The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1866-12-19

]. occurred Monday evening, destroying tire
stores and their contents, occupied b
Messrs. Abrams & Goldsmith, r. Bau
/ and r. Ezekiel. The total loss by wiicl
b will probably reach one hundred and fit,
: thousand dollars. The frequency Of larg
Q ires Of late is attracting considerable at
: tention here-and many OF our merchant
:. are IN constant dread that their stores vii
go next. It is probable that some of tn,
fires are started by ncendiaries, yet man,
of them first appear in the third or fourth
. stories Of the buildings and the flames al,
well under way before the 6remen have
time to reach the scene OF action. One Of
! our papers hints that dull trade and high
rents have something to do with the ques
ton, and it is common remark about
town when speaking Of fires, well dull
times, something in the wind" "If a man
is saddled with twice as much rent as he
ought to pay, he is very likely to try to get
rid fit" think these insinuations I'M
lust. and in nearly all cases without foun-
dation, but the fact that they are common
|street talk, shows that the pubic mind is
very restless under the combination OF
misfortunes that circumstances have heap
ed upon our city. Too much cannot be
said in praise Of our gallant fremen, who
are always promptly on hand, and work
with all the zeal that human strength can
give. No matter how often they are call
ed upon during the day or night, they are
true to the call, and work with cheerful
ness that characterizes no other body Of
men. ,~
Rents are falling off little-and more
dwellings are offered on the market, and
large number of Offices are "To Let -
showing that the rush is over and that
those who are looking for locations are
more cautious in choosing than was usual
three months ago. Some landlords in
leasing their property before the FIRST Of
October refused to rent without lease of
from three to Eve years, and these are safe
for that length Of time, if their tenants
don't fail in business-but other parties
will have to accept lower prices. another
season.
The city is full Of persons desiring sitna-
tons, most Of them are willing tc accept
anything that will give chance to live, 30
that grocery and dry goods clerks, book.
keepers, entry clerks and SIGH like ma
chimes, are at heavy discount.
dragged some in my last on the state
of the weather, and BY way Of q change we
have been having some cold weather, that
would do credit to much more nothern
latitude. The air has been damp and chill
ling, the wind cold and piercing and Jack
Frost very perceptible visitor. But it
has not raised the price focal or wood.
Merchants in that line have no confidence
in Business, and prefer sailing while the
wind blows, to running the risk Of having
tohcld their articles, by loosing Sales
This is the general feeling throughout the
business community, and those who can
now buy for cash, can make good bargains.
The Mexican business is more mixed M T;
Than ever, and it. is hard to say who is
ahead IN the race. General 0rtega now
threatens to sue fol. damages for detention ,
IN his return to his home, and claims to be
he President Of the Republic !, while the
Washington authorities acknowledge only
Tuarez. In the meantime Maximillian ;
still fingers in the Halls Of Montezuma,' I, 8
Ind don't seem to be getting ready to git 3
While rumor says that his hacker is playing
double game with Uncle Sam, and don't ;
intend to let his Imperial handwork be !
overturned so easily. There is storm q
'rewing in that direction which may give !
10 some lively times before long.
The Congressional proceedings attract
cry little attention here. The people feel
'retty much as expressed by one Of our !
merchants . few days ago T,
DIN them, ! don't care what they do, Q
hey cant make It much worse" In the ;
'eantime the work Of regeneration and inn J
rovement il gradually going on, which il h
inc will firmly establish, orr political i'm d
ortance in the country. The world is i
eooming each year more commercial, and :
hose who are first in power aud influence, i
rust gain that position mainly BY their t
nergies in mercantile and agricultural pur-
nits. As an evidence Of improvement in :
mother and most important branch oil o
'ade, would mention the rapid advance q
the Stationery and book-binding trade-o
l OF our leading houses 10 that line have '
'ade additions to their facilities, so that r
ow anything Of that kind can be had here s,
as reasonable rates as in other parts Of v
'e county. Wishing to post myself on oil g
'e improvements going on, I accepted the \
lvitation Of Messrs. Paul j. Christian 4, b
o., No. % Camp street, and visited their y
stensiye establishment. Mr.. Christian il ?
ne OF our energetic young business men v
- been connected with stationery and al
ia this City for q long period IL
years, and knows what he is about :,
onnected with their establishment thew - :,
I'VE complete printing and ruling officer, "
and lithogaphing room, 50 Leg
at all orders can be executed on the snot, hl