The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-02-17

| TIM LlNKINWATER.
New ORLEANS, FEBRUARY 18th,
FRIEND Democrat
Tho annual bust is over and as
look back at it, think that notwitb-
Standing the pooh, poohs of tie long
faces and skin -fints, Orleans is just as
ready for rifle Of fun as in years
gone by. The anxiety felt everywhere
when Monday morning came, wet and
gloomy, was sufficient evidence that
our citizens were looking forward with
anticipations of pleasure to the festivi-
ties of the last OF the Carnival, which
name is derived from the Latin denom-
nation of the feast during the middle
ages ca'ne leramen because at that time
the people took leave of flesh. In
these days tho carnival is obsel we'd
with the greatest show and pomp in
Venice and Rome. In the latter city it
lasts eight days and is observed with
inaccuracies, races and other active
sports. Properly speaking we have
but one day of the carnival here, al
though for weeks before balls and par
ties are frequent and the theatres and
public amusements are all patronized.
MARDI GRAS
is the grand wind-up of all these indul-
gences, and on that day our city close
~ initiates the examples of the Holy
City. When morning came it was dull
and foggy and the prospect was two to
one, for a wet day and no takers. The
god Of day came looming up, however,
and soon rolled back the clouds and
drove off the mist. leaving the sky
bright and beautiful, while the air was
made balmy and pleasant by his rays.
There had been much talk about the
ball of the Mistick Krewe, and now
that there was chance for good eve-
ming, Blinkins, who had received an
through the kind attentions
of Popkins, the retired dealer in soap
fat, began to fix up for the ball. Bin
Sins is sweet on Amelia Jane, Popkins'
eldest daughter, a simpering lassie, as
soft as the commodity out of which |
Pop made his money. So B'inkins
went to Pitkin, Pearson & Co., Nos. Is
md Is Camp street. and shed his old
foggery for suit of shining aud fault
ess black. Therein lie showed his
(he's sharp fellows Bin
Sins-and likes the aristoracy muchly.
although their family escutcl,eon might
'e fat kettle, with cross bars) for
1t their store you can get all kinds Of
Mt reasonable prices aud a 1T
guaranteed. Their stock is fresh and
lew, their clerks are polite and OBJ
lying, and when a man goes there once
re is sure to go back again. So Blin-
Inns says, and lie ought to know, for
hey say he has made a pile this sea-
on, on the stock of the "Green Cheese
nd Swamp Fire Railr0ad.n
The forenoon passed without much dis.
lay, few children in mask and negro or
wo, created some sport as they passed
long. Alter that time the strects began
o fill up, the maskers came out strong in
umbers and the fun ran high. Here comes
lumpty Dampty in his it'll. wagon drawn
y mule. not much larger than New
oundland dog, and this turn ont Attracted I
uch attention. A troop of about four I
zen came along, bearing banner with the
range device Louisiana Legislature. 1t ,
as splendid hit. There were eight ne
'oes in all kinds of odd costumes, and .
We or six whites in long-taiied coats and :
gh hats, each one carrying carpet bag. :
ollowing these there was tall, partly :;
gro, with large manuscript, who was
opposed to be his Honor, Gov. Dunn.
hen he came to the Clay statue he stop n
ID and read the acts of the Legislature to
e crowd. There were many in carriages, a
essed in handsome costumes, driving n