The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1884-02-09
LETTERS FROM GoosEQulLL

sudden Death OF the City Controller
Withdrawal of an Objectionable Nom
inee-Music at an Insane Asylum-The
Trial and Acquittai of James Nutt-A Ju-
dicia1 Farce, Etc.
PHILADELPHIA Jan. %. 1881.
EDITOR CHIEF:
wrote to you some time ago about the
spirited contest over the election of City
Controller, and that Mr.. E. Harper Jeffries
was elected. Last Monday, just two weeks
after he had assumed the duties of the Of
flee, the community was shocked and sad
dened by the announcement of Mr.. Jeffries'
death. In fact, he was only in the Office
one week when he contracted the disease
Of which he died-pleuro-pn eumonia-while
standing in a draught, receiving the con-
gratulations of his friends. He was a high
toned, honorable man, and only met with
opposition from the press and Committee
of One Hundred, because of the fact that
he was nominated by a ring of autocratic
leaders, and it was difficult to believe that
he would have strength enough to be in
dependent of them. This state of feeling
against him excited his ambition to an in
tense degree. He wanted and was determined
to show the people that he could and would
be true to his trust. He worked untiring-
ly to carry the election, and had, during the
short time of his incumbency, showed ear
nest of such strict performance of duty that
everybody, even his opponents, regretted
that he should so soon be cut down.
Mr.. Vim. N. Hirst, who has been ap-
pointed by Gov. Pattison to succeed Mr..
Jeffries, has been subordinate in the Con-
troller's Office since Gov. Pattison assumed
the duties, six years ago. Of course he has
great familiarity with the details of the
work, but whether he will have administra-
tive ability is mooted question. The ap-
pointment is far from satisfactory to the
majority
On Tuesday the startling announcement
of Mr.. Pierie's withdrawal in favor of Mr..
John Hunter was made. He was nomina-
ted by 1.-THE boys in direct opposition to
the leaders, the people and the Committee
Of One Hundred, who wanted Mr.. Hunter
renominated It was certainly a wise thing
for Mr.. Pierre to do, but every one was sur
prised, because they had, just the day be-
fore, read his letter of acceptance. 1t is
not often that a politician Will do just the
right thing in the right time when he be-
comes the loser thereby. Nor did Mr.. Pie
RE want to do itin this case. He believed,
and so did many others, that he would make
as efficient and as honest Tax Receiver as
Mr.. Hunter, and was 10th to forego the op-
portunity. The truth Of the matter was pub
lie sentiment was SO strongly in favor of
Mr.. Hunter, that the Republicans became
alarmed at their prospect of defeat, and
urged Mr.. Pierre to sacrifice himself for
the interest of the party-to step down and
out, that they might make haste and antic
ipate the Democrats by placing Mr.. Hun
ter on their ticket. On Wednesday the
Republican Tax Receivers convention was
reconyened, Mr.. Pierre was eulogized, his
resignation accepted, and Mr.. Hunter nom
mated.
On Thursday the Democrats assembled
to make up their municipal ticket In the
Mayoralty convention Mayor King, the
only candidate, received every vote. The
lax Receivers convention unanimously
endorsed the Committee of One Hundreds
nomination, Mr.. Hunter, and in the City
Solicitors convention, Mr.. Furman Shep
pard was nominated on the second ballot,
This makes a strong ticket for the Dem
ocrats, who for once did not throw away
their opportunities. Mayor King is strong
because he proved himself bipartisan and
has kept his faith with the people. He will
doubtless distance Mr.. Smith, the ''young
mems candidate" who is excessively weak.
Mr.. Hunters election is already recorded,
and it is universally conceded that Mr..
with his large legal experience,
will defeat Mr.. Warwick. who, though as
full of integrity, has not such legal acumen
or such mature judgment.
The Committee of One Hundred has en-
dorsed Messrs. King, Hunter and Sheppard.
The alarm has been sounded. The fight
for reform is begun. Down with rings and
irrespective of party, is the CIV
of battle.
The Poor Guardians of Blockley Aims
house did good thing this winter in pro-
vlding piano and a series of concerts for
the amusement of the insane inmates. Al
there are Pill inmates in Block
ley, and of that number 6;O are in the in
sane department.. The second of the series |
of concerts took place few nights ago and |
verified the old saying that emusic hath |
charms to soothe the savage breast" About |
800 guests occupied seats on the main floor |
of the hall, and $50 insane men and women |
were grouped about on the elevated plat |
form, under close surveillance of the keep !
ers. Poor imbeciles! How it saddened one |
to look in their faces, which in their man
lfestations of Joy appeared even more i'm
beetle. They were all delighted with the !
music, and even those addicted to melan-
cholia frightened up under its magic in
fiuence. They seemed to prefer the instru- |
mental, lively pieces, and kept time with |
feet, head and hands. Some imagined /
themselves members of tbs orchestra, play |
ing the flute, beating the drum or blowing
the horn-i1nitating the different instru-
ments with their hands. Some of the
fancied they were in the opera, and |
every now and then were much concerned |
about their toilettes, as ladies are apt to be, /
and frequently used their hands for lorgn-
cites to view the crowd. And when the |
grand finale galop was played they went |
dancing off the stage as happy as a lot of
merry careless children Su.aIr If anu |