The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1882-06-21
TOBIAS REDIvIBUs.

Inc continued perseverance ana
pluck of that prolific scribbler, Jock
Horner, has brought me out of my vol
untary exile of nearly a year, and here
I am again, fright side up with care"
otherwise redivibus. l can stand many
things and hope that l am man Of a
patient and enduring disposition, but
that last effort of Jack Horner's in Sat-
urday's Erpress calls for an indignant
remonstrance. I'll spare Jacks feel
ings this time and content myself with
simple protest without criticism, as
he could hardly have expected my sud
den return from the shades Of the lite.
rary limbo where have been 40 long,
and 1 don't wish to take him una
wares.
A RETROSPECT OF A YEAR.
It is almost, if not quite a'year since
I wrote you last, and it has been an
eventful year for our little city. With
in that time we have been put in rail-
road and telegraphic communication
with the world; a crop has been har-
vested; the waters in q cullen food
have been almost at our doorsteps, and
they have devastated many fair sec.
tions Of our State; We have been spared
Affections from diseases and other ills
that other communities have had to
bear, and last but not least of tho bles.
sings for which We have to be thank
full is the prospect for fair crops this
year. Looking back over the twelve
months We have every reason to be
thankful. To some of US the months
have brought sorrow and to some joy,
and so the world moves on apace and
so old Father Time admonishes US that
we are growing older aud that we are
by just 80 many months and days
nearer the end. SO be it. Let US not
be afraid.
PROGRESSIVE THOUGHT.
40 We make advances in our knowl-
edge of the sciences, We discover more
stumbling blocks in the way of the an
Gent faith that some Of Us are 10th to
see disturbed. The age in which we
live is progressive and is essentially
iconoclastic. Reverence for things be-
cause they are old is no longer felt and
it is astonishing to observe tue rapid
spread of what the churchmen would
call heretical belief. The doctrine of
a substantial hell which twenty years
ago was widely accepted is now dis.
trusted on every side. The practice
of self-denial SO earnestly taught as
the corollary to the proposition If
meterial punishment hereafter is being
rapidly abandoned and many people
are taking DOW an enlightened and
progressive view of life and its duties
and responsibilities who quarter of
century ago would have shuddered at
the theught of enjoyment 10 this
world. If the churches are right they
are falling behind in the battle be.
tween the old and the new ideas. But
l am not writing an essay on this sub
ject. was led into this line of thought
in connection with the twelve months
past as a result of some reading and
investigation during that time into the
philosophy of the progressive thought
of the age. may have something
'nofe to say hereafter in a different
shape.
OSCAR WILDE.
This apostle of aestheticism is in
New Orleans, and have this morning
read the report of his lecture on Deco.
rative Art, which does not seem to
have been we'll received in that city.
1t seems to me that the lecture itself
does we'll enough but the papers criti-
else his manner of delivery and think
but little of bis oratorical attachments.
For a young man he has made quite
stir in the polite world, but then he
has had tho field all to himself, a. it
we're, and that may account for bis
prominence. He is said to be a me-
pbew Of our former distinguished fell
low-citizen, Judge John X. Elgee, and
If that is true, we of Rapides are pre-.
pared to give him credit for having
talent, upon the faith of his uncle's re-
cognised ability. If Oscar, being with
in days ride Of us by rail should
give Us visit, as it was said he in.
tended to do, have no doubt he will
be courteously received and bospita.
by entertained. For my share l will
to sec that he has a cup less
than an inch thick out of which to
drink bis post. prandial tea.
THE Bazaar.
I managed to be in attendance the
last night of the entertainment given
by the ladies of St. James Episcopal
congregation for the benefit of their
church and found it to be not only Fl.
nancially a great success but a most
affair altogether. This was,
however, to have been expected from
the ladies having charge of it. can
not take space enough to attempt any
description Of the musical and literary
treats given from the stage by the
many fair ladies and accomplished
gentlemen Of the congregation who