The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1882-03-25
MYRA'S MEANDERINGS.

MYRA's MEANDERINGs.
The Firemen and their Day-Oscar Wilde
Coming-Afternoon Tea Parties-AIrs.
Grundy Shocked, Etc.
New ORLEANS, March 4, 1882.
Ny DEAR FLoY:
This is the memorable 4th of March,
or Firemen's day, and the. house is
at present almost entirely vacated in
consequence thereof. The procession
is very pretty certainly, but after all
it is simply an annual repetition and
it is hardly TO be expected that those
who have witnessed it on previous occa
sions wonid care to walk out into the
warm sunshine of this Spring day and
the jostlings crowds to see it again. And
yet those brave fremen should be ell
couraged, aud we could offer no more
eloquent silent tribute than an approv-
ing presence. There is always force in
numbers, and this grand gala day when
fair ladies testify their admiration by
bright smiles and futtering handker-
chiefs is the holiday anticipated through
out the entire year by the gallant fire
companies. Even the horses seem to be
impressed with consciousness of their
own Importance, and they prance proudly
through the streets as if inviting the
crowds of spectators to admire them, all
bedecked and bedizened with ribbons,
splumcs aud flowers. These horses are
certainly very intelligent. Il isssaid
that whtd bear the peal Of the FIRE
bells they become 20 impatient to be at
the scene of action that they stamp and
neigh unwilling for moments delay, ,and
seem to enjoy or realize the terrible ne
cessity as keeuly as do their more sapient
masters.
The Salvage Corps of the Babcock
Fire Distinguishing Co.. is 80 splendidly
organized as to command the admiration
of every one. The system and order is
like clock work. For instance, when the
gong is sounded the blankets are raised
to the ceiling from off the sleeping men
by some arrangement of machinery-a
trap door by the bed of the driver in
simultaneously opens aud he finds him.
self upon the seat of the engine and
ready for immediate action before one
could scarcely say Jack Robinson.
All honor to these brave, self-saeri
ficing men, who labor by day and by
night for the interests of the commu-
nity-who front danger, endure all fa-
tigue and engage in the most exacting
service. If do not look upon them i'll
their glory to-day think of them in
their painful effort and noble work with
deep gratitude and emotion.
Oscar Wilde, the London 4Esthete, is
expected III this city soon. The guili-
i,ility of tie A American people is no doubt
81; Il Il oie.Iti tiygFeae to warraist anl1lutl.
reception for him wherever he goes, and
be seems to be proceeding more viycr-
ousIy in the interests of the Renaissance
here than he did in conservative Eng
land. His picture is on exhibition at
Eyrich's book store, and his appearances
suggests his character. He is most fan
tas.ically apparelled and has revived the
richness and bright hues of the Caval-
iers' costumes, with original aesthetic
touches, of course. His hair hangs about
his shoulders III graceful profusion, and
altogether, he looks as if he might be a
resucrectel courtier Of the reign of the
second Charles Of England.
Are you not glad, Floy, that the gen.
tIeinen of the present era do not array
themselves thus gaily Whatever else
Mr. Wilde aecomplishes, and however
potent may be his influence in regard to
hanging pictures low, and encouraging
fuller, treer appreciation of the truly
beautiful III art, it IS hevoutly to ae
hoped that he will not succeed i'll effect
ing change in the present fashion Of
sent,emen's dress. They surrendered the
fine feathers, or at least the bright
feathers to the opposite sex long ago, aud
tinetion to the bright colors, laces, rib
bons, silks and vclvets, becoming enough
to the f1irer creation, heightens and
fully reveals their peculiar personal
attractiyentss.
Notwithstanding the unusual gayety
of the winter, the beaa monde here finds
it excessively dull to renounee it all,
even now that The solemn season Of Lent
has set ia. OF course it would be con-
stl.red by even these votaries of fashion
scandalous enough to dance just now,
but it is nice point fox some modern
court of Justice to decide, whether the
substitute III the shape Of lunches and
dinners is not equally an unlawful diver
tise1nent.
The afternoon teas SO fashionable i'll
some of tho Northern cities are rapidly
growing in popular favor here, ard dis
placing many of the grander social gath
erings. They atfurd all opportunity CT
displaying pretty china, and as only tea
aud cake are served. are Il very inexren-
sive and pleasant mode of entertaining
! oue,s friends. The cards of the invited
guests are collected as they pass ont, aud
the inevitable party-eaii is'not expected
i after ali entertainment OF this kind. Per