Monday, January 12, 2015

**MAY 1ST M C

From the Lafayette Gazette of May 1st, 1897:


THEY DIDN'T REGISTER.


 It Is Not Likely They Will.

 Bill Floney and another negro named white called at the registration office Tuesday and expressed the wish of registering and becoming voters under the new election law. As negroes have not voted for several years, the action of the dusky citizens created some surprise and no little comment at the court-house. But, Flonoy and White didn't register. After receiving intelligent and pertinent answers to questions propounded to Registrar Martin, they wisely retraced their steps homeward. Negroes would do well to think much before making up their minds to get back into politics. If The Gazette is not very much mistaken, the white people of this parish are in no humor to be annoyed by negro politicians. Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.





THE WAIL OF THE REFORMERS.

 The leading supporters of the People's ticket are howling lustily because a few Syrians have expressed their intention to vote the Democratic ticket on next Monday. These esteemed gentlemen may believe that by setting up a cry of pretended indignation against this class of citizens, they will deceive some well-meaning people who have been taught to look upon the Syrians as direct emissaries from the infernal regions.

 While these virtuous howlers go about the streets talking of those dreadful Syrians, they do not tell all they know. They don't say a word about their repeated attempts to get the Syrians to vote their ticket. After vainly trying to induce them to vote their way and because they failed to convince them to do so, they denounce them as the vilest things on earth, and would, if they could, send them to the demnition bow-wows.

 To those who know how much the managers of the People's ticket tried to win the Syrians over to the combine, this hypocritical talk is very amusing.

 The Gazette does not hesitate to say that not one man running on the People's ticket from the candidate for mayor down to the one whose name adorns the tail end, would have any conscientious scruples about accepting the votes of the Syrians. If The Gazette is mistaken in making this assertion, then it will have no fear to proclaim that these awfully virtuous candidates have too much conscience to be on the People's ticket and not enough sense to be councilmen.

 Since when have our friends become so aristocratic that they will not accept any kind of a vote?

 It's not so long ago that some of the leading supporters of the People's ticket used to pen up negroes and drive them to the polls like cattle. And now because they can not get the vote of the Syrians, they become wrathy and affect to solicit the support of irreproachable and spotless gentlemen only? But now that they have gotten to be so fastidious they will have to part company with some of their long-haired disciples who have not been within speaking distance of a tonsorial establishment for the last two or three decades. We know it will be a cruel separation, but the cause of municipal reform and political purity demands the sacrifice.

 It was in 1893 that the faction now supporting the People's ticket were placed in control of the town's business by one vote. In those days they were not so hard to please. It was uncomfortably close and all votes were acceptable. The contest was about to be ended and the result was doubtful. The gentlemen on the other side foresaw the downfall of the dynasty. The last column in the old superstructure whose magnificence dazzled the world in the palmy days of the ring was on the eve of crumbling down to dust. It was a solemn moment for the tiger. But, lo !  beneath the ancient ruins of  their threatened temple, appeared the majestic form of a faithful brave. It was Adolphus Poulette, of unwritten fame and blonde mustache, who softly glided to the ballot box, and when the golden rays of the setting sun had bidden au revoir to mother earth and the curfew had tolled the knell of parting day, the die was cast. Poulette had hatched a municipal chicken whose few remaining feathers will be found floating in the ambient air on the morning of May 5.
Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.




Lafayette's Progress and the Municipal Election.

 To the Lafayette Gazette:

 LAFAYETTE, La., April 29, 1897.

A growth, not of the mushroom variety, a growth not slow either, and a substantial growth, that is the boast of Lafayette.

 On every hand is seen the evidence of it. Important manufacturing industries, new commercial houses, innumerable residence, each year, all stand witness to the healthy development of the town and suburbs. The splendid waterworks and electric light system that will come into existence at an early date, now that the question of the validity of the first bonds issued by the town has been passed upon by the Supreme Court, will mark another important step in advancement.

 In view of the flattering record Lafayette has been making of late years it is all the mere necessary that its citizens should exercise calm and mature judgment in matters pertaining to the future up-building of the town. A single step backward a great sacrifice of vantage-ground, and we can not afford to take any risk in that direction. When the general welfare is under consideration personal friendship and individual preferences should yield to that more weighty obligation of citizenship, the public interest.

 With the past for a safe and open guide it ought to be possible to steer clear of threatening danger. Every citizen and property-holder having the true interest of Lafayette at heart will surely vote, Monday, for the municipal ticket headed by the Hon. C. D. Caffery for mayor. PROPERTY-HOLDER.
Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.




Republican Commits Suicide.

 Mr. A. C. Poulete, aged about 50 years and a Canadian by birth, committed suicide at his home in Rayne at half past eight o'clock yesterday morning. He used a revolver and shot himself through the right ear dying almost instantly. On the margin of a newspaper which was in the room, the following words were written: "Life is not worth living. May God forgive my sins and pardon by enemies."

 It appears that Mr. Poulet attended to his duties in the morning as he usually did and no one suspected that anything was wrong.

 Mr. Poulet was a well-known Republican politician, being an applicant for the post-office at Rayne. He was a married man and the father of several children. For a number of years he was in the lumber business and had been a resident of Rayne twelve or thirteen years. Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.





NEED LUCRE
To Buy Suits, Etc. as Dixie Baseball Club is Organized.

 The leading base ball sport in Lafayette sends us in the following:

Dear Gazette: - Say to your enlightened readers that we cannot succeed without their generous support. We are playing for glory, but we need cash for suits, balls, clubs, masks and printing. Appeal to them for an enlargement of their hearts and purse strings and make any suggestion in your gilt-edged Gazette. You have my full and official permission to make some lucre flow into our coffers.

 The Dixie Base Ball Club was organized at the Oak Avenue Park last Sunday. The following are the players:

 Jim Marsh, c.; Felix Mouton, s. s. and captain; Wm Graser, f. b.; Adam Ottom s. b.; Paul Castel, t. b.; Philip Mouton, r. f.; John Graser, c. f.; Lewis McBride, l. f. The boys are out selling tickets for a match game to be played between the Dixie and the Southern Pacific Clubs Sunday evening, May 9.

 A practice game will be played Sunday evening after which the second nine or Junior Club will be organized and the names of the players announced later.

 The Dixies would like to hear from the Breaux Bridge, St. Martin, Pilette, Rayne, and Crowley clubs, through their manager, F. V. Mouton, Lafayette La.
Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.






TEACHERS SHOULD BE PAID.

 According to the resolution of the parish School Board the public school teachers of this parish will be required to attend the Summer Normal school, to be held in Lafayette four weeks, beginning May 31. It does not appear from the official proceedings whether the teachers are to be paid for the time devoted to attending the Normal, and the teachers at their last meeting or institute took the matter under consideration. By resolution adopted, the Board was requested to meet in special session, to give opportunity for the teachers to present their claim for payment during the four weeks' attendance. When it is considered that the regular school term of ten months has been reduced to nine by the holding of the Summer Normal, and further considering the small salary usually paid public school teachers it would be imposing a hardship upon them, to enforce or even "request" them to devote such a length of time to devote such a length of time in the "service of the board" without remuneration. We say "service off the Board" advisedly for the attendance is in accordance with the requirements of the resolution of the Board referred to above, and that body certainly expects and will demand more efficient and methodical work of every teacher during the next scholastic year.

 The policy of the State law is very clearly set forth in the following excerpt, and the local Board will doubtless conform their action in the premises to it: Section 64 of the school laws provides, "as a means of improving and making more efficient the teachers of the public schools, of the State of Louisiana, and awakening a deeper public interest in said schools, the state superintendent of public education shall cause to be held each year at least twenty weeks of State Teachers Institutes."

 Section 70 provides that "any public school teacher, failing to attend the Institute held in his parish without an excuse satisfactory to the Board of School Directors thereof, shall immediately, upon demand of the parish superintendent, forfeit his certificate and lose his position; and each public school teacher in attendance upon the Institute, shall receive the same compensation for the time of attendance, as for actual teaching, whether the school be in session or not."

 In conclusion, let it not be supposed that the teachers are to sit passively in comfortable places and drink in refreshing and entertaining streams of eloquence, from conductors gifted in all the qualifications peculiar to the profession of advanced pedagogy, but, will on on the other hand, be required to study hard every subject assigned and enter as fully into the work as if in the every day performance of school duty. Faithful and conscientious teachers deserve liberal consideration, and any short sighted policy on the part of the Board may result in serious disaffection and ultimate injury to the cause. Therefore in order that the teachers may all enter into the work with undampended ardor, The Gazette urges that full pay be allowed and thus will be given an impetus to the educational affairs of the parish that shall redound to credit of all concerned. Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.






TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
An Interesting Meeting - Educational Subjects Discussed.

 Lafayette, La., April 24, 1897.

 The Teachers' Institute convened in regular monthly session at 1 o'clock to-day, with the following teachers present: C. H. Boudreaux, Philip Martin, F. Crepin, W. G. Webb, R. B. Martin, R. C. Greig, C. F. Trudeau, G. H. Alway, J. L. Fletcher, T. R. Simmons, J. W. Rutherford, Robt. Cunningham, Misses F. S. Greig, Kate Rand, A. Campbell and M. Bagnal.

 Prof. Trudeau, manager of the Institute, being present, called for the discussion of the subjects assigned at the last meeting. The subject "How to Teach English Grammar," was introduced by Mr. Philip Martin, who read a very interesting paper, which brought forth many practical ideas on the teachings of grammar in our public schools. Mr. Martin's treatise of his subject showed careful preparation, and his several suggestions will doubtless find approval with all practicable educators. The subject having been opened was participated in by all the teachers present, in which many good points were made and bad practices pointed out.

 Manager Trudeau assigned the following subjects for the next meeting: 

 For general discussion:
   1st. "How to Encourage Reading Among Pupils."
   2nd. "What Should a Teacher do to Keep Abreast of His Profession."
   3rd. "Discussion of Leading Articles on Educational Topics."

 Regular subject:
   1st. "How to Teach Physical Geography."

 The following resolution was introduced and adopted by the Institute:

 "Be it resolved by the Teachers' Institute of the parish of Lafayette, in session assembled, That we do hereby respectfully petition the honorable president of the School Board of the parish of Lafayette to call a special session of the School Board to consider the question of teacher' pay during the session of the Summer Normal at this place, and that a committee of three be appointed to appear before the School Board, if called to assemble, to lay before it the position of the teachers.

 Manager Trudeau appointed on the above committee: Profs. R. C. Greig, W. G. Webb and Miss A. Campbell.

 There being no further business before the institute, the teachers adjourned until next regular session.
R. F. CUNNINGHAM, Secretary.
Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.




   

    



  














THE COMMITTEE
Appointed by the School Board and composed of Supt. Latiolais, Prof. C. F. Trudeau, Messrs. Wm. Clegg, Chas. O. Mouton and Dr. N. P. Moss met at the court-house last Saturday to make the necessary arrangements for the reception of teachers who will attend the Summer Normal to convene in this town on May 30. Mr. Ed. G. Voorhies is also a member of the committee, but he could not be present at the meeting owing to the official duties which called in elsewhere.

 The School Board of the parish has appropriated the sum of $300.00 to defray the expenses incurred by the holding of the Normal here. The Board also appointed the above named gentlemen to see that the proper arrangements be made for the meeting of the teachers. The members of the committee have already gone to work and The Gazette is pleased to see that through their efforts the town will show itself full capable of properly entertaining the teachers who will attend the Institute. Already Supt. Latiolais has received information that the parishes of Calcasieu, Acadia and Iberia will be represented, as a considerable number of teachers from those parishes have expressed their intention of being our guests.

 Prof. Himes, one of the ablest public educators in the State, will be conductor of the Institute and will be assisted by an able faculty. The day sessions will be held in the High School building and several night meetings will take place at Falk's Opera House. A musical program will be arranged principally for the night sessions and it is understood that some of the local talent will contribute their valuable concourse. Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.



The Catholic Knights.

 The postponed meeting of the Catholic Knights will positively take place Sunday evening, May 2, at Falk's Opera House. The well-known lecturer, Hon. Thomas A. Badcaux, will begin to speak at 8 o'clock. Addresses will be delivered also by Rev. E. Forge, spiritual director, and by Mr. J. Alfred Mouton, president, of the local branch. A musical program has been arranged and the audience will be entertained by the following ladies and gentlemen:  Mme Derbes, Misses Lea Gladu, Lucille Revillon, Estelle Gerac and Martha Mouton and Messrs. Pierre Gerac, H. A. Van der Cruyssen, Henry Gerac and F. V. Mouton. The Catholic Knights request the Gazette to state that a cordial invitation is extended to all, and, that through the programme promises to be highly entertaining, no admission will be charged. Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.



Negro Arrested.

 Last Wednesday Deputy Sheriff Thomas Mouton arrested a negro named Paul Mitchell who is wanted in St. Landry for having shot another negro. Thursday afternoon a negro deputy sheriff from Opelousas came here and left with Mitchell in custody.
Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.





 Selected News Notes (Gazette) 5/1/1897.

 The Gazette is pleased to note that Mr. L. A. Veazey, of New Iberia, has moved to Lafayette with his family. Mr. Veazey is a successful and experienced building and will give prompt attention to all work entrusted to him.  

 Moss & Mouton are stocking up extensively while lumber is cheap, so that their customers at Scott and Lafayette will continue to get the benefit of lowest prices.

 The Blanc Bros. - Send us your address, accompanied by 25 cents and you will receive a copy of "La Vie," le Crime et les Confessions des Freres Blanc." This pamphlet was written by the young murderers who gave the manuscript to Mr. Thomas Mouton after having attached their signatures to it.

 Miss Maud Boas will give a picnic to-day at Girard's springs for the benefit of the pupils attending her school.

 Dr. Fred Mayer passed through Lafayette Wednesday afternoon being from New Orleans in his way to Opelousas.

 Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Clegg returned to Lafayette Wednesday afternoon and they are now "at home" to their friends.

 Judge Julian Mouton and family visited relatives in St. Martinville this week.  Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897. 












 From the Lafayette Advertiser of May 1st, 1897:

EDISON'S VITA-SCOPE AT FALK'S.

 The exhibition of the Edison Vitascope at Falk's Opera House this week was well attended. The operations of this wonderful instrument approached the marvelous, reproducing a thousand pictures with such rapidity that the eye is not able to detect the break in continuity and accepts the impression as one of continuous movement. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897.




A Suggestion to the B. M. A.

  The letter appearing below is a sample of the numerous requests of which we have been in receipt during the last few months, and which we have endeavored to attend to, to the best of our ability by private correspondence, but this requires time which we can ill afford to bestow and attend to our own business. We think such matters as this should come under the car of the Business Men's Association, and we suggest that no more satisfactory way of meeting such requests could be arranged than by the preparation of a small pamphlet, descriptive of our various resources and possibilities, showing the various adaptability of the parish to the full range of agriculture of the south, our railway resources and their adaptability for promptly moving freight in any direction.

 The location of Lafayette giving it an un-excelled prestige as advantage paint for trade, etc. This is a little matter perhaps and might be easily overlooked, but this is a case where every little helps and if only one in every town who apply for information could be induced to locate among us and become property owners it would be soon amount up to a nice little thing in the general improvement of the parish. Let us hear from some one else on this subject, our columns are open.

 Cassville, Mo., April 24, 1897.
   Editor Advertiser, Lafayette, La.
          Dear Sir:

 There are quite a number of us who desire to locate in your section, and, if not intruding on your generosity ask for a few sample copies of your paper giving description, climate, health, and cereals, and markets. We have some money and are desirous of securing new fields in which to invest an early reply will be greatly appreciated by
              Yours respectfully,
                             J. M. FOSTER.
Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897.



People's Municipal Ticket.

 For Mayor: CROW GIRARD.

 For Councilmen: WM. CAMPBELL, M. ROSENFIELD, CHAS. H. LUSTED, J. P. REVILLON, JOHN O. MOUTON, LOUIS LACOSTE, L. F. SALLES.
Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897. 





Looking to Build?

E. H. Vordenbaumen wants Contractors, Builders, Farmers, Machines and all persons contemplating to build, to know that he is in a good position to furnish all kinds Building Material in any quantity and grade, at any Station and at the most reasonable rates.

 There is always in Stock a full line of Pine and Cypress, Lumber, shingles, Sash Doors, Blinds and Mouldings, Lime, Cisterns, Wire netting, Barb wire, Wagons, Farm Gates, Builders' Hardware, Nails of all sizes, etc., etc.

 Over 1,500 rich and beautiful designs of Mansions and Cottages with plans and specifications For Sale.

 Contracts for erecting such buildings true to plans can be effected at prices to suit the times.
A. D. MARTIN, agent.
Box 153, Lafayette, La.
Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897.




The Ladies' Club.

 Not a long while ago it occurred to a gentle woman of our town that a ladies' social club would find a useful in Lafayette in bringing into closer relation the members of the sex. It was further thought to direct the social feature of the organization in the channel of sisterhood and charity, by imposing monthly dues on the members of the club to be devoted to the relief of want and distress among womankind. This idea, happily conceived, was confided to others and met with immediate and general favor. An informal meeting was called for a more extended discussion of the subject, at which the promoters were so much encouraged that a second meeting was held for the purpose of organization. It was decided to name the new association "The Ladies 5 o'clock Tea Club," and the members agreed to assemble once a week, on Thursday evening), at the home of a member and partake of light refreshments and indulge in intellectual intercourse, consisting of music, singing, reading and recitation. A "business" meeting is held once a month at which membership dues are collected for charitable purposes, and measures are discussed and adopted for the "good of the order." The meetings each week partake of the nature of a family gathering are a never ending source of delight to the members. It was a happy thought, happily carried out, this subtle blending of social functions with sweet charity, and that the club and its aims has met with a full appreciation is well attested by the rapid growth of the organization.

 The officers of the club are:

 Mrs. T. M. Biossat, President.
 Mrs. C. M. Parkerson, Vice President.
 Miss Lea Gladu, Secretary.
 Miss Stella Trahan, Treasurer.

 Finance Committee:

 Mrs. Crow Girard.
 Mrs. N. P. Moss.
 Mrs. Walter J. Mouton.

 Charity Committee:

 Miss Eliza Hopkins.
 Mrs. Franklin Mouton.

 Arrangement Committees:

 Mrs. J. E. Trahan and Miss S. Trahan.
 Miss Lea Gladu and Miss Elizabeth Mudd. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897. 

    


Fatal Accident.

 A farm hand of Mr. Rosemond Landry met with a fatal accident last Thursday while driving a yoke of oxen hitched to a plantation wagon. The negro man was on the way to Mr. Albert Landry's place to get some cotton seed when for some reason, of which we have not been informed, the wagon was overturned pinning the unfortunate man to the ground. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897.






 Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 5/1/1897.

 A good shower Wednesday made life worth living once more.


 Monday is election day.

 Mr. Moise Duhon has opened a new Dry Goods and Grocery store on Lincoln Avenue.

 The Ladies Club met Thursday at the home of Dr. Hopkins.

 W. W. Duson was a Lafayette visitor Wednesday.

 Civil term of the 17th Judicial District Court will convene in Lafayette Monday.

 Judge J. G. Parkerson and daughter Miss Lizzie, attended the Kramer-Parkerson wedding at Franklin.

 Those milk-shakes served at the Moss Pharmacy are superb.

 Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Clegg returned Thursday night, from their bridal tour.
Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897.





 From the Lafayette Advertiser of May 1st, 1869:

Congressman-elect Passes Through.

 Honorable A. Bailey, member elect for Congress, in our District passed through our Town last Saturday, en route from Washington City to his home in Opelousas. We had the pleasure of a short interview with him ;  he looks in good health, though fatigued and emaciated by uninterrupted night and day traveling from the Capitol. He confirms the news of the appointment of a committee of investigation in the matter of the frauds alleged in the late Congressional canvass, the Committee consists of three: Stevenson, of Ohio, an ultra Radical, Kerr of Indiana, a staunch Democrat, and Burdette of New York, a Conservative Republican. The destination of the Committee is New Orleans, and how far they will penetrate into the interior Parishes we cannot ascertain ;  the citizens of the Parish of Lafayette do invite the committee of investigation to come in their midst, they will give them a cordial reception, and tender them all the generous hospitality, which have always marked the course of southern men and moreover, will afford them all the means of investigating the election frauds alluded to ;  the citizens of the Parish of Lafayette in as much as they are concerned do court investigation, in the matters referred to. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1869.


The Weather.

 We have had copious rains this week, broken ounce in a while by the invigorating rays of old Sol. The earth had become parched by the last north winds, our fields were already suffering and the crops were fast wilting, to the sore disappointment of all our planters. Now, we hope beams on every countenance and new courage seems to actuate every one - and the bright results that we had predicted from our growing crops will, we feel certain, be fully realized. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1869.


 At the Jail-house.

 The repairs on the jail upon which all passers by and visitors looked upon with tremor and awe were completed on Saturday evening, and on Sunday morn ere old Sol had chased the shades of night, two young and fearless american citizens of most unqualified african descent, under the influence of liquor was inducted for breach of the peace.

 We have taken a look at the cell since its completion, and if it was meant as a test confinement, we have no doubt that the hopeful young couple were fully satisfied with their experience as to the means of exit from their new dungeon.

 We would, in a spirit of charity and good will tell this young twain, as well as that class to which they belong, that it is as easy to do right as to do wrong and only a little more so. They should profit by the (unreadable word) findings of justice and generosity which actuates the owners of real estate in our Parish, to make themselves happy and comfortable, and not fritter away their time in dissipation, in quarrels and broils, and the loss of confidence of those to when they must naturally look up for labor and their livelihood. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1869.




Parish Court.

 Our Parish Court will commence in session as Monday next. Hon. A. J. Moss, presiding ;  the Docket is heavy and the term will very probably be a long one. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1897. 
        


lagniappe:
May Ladies' Home Journal.
 The May Ladies' Home Journal uniquely reflects the sentiment and spirit of the Spring. "In An Old-Fashioned Garden" fairly emits the season's fragrant flavor, as do other contributions in prose and verse. Hon. John Russel Young recalls the notable incidents - fetes, receptions and pageants, etc. - of General Grant's memorable tour of the world, and ex-President Harrison gives highly interesting glimpses of the President's home and home life in an article on "The Domestic Side of the White House" - the concluding one of his admirable series. Edward W. Bok editorially presents the really practical side of crusade against the slaughter of birds for their plumage, and forcibly protests against the pernicious habit of spitting in public places. A reminiscent article by Mrs. Raymond Maude, "My Mother as I Recall Her," gives some delightful glimpses of the personal side of Jenny Lind, especially of her home life.

 Herbert D. Ward's serial, "The Burglar Who Moved Paradise," reaches its conclusion, maintaining its quaint humor to the end. Also in the lighter vein are a remarkably well-drawn character sketch, "Old Gabe Carter's Company," and the second of "The Colonel and Me" papers. Dwight L. Moody, in his Bible Class Lesson, writes on "Faith" with characteristic directness. Besides Mrs. S. T. Rorer's most helpful articles on cooking and her solution of puzzling household problems, are valuable papers on "Traveling with Children in Summer,"  "Girls' Letters," summer gowns, waists, bodices and parasols. "The Wild Garden and Rockery," and many others brimful of practical wisdom. In brief, the May Journal contemplates directly and practically every feature of home life, and appeals to every member of the household. Among its notable art features are the dainty cover by Howard Pyle, and Alice Barber Stephens's drawing of "The Woman in the Home," the third of her "American Woman" series. By the Curtis Publishing Company, Philadelphia. One dollar per year; ten cents a copy.   Lafayette Gazette 5/1/1897.



 From the Lafayette Advertiser of May 1st, 1907:   

 GOOD WATER SECURED.
 Excellent for Drinking and Washing Purposes and in Abundant Quantity.

 AIR COMPRESSOR USED IN RAISING IT


Water Mains Being Flushed to Clear and Clean of Oil - Concrete Floor Laid in Power House - Part of New Dynamos Not Yet Arrived.
 The second six inch well has been completed at the power house and the third and last which will be put down, will be finished in a day or two. All the wells are of the same depth, 194 feet. The two already brought in about 200,000 gallons each daily. The water is perfectly clear. It has a slight mineral taste, possibly magnesia, but a sample left in a bottle for 72 hours remained clear, with no precipitation at the bottom. We believe the water to be excellent for drinking. It makes a fine lather with ordinary soap, which shows it to be soft and good for washing purposes. We feel sure that the town no has good water for all purposes and in abundant quality.

 The sinking of the new wells became necessary on account of the failure of the old well, and the excellent results obtained are largely due to Chairman O. B. Hopkins of the water and light committee, which committee had charge of putting down the wells. Mr. Hopkins has given a great deal of thought, time and attention to the matter, at considerable sacrifice to his own business, and he deserves both credit and appreciation for the manner in which he has served the town.

 During the past week Mr. Hopkins has been engaged in superintending the cleaning of the standpipe and reservoir, both of which were given a thorough washing out, and the flushing of the mains to get them well cleaned and rid of oil. He expects to continue the flushing and believes that within the next ten days the water supplied to customers will be clear and free of oil.

 The brick partition in the power house, separating the boiler room from the dynamo room, has been completed, and the floors laid in concrete. The new dynamos are placed, but some parts have not yet arrived. As soon as they will be installed and the new electric light service given.

 The air compressor for pumping the water out of the new wells has been received, the concrete foundation laid and in a few days it will be placed in position. At present a small Westinghouse air pump, kindly loaned by the Southern Pacific, is being used, the water is being turned into the reservoir and from there is pumped into the standpipe.

 The power house is being cleared of all scaffolding and material used in building the house and setting up machinery, and Chairman Hopkins hopes to have everything in fine order in preparation for a visit from the editors during their stay.

 A concrete sidewalk and curb is being laid on the sides fronting the street. Lafayette Advertiser 5/1/1907.        




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