The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-15
w,rnlng Star hand Catholic Messenger.
aEw oRLEANs. SUNDAY. NOVEMBER IS 1874.
LETTER FROM THEMIS.~
MOBILE, November 12, 1874.

Editor Morning Star and Catholic Messenger:
We have been 80 completely wrapped up in
4 politics here for several weeks that one could
hear of nothing else, and think of nothing
else. The interests involved were of such
surprising Importance as to overshadow
every other consideration. On the day of
election every place of business in the city
was closed, and the people turned out en- masse
to the polls. Their mere presence exerted a
tremendous moral influence. Besides, our
party was thoroughly organized for the con-
fiict, and entered upon the battle with fixed
determination to win. Our victory was over
whelming. The negroes showed q disposition
to be riotous, but the shooting of two of them
and the prompt arrest of their leader quieted
them ut once. It is believed now that the
power of the Radicals is broken forever, aud
that we shall enter at once upon new era OF
prosperity. Indeed, as sit here and think of
the remarkable revolution which has Just
swept over the country. and it's great posi-
bilities, hold my pen over this white sheet in
utter bewilderment hardly know how to
write about it in sober words. feel like
throwing my pen up in the air, and adding my
weak voice to the hoarse shouts Of the multi
tude that are now making Ulysses tremble on
his throne-or else permitting Fancy to in
dnIge her mood, and rest capriciously in the
pleasant bowers which che summons from the
Vastly deep of the future. But the work Of
redemption Is not complete. We have not yet
fully regained our lost paradise. We have
saved our State and country, but it remains
for us to redeem the city. Our municipal
election takes place next month, and it is of
supreme Importance. We have been without
. city government for year-no reports have
been vouchsafed to the people-our taxes
have been paid and no accounts rendered. In
his present demoralized condition the enemy
can offer but weak resistance, yet am glad
to see that the enthusiasm of the people.
does not abate, aud that they are resolved to
maintain their organization intact. But it is
sad to sec SO large number of people seeking
office. fear me, sometimes, that it will pro-
duce dissention and consequent defeat.
We have had some grateful showers of rain
during the past week. They have allayed the
thirst of the gardens and dispersed the clouds
of dust which have been lowering over the
city for q month past, but they have not
freshened the atmosphere which has been at
q summer temperature for some time. But the
warm weather, albeit not very pleasant, is yet
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the smallpox. which has been spreading here
alarmingly. Seventeen deaths were reported
last week. It is feared that it will become
epidemic, as our sanitary arrangements are
very much out of joint. The disease is scat
tered throughout the city, but its ravages
thus far have been principally among the
blacks.
The city is bare of general news. The
election returns, here as elsewhere, have
terminated the hopes of the people, re
stored confidence in the future Of the city
and given new impetus to business. An
enthusiastic telegram from Selma, few days
ago, announced that property in that thriving
town had increased in value twenty-five per
cent. since the election. I Gun sorry to say
that we have not yet found the same election
an Aladdin's lamp, to transform our waste
places into blooming gardens at the touch of
the incoming power But we have hope.
THEMES.