SOLDIERS CHEERED
On Their Way to Cuba - Boys Shout and the Girls Bring Flowers.
If Uncle Sam's soldiers continue to pass through Lafayette, not a solitary flower will be left to adorn our gardens. The fair portion of the community have certainly been captivated by the brave boys in blue who are on their way to Cuba to teach the cruel Spaniards that blowing up American warships and murdering American sailors is not a healthy pastime.
It is doubtful if any town on the Southern Pacific has given the soldiers as elegant an ovation as was tendered them by the people of Lafayette. The train carrying the twenty-third infantry under Col. Ovenshine and the one carrying Major Keller's regiment of cavalrymen were cheered to the echo upon their arrival at the depot. Every member of the regiment, from the humblest private to the polished West Pointer, was presented with some of the pretty flowers which our soil yields in such bountifulness. It was eminently appropriate for the ladies of the town to show their fealty to the flag by the presentation of flowers to those who are called upon to defend it with the sword. The Gazette is pleased to note the unaffected manner in which they manifested their sympathy for the cause and the splendid display of that patriotic ferver so characteristic of Southern women.
When the regimental band struck "Dixie" the deafening cheers that followed showed that the war spirit is not confined to the "other sex," but that the boys are thoroughly aroused over the impending conflict. The soldiers were evidently much impressed by the patriotic demonstration and joined in the cheering and shouting. They gave away a large number of souvenirs, which consisted mostly of rifle cartridges.
The school children were out in full force and seemed to be delighted with the war-like appearance of things.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
Gave Them a Cake.
A patriotic young lady of this town who heard that soldiers would pass through last Tuesday made, with her own hands, a large cake, the slices of which she distributed among Uncle Sam's boys when they reached here. With so commendable a spirit among the Lafayette girls, the boys are bound to be patriotic. Lafayette Advertiser 4/23/1898.
Bombarded the Train With Bouquets. - Speaking of the cordial manner in which the United States soldiers were greeted while traveling through Louisiana, Mayor Keller of the Twenty-third had this to say about Lafayette: "At Lafayette, the ladies and everybody else bombarded the train with small bouquets." The Picayune informs us that many of the men wore these tokens of admiration upon their hates as they filed off the Morgan boat. Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
A Lafayette Boy Who Wants to Go to the Front.
To The Young Men of the parish of Lafayette.
Dear Comrades - Now is the time for us to show our devotion to duty and fealty to the flag. The bells of war are ringing in our ears, and I think that it would be wise for Lafayette to organize a company. My judgement approves this measure and my whole is in it. When ever you will see proper to organize a company, I am, with all my heart at your service.
Yours truly,
LOUIS A. PREJEAN.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
New Telephone Exchange. - We have been directly informed that the Cumberland Telephone Co. (long distance telephone line) will begin work on its local exchange for this town, within the next two weeks, giving days and night service at a moderate cost to subscribers.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
Bootblacks Will Need License.
The City Council has passed an ordinance imposing a license of $5.00 upon bootblacks. It seems to us that this license is excessive, being almost prohibitory in its operation. The Gazette does not think that bootblacks ought to be made to pay any license. At any rate, if the Council believes that bootblacks ought to pay a license it should not make it so high as to make its payment almost impossible. Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
Anniversary of the Ladies' Club.
Quite the handsomest social occurrence of the season was the celebration of the first anniversary of the Ladies' Club, on Thursday, April 14. Society turned in full force in response to the rhythmical invitations sent by this popular club. The scene of the brilliant gathering was the opera-house, which artistic taste and skill had further beautified the stately palms and the choicest and rarest of cut flowers combined with evergreens and Spanish moss.
Fifty-six guests participated in the games of "progressive euchre" while a large number of deeply interested lookers-on enjoyed the scene. The first prizes, a handsome silver mounted purse and hat brush, were awarded Miss Gladu and Mr. Chas. Caffery, while amid much merriment the boobies fell to the lot of Mrs. F. E. Girard and Mr. G. Gladu. After the grand march, led by Miss C. Mudd and Mr. F. E. Chase, a delightful dance was enjoyed by the lovers of Terpsichore's art.
The menu, consisting of dainty ices and delicious cakes, was served from a large table exquisite with its decorations of handsome doilies and beautiful flowers.
The whole entertainment was carried out in the utmost perfectness of detail, and was an oasis in the desert of daily life when "friends meet friends and congenial souls pass pleasant hours in the happy interchange of thought."
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
A Progressive Euchre.
The Cottage Hotel was, on Thursday last, the pretty scene of a spirited progressive euchre. The charming hostesses, Mmes. T. N. Blake and A. Pearce, were successful in their untiring efforts to make the evening a pleasant one. The first prize, a pretty bottle of perfume, was tied for by Misses Young, Littell, Mesdames B. Clegg; A. Young and V. Estabrooke, finally falling to the lot of the latter. Four gentlemen, Messrs. B. Clegg, W. Mouton, T. M. Biossat and Leo Judice tied for a handsome purse, which was gained in the end by Mr. Clegg.
The ladies' booby was drawn for by Mmes. W. Mouton, Grenard and Miss L. Mudd, the former being the winner.
Messrs. Cunningham and Pickett cut for the gentleman's booby, a silver mounted rabbit's foot, and Mr. Cunningham claims his charm.
Tempting refreshments followed the contest and a pleasing finale to this social success was the rendition of several vocal selections by Mrs. Pearce, whose voice is particularly sweet.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
It Might Have Been Prevented.
PILETTE, LA., April 19, 1898.
In answer to articles published in The Advertiser of April 16, we would most respectfully beg to state that we had no "ill-will" and it was not "lack of judgement or lack of reflection" that prompted us to antagonize the fire companies' gala day, but the love of sport, fun and exercise, as we never realized that it would inconvenience any one. We also claim that we are not "devoid of sentiment" and if we "have been guilty of laboring against" the good people of Lafayette in general, we are indeed very sorry for our sin of commission, but we have no excuse to make to a certain set of demagogues who want the earth.
"L'ane de la communaute
Est toujours les plus mal bate."
Instead of hampering the success of the gala day, we claim to have been the means of bringing a larger crowd to Lafayette on that day; hence the entire success of the company's enterprise, which we are pleased to note.
Would the Advertiser condescend to inform us who is the author of the following: "Track will be closed this evening. No game," written on the Advertiser's bulletin board Sunday, April 10, 1898? Was it the work of the editor by authority of the park manager or was it the work of the editor without authority from the park manager?
The fire company's managers would have met with better success in conferring with our manager regarding the park for that Sunday, in order to either close the park or get us to play for their benefit, which would have been done with the greatest pleasure in the world, than to offer a bribe to the park manager. R. H. BROUSSARD, Secretary Pilette Union Base Ball Club.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
Police Jury Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., April 4, 1898.
The local Board of School directors met to-day with the following members present: Alex Delhomme, W. G. Bailey, Dr. Hopkins, H. M. Durke, A. Olivier, V. E. Dupuis, J. O. Broussard and J. S. Whittington and J. S. Whittington. Absent: Baxter Clegg.
A petition signed by twenty citizens requesting an appointment of Mr. Adolphe Guilbeau to the Cormier 6th ward school, was read and after due consideration Mr. Guilbeau was requested to undergo a second grade examination.
Mr. Whittington was given permission to buy a broom, faucet and bucket for the Whittington school.
Mr. Bailey was allowed to make repairs on the Indian Bayou school - amount not over six dollars.
The following accounts were approved:
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A communication from Prof. R. L. Himes relative to a week's institute in the parish was read and it was determined that no institute would be held.
The treasurer's report was read and approved as follows:
To the President and Members of the School Board, Parish of Lafayette, L.:
Following is a statement of receipts and disbursements since my last report:
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Respectfully submitted,
J. E. MARTIN,
Treasurer School Funds.
Lafayette, La. April 4, 1898.
Accepted, filed and approved.
It was determined that every teacher shall in the future have his monthly report certified to by the local directors in each respective ward.
On motion of Mr. Delhomme the director from each ward was empowered to appoint trustee of the different schools in each ward.
The Board adjourned to Thursday April 7, 1898.
C. F. LATIOLAIS, Secretary.
Lafayette, La., April 7, 1898. - Board met with following members present: Messrs. W. G. Bailey, H. M. Durke, A. Olivier, V. E. Dupuis, J. O. Broussard and Alex Delhomme.
In the absence of the president, Mr. J. O. Broussard was elected president pro tem.
On motion the president and secretary were appointed a committee to announce to the Police Jury that a conference with that body was desired.
The appointment of Mr. Dupuis of Louis Prejean to the Dominique school vice Theophile Breaux resigned was approved by the Board.
The board adjourned to 2 p. m. whilst awaiting an interview with the Police Jury.
Board met with same members present and proceeded to the room of the Police Jury. Mr. Broussard explained in a few words that the object of the meeting was to render an account to the Police Jury of the funds appropriated by the body, and stated that a larger appropriation would be required in order to maintain our schools in the flourishing condition that they are in. Mr. Broussard commented on the decrease in the appropriation for school funds reported by the Budget Committee.
The parish Superintendent of Public Education submitted to the Police Jury a report the present educational conditions in the parish.
After reading the report, the superintendent asked of the Police Jury whether the School Board could depend upon the balance due on last year's appropriation for school purposes.
After the deliberation the Police Jury transferred $1,000 of the parish funds to the school funds, leaving a balance of $1,500 on the appropriation.
The treasurer is ordered to set aside $200, subject to the order of the committee on building, for the Carencro school house.
Mr. Dupuis was authorized to sell the old school building at Carencro.
The resignations of Profs. C. H. and E. R. Rutherford was read and accepted.
The Board adjourned subject to call by the superintendent.
C. F. LATIOLAIS.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
City Council Proceedings.
Lafayette, La., April 5, 1898.
The City Council this day in regular session with Mayor Caffery in the chair and all the members present.
The minutes of the previous meetings were read and adopted.
Reports of committees were called and the finance committee reported as follows:
Lafayette, La., April 4, 1898. - To the Hon. the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the Town of Lafayette:
Your undersigned finance committee beg leave to make this report ending April 4, 1898.
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Make a total of ... $169.93.
For which the Council should order the issuance of a warrant to be paid or credited to the general fund as so much paid to the Water Works & Electric Light fund from the general fund of the appropriation of fifteen hundred dollars for the year 1897.
The collector has collected and payed into the treasury:
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For which amount the council should order a warrant to issue to the collector in payment of his commission and in full settlement to date. We recommended that the collector be given his quietus for all collections to date.
The collector has informed your committee that the delinquent tax and licenses to amount to about $250.00 for 1898.
Respectfully submitted,
A. E. MOUTON, J J. DAVIDSON,
Finance committee.
Ordered received and spread on the minutes and filed.
The following is the report of the deadline committee:
LAFAYETTE, LA., April 4, 1898.
To the Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council of the town of Lafayette:
Your undersigned committee appointed to established a deadline for houses of prostitution beg leave to report:
That they have considered the subject in all its phases in connection with the proposed change and the locality where it should be limited, and find that its establishment would deteriorate the property in that neighborhood. The only place suggested that might be considered by some unobjectionable on the score of pecuniary interest was to locate them near a grave yard situated in the corporation; but the respect due to the dead is in our opinion so sacred that your committee would not recommend such an action.
We, therefore report that such being the fact, that in our opinion, the City Council cannot and has no power to so condemn and locality to such purposes.
Respectfully submitted,
A. E. MOUTON, G. A. MARTIN.
Ordered received and spread upon the minutes.
Reports of offers were called:
Collector McFaddin reported as follows:
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Both reports were ordered filed and recorded.
Mr. D. L. Caffery, secretary of waterworks and electric light reported as follows:
Lafayette, La., April 4, 1893.
To the Hon. Mayor and City council of Lafayette, La.
Gentlemen - Since commencing the work of installing lights into stores, offices and other houses, we have put up 248 incandescent lights, for this work I have collected and deposited with the city treasurer the sums of $177.05 and $55.65 since treasurer's report was submitted.
The rent on these lights amounted to $100.25 for the month of March; for the month of April, the revenue will be $150.00 more or less.
In pursuance with instructions of your honorable body, I wired the residence of Rev. E. Forge not charging for installation.
During the thirty days test of the waterworks and electric light plant, by the contractors, 56 tons of coal were used, at an average cost of $3.71 per ton, making a total of $217.77, owing to the fact that a great deal of experimenting and testing of both engines and boilers, was done during the thirty days. This accounts for the large quantity of coal used. As we have charge but four days, it is impossible at this time to make an intelligent estimate of the among of coal that will be consumed daily.
In compliance with instructions from the Hon. Mayor, I purchased from the lowest bidder, Fairbanks and Co., a tapping machine and the necessary pipe fittings to make 50 taps, and the necessary tools to do the above work.
The town now having charge of the plant, I will proceed with the placing of hydrants for persons desiring same, making rates that will induce liberal patronage, and at the same time be a source of revenue to the city.
Owing to the fact that persons not connected with the plant have on several occasions tampered with the fire hydrants, I respectfully recommend to the City Council the passage of an ordinance, prohibiting this practice.
Upon receipt of a certificate from the mayor and fire chief of Pensacola, Fla., to the effect that the hose reel was was in good condition, and that it has a carrying capacity of 500 feet of hose, the same ordered shipped. It arrived in good order and was turned over to Fire Co. No. 2. The hose ordered from the Guta Percha and Rubber Co., is all this it is represented to be, as well as the hose cart. The cart was turned over to Fire Co. No. 1. Five hundred feet of the hose has not been tested on account of the muddy conditions of the streets.
Respectfully,
D. L. CAFFERY.
Ordered recorded and filed.
Mayor Caffery reported as follows.
LAFAYETTE, LA., April 4, 1898.
To the City Council - I beg to report that I have paid the W. W. & E. L. bonds which fell due on March 1, and the interest on the entire amount.
Amount of bonds ... $2,500
Interest ... $1,170
Total ... $3,670
The bonds and coupons are herewith submitted.
Respectfully,
CHAS. D. CAFFERY.
Ordered recorded and filed.
The redeemed bond and coupons away for reference.
The following accounts were approved:
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The following accounts having been ordered paid by the mayor before they were approved, the council approved the action of the mayor.
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The account of Amb. Mouton for $5.82 for attending lamps were rejected.
The following resolutions were adopted:
By Mr. Mouton - Be it resolved, That a committee of two be appointed to be known as the waterwork and electric light committee.
The mayor appointed Dr. Hopkins and Mr. Mouton on the committee.
By Mr. Hahn - Be it resolved, That all insurance companies doing business in the town of Lafayette, be required to pay an annual license of ten dollars.
By Mr. Hahn - Be it resolved, That all shoe and bootblacks be required to pay an annual license of $5.00.
By Mr. Mouton - Be it resolved, That $1,169.93 be transferred from the general fund to the special waterworks and electric light fund.
By Mr. Mouton - Be it resolved, That the waterworks and electric light committee report at the next meeting the number of employees necessary to operate the plant and to determine salary for the same.
By Dr. Martin - Be it resolved, That Fire Company No. 1 be furnished with 400 feet of hose; Fire Company No. 2, 400 feet; that Companies No. 1 and 2 to have one hose cart each, it being well understood that said hose it to be well kept and to be used for the benefit of the whole town.
The following ordinances were adopted:
By Dr. Hopkins - Be it ordained, That the driving of loose horses or mules in the streets of this town be and is hereby prohibited and any person or persons violating this ordinance shall be fined not less than $2.50 and not more than $25.00, in default of payment of fine to be imprisoned not less than 5 days and not more than 20 days, and that salesmen shall be permitted to bring their horses or mules into town under a permit from the mayor.
Yeas - Bru, Davidson, Hahn, Hopkins, Landry and Mouton. Nays - Martin.
By Mr. Mouton - Be it ordained, That no one shall be permitted to enter the power house, unless he provide himself with a permit from the mayor or the waterworks and electric light committee, anyone violating this ordinance shall be fined not less than $10 and not more than $50 in default of payment of fine imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, the employees are excepted.
By Mr. Mouton - Be it ordained, That any person or persons not connected with the waterworks and electric light plant be prohibited from tampering in any manner with arc switches and fire hydrants. Anyone violating this ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not less than $2.50 or more than $10, in default of payment of fine to be imprisoned not exceeding 20 days.
By Dr. Hopkins - Be it ordained, That the Postal Cable Telegraph Company of Texas be granted the right of way under the same restrictions imposed on other companies doing the same business.
There being no further business the council adjourned.
CHAS. D. CAFFERY, Mayor.
F. STERLING MUDD, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
Selected News Notes (Gazette) 4/23/1898.
Hear General Gordon at Abbeville next Saturday.
J. C. Caillouet & Co., the new druggists, are doing a good business. They are pleased with their success so far.
Coca-cola, the refreshing sustaining summer drink, is having a good run at the Moss Pharmacy soda fountain.
Olivier Landry has opened a barber shop in Lacoste's building next to Delahoussaye's store.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Edmund Mouton have issued invitations to the marriage of their daughter, Miss Louise, to Amos Butcher, at four o'clock in the evening on Thursday, April 28, 1898.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 will give a ball on May 8 for its own benefit.
Romain Francez, the surveyor, lost last Sunday between Carencro and Lafayette, the head of Jacob's staff, for the recovery of which he will give a liberal compensation.
S. Gumbel & Co. have bought twenty acres and half of land for a cash price of $3,750. The land is adjoining the Gumbel refinery and will be used for switches and buildings. The purchase was made from J. D. Mouton.
A large number of school children greeted the soldiers at the depot last Tuesday.
Judge Julian Mouton spent several days in New Orleans recently.
To-night there will be an entertainment at Pilette by Prof. Broussard's pupils.
On May 8th, the members of Hook and Ladder Company will give a ball. The other fire companies have been well patronized by the people of the town and the Hook & Ladder boys should receive the same encouragement.
Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of April 23rd, 1898:
NEWS NOTES TELLING STORY OF TOWN.
Mr. F. H. James, who has lately returned to Lafayette after an absence of several years, to renew his connection with the Moss Pharmacy, spent several months in Cuba last year and, in that way, was an eyewitness of the condition of desperation to which the Cubans were reduced under the Weyler regime of warfare, which he says beggars description. Mr. James is a proficient pharmacist and an accomplished linguist, speaking fluently English, French, German and Spanish.
The ball given by Lafayette Fire Company No. 1 last Saturday night was a success financially and otherwise.
Base ball game between the Lafayette Blues and the Fourcade and Alcide colored base ball club for a purse of $100 will be played at Oak Avenue Park Sunday April 24, 1898. Ladies will be admitted free. Gentlemen admission 25 cents.
Mr. Olivier Landry has opened a barber shop near Mr. Gustave Lacoste's store and informs his old patrons that he is now ready to wait on them as in the past.
Conductor Mayfield was in Lafayette during the week visiting his friends and family. Mr. Mayfield is in the employ of the P. and H. R. R. in Texas.
The Committee of arrangement of Lafayette Fire Co. No. 1 of the ball given the 16th inst wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the public for liberal attendance also to the ladies who under the the chairmanship of Mrs. McDaniel kindly tendered their assistance and to Mr. T. M. Biossat for a liberal donation to the Co.
A multitude of worshipers were present at the benediction of the Holy Sacrament at the Catholic church last Sunday night. The ceremony was very imposing the music was fine and well executed and the electric lights added greatly to the ceremony.
Lafayette Advertiser 4/23/1898.
From the Lafayette Advertiser of April 23rd, 1909:
CARENCRO AND ITS FINE COUNTRY.
Farmers Busy and Cultivation Being Pushed Rapidly - Cotton, Corn and Cane Being Planted.
MUCH OF THE CANE WILL BE MADE INTO PURE SYRUP.
Town Has Many Handsome Homes and Well-kept secrets - St. Ann's Academy.
During the week a pleasant trip to Carencro revealed the fact that this beautiful country and town, despite the financial stringency of the times, still maintains an air of substantial progress and business enterprise. Along the way the bustle and activity in the fields gave indication of sanguine expectations for the harvest season. Farmers everywhere were afield and cultivation is being pushed rapidly. Cotton is showing up very well in places and corn and cane are growing fine. Much corn has already been plowed one furrow and the plants look strong and vigorous. Owing to the boll weevil, there has been considerable increase in cane planting, and while the Carencro refinery proposition is yet in abeyance, the people feel assured of its eventual establishment and are getting ready with a supply of sugar cane. Much of the cane will be made into syrup, the Carencro article having already won an enviable reputation in the market. Onez H. Breaux, the Conque Brothers and several others have mills where the best quality of home made syrup is manufactured pure and sweet in the good old fashioned way without adulterants. With practically no limit for the demand it would seem that the industry could be well developed to much greater proportions and do much to overcome the disaster that has befallen the cotton crop. The weevils are reported in places as at work feeding on the buds of the cotton plants, and while some contend that they have not been positively identified, the general impression is that the pest will appear this year in numbers all over the parish. Nevertheless farmers are maintaining a good stout heart and yet hope that a good hot season and intensive cultivation will insure a fair crop at least.
The town like all others at this season is experiencing a lull in business activity. Trading is light and confined principally to poultry and eggs, there being no field crops yet marketable.
Mrs. Albert Guidry is building a very neat cottage on St. John street, which will add much to that section of town. Mayor Geo. E. Melchior, in charge of the bank reports business quiet, but looks forward to a revival in the fall. The village government maintains well graded streets and well kept bridges. So far there does not seem to be any improvements of sidewalks in the way of cement work, bit the banquettes are generally wide and well drained, affording easy foot paths in every part of town.
The old sugar refinery building still stands and seemingly awaits some enterprising spirit to transfer lifeless existence into beneficent activity. The proposition to re-establish the industry has apparently been dropped for a while at least, but the liberal offer of financial aid by the town, together with the donation of the present factory and site, must surely appeal to investors as attractive inducements.
St. Ann's Academy in charge of four Sisters of Mount Carmel has an enrollment of 100 bright boys and girls, who seem to be devoted to their faithful instructors, who are striving for the education of heart as well as brain. The school is pleasantly located with large buildings and ample grounds, giving excellent opportunity for study as well as play. The Mother in charge reports the institution well supported by the good people of Carencro. The session closes in June, Father Grimaud, the local Catholic pastor takes a kindly interest and assists the sisters by his advice and influence the reverend gentleman and the worthy Mother Superior welcomed The Advertiser man and bade him godspeed in his work.
Among the many cosy and beautiful homes of the town may be mentioned those of Mayor Melchior, Geo. E. Brown, Dr. J. P. Francez, Dr. U. Prejean, S. J. Breaux, S. P. Brown, Dr. W. W. Lesley and Agent Dugas. All the cottage homes are built with taste and the pretty yards and lovely gardens five evidence of culture and refinement. The home of Mr. Geo. E. Brown is a perfect bower of roses, there being some 125 varieties now in full bloom.
Lafayette Advertiser 4/23/1909.
lagniappe:
THE WAR.
The war that many have wished for has come.
The United States has instructed Spain to move from its own territory, and the result will be a war that will last months, perhaps years. There will be no more talk. The time for action has arrived. Billy Mason will be out of a job and the Jingo press will give the people's rest.
Whatever may have been the differences of opinion as to the wisdom of the war which is about to start on its march of death and destruction, the American people from ocean to ocean stand united with but a single purpose. The Blue and the Gray will join together and the descendants of those who fought the fiercest battles in the world's history will rally under the glorious old flag which waves over the greatest nation on God's earth.
Those whose voices have been for peace and those who have spoken for war will now be joined by the most sacred bonds that have ever held a people together.
Original source unknown. In the Lafayette Gazette 4/23/1898.
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