The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1870-01-26
LETTER FROM NEW ORLEANS
TINES OFFICE, I
New ORLEANS, January 20, 1870. !
QUITE A STIR ~

There are few names that will APP
pear more prominently in the history
of our city, for this part of the Nine
teenth century, than that of Mrs.
Gen. Gaines. With an energy and
tenacity truly remarkable, (e has
followed up her claims, meeting dis
appointments with renewed yigor,
until at last successful. A few days
ago, however, she startled our citi-
zens with a new claim, based on an
old Spanish grant, which covers the
most important and valuable part of
our city. This tract commencing at
the Custom House extends to about
Broad street, and from Bienville to
Erato street. She announces her
Willingness to compromise with the
present occupants at ten cents on the
dollar of the assessed val..e, and
many have already accepted her
terms. Strong documents have been
published against this claim, and the
general opinion seems to be that
Mrs. Gaines can not make good her
title. For some days this subject
formed the leading topic of CONVEX
sation in all circles, but the excite
ment is somewhat abating.
THE LEGISLATURE.
During the present session num-
Der of bills of public interest have
been introduced and passed or re-
ferred. One of the most important
of these is the repeal of the gambling
act. The Governor signed this bill
last Saturday and the houses were
closed that night. The absence OF
the lights, music and noise of these
places, makes quite difference in
the appearance of st. Charles street.
The removal Of these pests is great
point gained. An enthusiastic col
ored member has introduced an act
to change the name of Franklin pa
IRISH, to "Ben Butler" and although
there is no probability of its passage,
the move was in 'ssure'nuf earnest
when he made the motion. An act
in favor of the Chattanooga Rail
Road company passed the House,
but was stopped in the Senate. 1t
proposed extraordinary grants to
them, to enable them to build a road
to Texas. Charles Morgan has since
made proposition on the subject,
and the probability is hat we shall
soon have road to Houston--a most
desirable object. A bill has been in
troduced to have the affairs of the
Louisiana Lottery company investi-
gated, to see if they have complied
with the act of incorporation.
We are having terrible weather
now-wet, cloudy and heated, will
the streets full of mud. Our whole
sale merchants are preparing for {
good Spring trade, in which we trus
they will not be disappointed. J
would call the attention of his ole
friends to the fact that Mr.. Georg'
G. Kendall, long of the firm of T
Van Benthuysen g. Co., is now will
Messrs. l.. H. Gardner g. Co., Nos
105 and LOT Gravier, and 90 Com
mon street, importers and wholesale
dealers in staple and fancy dr.,
goods, dress. goods, cloaks, trim
mings and notions. Their stores ar,
centrally located, their stock is larg'
and complete, and their facilitie
equal to any house in the South
Messrs. Gardner & Co., have estab
lished a reputation throughout tn
country for prompt and fair dealing
which has brought them customer
from all sections. Alfred Henner
Esq, the oldest mem Der of the Ne,
Orleans bar, is dead, He had prac
ticed law here for sixty-one years
! and was highly esteemed as cult
waited and refined gentleman, and
! lawyer Of the highest ability and a
tainments. Our Fair Associatio
announce that the next Fair wi
open on Saturday, April 23d, an
, continue for nine days. A very lii
eral list Of premiums and awards hi
been prepared and will be sent
, those desiring it, on application
| Luther Holmes, Esq, Secretary {
: the Association.
Yours Truly,
TIM TTNKTNyUA rT,I7I>