Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-11
ndence OF TIE EVENING STAR.


Plantation.
Correspondence Of TIE EVENING STAR.
NEW ORLEANS, La, April 4th. 1883.
One visiting the Crescent City is struck at
once with its peculiarities beauties and lack OF
all sanitary precautions. l have thought that
the results Of some of my observations during
the past three weeks might not be uninterest-
ing to your readers.
The streets in the French quarter are very
narrow and filthy. Those in the western or
American section are more pleasant. The resi-
dences In the French quarter are old and
dilapidated, while in American New Orleans
there are many fine houses, each surrounded by
its garden of roses and other flowers, as well as
orange, fig and magnolia trees. The paving Of
all the streets is wretched, granite blocks about
1Sx12x12 inches being used for that purpose.
This makes very rough pavement, and the din
caused by the rafting of heavy wagons and
drays is almost unbearable. ! made this re-
mark to the "silver tOngued orator Of the
south" Hon. E. John Ellis, who acquiesced, land
said that Washington is the finest and cleaneSt
city In the Union. Smaller paving stones could
not be used here, as there is no sub-soil, and
they would disappear in the rich black loan.
The drainage is all above ground necessarily,
as the city is below the level of the river. The
Inhabitants are not troubled by sewer gas but
the odor arising from the streets ia nauseatng
The street-cars are drawn mainly by mules and
all the lines run smoking cars. There are lines
of cars drawn by dummy engines. connecting
the city with the west end and the Spanish fort,
both of which are places of resort on Lake
Pontchartrain. The Spanish fort is especially
attractive on account OF the historical assOcia-
lions.
CHEATING THE FISHERMEN.
The land occupied by the adjoining fisherman
village was recently claimed by the state as
swamp, and when it was so listed and approved
by the Interior department it was bought by a
Spectator from the state for $50. The people
who inhabit this tract are mainly ignorant fish
hermen, who have been in possession of the
land for years. 1t is, OF course, great hardship
to them to be dispOssessed of their property,
and it is minated that fraud has been per-
petrated. The special agent Of the General
Land Office, Mr.. 81. j. Harrison, is here inyesti-
eating the matter.
The levees of the Mississippi, laden with the
products of the world, are the glory Of New Or
leans. 1t Is splendid sight on fine morning
to see steamers and sail vessels from every
nation taking and discharging their cargoes
Cotton is pre-eminently king here however, and
the Cotton Exchange is one of the finest build
ings the city.
The north Atlantic squadron which has been
lying off the city for the past three weeks has
turned loose to wander through the streets and
make night hideous with their drunken follies.
The middies, those pets of society, have also
gone, after making sad havoc with the hearts
OF the fair ones OF the city.
NEW ORLEANS CHURCHES.
Last Sunday went to service at the Church
OF the Jesuts The music was exceptionally
fine. The organ has remarkably sweet tone
and the organist is par excellence. The opening
piece commenced SO deciOusly soft and grad
ually became loud and louder until ''yearning
like god in PAIN" it filled tile Utmost recesses
of the church with a melody that was divine.
Monday evening | went to the cathedral
to an organ concert. The organ recital under
the direction of Prof. Pichher, was worthy
of the applause it elected. The First Presby-
terlan church is fine edifce fronting on
Lafayette square. The pastor, Dr. Palmer is
gentleman of classical dscourses.
The city boasts several pretty parks or squares
but none that compare favorably with those of
Washington. Jackson square is rather the pref
test. were it not for the equestrian statue of
Jackson, a duplicate of which is In LAFAYETTE
square, in Washington. 1t is too bad that a
patriot who served his country as faithfully as
''Old Hickory" did should be condemned to
remain forever in that ridiculous attitude.
A BIG SUGAR PLANTATION.
/ spent one day at the sugar plantation Of
Chester B. Darrall who was q member Of the
last Congress and Is now the register OF the
United States land Office at this place. His
plantation, Of about 200 acres, is eighty miles
from here, near Morgan City, on the Bayou LIE
B9uf. The residence is fine one, with large
airy chambers and spacious halls. It is surrounded
by orange, fig, pecan, magnolia and live oak
trees. The lawn slopes down to the water, and
the prospect in all directions ia very novel and
pleasing. The cane is about knee high and
looks very well. am Informed that sixty dol
10 ia y,nfr mira ole %Io
sugar planters. Mr. Darrall is most enthusi-
astic planter, and delightful host. What Is
most feared here ia the annual nigh water Last
yearit covered all the surrounding country and
ruined the crop.
My latest advices from home are that the
ground is white with snow. 1t seems difficult
torealize that here, where the air is heavy with
the fragrance Of flowers. and the tables boast
strawberries and all early vegetables.
HOTSPUR.
49,