The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-08-18
LETTER FROM NEW ORLEANS.
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. u, 1856

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NEW ORLEANS, Aug. -, 1869.
FRIEND DEMOCRAT
So far as our burg was concerned,
the much talked of eclipse was "post-
poned on account of the weather" I
feel much taken aback, having pre-
pared to earn a never dying fame by
taking observations through the popu-
lar medium of smoked glass. Not
finding pieces of glass plentiful, one Of
the "rising generation smashed win
dow pane, accidentally he declared,
but with scientific proclivities as I
verify believe, and all the urchins Of
the neighborhood were treated to home
manufactured telescopes, But the
clerk Of the weather was against us
and overcast the sky with clouds and
let loose the ''flood gates Of Heaven"
so that we might exclaim with Rich
ard, s'who's seen the sun to-day p
But we have lately both seen and felt
a total eclipse that is perceptible to
the naked eye and needs no philoso-
piers wisdom to elucidate. The Moon
of dulless has eclipsed the Sun IF COM
merce for the past six or eight weeks !
Yet in no season Of inactivity have I
before seen manifested the same cheer
full hope and bright anticipations for
the future as are now everywhere ap-
parent.
BASE BALL.
The devotees Of this manly and blood
stirring game have had a round Of ex-
element this season, which has greatly
increased the popularity of the sport.
The close game played by some of the
Northern Clubs, have been read Of
with interest and the marked improve
ment shown in the play of our own
Clubs has been noticed with great
pleasure. The ladies have taken a
liking to the game and are nearly al
ways present in large numbers to wit
ness the contests. The sport is one
that deserves encouragement; it is
healthy, invigorating and exciting and
requires nerve, skill and activity from
the player, and l have noticed but one
drawback to it's rapid march to univer-
sal favor-and that has been little
supercilious rodyism-not by the play
ers, but by the s'mufins" and hangers
on of the different clubs, fellows who
lack the skill and energy to make good
players and so elbow" about stheir
club" to attract attention. These
loungers are usually chosen as guards
to keep order at the games, keep the
field clear and warn the crowd of spec
tators from coming too near. If this is
done in gentlemanly manner, it is
very proper and easily accomplished,
but there are few men who like to be
addressed in loud, peremptory tones
with "Get back there, Cd d-n you,
get back or I'll make you d-n quick y
It should be gentleman's sport and
conducted throughout in such a man
ner that any lady may be present with
out having her feelings offended. The
players are gentlemen, and in the most
trying positions I have never heard an
ugly word from one of them. The
"Southern Base Ball Club" of our city,
as gallant set of men as ever "tossed
the ball." left here yesterday for the
West, intending to play in Memphis
St. Louis, Cincinnati and other cities
before their return. We shall lOol
with interest for a report of their pro.
gress, but whatever their luck witt
the ball, we feel assured that their &C
lions and bearing will reflect credi
upon themselves and their home.
ALMOST A DUEL.
u was told to-day of an affair thai
came near being brought to serioul
termination but stopped in time to b'
; somewhat ridiculous. Two well known
s young gentlemen had q disagreement,
! in relation to a ride down on the shell
: road; on the following day A. sent B
an insulting letter which B. declined
. to receive, and was thereupon threat
ened with challenge. every well,
J replied B, send it along, and returning
home that night, he made all the ne
, cessary arrangements for funeral, ex
ecuted his viii, chose his second ani
his doctor. Things looked serious ant
BIS friends began to feel nervous
} Sure enough early next morning there
, came deadly challenge from A.
have the right to choose the weapons
time and other conditions, said B. II
: his opponents second, certainly wa
r the reply. Very we'll then replied
! I accept this challenge, the weapons Il
be shot guns, loaded with sixteen buck
shot each, distance ten PAGES, time TIVE
hours hence. When the terms wer
> named to A. he exclaimed, my God
the man wants to butcher me Blu
he has the right to name the condition
replied his friend. Then by Jove!
I withdraw the challenge! exclaimed A
for Pm not going to certain death il