The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1867-01-17
Correspondence OF the Clarion

l. N>A~D- ANSA-s
New ORLEANS Jan. IL, 1867.
The city is unusually dnll for the season.
There is great depression in business on ac-
count of the unsettled condition of the times.
Merchants complain Of 3 great falling off in
trade, Notwithstanding the receipts of cot
ton have been larger than was anticipated,
and in financial circles, tight strings are
drawn upon capital, waiting no doubt the
great denoument now in progress at Wash
ington. Everything is in q state of painful
uncertainty. There are few strangers in
town, and these of necessity-on business
or in transita for other points. Compared
with the gay season last year, to one who
was here the difference is marked, but to a
stranger there is enough to attract his atten-
ton, and to give to the place the appear
ance of briskness and prosperity.
The 9Th passed off quietly and without
demonstration. Formerly this anniversary
was celebrated with great pompt and it was
considered the great holiday of the year
All grades and professions gave themselves
to it's enjoyment and balls; fetes and parties
were the order of the day, but this year
"Not sound was heard"
not even the usual morning salute, and with
the exception perhaps of few more drunk
en- men than usual after nightfall, the deni-
zens of the Crescent City seemed oblivious
to the fact that Gen. Jackson ever contested
the advance of the British on the plains of
Chalmetto. A sad commentary, truly, on the
changes brought about by the recent war.
The increase of crime in New Orleans is
appalling Theft, robbery, murder and
arson are of nightly occurrence, not
wfthstanding the vigilance of large
and well organized police. Fires have
been so frequent of late that Insu-
rance Companies are becoming alarmed
for their safety, anf offer large and
standing reward for the detection and
conviction of incendiaries. 1t is stated in
the papers that an investigation of the as
sets of certain companies show their capital
to be merely nominal. Persons cannot be
too particular from what companies they ac-
cept policies.
There is the usual variety of amusements
consisting of theatres, circuses, menageries
panoramas, side-shows, &C., and "all doing
well" so far as your correspondent has an
opportunity of observing Next week Miss
Lucille Western, all actress of great celeb
rity, whose coming has been heralded
through the press for weeks, makes her first
appearance at the "St. Charles" Having
heard and read SO much about her 1 shall
go and judge for myself The Varieties" as
usual draws crowded houses every night
The weather has been bad for some time,
but it faired off yesterday, and Canal street
was thronged with the beauty and fashion
ofthe City, looking well pleased to be out
after being confined to indoors so long. A
great drawback on the improvement of
New Orleans is its unfortunate location
Notwithstanding the heavy outlay made and
being made to pave the principal streets,
every rainy spell the paving gets out of re-
pair, and as consequence the pedestrian
has to look well to his footing to avoid mud
dy boots and pants. However few rays of
sunshine soon dries up everything, and then |
there is no pleasanter city in the South
The hotels are not crowded, but are doing
a good bushes. Your correspondent enjoys |
the hospitality of the st. James, which has
I~st none of the popularity so generously |
bestowed on it last season. Under it's |
present management it will ever retain the /
favor of Mississippians. Among the recent
arrivals I notice several from Jackson, |
among them your Col. S., whose ubiquitous
presence on every street, proves very clearly
that the Clarion is still above high-tide
Expect to leave shortly for Texas, and |
will write you from there. C.