WATER AND LIGHT.
A Model Plant Nearly Completed.
Everything Works Without a Hitch.
Last Monday the people of this town had the pleasure to see the successful operation of the new waterworks and electric light plant which is about completed.
It will be remembered that about two years ago the City Council made a contract with Robert R. Zell, M. E, and C. E., of New Orleans, to make the necessary surveys, plans and specifications for the construction of a complete system of waterworks and electric lights. The plant which received the endorsement of Mr. Zell and was caused to be built by the City Council, consists of over five miles of street mains and specials. The Corvey fire hydrants are used with two-hose nozzles of two and a half inches on each hydrant. The pipe system is laid off in sections and controlled by Rensallear water gate valves; and should a break occur, or if repairs are to be made, it will not be necessary to shut off the water entirely, but only a short portion of the piping will be closed. The power plant is constructed totally of steel and covered with corrugated iron. The power room is wainscoated with pine of hard oil finish, and the inside is painted a soft lead shade, with a steel frame and trusses; the boiler room is of the same construction. The vertical compound Duplex pumping engine, built by the John McGowan Co., of Cincinnati, was specially designed by Mr. Zell for this service. It draws the water from eight artesian wells placed ten feet apart, whose depths are 150 and 200 feet. The water cylinders of this engine are placed in a well eight feet in diameter and twenty feet deep and are cemented to the well pipes. The pumping engine is controlled by a governor operated from the pressures of the standpipe, so that when it is full of water, it stops. A relief valve between the pumps and street mains provides ways for the standard fire pressure of 125 pounds on the street mains. The pumping engine and stand-pipe are directly connected with street mains, thereby giving a constant and uniform pressure to the mains of 50 pounds per square inch. As the water is used the pump replaces it automatically. When an alarm of fire is sounded the engineer closes the large gate valve at the stand-pipe which causes the pressure on the mains to raise to 125 pounds - any excess overflowing through the relief valve. This pressure will throw a stream of water 180 feet through 250 feet of two and half hose when using an inch hose-pipe.
The stand-pipe is located twenty-five feet from the power house on a brick and cement foundation and is 125 feet high and twelve feet in diameter and contains 100,000 gallons of water. The quality of the water is very good and the supply ample for all the needs of the town for years to come.
Steam is supplied to the pumping and electric light engines from two new Zell Patent Water Tube Safety Boilers of seventy-five horsepower each. The boilers are made to carry high pressure and furnish dry steam with great economy. They are said to be the only make which does not require to be bricked up.
The lighting plant consists of two fifty-horse power Skinner Automatic engines with two Fort Wayne multi-polar generators directly connected with the engines, dispensing with the use of belting. The electric generators are 220 voltage on the lines is of this pressure.
It gives a constant current and Consulting Engineer Zell considers it the most elastic and perfect system of lighting in use. The arc lamps are of the latest improvement and are run two in series. The switch board is of marble with oak frame and contains the amperemeter, volt-meters, lightning arrestors, etc.
The exhaust steam from the engine passes into a Webster vacuum feed water heater and purifier where the water is heated up to 200 degrees before entering the boilers, which are supplied by a McGowan Duplex boiler feeder. The piping is complete in every detail and the plant throughout if first-class.
The Consolidated Engineering Company, Limited, of New Orleans, the contractors, have carried out the town engineer's plans in good workmanlike manner and deserve much credit.
Frank Harding has been employed to run the plant thirty days as the representative of the town.
The citizens of Lafayette should congratulate themselves that the entire plant was started without a hitch and having the finest lights in the State.
The Consolidated Engineering Company, through its reliable vice-president, Mr. Claude M. Pasquier, has done everything in its power to give the town a thorough up-to-date plant, while no little credit is due its superintendent, Mr. F. Printz, for the conscientious and skillful manner in which he did his work.
Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE OLD COUNCIL.
Now that we are about to enjoy the benefits to accrue from a thorough system of waterworks and an electric light plant it is not out of order to say a few words about the men who are entitled to some of the credit for having secured these two handmaids of municipal progress. The Gazette is not inclined to be fulsome in is praise of men, especially of public men, but in this instance it would be recreant to its duty as a public journal it it did not say a few words of commendation of those whose intelligent and well-directed efforts have resulted in so brilliant a success.
Three years ago Judge Anderson J. Moss was nominated by the Democrats of Lafayette as a candidate for mayor and well-known gentlemen were selected for councilmen. The ticket was as follow:
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This ticket received the support of the regular Democracy, and the municipal affairs of the town fell into the hands of a Democratic administration, which soon gained the confidence of all fair-minded people and established the fact that it was not only willing but able to properly administer the public business. A correct and honest handling of finances, an impartial execution of the laws and a most commendable and unselfish devotion to duty made this administration perhaps the most efficient the town has had in its history. A depleted treasury and the unsatisfactory system of book-keeping which prevailed during preceding administrations were not inconsiderable impediments to this Council, but it soon surmounted these difficulties and placed the town's credit upon a solid basis and inaugurated a thoroughly business-like policy which it pursued to the end of its official life. While the members of the Council fulfilled their ordinary duties they were imbued with a spirit of progress which crystallized into a proposition to levy a special tax for the purpose of building modern systems of electric lights and waterworks. An election was ordered to be held to obtain the sense of the tax-payers on this proposition and a unanimous vote in favor of the measure was polled, evidencing the popularity of the move and showing that the Council enjoyed the confidence of tax-paying population of the community. After it was assured that the plant would be built, Judge Moss resigned the mayorality and Hon. C. D. Caffery was appointed in his stead and continued the good work with the same public-spirit which has characterized the official acts of his predecessor. In the limited scope of a newspaper article it is impossible to tell of the many difficulties encountered and finally surmounted by the members of the former Council in their efforts to give to the people of this town what declared they wanted by a vote of singular unanimity. The members of the present Council took up the work where it was left by their predecessors and carried it to a successful termination, and we have no doubt they will manage the plant in a manner that will redound to the benefit of the people.
In noting the operation of the electric light and waterworks plant The Gazette does not refer to the good work of the old Council in a spirit of adulation, but it is simply to "render unto Ceaser what are Ceaser's."
Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
RAILROAD PASSES.
Upon several occasions The Gazette has expressed its disapproval of the pernicious practice of the railroad companies in issuing passes to judges and members of the Legislature. It is a significant fact that as soon as a man is elected judge in this State he is the recipient of a pass from some railroad company, and it is equally significant that members of the General Assembly are, during the sessions of this body, favored in the same manner. The Gazette does not believe that every public official who accepts a pass from a railroad company permits such a paltry consideration to influence him in the performance of his duties, but there are many good reasons why this practice should be stopped and never has the time been more opportune than now to stop it.
Judge Coco, an able member of the Constitutional Convention, has introduced an ordinance in that body, which, if adopted, will put an end to the gift of passes to Louisiana officials by railroad corporations. We will not again give our reasons why we favor a measure of this kind, but will simply express the hope that Judge Coco will succeed in his efforts to rectify an evil which, many believe, has been the cause of the defeat of excellent laws. We do not propose to say that any judge in this State was swayed from his duty by the mere gift of a pass, but the fact that so many of our judges travel on passes has caused comment of a character not at all complimentary to the judiciary. Our judges should be above suspicion and all decisions emanating from them should be accepted as the law of the land, honestly and impartially given.
Judge Coco's ordinance reads:
"No member of the General Assembly, or public officer, or person elected or appointed to a public office, under the laws of this State, shall not directly, or indirectly, ask, demand, accept, receive or consent to receive for his own use or benefit, or for the use or benefit of another, any free pass, free transportation, franking privilege or discrimination in passenger, telegraph or telephone rates from any person or corporation, or make use of the same himself or in conjunction with another.
"A person who violates any provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall forfeit his office at the suit of the Attorney General or any district attorney. Any corporation, or officer or agent thereof, who shall offer or promise to a public officer any such free pass transportation, franking privilege or discrimination, shall also be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and liable to punishment by a fine of no less than $100 nor more than $500, at the discretion of a court having competent jurisdiction.
"No person or officer or agent of a corporation giving such free pass, free transportation, franking privilege or discrimination hereby prohibited, shall be privileged from testifying in relation thereto, and he shall not be liable to civil or criminal prosecution therefore if he shall testify to give of the same."Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
Compress May Be the Next Enterprise in Lafayette.
A gentleman who is well informed upon all subjects that pertain to the commercial advancement of the town told The Gazette that in his opinion before the next cotton crop is ready to be baled a compress will be in operation in this town. He stated that the compress will be a modern affair in every particular and one of the largest of its kind in the State.
Of course the gentleman who gave us this valuable information could not say positively that a cotton compress will be built here, but he said that at no time did the prospects to get one appear to him appear brighter. A committee of public-spirited men, appointed by the Business Men's Association to see what could be done in this matter, has been at work and we are all pleased to state that all the members of that committee are pleased with the progress already made. However they are not yet resting upon their laurels, but recognizing the necessity of prompt action, they are still at work putting forth every effort. Lafayette is unquestionably the most suitable place in this section for the profitable operation of a cotton compress, but our people should not depend entirely upon their superior advantages and let this compress slip away from them. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
THE AVANT CASE.
At its session Thursday the Police Jury undertook to investigate the charge of embezzlement found by the last Grand Jury against Ben Avant, police juror from the second ward. A committee composed of Martial Billeaud, Jr., and Alfred Hebert, was appointed to investigate the embezzlement charge against Mr. Avant, who stated to the Police Jury that he was willing to have that body look over his accounts and that he courted an investigation. He also explained the personal relations that exist between him and his accuser, Thompson Hoffpauir, saying that personal enmity had prompted the accusation. He denounced Hoffpauir in unmeasured terms.
The committee appointed to investigate the charges against Juror Avant reported the following:
"We found by the account book handed us that in 1897 Mr. Avant has collected $270 and has paid to different persons $191.95, leaving a balance due the parish of $78.05."
In order not to do an injustice to Mr. Avant we will state that it is the policy of the Police Jury to allow members to draw certain amounts from the parish treasurer and to expend the same for public work in their respective wards, and the fact $78.05 is due the parish by Mr. Avant is no evidence of a shortage. That amount is kept him at the disposal of the Jury.
We fail to see what bearing the committee's report can have upon the accusation against Mr. Avant. This question is for the court to decide and we hope that it will be decided as soon as possible and that this case will not be allowed to drag indefinitely, as the public interest, as well as that of the accused, demands that it be promptly tried.
The accusation against Mr. Avant is that he collected from the parish the sum of $60 for Mr. Thompson Hoffpauir, and that he turned over to that gentleman only $45, leaving a balance of $15 unaccounted for. Whether or not the action of the Police Jury will have any connection with the trial of the case remains to be seen. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
Ranked Among the Best. - We are pleased to note in the report issued by the Louisiana Bureau of Agriculture and Immigration that among the analyses of cotton seed meals the sample sent by the People's Cotton Oil Mill of Lafayette is ranked among the best on the list. It contains more nitrogen than any of the others and as much of the other ingredients which make cotton seed meal such a desirable fertilizer. As this meal is considered one of the best and cheapest fertilizers obtainable our farmers should make a note of this fact. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
Races. - On Sunday, March 13, the Oak Avenue Park will be the place to see the finest races of the season. A number of first-class horses will run. Among them may be mentioned Bald Reckless, of Abbeville, and Stoke's William R.; H. M. Durke's Stromo and Blue, entered by Edward Hebert and Alphonse Peck. The race between Bald Reckless and William R. is the first of its kind that has ever taken place in this section. One will pace in harness while the other will run. Admission, 25 cents. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
Benefits of Mardi Gras. - Last year on Mardi Gras the Southern Pacific agent at this place sold 37 tickets to New Iberia and 135 to New Orleans. This year 311 tickets were sold to New Iberia and 153 to New Orleans. This should give our business men an idea of the benefit to be derived from a Mardi Gras celebration in Lafayette. Two years ago an effort was made to have a parade and considering the small amount of money subscribed and the short time given to those who prepared the floats it was a great success. When the time will come let the Business Men's Association take hold of this matter and we'll be in line next Mardi Gras. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
Lecture. - Dr. Block, editor of the New Orleans Christian Advocate, has consented to deliver a lecture next Monday evening, March 7, at Falk's opera-house; the proceeds to be devoted to the painting of the Methodist church and parsonage. We hope a large audience will be present to hear the distinguished lecturer. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
At Falk's. - Dr. Block, editor of the New Orleans Christian Advocate, has consented to deliver a lecture next Monday evening at Falk's opera house; the proceeds to be devoted to the painting of the Methodist church and parsonage. We hop a large audience will be present to hear the distinguished lecturer. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
A CARD.
Lafayette, La., Feb. 24, 1898.
Having been charged as being the author of a statement to the effect that Omer Patereau was of mixed negro blood, I will state that I was not the author, but only repeated, without malice or malevolence, what had been heard from maliciously inclined persons.
And knowing that Mr. Patereau is of full Caucasian-blood and a perfect gentleman, entitled to respect and consideration, I adopt this manner of rectifying, as far as it lies in my power, the wrong and injury done him.
J. F. GUIDRY.
Witness: FELIX H. LANDRY.
The following letters explain themselves:
FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY HEBERT.
PLAQUEMINE, LA., Feb. 20, 1898.
Guy Hebert, Esq., Plaquemine, La.
My Dear Gov. - On my return from Pointe Coupee, I learned, to my astonishment and indignation, that charges had been made by evil minded persons against my young friend, Omer Patereau stating that he was of mixed blood. I have known his parents before they were married as well as their families. None stood higher in the State and in our community. The charge is absolutely false and malicious. If I can be of any service to your client you can command my services at any time, I hope you will make everything perfectly clear and give the hot end of the "poker" to those who started this infamous charge against Omer.
Yours truly,
ALEX HEBERT.
FROM DISTRICT JUDGE TALBOT.
PLAQUEMINE, LA., Feb. 20, 1898.
MR. OMER PATUREAU, LAFAYETTE, LA.
My Dear Sir - I understand from your brothers here that you have been charged with having negro blood. I have known your family for the past forty years as residents of this place, and have never heard the least intimation of this character and am satisfied that the charge is a slander. Very respectfully,
E. B. TALBOT.
FROM LAWYER RILLS.
PLAQUEMINE, LA., Feb. 20, 1898.
To all whom it may concern:
This is to certify that Omer Patereau, now a resident of Lafayette, La., is a native of the parish Iberville. I have known him from boyhood. I was intimate with his father and mother, now dead, and am well acquainted with his brothers and sister, all of whom are of pure white blood. Omer Patereau has not a drop of negro blood in his veins.
J. HAMILTON BRUSLE.
FROM EX-SHERIFF BRUSLE.
PLAQUEMINE, LA., Feb. 20, 1898.
To whom it may concern:
This is to certify that I am acquainted with Mr. Omer Patereau and his family and know them to be respectable and well thought of, and of pure Caucasian blood.
CHAS. A. BRUSLE.
FROM LAWYER WAILES.
PLAQUEMINE, LA., Feb. 20, 1898.
I am sixty-nine years of age. I have known the Patereau family for years - the children from childhood. Any statement that there is an admixture of negro blood in their veins is absolutely untrue.
GEO. B. N. WAILES.
Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
ANNUAL CONVENTION
Of the Woman's Parsonage and Home Mission Society.
The sixth annual convention of the Woman's Parsonage and Home Mission Society met Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock in the Methodist church.
The convention was called to order by the president, Mrs. F. A. Lyons.
Rev. I. T. Reams, pastor of the Lafayette church, conducted devotional exercises, after which the convention entered upon the transaction of business. The president appointed the following committees:
Credentials - Miss Sue Lyons, Mrs. J. J. Davidson, Miss E. L. Huey.
Publication and Finance - Miss Mary Werlein, Mesdames Crow Girard, E. R. Kennedy, P. D. Beraud, L. L. Lyons, T. S. Singleton, Fauntleroy.
Extension of work and resolutions - Mmes. F. E. Russ, J. E. Denson, J. J. Davidson, B. J. Williams, F. R. Tolson, E. Mosher, R. W. Knickerbocker, J. D. Skipper, J. M. Porter, M. Hayes, T. B. Hopkins, P. D. Beraud, I. T. Reams, T. S. Singleton.
Courtesies - Mmes. M. E. Girard, T. B. Hopkins, P. D. Beraud, I. T. Reams.
It was moved and carried that all members of the Lafayette Auxiliary be made members of the convention.
The following registered as delegates to the convention: Mrs. E. Mosher, Crowley; Mrs. F. A. Lyons, Crowley; Mrs. J. M. Porter, Prudhomme City; Mrs. J. D. Skipper, West Alexandria; Miss R. W. Knickerbocker, Crowley; Miss W. Whittington, West Alexandria; Miss E. S. Huey, Mmes. J. E. Denson, F. E. Russ, Miss Mary Werlein, F. A. Lyons, Miss L. Lyons, New Orleans; Mmes. F. R. Tolson, I. T. Reams, C. Girard, E. R. Kennedy, M. E. Girard, J. J. Davidson, T. S. Singleton, T. B. Hopkins, P. D. Beraud, A. Doucet, B. J. Williams, W. B. Torian, R. C. Greig, F. Demanade, Lafayette.
The annual address of Mrs. F. A. Lyons, the president, was as usual full of information, giving in a few words, an outline of the good work that has been accomplished by the society during the last year.
She said that members in the various departments showed a most commendable spirit in the performance of the duties assigned them. The address was received with evident approbation.
It was decided to hold the sessions from 10:30 a. m. to 1 p. m.
A song by the choir was followed by a consecration service led by Mrs. T. S. Singleton.
After the doxology the benediction was pronounced by Rev. I. T. Reams.
The evening session began at 7:30 with devotional exercise's conducted by Mrs. Lyons.
An address of welcome on behalf of the ministry was delivered by Rev. I. T. Reams.
Mrs. Reams was followed by Mrs. E. R. Kennedy who read an able paper extending to the visitor a most cordial welcome. Mrs. Kennedy is an untiring worker in this worthy cause, being secretary of the State organization and president of the Lafayette auxiliary.
Miss Sue Lyons responded to the addresses of welcome.
A song by Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Crow Girard and Miss Lizzie Mudd was very well rendered. This was followed by a recitation from Anna Hopkins.
One of Will Carleton's poems, recited by Miss Knickerbocker, a gifted young lady from Crowley, was enjoyed by every one.
An address by Miss Mary Werlein concluded the evening program. Miss Werlein complimented the local society for its good work during the last year. She said that the erection of the pretty little church and the comfortable home built of the minister were indeed a very creditable showing for the Lafayette Auxiliary.
The convention will continue in session until Sunday. The meeting promises to be one of the most successful ever held by the society.
A special feature of Sunday's program is a lecture by Dr. Black of New Orleans. Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
City Council Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., Feb. 24, 1898.
The City Council met this day in special session with the following members present: Mayor Caffery, Councilmen Hahn, Hopkins, Landry, Martin and Mouton.
The mayor stated the object of the meeting was to make arrangements for payment of the waterworks and electric light bonds falling due March 1, 1898, being No. 1 to 5 inclusive of $500 each, and interest on the entire amount of bonds as per the following statement of the issue:
The bonds were issued August 16th, 1897, and the first interest coupon amounts to $16.25 making a total of $11.70 of interest due March 1, 1898.
The following was then offered by Dr. Hopkins:
Be it ordained by the City Council of Lafayette that the five waterworks and electric light bonds and the interest on the entire amount of said bonds, falling due March 1, 1898, as indicated by the foregoing statement be paid out of the waterworks and electric light fund, and the mayor be and is authorized to draw upon the treasury for the same and attend to the payment thereof. Be it further ordained that the mayor is authorized to make the best possible arrangement for the transmission of said money to New York, the place of payment.
Adopted by the following vote:
Yeas - Hopkins, Mouton, Hahn, Landry and Martin.
The following was offered by Mr. Mouton and unanimously adopted.
Be it ordained by this Council that the posting of bills or notices of any kind or in any manner on the electric light poles of the town is hereby prohibited nor shall any one be permitted to drive nails or tacks or in any other way mutilate the said poles, and that any one violating this ordinance shall be punished by fine not exceeding ten dollars and in default of payment of fine shall be imprisoned not exceeding fifteen days, at the discretion of the mayor.
There being no further business the Council adjourned.
CHAS. D. CAFFERY, Mayor.
F. STERLING MUDD, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 3/5/1898.
Patureau's barber shop, near the depot is lighted by electricity. It is now one of the neatest shops to be found anywhere.
Ed. McBride has bought three lots in McComb's Addition and intends building a residence there very soon.
Judge Julian Mouton left Monday for Lake Charles to hold court.
Sam Brown and Geo. Melchoir, of Carencro, attended the theatre here last Sunday night.
Mr. Gouaux, the drummer, registered at the Cottage Hotel this week, and transacted some business in Lafayette.
Mayor Caffery went to New Orleans this week on legal business.
Ed. Lehman has received the appliances for his pop factory. They are all new and of the latest improved kind.
George Debaillon returned from Jefferson College this week, as he was not able to pursue his studies, owing to some trouble with his eyes.
Lafayette Gazette 3/5/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of March 5th, 1898:
LAFAYETTE'S BASE BALL CLUB.
The Lafayette Base Ball Club was organized March (3 or 8), 1895.
The club guarantees to give entire satisfaction throughout this season and is ready to offer and accept any challenge from any team of our sister parishes.
The following officers were elected:
President, J. C. Nickerson, Manager, E. Pellerin; Captain, Wm. Hamilton, Secretary L. A. Veazey; Asst. Captain, Jas. Marsh; Asst. Manger, Lee Walker, Pitcher, John Loos; Catcher, John Gonzales; 1st Base, Wm. Gray; 2nd Base, J. C. Nickerson; 3rd Base, Jim Marsh, S S; Lynch, L F; Stevenson, C. F; Wm. Hamilton. Substitutes Wm. Grazer, John Grazer and F. Otto.
E. Pellerin, John Loos, Oscar Stevenson and John Gonzales were appointed a committee to draft Constitution and by-laws.
Wm. Hamilton, J. Grazer and J. C. Nickerson were appointed a Committee of Arrangements.
A meeting will be called at 8 o'clock next Monday night.
Lafayette Advertiser 3/5/1898.
Century Club.
The Club, which is in a flourishing condition, was organized two years ago March 13, 1896 with 13 members. Though these figures belong to the superstition calendar, they have rather brought good luck to the club judging by the roll of the membership published here below and by the numerous applications received for admission.
At a meeting held on Friday March 4th, the following officers were elected.
Dr. F. E. Girard, President,
Wm. Campbell, Vice-president,
Felix Mouton, Secretary,
John O. Mouton, Treasurer,
Dr. F. R. Tolson, H. A. Van der Cruyssen, and C. M. Parkerson, Governing Board.
Roll of Membership.
T. M. Biossat, Paul Bailey, Nathan Broussard, Baxter Clegg, Wm. Campbell, A. B. Denbo, Dr. J. L. Duhart, R. W. Elliot, D. V. Gardebled, Dr. F. E. Girard, H. Gerac, P. Gerac, B. Falk, Jno. Givens, Leo Judice, John O. Mouton, Dr. F. R. Tolson, Dr. A. R. Trahan, E. G. Voorhies, C. C. Brown, Felix H. Mouton, Gus. A. Breaux, E. J. Higgenbotham, J. Rene Bonnet, D. L. Caffery, E. D. Pellerin, Dr. F. G. Mouton, Homer Mouton, C. O. Mouton, O. C. Mouton, Dr. N. P. Moss, Judge A. J. Moss, J. C. Nickerson, Judge J. G. Parkerson, S. R. Parkerson, C. M. Parkerson, Leon Plonsky, P. B. Roy, J. P. Revillon, L. G. Stelly, Gus. Schmulen, H. Van der Cruyssen, Chas. D. Caffery, J. O. Broussard, Judge C. Debaillon, H. H. Hohorst, John M. Jones, John T. Allingham, John L. Kennedy, L. F. Rigues, W. W. Hamilton. Lafayette Advertiser 3/5/1898.
DEATH OF PROMINENT CITIZEN.
Joachim Revillon.
The funeral of Mr. Joachim Revillon, who died last Thursday morning, at 7:30, was held at St. John's Catholic Church yesterday morning at 10 o'clock attended by a great concourse of people who came to pay their last respects to the deceased who had lived among them for so many years and who had always borne such a good reputation.
The impressive burial service was performed by Father Forge and Baulard. Rev. Father Forge took occasion in paying a glowing tribute to the deceased to impress his hearers with the immortal life which awaits each and every one of them and consequently to prepare themselves for such blissful state.
The pall-bearers were J. S. Whittington Jr., Ambroise Mouton, F. S. Mudd, F. Monte, Judge A. J. Moss, D. A. Cochrane.
The deceased was born on Nov. 27th, 1804 at Fierreclos (France) and at his death was 93 years, 3 months and 11 days old. His career though uneventful was still quite remarkable. He left his native country in 1819 bound for one of the French possessions (Senegal) as an apprentice on board the French man-of-war Dianne.
Subsequently he formed partnership with his first cousin Victor Revillon. Their business consisted of transporting, in their own vessels, from St. Dominique to France, the costly and precious timbers uses in the furniture making business.
After having been very successful in this business, a reverse fortune came on suddenly, and they lost in a few days all they had made. This was in 1826.
Undaunted, full of pluck and energy he took service as a sailor and after many vicissitudes arrived in Lafayette in 1829 where he found a position as clerk with Mr. Chaix.
From that time until his death he has been connected with the interests of his adoptive home. He bought real estate, built houses and engaged in business. A thing quite remarkable is that he never would accept a public office. Mr. Revillon was a brave and generous man. He was one of the very few now living who had seen the great Napoleon.
He died at his residence of his son Mr. Pierre Revillon, soon after having partaken of the breakfast meal, and he passed peacefully away without any struggle or visible pains. Lafayette Advertiser 3/5/1898.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. - Let There Be Light.
(Electric Light)
Rev. Father Forge always ready to help and keep pace with the progressive spirit of Lafayette, has decided that St. John's will be hereafter lighted by electricity, and possessing a taste for magnificence, everyone may rest assured that his church will compare favorably with any other.
There will be about 300 lights and one arc-light of 2000 candle power which will give a total of 6800 candlepower. Systematically arranged as they will be, the effect will be just grand. Lafayette Advertiser 3/5/1898.
LAFAYETTE WATER WORKS.
The Waterworks plant as erected by the contractors, the Consolidated Engineering Co., Ltd. of New Orleans, La., consists of the following installation:
A steel trussed building 45' 6" long x 35' wide and 18'high.
The framing of this building is of homogeneous steel covered with No. 26 galvanized iron, and all inside work thoroughly finished and neat in appearance.
The pumping engine manufactured especially for this purpose was made by the John H. McGowan Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio it is vertical compound engine having 9" Diam. high pressure steam cylinders, 18" Diam. low-pressure steam cylinders, 8 1/2" Diam. pump piston all having 12 stroke. The machinery is highly finished and made in the best workmanlike manner and is fitted up with governor and gauge board consisting of nickel plated clock, a combination water and pressure gauge and nickel plated steam gauge.
The boiler feed is made by the same company and is 4-(?), 2x3x4.
The pumping engine has a capacity of 750,000 gallons running piston speed of 90 ft. per minute for each piston in twenty four hours, and embodying all the latest feature known to the builders of first class machinery.
The bottom lower end of cylinder is set 20" from the ground floor or top of well hole.
The pump cylinders are conveniently arranged so that the valve could be removed through handhole or sides of pump chambers, and are so arranged that pump piston could be taken out without any trouble.
The boilers are of the New Zell water tube brickless boilers two in number, of 70 H. P. each. The capacity of these boilers are such as to furnish the horse continuously without forcing fires. One horsepower being equal to 30 lbs. of water, evaporated at 100 degrees Fahr., and under a pressure of 70 lbs. per square inch above the atmosphere. The effective heating surface is 700 sq. ft. for the battery of two boilers. The rate of evaporation of these boilers are to be 10 lbs. of feed water from and at 212 deg. Fahr. per pound of coal on a continuous test of ten hours. Boilers being worked at rated capacity and under steam pressure of 70 lbs. per square inch, using good lump Alabama coal. The quality of steam delivered will be as follows:
There will not be more than (unreadable) entrained water in steam delivered at nozzle of boilers when working at full rated capacity?
The engines for the electric light part of the plant consists of two 10x12 automatic Skinner engine direct connected and fitted with sub base and pedestal connected to two 30 kilowatt multi polar compounds wound direct connected dynamos manufactured by the Ft. Wayne Electric Corporation of Ft. Wayne, Ind. These engines are handsomely finished and the material used in their construction is the best of their respective kinds, and the workmanship compares (unreadable words) and the best hydrant manufactured in the United States.
The valves and boxes are made by the Reusslaer Valve Mfg. Co. of Troy, N. Y. and are the best of their kind.
The standpoint is made as follows. The first section 20 ft. 58" of an inch thick section is 20 ft. and 12" thick. The third section is 20 ft., 7/16 of an inch thick. The fourth Section is 20 ft. and 3/8 of an inch thick. The fifth section is 20 ft. and 5/16 of an inch thick. The sixth section is 15 ft. and 1/4 of an inch thick. The seventh section is 10 ft. and 3/16" of an inch thick. The plates in each section are uniform in thickness and are of ductile homogeneous steel of a tensile strength of 50,000 lbs. In the bottom section, an 8" flange is riveted to which an 8" gate valve is bolted, and on this is an elbow turned at right angles.
This is the water connection to the mains to standpipe. The standpipe is 12 ft. inside diameter and 125 ft. high, and when complete will hold 106,000 gallons of water.
The standpipe foundations have been built strictly in accord to specifications and there are no less that 30,000 bricks in said foundation.
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The pump pit inside building caused the contracts a great deal of trouble, no less than three casings having been put in.
The lasing in order to make a good job had to be made of steel 1/4" thick, and this casing cost to the neighborhood of $500 placed in position.
This well cost more to construct than nearly all other machinery to install, it is finished on the inside with a brick casing starting at the bottom with a 13" wall running shy about 10 ft. and tapering off the top to a 9" wall, and the job is a very creditable one.
Notwithstanding the fact that all the requirements of the law had been complied with and that the City Council had taken the proper steps to issue the $38,000 worth of bonds, nevertheless, after the contract was given to the original contractor it was found that he could not negotiate the bonds, as a technical question arose as to their validity. The question was raised that Art. No. 46 of the constitution prohibited any municipality except the city of New Orleans to issue bonds for public improvements, it was then that Hon. D. C. Caffery, Mayor and the gentlemen composing the council of Lafayette and the water works Committee put forth their energy and efforts which culminated in the Consolidated Engineering Ltd. of New Orleans, through their Vice-President Claude M. Pasquier and their Secretary and treasurer H. Daspit, assuming the contract from the contractor.
Suit was then brought and the Mayor of Lafayette was mandamus to sign the bonds, the case was brought from the Court of Lafayette to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court upon a rehearing decided that the bonds were legally issued, and the bonds of Lafayette ultimately sold at 100 par, therefore to the gentlemen above mentioned is due the credit for the negotiation of the bonds.
After inspecting the works, and noting the tress, we are pleased to publish in these columns our expressions of satisfaction at the manner in which the work was done by the contractors, they have not only fulfilled every requirement of their contract, but we have grounds to believe that they have exceeded what they were required to do. For instance, the specifications call for an electric light plant operated by belts, but the contractors of their own volition furnished the City with a direct connected outfit, and did not require an extra compensation, due credit should be accorded them. With the electric light and Water works the dawn of the new era looms up for Lafayette.
The Consolidated Engineering Co., Ltd. evidently understands their business thoroughly and they have an efficient Superintendent in Mr. F. Prints. The plans and specifications were drawn by Mr. R. R. Zell, M. E., of New Orleans, La. Lafayette Advertiser 3/5/1898.
Convention Notes. - The text of the suffrage plan prepared by the Sub-Committee of six was reported to the full committee last Tuesday and is in a succinct manner as follows: - Every male citizen of this State, and of the United States, native born or naturalized not less than 21 years of age, shell be an elector and be entitled to vote at any election provided that he shall have been a bona fide resident of the State for two years, of the parish one year and of the ward or precinct six months. He shall be able to read and write, and he shall demonstrate his ability to do so when he applies for registration, by making the registration officer or his deputy written application ...... therefore, in the English language or in his mother tongue, which application is found here below and he shall write the same date and signed it without assistance or suggestion from anyone.
A am a citizen of the state of Louisiana. My name is ......., I was born the state (or country) of ........ parish (or country) of ......., in the year ........
I am now ........ years ........ ..... months and .........days of age. I have resided in this state since .......; in this parish since ........ and in ward ......., and I have never been convicted of any crime punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary; and if he is not able to read or write he shall be entitled to register and vote if he or his wife, or minor child, or minor children, or father, or mother residing in this state, shall, at the time he offers to register, be the owner of property valued at not less than $300. And all who were voters and their descendants prior to Jan. 1st. 1868 shall ever be denied the right to register and vote by reason of his failing to possess the educations or property qualifications prescribed by this constitution .
Lafayette Advertiser 3/5/1898.
lagniappe:
LAGNIAPPE:
CANNIBAL DWARVES OF THE CONGO FOREST.
Nelson had a curious account to give of the dwarfs of the Congo forest. He describes them as the ugliest and most depraved specimens of humanity ever heard of. "They struck me as the dark and forbidding creatures of a bad night mare," he said, when he first saw them, "rather than actual human beings." "Oh, they're a bad lot, I tell you: Sometimes we struck a district where they seemed a trifle less wild, or more confident, and they used to come in swarms to the camp. They, of course had never seen a white man before.
"The most disagreeable thing about them was their guilty, sneaking expression. They are cannibals, of course, and it always seemed to me that they came into our camp for the purpose of feasting their eyes on us, as a pack of hungry dogs might gaze longingly on a leg of mutton. They could never look us in the face. I have felt their baleful gaze on me, as I sat at my tent door, and the moment I looked all eyes would instantly be dropped. But I have detected them sizing up the others, and fairly licking their chops. It used to make my flesh creep. They used to pay more attention to Jephson than any of the others hence his popularity with these cannibals. They admired Jephson because they saw at a glance that he would cut up into more steaks and better rib roasts than the others.
From the New York World and in the Lafayette Advertiser 3/6/1891.
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