St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1881-09-03
NEW ORLEANS GOSSIP.

PROPOSED PAID FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANIMATED DISCUSSION ON THE SUB
,JECT-THE ,CARROLToN RAILROAD
FRANCHISE 1MBROGLIO-THE COUNCIL
ENJOINED-WHIsKEY, BAD COMPAN-
IONS AND A QUICK TEMPER LEADS A
YOUNG MAN TO COMMIT sUICIDE-THE
sLAUGHTER-H HOUSE MONOPOLY SCORES
A VICTORIAN OCTAROON'S LOVE-
THE BURNSIDE EsTATE-THE NEW DE-
PARTURE OF THE N. O. P. X. W.-THE
ASTOUNDING RECORD OF A CRIMINAL
COURT:
Special Correspondent st. Landry Democrat.l
NEW ORI EANs, August 30, 1881.
Editor ST. LANDRY DEMOCRAT:
The principal topics of conversation
on the streets and in public places just
now are the dOings Of the city council
and the hoodlums who of late have
been receiving the particular attention
OF the Committee of Public Safety. In
regard to the city council it must be
stated that it is in a perpetual perturba-
ton and that the city fathers could not
at this time tell the difference between
a, double barrel shot gun and the stars
above, SO great is the confusion prevail
ing around the city hall and in the
council chamber in particular. The
principal business of public interest
which the city council is at present
very much bothered about is
centered in the fire ordinance
which defines the proposed fire depart
ment, and the railroad franchises which
y01 h In
amount of public attention. In regard
that each administrator has his own
particular pet scheme so to speak, and
that there are as many different
schemes as there are administrators.
However the committee on fire Ordi-
nance at its last meeting discussed this
important question but without arriv-
ing at any definite conclusion. The
debate was characterized by that
smoothness of discussion which great
men are noted for, until the question as
TO the manner in which the contract for
the extinguishment of fires should be
disposed OF, came up. The committee
was equally divided, one half express
ing themselves in favor of disposal at
public auction, and the other half in
favor of disposal by sealed proposals.
: The advantages of both plans were
fully elucidated until the subject was
exhausted. The solution of the ques-
tion was left to Mayor Shakespeare
who by virtue of his Office is chairman
Of all committees and he decided in ia
ver of public auction, thus tacitly de-
elarang that he desired to see all public
business transacted openly and above
board. The disposal Of the Carrolton
Railroad franchise then came up and as
the subject is of immense importance
general interest is manifested in it. The
present franchises expire not before
tends that it has the right to dispose of
it and therefore advertised for sealed
proposal with the usual provisO. The
purchaser or purchasers were to oblige
themselves to pave and keep in good
order the streets through which the
road ran, the money for that purpose to
be deducted from the purchase price
and was not to exceed one half thereof.
The city fathers were in high glee at
the proposed plan and at once fondly
anticipated that they would make a big
point with the public. A change came
over the spirit of their dreams when the
attorneys for the Syndicate came to the
front and with the latest report of the
Supreme court in hand read decision
of that august tribunal which declared
that franchises were properties and
could not be disposed of unless for cash
which should go to the Syndicate. Of
course some of the administrators al
though not lawyers contended never
theless that such was not the meaning
of the text of the decision but was all
the reverse. The upshot of the fran
chise imbroglio presents itself in a for
midable writ Of injunction the fat of
which commands the council not to dis
pose Of the Carrolton Railroad fran
chlse unless for cash. Developments
will be looked for with eager interest.
The G. 2. S. has commenced work in
earnest and it is but just to state that
the conviction Of Miles Piskin for the
murder of John Driscoll in April last,
is due in part it not entirly to the efforts
Of the G. P.S.
Several witnesses who were hereto
fofore unknown and who were afraid
to testify against Piskin were persua-
ded to come to the front and were in
1nittee of public safety has employed an
ness before the criminal courts and pay
him salary of three hundred dollars q
month for his services. Parties who
suffer at the hands of the hoodlums can
apply to the attorney of the C. IS.
for such legal advice as is needed and
if the complaint made, warrants the ar
rest of the offender the attorney will
attend to the making Of the affidavit
and to such pteGminaries as is required
for the furtherance of justice. Should
the authorities fail to arrest the Offend
ser the C.. P. S. will be sure to do SO and
without much trouble. 1t never fails in
this particular.
Jack Doyle, a young man of this city
who committed suicide in st. Louis last
week, presents sad example Of Che