The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-02-26
MARDI GRAS;
A Tale of Ante Bellum Times.
BY TIM. LINKINwATEH.
CHAPTER I.
We will thank Heaven -.
And then well see maskery.

u
In Catholic countries the Carnival time, es- |
,ecially the week Immediately preceding the
advent of Lent, is devoted to social enloyments
halls parties, theatres and the like enter
1ainments are INDUCED in by almost the entire
regulation. 1t comes in the early spring OF the
wear and the pleasures of the winter season
are now brought-to brilliant termination
preparatory to the OF INA. sea- Of
the Church as a reminder of their own weak
ness, and to bring them to proper feeling OF
humility in contemplating the life ana suffer-
ings of Him, who assumed our weak humanity,
who TASTED and was sorely tempted, that we,
through his example, might gather strength 10
pass through the troubles and cares OF tnls
world with q fOrtitude and resignation worthy
of His name.
In no other part of our own country, are inc
ceremonies of the Carnival SO well observed
and heartily enjoyed as in New Orleans, where
a large majority of the people are OF the Ca
tholic faith and where there is also yet very
strong element of the French or Creole III
the population, who have given to the place
many of the customs of tho mother country,
customs which their fellow citizens of other
nationalities are not slow i'll initiating, OF lhl-
proving upon, and fully enjoy.
Mardi Gras, n French term siSnIfylng Eau
Tuesday, is the last day of the season OF pleas
,re and is always marked by the Wldes'
scenes of gaiety, and is given over to amuse-
.nent by almost the entire population of the
Crescent City. In the Church the day is known
as Shrove Tuesday, being the day on whlcht :
in olden time, the faithful were won't TO lnako
their shrift, preparatory to receiving the
ashes on the following day, Ash "Wednesday,
thus entering the season of fasting ana prayer
with proper humility and devotion. ,
In u quiet cottage, in what was then the
far up town" district of New Orleans, man.
years ago, Mr.. George Macourty. resided. -,
neat open fence enclosed the front OF the
grounds, through which the passer-by was
tempted to pause and look Mt the grayeleS
walks borded with beds of violets, with col
lection of choice roses, the beautiful cameha
and fragrant magnolia. few feet retlre'
from the street, with small grass plot inter
yening, was the house, with a wide gallery II
front and along the side. There was not onl!
an air of quiet comfort about the place, bn
a degree of beauty and elegance that gave evl
dence that the owner was on the road 10 op
pulence and wealth.
George Macourty was n commission mel
chant, whose principal correspondents wcr
English, from whom he received large consign
ments of ale, porter, whskey and other al
tices of foreign make in that line OF trade; ii
had now been established for himself abou
five years, his predecessor having retired 1roi
business just before the crash of ~. .
Mr.. Macourty young man, OF medlul
height, with light hair, and an open, good M
tured countenance. A man of good education
business talents of high order, and n prlVa'
character of honor and integrity, he was
ready considered one of the most promlneI
citizens of the place. His wife, nee Cecil
Mary Christie, n native OF the northo OF lrelan'