, I. F. Rigues, Alfred Hebert and James Hannen.

 On motion said meeting was postponed to Thursday, March 9th inst.

 The Council met to-day, March 9th, pursuant to adjournment.

 The minutes of last meeting were read and approved.

 The Finance Committee report was accepted and ordered to be placed on the minutes.

       LAFAYETTE, LA., March 9th, 1893.
 To the Hon. Mayor and Council of Lafayette:
    The undersigned Finance Committee having examined the books and reports of the Treasurer and Collector, up to Feb. 28th, 1898, beg leave to make the following report, to-wit:

 Which amount is to be accounted for by him. Respectfully submitted, J. E. MARTIN, F. DEMANADE, ALFRED HEBERT, Finance Committee.

 Mr. O. C. Mouton, T. M. Biossat and R. C. Greig being appointed a committee by the Business Men's Association, of Lafayette, appeared before this body making an appropriation for the completion of the High School of this town and parish and whereas it was resolved that sum of $950.00 is hereby donated for the completion of said High School and that a warrant for said amount be made in favor of Julien Mouton, President of said High School building committee.

 It being taken into consideration the steps made by the Police Jury to institute suit against those doing business in the annexation to the Town of Lafayette to collect parish licenses.

 Therefore be it resolved, By the Council that this body retain counsel in case of the institution of said suit against parties in the annexation of the town; that Judge C. Debaillon and Wm. Campbell be and are hereby employed by the Council as attorneys to defend said suit if instituted by the Police Jury; and that they be paid the sum of $400 if said suit gained, and if not $150, and that said amount hereby stands appropriated for said purpose.

 Resolved, That the Street committee be authorized and empowered to purchase (87) lamps and have same distributed in the limits of the corporation and that they may have also the right to employ a man for keeping and lighting the same, etc.

   The following petition was then presented by Judge Parkerson, General Agent, etc., etc.:
To the Hon. Mayor and Council of the Town of Lafayette, Louisiana:
      The undersigned with respect represents, that the Southern Pacific Company contemplates building a more commodious passenger depot, with separate waiting rooms, baggage room, etc., in front of its railroad hotel building next to its track on the east side of Grant Avenue, and finding that there is not sufficient room on its right of way for said building but will be necessary to encroach on Grant Avenue some fifteen feet from the existing railroad railing fence.

 Permission therefore is hereby respectfully requested from your honorable body for the occupying of so much of the east side of Grand Avenue with said building as may be required, not to exceed fifteen feet from said railroad rail fence. Respectfully submitted with the hopes of favorable action.
                          J. G. PARKERSON, 
                                      Gen. Agent.
  Lafayette, La., March 6th, 1893.
  Resolved, That whereas from the petition of J. G. Parkerson, General Agent of The Southern Pacific Company, propose a erecting a commodious passenger depot, with separate waiting rooms, baggage rooms, etc., in front of the railroad hotel building next to its track on the east side of Grant Avenue, extending south from the present plank walk or entrance to said hotel and as there is not sufficient room on its right of way for the erection of said building but it will be necessary to encroach on Grant Avenue some fifteen feet, considering that the erection of such depot will add greatly to the good of our town and to the comfort and convenience of the traveling public;
     Be it further resolved, That permission is hereby granted to the Southern Pacific Company for occupying so much of the east side of Grant Avenue with said building as may be necessary; provided, however, the same not exceed fifteen feet from the present railing, railroad fence and to be taken commencing from the south side of the plank walk or entrance to said railroad hotel and extending southward the length of said proposed building.

 The following accounts were approved:

 Julien Mouton, appropriation made benefit High School ... $250.00
 Vleter Breaux, work on streets ... $150.00
 C. H. Bradley, 1 month's services as Marshal and money advanced to negroes cleaning streets ... $51.25
 Moss & Mouton, lumber ... $82.28
 D. J. Veazey, 1 month's service as Deputy Marshal ... $50.00
 Mrs. E. Guidry, cleaning lamps ... $18.00
 Joachim Roch, repairing walk ... $14.00
 Crow Girard, Notary services for act of donation C. Trahan ... $8.00
 Graser Bros., repairing lamps ... $2.50
 James Hannen, services as Councilman 8 months ... $9.00
 Numa Schayot, 52 lbs nails at 4 cts ... $2.08
 Auguste Degrez, furnishing lumber ... $1.55
 Wm. Lewis, hauling lumber ... $4.80
 L. Lacoste, painting 12 wagons signs ... $1.00
 R. L. McBride, repairing bridges and plank walk ... $14.00
 F. Demanade, services as Councilman 2 months at $6.80 lbs of nails at $3.20 and money advanced by him $16 ... $25.20

 The Council then adjourned to next regular meeting.
WM. CAMPBELL, Mayor.
A. NEVUE, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893. 

    


 Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 3/18/1893.

 The fine rain which visited this section Thursday was much needed. Quite a number of cisterns being entirely dry. The lead also needed rain very much, and now if we have warm weather the agricultural interests of the parish will be greatly improved.

 Yesterday was St. Patrick's day, and a few of our citizens who came from Irish stock were wearing the green ribbon.

 Yesterday was Father Healey's feast day, and children in Mrs. Bailey's room presented him with a very fine shaving set in honor of the occasion.

 Just think of it - electric lights in the near future. Surely the world do move and we are beginning to feel its vibration down in this "neck 'o woods."

 Do you think it would be too rich for our Southerns blood to have our streets sprinkled this summer?

 Mr. Baxter Clegg has been appointed manager of Mrs. J. E. Riordan's business, No. 409 Travis street (Houston), and will be glad to wait on the customers of this popular family grocery. - Houston Daily Press.

 Dr. F. J. Mayer, assistant quarantine doctor, was up from the quarantine stations this week. He stopped over in Lafayette on his way to Opelousas to visit his family, and the sight of his smiling face was enjoyed by many of his old friends. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1893.





 From the Lafayette Advertiser of March 18th, 1882:

C. P. Huntington Passes Through Vermilionville.


 In his visiting tour through this State, Mr. Huntington, President of the Southern Pacific, and Chesapeake & Ohio railway companies, accompanied by Mr. J. C.  Stubbs, gen'l freight agent of the Central and Southern Pacific systems, Mr. Pardee, a newphe, of the former, Mr. Pierce, president of the Sunset Route, and his legal adviser Mr. Spofford, passed through here last Wednesday en route to Texas. They came from New Orleans accompanied to this point by Messrs. Hutchinson, Pandelly and Parkerson. We are reliably informed, and in fact Mr. Huntington so stated a few days ago since to a reporter of the N. O. Times-Democrat that the object of his visit was to perfect arrangements for a continuous line of rail from San Francisco to New Orleans, to be known as the Southern Pacific route, - the gap remaining to be filled being from this place to New Orleans. Much speculation has been indulged in as to the outcome of this visit, and many are anxiously awaiting its positive results to be made public. Mr. Huntington, in his interview with the Times-Democrat reporter, referred to above, answered rather evasively the direct and pointed interrogatories propounded to him in this connection, though the following taken from his statement is of interest, and there may be much to be read between the lines. When asked if a running agreement had been made with the Morgan company or if he he intended to build said: "One peculiarity about my associates and myself is, that we do what we have to do to-day and let to-morrow take care of itself. At the present time we control more railroad than any other party. We may build and we may not, but it will probably be difficult to work over 6000 miles of road to a point within 100 miles of New Orleans, without building here. There is always trouble of some kind when roads work together."

 We have good reasons to think that temporary arrangements were made with the Morgan line, to connect with New Orleans, but the conclusion is clear that Mr. Huntington and the syndicate he represents will, in the near future, be driven either to buy the Morgan interest or build a road of their own from here via Bayou Goula to New Orleans. It will not be disputed that the consummation of the latter event would result in the "greatest good to the greatest number." In the meantime, however, the people of this section are waiting with patience for anything that may "turn up."

Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1882.






THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC.

Movements of Mr. Huntington Since his Arrival in New Orleans - Will there be a Coalition, or Shall we Have Three Great Railroad Lines to Texas ?
[N. O. Times-Democrat, 14th inst.]

 Early yesterday morning Messrs. Huntington and Pierce, of the Southern Pacific road, called upon Messrs. C. A. Whitney & Co., of the Morgan Line, and held a long consultation, touching the business relations of their respective lines, and subsequently a tour of inspection was made of the terminal facilities of the Morgan Line and of the New Orleans Pacific, as well as the entire river front on both sides of the river.

 Some delay in negotiations has been caused by the failure of Mr. Huntington's general freight agent to arrive in the city, and as he is expected here to-day, negotiations will be resumed, and a more complete examination of the depots, tracks and properties of the Morgan Line will be made. No definite information could be had to-day as to the result of negotiations, and it is probable that no conclusion will be reached until to-day, if then.

 It has been generally supposed that a working arrangement would be perfected between Mr. Huntington and the Morgan interest, by which the freight and passenger business of the Southern Pacific would be handled over the Morgan Line and the extensive terminal facilities of the last named interest be utilized by the Southern Pacific.

 It has also been reported that Mr. Huntington was not averse to effecting a purchase of the entire interest in Louisiana and Texas, thus connecting not only the Texas Central and branches in one system with the Southern Pacific, but practically adding to this great line a vast fleet of steamships. Certain it is that he and his associates are fully able to acquire the property, and there is doubtless good reason to expect such a consummation if the parties in interest can approximate each other's views as to valuations.

 It will be remembered that under the reported agreement between Mr. Gould and Mr. Huntington the Southern Pacific was accorded the privilege of using the New Orleans Pacific track from Bayou Goula to New Orleans, which indicated then the possibility of a failure in negotiations between Huntington and the Morgan interest, and, that the former would extend their line from Vermilionville to Bayou Goula and there connect with the New Orleans Pacific.

 In that event it would only have necessary for the Southern Pacific to find terminal facilities on both banks of the river at New Orleans, and it is not improbable that a large grain transfer station would be established at or near Bayou Goula, where steamships loading exclusively with grain could be loaded directly from the cars.

 There is, however, something anomalous in the proposition that a great railway system, thousands of miles in length, and backed by enormous capital, aiming to control a large proportion of the business of the Pacific coast, Mexico and the Orient, would be content to work so vast a business into its main terminal port over another company's line. In the case of Messrs. Huntington and the Morgan Line, considering the characteristics of the two parties to such an agreement, there would seem to be many reasons why such a arrangements could be perfected at least for the time being, and if such an adjustment could be successfully carried out by the managers of any two systems, it could be in this case. It is scarcely probable that a working arrangement between either Gould and Huntington could survive the growth of business and conflicts of management incident to such growth.

 There are many things to consider in connection with the questions involved in the pending negotiations, that one may well accounted for delay in the settlement which has been discussed for many months past. One consideration which has been advanced in favor in favor of the Southern Pacific building along the right bank from Bayou Goula, is that grain can be handled from the right bank, directly from the cars on railroad elevator into ships, without the necessity of crossing the river at all, while on the other hand it may be urged that the crossing the river, say at Baton Rouge and thence building to New Orleans along the left bank, the line would connect the capital of the State directly with its chief commercial city, pass through a densely populated and highly productive country which would at once have a local traffic in freight and passengers that would pay a handsome interest upon construction and maintenance, and terminate the great line in a union depot for passengers in the heart of the city, and at the main wharves for freight. Of course if a line should be built down the right bank, which is already served by two railroads, whilst a transfer of freight would be avoided, there would be dead weight upon the balance of the line. While we are gossiping about plans and schemes whose hidden springs are buried in the breasts of men who have chiefly made their fortunes by attending strictly to their own business, and keeping their own counsel, it may not be amiss to discuss another phase of this business, which promises even more for New Orleans than a coalition. If Mr. Huntington builds into New Orleans, no one can doubt that the Morgan interests will at once build from Vermilionville or Opelousas to Central and Northern Texas, say via Palestine to the Texas Central below Dallas, or directly to Bremond and there connect the main Texas Central and branches directly with New Orleans.

 The line via Palestine would pierce the center of Texas between the Texas Pacific and the Southern Pacific systems, and give New Orleans three great competing lines. Many of our citizens would hail such a consummation with satisfaction, and the representatives of Mr. Morgan would, in perfecting such a line, realize what is popularly believed was one of his cherished conceptions. That they have the means and energy to do so no one doubts, hence the events of to-day will be looked forward to with great interest. 

 From the N. O. Times-Democrat and in the  Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1882.           

     

District Court. - The special term of our District Court, provided for as a substitute to the regular Jury term was opened last Tuesday and a Grand Jury drawn, of which Mr. G. Dubau was appointed foreman. The charge of the Judge, though not lengthy, was concise and to the point. He charged them fully as to their powers, and all penal laws with regard to which he is specially required to instruct them. Several motions were submitted urging the illegality of the term, but more particularly that if the special terms were provided for by law, that no notice of this term had been given as required, and other formalities, which rendered the sitting of the court illegal. These motions were after consideration overruled by Judge John Clegg, for plausible reasons. Owing to the fact that the District Attorney's attention was principally given to the Grand Jury but very little was done before the court this week.
 Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1882.



Rivers Are Rising. - It would appear from reading the reports from the overflowed regions that the vernal rise of the Mississippi and its tributaries have, but few times in the past, been more destructive to property or caused more general suffering. It is estimated that 64,000,000 acres of tillable land from the general government has been sought and obtained for the sufferers; the last appropriation for that purpose being the round sum of $100,000. The results of this flood are and will be disastrous to thousand of people, but it can not be denied that it will be a most effective, if not conclusive, argument to obtain the aid which has long been sought from Congress for the improvement and maintenance of the Mississippi levees. It is said that the greatest volume of water has not yet reached Louisiana; it this be so the loss of property and suffering in this State will surely be unprecedented. Lafayette Advertiser of March 18th, 1882. 




Huge Hog. Mr. Alexander Delhomme, one of our progressive farmers, reports having killed a hog a few days ago, which, considering its age is not often surpassed here, or elsewhere. The hog was two years old when slaughtered, and its net weight was 525 lbs. This is hard to beat for a two year old shoat.



Homicide.
On the morning of the 1oth inst., one Mary Jenkins, a colored woman, living a few miles north of town, on the plantation of Mr. Narcisse Dugas, was found in her bed dead, - neck and arm broken and other indications of violence. Justice of the Peace Alpha, acting as coroner, being notified, held an inquest in the premises and found that the deceased came to her death from violence inflicted by one Joe Padilio. The accused was arrested on the same day in the neighborhood and incarcerated in the parish prison; while circumstances strongly point to his guilt, he stoutly denies any knowledge whatever of the crime.  Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1882.



Bold Robbery.
 On the night of the 5th inst. a bold robbery was committed at the Morgan depot at this place, and the amount and nature of the property taken, warrants the opinion that the criminals number a half dozen or more. A car loaded with freight westward bound, but then in keeping of the agents of the Morgan company, was broken into and a variety of goods estimated at from three hundred to five hundred dollars taken from it. Parties in the employ of the Morgan company have since been assiduously at work in the endeavor to discover the offenders and succeeded, we learn, in arresting, a few days since, one Wesley Green and wife with a part of the plunder in their possession; they now lie in the parish prison awaiting the action of the grand jury. It is to be hoped that if there be others implicated they will likewise come to grief. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1882.  



Market Not Cornered by Morgan.
 Maybe the Morgan company will find out after a while, that the shippers of this parish are no so completely cornered as they seem to think. The fact is just dawning upon our people that there are other markets besides New Orleans within their reach, for the purchase of their supplies and the sale of their produce. St. Louis, it is true, is many miles further away from us than the Crescent City, but it may not be generally known that the former is the cheaper market, and the cost of transportation from there is decidedly less than what we have been paying the Morgan company. It costs to get a barrel of flour from St. Louis via Houston $1.06, and via New Orleans $1.40. But this is not all. We can lumber from Beaumont, Texas, 100 miles away, cheaper than at New Iberia 19 miles away, and all on account of transportation. 
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1882.




Police Jury Proceedings.
 Special Meeting, March 11th, 1882.

 Pursuant to a call from the President, the Police Jury met this day. Members present: J. G. St. Julien, O. Theriot, J. S. Whittington and H. Eastin.  Absent: E. Potier.

 The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved : - 
   Ordered, That hereafter all Jurors certificates, claims of witnesses and all other claims against the parish of whatever nature, shall be presented to the Attorney of the Police Jury for examination and upon his approval the sums shall be paid by the Treasurer.

 A committee of citizens acting for the Corporation of Vermilionville, having appeared before the Police Jury and represented that certain natural drains running through plantations immediately north of the corporation limits had been unlawfully damned, and the water thrown out of its proper channel to the detriment of the town and others in that neighborhood, and praying for relief; upon consideration, the following was adopted :-

 Ordered, That Messrs. H. Eastin, Z. Doucet and G. Dubau constitute a committee to examine the drains in question and other matters necessary to a full and perfect understanding of the cause of the alleged injury, that relief may be afforded, if the remedy lie within the jurisdiction of this body.

 On motion, resolved, that a committee of three be appointed to examine the books of the Treasurer, cancel the warrants paid by him and report at the next regular meeting.

 On said committee were appointed Messrs. C. D. Caffery, F. S. Mudd and H. Eastin.

 On motion, resolved, that a committee be appointed to examine into the proper requirements of repairing the parish jail, with full power to contract for such repairs needed. Messrs. H. Eastin, O. Theriot and Sheriff E. Mouton were appointed on said committee.

 On motion, resolved, that the District Attorney be and is hereby requested to examine, in accordance with the present existing Road Law, each and every Road Overseer appointed, who have failed to do his duty, and present him before the Grand Jury.

 On motion, the Police Jury adjourned.
J. G. ST. JULIEN, President.
J. N. JUDICE, Secretary.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1882. 


 


 From the Lafayette Advertiser of March 18th, 1913:

GARBAGE.

 It clearly appears that some of our citizens do not thoroughly understand the meaning of garbage, and what the garbage wagon is to move from residences and places of business. Garbage, in a few words, is that which is of no value. Garbage must be placed in boxes, barrels or tubs and not piled up on sidewalks, for if not in suitable containers the driver of the garbage wagon will not remove said garbage.

 The boxes or barrels or tubs used for garbage must not be filled to within three or four inches of the top, and must be placed outside of yards so garbage man can see same from wagon, as he is not allowed to go into yards to get garbage. Paper pasteboard boxes, excelsior or anything that can be burned must not be put in garbage boxes, or barrels or tubs for the garbage man will not remove them. This also includes cuttings from trees, hedges, bushes and flowering plants. If these suggestions are carried out the gutters will not be stopped up and interfere with with drainage.

 Anyone violating above will be prosecuted according to law.

BY ORDER OF BOARD OF HEALTH,
    Franklin Boyd, President.
Lafayette, La., March 12, 1913.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1913.   

  








 From the Lafayette Advertiser of March 18th, 1966:

ONE MAN ONE DREAM
Heymann Oil Center Sparks Fabulous Lafayette Growth.

 By DAVE MILLER
Advertiser Oil Editor

  At age 80, most people have been comfortably retired for 15 years years, spending their time enjoying a quiet life, reminiscing about the past.

 There is an exception in Lafayette, however. He is a man who, after the normal retirement age was long past, built a multi-million dollar "City Within a City," which became a center in Lafayette for oil, medicine, culture and merchandising.

 And at age 80, he still has no time for a rocking chair. He works at his office in his downtown store almost every day, consummating deals, letting new contracts, carving boulevards, and adding to the tenant list of his center.

 He plays the game of merchant, builder, philanthropist, and dreamer, with the exhilarating relish and vigor of a man 50 years his junior. The thought of retiring has never occurred to him.

 Maurice Heymann, developer of the Heymann Oil Center complex is having too much fun watching all of his projects grow and expand, to think of taking things easy.

 Small Beginning.

 When the building of the first four units of the center was announced in 1953, few dreamed that the center would become the gigantic complex that it is today.

 Few, that is, except Heymann himself who, at 66, conceived of the project which now contains well over sixty buildings housing district offices for nearly all the major oil firms, as well as related industries.

 With the constant influx of the large oil companies, independents, and service industries, the center has experienced 100 percent occupancy since the first of the four buildings were constructed 13 years ago.

 But is is more than a collection of oil company offices. Located in the complex are a municipal auditorium, a $5 million dollar hospital, and shopping center. Soon to be added will be a one-half million dollar cinerama theater, a youth planetarium and an art museum.

 Among firms that have recently expanded their offices at the oil center are Lamson and Bennett, Comet Drilling, Penrod Drilling and Union Oil of California.

 In January, Union Oil announced that it was consolidating its smaller offices throughout the state into a divisional office at the oil center.

 Magnetape, a firm which processes geophysical data, is considering an expansion in the center.

 Odd Jobs.

 Success and wealth have come to Heymann for the past 50 years. It was not always so. In the early 1900s he worked at odd jobs. He sold pralines and cookies on the old Pontchatrain Railroad from New Orleans to Milneburg, fishing for a pastime while waiting for the trains. He sold eyeglasses on street corners of New Orleans. He traded furs, operated a commissary, opened a five-and-ten cent store in Rayne where he was nicknamed Dix Sous (10 cents). He played piano for the silent movies, and worked in an oyster house.

 Then exactly 50 years ago, inside of his new department 1916, he place the words, "Watch Us Grow" on the outside  of his store in Lafayette. That store is still doing a thriving business.

 In the 1930s, after the first spectacular successes with the store, talk of a possible oil center for Lafayette reached the stage of preliminary drawings on a proposed building. But nothing materialized.

 Then Dwight W. Bingham, with the F. A. Callery Oil Company, at the time, called on Heymann on June 18, 1953. with an idea for a one story structure for his firm.

 Four days later, Heymann announced plans to build a large center in Lafayette, to cost a half-million dollars. Even before the ink had dried on the news story, the price tag on the center had quadrupled. Earlier Heymann had turned over the financing of the center to another backer, and didn't definitely decide on to undertake the project himself until a few hours before he called the news media to announce his plans.

 Financed Center.

 Heymann had pictured the center as an investment for a New York firm, whose representative had called on him several days before. He attempted to contact the firm's representative, who was on his way back to New York, but failed. So he suddenly decided he would finance the center himself.

 Meanwhile, Heymann started making arrangements with the leaders in the oil center movement. They included Robert Petit, then with Houston Oil Co., and now one of the area's leading independents; Ruffin Lowery, Pan American; F. B. Stein, Tennessee Gas Producing; and J. Anderson, Mid-States Oil Co.

 About 20 firms indicated an interest in the project, and after oilmen had listed their space needs, plans were made for about 15,000 square feet of floor space. Innumerable changes were made after local oilmen had consulted with their home offices. Finally the hectic pace settled down to a steady pace of progress toward fulfillment of the project.

 When final plans for the first four buildings were completed in mid-September, 1952, the oil center had developed into a much larger structure than had been anticipated. The buildings now contained about 30,000 square feet of space, and Heymann announced that the cost was almost $2 million.

 On October 14, 1952, ground was broken for the construction of the center. The event came during Oil Progress Week, and what had been rural farmland on the outskirts of Lafayette suddenly became the scene of bulldozers, cement mixers, and construction crews.

 More Requests.

 More requests for space came pouring into Heymann's office.

 In January, 1953, Heymann made the decision to build a fifth structure, because one of the oilmen who was a leader in the oil center movement had joined another firm, and was unable to obtain space for his new company in any of the existing buildings. Contract for the construction of the fifth building was let in March.

 With the sixth building came a new idea. The first five had been limited to oil companies and oil brokers, but the sixth was started for businesses allied to the oil industry.

 Contract for the sixth building was let in May, 1953, just as the first tenants were moving into the project.

 The idea of an oilman's club was introduced by Petit. He mentioned the idea to his superiors at Houston, and, receiving encouragement, wrote to the Louisiana Secretary of State to reserve the name, "Petroleum Club of Lafayette."

 Heymann offered to donate the land if the oilmen wanted to build a club. Using the money collected from memberships, they constructed a building costing $150,000 and occupying 3,000 square feet. Since that time, the club has expanded, and improvements have have included a set of Austrian leather chairs for the dining room, hand-rubbed walnut paneling, and improvements and redesigning of the bar.

 Heymann estimated that $25 million in land leases alone are transferred in casual meetings of industry executives at the club.

 In October, 1953, Douglas McKay, Secretary of the Interior, landed at the Lafayette Regional Airport to take part in the dedication of the Heymann Oil Center. Also on the program were Gov. Robert F. Kennon, and Joseph A. Lafortune, deputy administrator of the Petroleum Administration for Defense.

 More than 90 percent of the nation's major oil firms are represented in the oil center. These firms occupy more than a half-million square feet of office space.

 Rentals range from $55 per month for a single office, to $100,000 per year for three buildings.

Astuteness.

 Heymann has such business acumen that he never has had a mortgage on a building other than issuing bond certificates when the department store was constructed.

 The firms in the center provide for more than 3,000 persons. Heymann estimated that about $30 million has been spent on the center in the past 10 years.

 All the contract for leasing, building or development are personally negotiated by Heymann in his third-floor office on Jefferson Street.

 Why hadn't Heymann moved into the oil center into which he has poured so much time, effort, and money? "The store was my first office, and I would be lost in any other place," he says.

 The indefatigable entrepreneur admits he is still a merchant at heart: "I like to to visit with my employees here at the store and see how they are getting along."

 They in turn, find it easy to talk with him as "The Old Man."

 Lafayette's master builder is married to the former Germaine Rosenthal, an accomplished pianist and graduate of the Paris Conservatoire. They have a son, Herbert, a business associate of his father's; and a daughter, Jaqueline, who is married to Dr. Isadore Cohn, Jr., New Orleans, head of LSU's School of Medicine Surgery Department and recognized as one of the South's leading research medical scientists.

 Mr. and Mrs. Heymann live in a tastefully decorated French Villa style home on St. Mary Blvd., where among their most welcomed visitors are their four grandchildren.

 Philanthropist.

 Heymann is widely recognized for this philanthropies, estimated by friends to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some of these include:

 Land on which the Lafayette Municipal Auditorium and the Lafayette General Hospital are built; a site for the soon-to-be built Lafayette Museum and Planetarium; and for over 30 years has provided a clearinghouse for most of the major fund drives in the city, one of the first of which was the gymnasium at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. These do not include countless contributions to individuals, schools, churches and other organizations.

 In 1933, his numerous public services earned him the highly coveted Lafayette Civic Cup Award.

 Heymann's dream of a "City Within a City" is at last a reality. And yet, in a sense, a beginning.His future dreams are to expand the medical, merchandising and cultural aspects of the center, now that most of the major oil firms are securely entrenched there.

 At 80, Heymann has no plans to stop his hectic pace of business activities. He predicts that Lafayette, now with a population approaching 60,000 will grow to 100,000 by 1970, largely due to the continued expansion of the Oil Center. Lafayette Advertiser 3/18/1966.




LOCAL LIBRARY GROWS; NEEDS MORE SPACE.


 Several weeks ago news headlines were telling the world about acts of rebellion in another African nation. What is behind the unrest in the "Dark Continent?" Are the problems social? Economic? Or can upheaval be the natural state of the world's second largest continent?

 Answers to these and many other questions can be found any day of the week on any topic with a visit to the Lafayette Public Library.

 World history dosen't interest you? How about gardening? There are "how to" books in the library on every subject from electronics to making dolls. What about fiction? There's plenty of that, too. There is something of interest for everyone in the local library. It is an information center where persons of all ages can go to increase their knowledge - and don't be bashful, you won't be the first one.

 In 1965, the Lafayette library used a total of $104,900 to circulate about 1,000 books to over 45,000 subscribers in the parish. Total number of books exchanged between the library and its subscribers was 413,500.

 A partial breakdown in the operational cost of the library shows almost $67,500 spent for salaries for the library staff and maintenance, $22,400 for new books and $17,000 for a Bookmobile.

 The new air-conditioned road library services the rural areas of the parish and some of Lafayette subdivisions which were covered before being incorporated into the city.

 Parish residents began greeting "La Bibliotheque sur les Rues" (the library on wheels) about the end of January and can look forward to many years of service from specially designed vehicle. The just-retired Bookmobile was in service nine years.

 Miss Gloria LaCaze, driver of the road library, said the chassis and body construction was handled by two different companies and that specifications for the library's Bookmobile were worked out on an individual basis.

 In Lafayette's case, the air-conditioning unit had to be placed inside the Bookmobile because of the lack of garage space. Many libraries have the unit placed on top of the mobile libraries and use the extra space for shelves. There is also variation among libraries on shelf arrangement and size.

 Entering at the front of the Bookmobile, borrowers return books at the circulation desk and choose other books from the shelves which line both sides and back panels of the road library. At the back of the bus is another desk, where the books are checked out and an exit door. The average circulation is 5,000 - 6,000 books per month.

 A generator compartment installed at the rear of the Bookmobile operates the two heating units and a "foot warmer" under the back desk. The lighting system can also be transferred to generator operation if, on a dark day or when the Bookmobile is crowded, more light is needed.

 The Bookmobile is compactly designed for best use of every inch of space, yet is roomy enough to hold the 1,500 to 2,000 books it is equipped for, plus the borrowers and Bookmobile librarians.

 Each of the road-library's 10 routes is covered every two weeks. On regular routes, Miss LaCaze is assisted by Mrs. C. T. Hebert and on the two school routes, Mrs. Robert Bonnett, inter-loan librarian, goes to assist with the extra work load.

 The $22,400 spent for new books is a figure which has increased over the years reflecting the attempt on the part of the library staff to provide the latest popular books of fiction and non-fiction to readers. Almost 7,000 books were purchased in 1965. (Withdrawal of 2,000 worn or out-of-date books left a net gain of 5,000 volumes.)

 New books purchased for the library included 3,800 for adults and 3,600 for juveniles comprising subjects such as history, travel, biography, literature, fine arts, religion, sociology and folklore. Besides fiction works, books on "how to" subjects were most bought by the library.

 Many books made readily available to the library come from a library rental service through which local libraries quickly acquire popular works and pay rent on them for a period of six months. At the end of that time, if the popularity of the book has waned, it can be returned to the rental service. If the book continues to be a popular item after the six-month period, however, the library may purchase it for 15 percent of the original cost.

 Lafayette Parish Librarian, Miss Lucille Arceneaux, points out that although the purchase of new books for the library appears to be high, the volume of words purchased each year is below the standards set by the National Library Association. The library should offer 1 1/2 book per capita population and add two-tenths of a book per capita to the shelves each year. But it this was done, she said, there would not be room for all of the books, much less for the number of people who use the parish library daily.

 Space provided for these readers is also below the national standards, Miss Arceneaux reported. This would call for 150 seats plus three seats for additional 1,000 population over 50,000. The parish library now provides only about one-third of the standard requirement. Miss Arceneaux expresses hopes for expansion but said this cannot be done without additional taxes. Thirty feet between the library on the corner of Lee Avenue and East Main, poses no problem as far as space for expansion is concerned,  money is a consideration of the future.

 Whether the library expands physically or not, however, the number of people it is serving has grown and continues to grow each day. The circulation of this past year is almost 8,000 above the figure for for 1964 and subscriber figures for 1965 jumped over 3,000. But even when the circulation for a particular month dosen't seem to be high, the volume of work remains plentiful. Over 7,000 reading aid transactions - answering reference questions or helping to find material on a certain subject - were recorded for 1965. In 1964 there were about 5,000 such reading aids performed.

 Branch Libraries.

 Branch libraries are in six parish towns including Milton, Broussard, Duson, Youngsville, Scott and Carencro. The other four are represented in the main branch, which offers the adult and juvenile divisions, in the Bookmobile which covers the entire parish and in the Butler Memorial Branch in Lafayette. Most circulation is done from the Lafayette main branch which processed exchanges for over 270,000 books last year. Circulation figures for the other branches range from 4,000 to 12,000 books annually.

 Memorial is the latest to receive a "new look." A location at South Washington and East Simcoe was chosen for the branch library and renovated at a cost of $600 to serve that area. Renovation included rewiring, repainting, adding shelves, laying linoleum and buying new tables and chairs.

 The branch had previously been located in the rear of the St. Paul's Church on S. Washington. Doors of Butler's new location opened in November of last year and reports from the librarian indicate that the circulation is increasing steadily, offering more services to more subscribers.

 The year 1965 was one of greater progress for the Lafayette Parish Library and all indications are, according to Miss Arceneaux, that the library will continue to expand the range of sharing its books with everyone in the parish who chooses to add to his "thinking tool kit" through the services offered by his library.

 And when you visit your parish library or a branch, you will stand before shelves and shelves of books containing the recorded thoughts of mankind on every subject imaginable and find it hard to come to a decision on just the one book to devote your time to. Finally you take one from the shelf and take it to the librarian's desk to be checked out. Someone will take your library card, place it in a dating machine along with the book's title card, punch it with due date and turn the book over to you, its temporary owner.

 As an institution this is the purpose of the Lafayette Public Library - to provide as many people with as many samplings of the accumulated wisdom of mankind as possible. Lafayette (Daily) Advertiser 3/18/1966. 

      




CONSTRUCTION SHOWS LAFAYETTE'S BOOM.

 By ART MARTINEZ
Advertiser Real Estate Editor

 Construction and its allied fields, real estate and building, continued at a record pace in Lafayette during 1965 and the same or better is anticipated by members of those fields for 1966.

 One merely needs to look around the city and the parish to see that construction is constantly underway. The rapid growth of the city is has been responsible for much of the construction, as more people means more homes, and more homes means more services, such as the need for more hospital space, businesses, shopping centers, streets and schools.

 There were 340 homes constructed in the City of Lafayette during 1965. No official record is kept on homes outside the city limits, but because of the growth of some of the subdivisions out side of the city limits, quite a few were also constructed in those areas.

 Another indication of the growth of the community is revealed from the number of businesses constructed in 1965. There were 72 commercial businesses, with a total valuation of $2,345,764, built in 1965. There were 458 additions and alterations to private residences, and 76 additions to commercial properties.

 One major project completed early in 1965 was the Lafayette General Hospital, built at cost of about $5 million and dedicated in March. This together with additions to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital the year before, made Lafayette a major medical center of Southwest Louisiana.

 Another major project completed in 1965 was the Doc Bonin Power Plant on Walker Road. Cost of construction was about $5.5 million. The plant, dedicated in October, doubled the power capacity of the city - a gain, for the purpose of keeping up with the growth. It took most of the year in the bonds, but at the end of the year, the contract was awarded and our parish was on its way to realization of of a new courthouse. The seven-story structure is to be completed in two years. It is being built at cost of about $2,800,000 and is being financed principally through a bond issue approved by the property owners.

 The Lafayette Parish School Board was also much in the building news during 1965, having made improvements and additions to several schools to keep pace with the school enrollment. The board also initiated work on the large Ovey Comeaux High School, in the southeast part of the parish, due when completed and expected to be ready for occupancy in September of this year.

 The school board also announced that a survey on the needs of the schools indicated the expenditure of about $7 million between 1966 and 1971 in construction.

 At USL, the music building, at a cost of about $1 million, was completed and dedicated. Also completed was dormitory for boys on Woodson Street. A private dormitory for girls, Agnes Edward House, was also completed and ready for occupancy in September.

 Attempts were made to improve the Blackham Coliseum, but the bids were higher than the money allocated. Instead, a metal building, at a cost of $78,000, was added behind the coliseum in time for the annual Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition.

 One large project underway at the end of the year was Evangeline Downs racetrack. Construction there was estimated at to cost over $1 million and was due to be completed by the end of this month, with racing to begin in April.

 The City of Lafayette was on its way toward construction of some capital improvements. There were lighting improvements, street construction, and coulee construction throughout the year.

 The city also completed the Young Adults and Recreation Center at Girard Park, and additions to the banquet hall at the Lafayette Municipal Auditorium.

 Churches were also in the forefront of the construction limelight in 1965, too. Completed early in the year was the St. Jules Catholic Church off Landry Road, and additions to the Catholic chapel at USL. Construction was underway on the St. Barnabas Episcopal Mission on Camelia Blvd. Also underway was construction of a two-story education and recreation building for the Northside Baptist Church on Jefferson Street. At the end of the year plans were being made for additions in the Asbury Methodist  Church on the Abbeville Highway.

 The Lafayette Airport Commission initiated improvements at the airport which were to cost $317,500, and included runways, lighting and a heliport. Plans were also made for a terminal building, which is expected to be built later this year.

 Among the larger businesses built during 1965 were the Montgomery-Ward Building, the first building of the Northgate Shopping Center on Willow and the new Lafayette - Opelousas Highway; and Jacob's Shopping Center on Cameron Street. Completed last year also was a modern plant for the Borden Company on Bertrand Drive.

 There were some concerns about the downtown area of Lafayette, but several merchants began to modernize their buildings and to make their store fronts more attractive. In connection with the revitalization of the downtown area, merchants formed the Downtown Development Association.

 The real estate people were instrumental in all this building, as they were responsible for acquiring land, selling property, and generally contributing to the progress of the building industry.

 Realtors here were saying that more homes than ever before were being sold in Lafayette.

 Generally, much optimism existed at the end of the year from those associated in the building industry, pointing to continued progress.
Lafayette (Daily) Advertiser 3/18/1966.


3 MAJOR HOSPITALS MAKE LAFAYETTE A BIG MEDICAL CENTER


 Lafayette's three major hospitals have already made the city the medical center of Southwest Louisiana, but providing the best patient care and service is a goal toward which the hospitals are continuously working.

 Besides adding extensively to the physical structures over the past five years, these hospitals - Our Lady of Lourdes, Lafayette General and Lafayette Charity - have sought to employ the latest treatment techniques, to offer the best patient care possible and to staff the hospital with the best trained physicians available.

 Our Lady of Lourdes has offered since 1964 a psychiatric treatment department and is the only hospital in a six-parish area to provide complete short-term evaluation and treatment for mental cases. This department is in addition to the hospital's departments of medicine obstetrics, general practice, pediatrics, pathology and radiology.

 During their confinement patients are treated by the three staff psychiatrists who employ the latest equipment and therapeutic methods, including electric shock facilities and an expanding physical therapy department.

 Take Your Choice.

 In this phase of treatment, patients are allowed to choose from a variety of handicrafts including ceramics, mosaics, leather, copper and beads. There are also recreational periods during which patients participate in music, television, or in games such as scrabble, monopoly, bingo, bridge, chess and ping pong. The aim of physical therapy is to provide the patients a means to form into groups since there is a tendency in the mentally disturbed to cut themselves off from contact with other persons.

 Lourdes has an arrangement with the state whereby patients from the adjoining parishes are referred to the hospital by the coroners who decide whether a person should be submitted for evaluation. The purpose of the arrangement is to eliminate the problem that persons who need to be confined for their own protection will no longer be incarcerated in parish or city rehabilitation facilities but in the treatment centers. The people referred to the hospital are kept only three days during which time they are evaluated and a decision is reached in their case. This may involve care on an out-patient basis, admittance as a private patient for treatment or, if it is found that a longer period of hospitalization is required, the person is referred to a state mental institution for treatment.

 Our Lady of Lourdes, founded in 1949, is owned, operated and administered by the Franciscan Sisters of Calais, France. When several physicians realized the need for additional hospital facilities in Lafayette, they approached Maurice Heymann for a contribution. He donated $50,000 to any group that would operate the hospital on a non-profit basis. A site for the building was made available by the Most Rev. Jules B. Jeanmard, Bishop of Lafayette.

 Instrumental in persuading the Franciscan Sisters to come to Lafayette to operate the hospital was the Rev. Msgr. Anthony Isenberg, pastor and dean of the Lafayette Catholic diocese.

 In 1956, ground breaking ceremonies were held for an addition which would more than double the capacity of the hospital.

 Within a six-year period, the space available again proved inadequate and steps were taken in 1962 to add three new floors, accomodating 78 beds brought the hospital's capacity to 180.

 Special and improved services to patients which came with the addition included a water-well to pump up to 130,000 gallons in 24 hours; a 125 KVA electrical system which is capable of of sustaining itself in case of emergency; a gas-operated air-conditioning system that provides 300 tons of cooling; and a helicopter landing pad a few hundred yards from the hospital.

 With increased area and patient load, the hospital in 1965 added 50 more employees and brought their total staff to 309 including doctors, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, orderlies and aides.

 Newest Facility.

 In Lafayette General Southwest Louisiana has had made available to it the newest facility and most modern equipment possible. The 6,000,000 building completed in April 1965, is structurally shaped like a "Y" on the seven acres of land near the Oil Center donated by Maurice Heymann.

 One of the hospital's most modern innovations is it nyematic dictating system for doctors............

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 From the Lafayette Advertiser of March 18th, 1966:

PLANETARIUM, MUSEUM SET FOR LAFAYETTE.

 Situated less than a hundred miles from the Gulf Coast, Lafayette is in the center of one of the best areas in the country for a natural museum.

 Waters teeming with fish, forests filled with almost as many varieties of bird and animal life as there are trees and marsh lowlands which yield a wealth of game, rice, sugar and oil.

 The aim of the natural history museum, proposed for location in Lafayette, is to enable the people of Southwest Louisiana to enjoy their natural environment and introduce them to an appreciation of it, not only through exhibits in glass enclosed cases, but initiating field trips to places of vast nature study contained in this relatively small area.

 The $300,000 Natural History Museum and Planetarium, undreamed of ten years ago, is finally becoming a reality for Lafayette following voters' approval last year of the city's $16 ments bond issue.

 Money for the museum was included after Mayor J. Rayburn Bertrand's favorable reaction to the idea presented by museum and planetarium promoters, members of Les Deux Douzaines.

Les Deux Douzaines, a women's organization, got the idea from their work in science enrichment with Dr. Harley Smith for gifted and handicapped children. The opening by members of another organization, Les Vingt Quatre, of a science museum spurred the idea and the plans were made in 1956 for the erection of a small $5,000 structure.

 Les Vingt Quatre offered land behind the Lafayette Museum and in the meantime, free of charge, when USL professors could hold classes in the museum on nature study and art for children.

 When news of the club's project was released, Maurice Heymann, local philanthropist and Oil Center developer, offered the group property behind the Municipal Auditorium on the corner of Girard Park Drive and Auditorium Place, on the condition that the club enlarge on its plans.

 Architect Neil Nehrbass, who had worked up plans for the $5,000 structure, began thinking in terms of $100,000.

 In the meantime, studies were being made into the experiences of other museums and planetariums in areas of money-raising, charters and hiring employes as such as a director, taxidermist and carpenters. Also, in 1962, a museum expert of forty years' experience visited the city to discuss the project with its planners. His advice was "You are not thinking big enough."

 The project still did not get past the planning stage until Mayor Bertrand was approached last fall. His ready acceptance to include the museum and planetarium in the bond issue was partly based on his own experiences of visiting a similar institution as a boy. "Living in a small community, the trips to a museum and planetarium of a nearby large city impressed me. Perhaps with one here, it could do for other children what it did for me."

 After the nine to one passage of the entire bond issue, Nehrbass again revised his drawings, this time basing them on the $300,000 allotted by the public for the museum - planetarium construction.

 Set up as a non-profit organization the museum will have as its governing body, a commission appointed by the mayor. Donations of funds and exhibits will be handled through a board of directors of the Lafayette Science Museum Association. Membership in the association will be open to the public which will also provide volunteers to the museum to help in some of the work.

 According to Les Deux Douxaines club member, Mrs. Ewing Latimer, the museum is now a public project and the success of it will depend largely on public response to future requests for help.

 Local talents of professors, hunters and other citizens will be needed to provide exhibits for the natural history museum. Mrs. Latimer said exhibits will be accepted from individuals or organizations which construct them to required standards.

 Continuing their effort to get as much information as possible on the successful operation of a museum and planetarium, the club wrote to Rep. Edwin Willis requesting him to have research done in the Library of Congress about methods of operation.

 After sifting through the material, aspects most promising for Lafayette were chosen and these museum sites were visited by the architect.

 According to Nehrbass, "These contacts are helpful in establishing our museum because we now have a backlog of people willing to help in various aspects of our development. Everywhere we have gone, people have been eager to help because they want to see museums and planetaria established in new communities." Lafayette Daily Advertiser 3/18/1966.



  














lagniappe:
The White Man's Burden.

The following is Kipling's famous poem published a few weeks ago for the first time.

Take up the White Man's burden--
Send forth the best ye breed--
Go bind your sons to exile
To serve your captives' need;
To wait in heavy harness,
On fluttered folk and wild--
Your new-caught, sullen peoples,


Half-devil and half-child.

Take up the White Man's burden--
In patience to abide,
To veil the threat of terror
And check the show of pride;
By open speech and simple,
An hundred times made plain
To seek another's profit,
And work another's gain.

Take up the White Man's burden--
The savage wars of peace--
Fill full the mouth of Famine
And bid the sickness cease;
And when your goal is nearest
The end for others sought,
Watch sloth and heathen Folly
Bring all your hopes to naught.

Take up the White Man's burden--
No tawdry rule of kings,
But toil of serf and sweeper--
The tale of common things.
The ports ye shall not enter,
The roads ye shall not tread,
Go mark them with your living,
And mark them with your dead.

Take up the White Man's burden--
And reap his old reward:
The blame of those ye better,
The hate of those ye guard--
The cry of hosts ye humour
(Ah, slowly!) toward the light:--
"Why brought he us from bondage,
Our loved Egyptian night?"

Take up the White Man's burden--
Ye dare not stoop to less--
Nor call too loud on Freedom
To cloak your weariness;
By all ye cry or whisper,
By all ye leave or do,
The silent, sullen peoples
Shall weigh your gods and you.

Take up the White Man's burden--
Have done with childish days--
The lightly proferred laurel,
The easy, ungrudged praise.
Comes now, to search your manhood
Through all the thankless years
Cold, edged with dear-bought wisdom,
The judgment of your peers!


From the Lafayette Gazette March 17th, 1899.





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