The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1884-08-23
Letter from Wide-Awake.
The Political SituHtion-An Independent
and Il Lover of Shrimp-The Crops
and Money Matters.
PARISH OF ASCENSION, Aug. q. 1884


PARISH OF ASCENSION Aug 81 1884,
DEAR CHEF:
! The air is full OF political vapor and its
| fumes have spread over tho length and breadth
| of the land. The rustic and peaceful citizen,
| after years of hard toll, has awakened with in
| vigorated warmth to the situation. He has set
his mental faculties to their required strain, en-
deaYoring to pierce, by reasoning power, the
dense mist that arises politically speaking-be-
| fore him. Digestive medicine then is neces-
sary in order to properly purge the question.
| and prescribe that tonic under the title hide
pendent, which recommend to those suffering
from chronic incapability Of Judging the
issue fairly. 1t is plainly evident that an ex-
tremist is a bigoted being and therefore not
| capable of discussing either side with Justice.
/ I'm depressing from the point no doubt, but
| subjects are like chemical bodies, they give
| rise to various compositions and to be properly
and infinitely explained they require the
knowledge of q chemist to analyze and sepa-
rate each composite part. We have before us
two men of great ability, viz: Blaine of Maine
and Cleveland of New York, who have been
chosen as the leaders of the two great parties
respectively, to run for the highest oIIice within
the gift of the people: the Presidency of the
United States. Well, after carefully studying
the platforms of both sides what do we find?
The answer is plain and outspoken on the Re
publican side, but shrouded in darkness on
the side of their opponents. The Republicans
offer protection to American Industries and
have proved by their recent vote on the tariff
bill that they will stand by their record, and on
the other hand the Democrats make an indirect
offer in favor of protection but show no
record in the past by which we could draw con-
illusions for the future and consequently base
our hopes. The most suspicious point in the
tariff plank Of the Democratic platform is that
Watterson, Morrison ct ats. of free trade fame
are perfectly satisfied about it and likewise
theiropposites. Therei is where the shoe pinches,
| OF IN other words, where the danger lies con-
cealed. Hence what has Louisiana to expect
from such service? This unfortunate State
has already been severely strnngled by the grip
of free trade acts, not doctrine, and what little
life remains will have been completely squeezed
| out should the Democrats be elevated to power
! Cleveland has proved himself a capable Execu-
| tive, but doubt if his veto power could be re-
lied On If the Democrats saw ct to pass free
trade measure through Congress. He would
| necessarily have to follow the irresistible cur
| rent of his party. The Republicans will have
done their duty if they faithfully adhere to
| their cardinal principles.
| Your correspondent Shrimp" is certainly a
| philosopher and think he has raked some un-
known pretty severely over the Goals Appar-
! emily Shrimp" roams in shallow water. but
the river is pretty low now and the water clear,
| hence, from its transparency. Shrimp can
see good distance withoat beicg seen. He is
close observer and sees quite through the
deeds of men " OF say. politicians any how. The
unknown then could well reiterate the words
of the immortal Caesar and say unto him;
Would he were fatter, but I fear him not
though if my name were liable to fear do not
know the mar I should so soon avoid as that
| spare ShrimpM--of Cassius. AS rule | like
| shrimp and eat them with relish, and as your
correspondent is one of that family let us hope
that he shall never be bagged by the Ascension
Denaaerat, though if he, she or it was I think
it would offer poor nourishment to the CASTRO
no1nic tastes of the unknown. Shrimp, you
have done well, yes, exceedingly well. SO let us
wish for continuance of the hostilities in
your next, Or when you have further cause.
The crops are backward and have suffered for
want Of rain. 1t is 10 be hoped we will get a
good shower soen. otherssFise the cane viii cut
very short for the mill. There viii be decrease
| IN the yield of corn, Mr.. J. G. Coheld has
Just added to his gar7house pair of supple
mental rollers which will increase the quantity
of cane juice at least ten ssef csnt His sugar
house now is capable of turning out as fine a
world Judging FROM the present outlook and
considering the pries1of sugar: there will GER
1 tainly be financial crash and q good many
| plantations viii go under after the crops viii
have been harvested. Those who have todepend
| on mercantile advances vii be the principal
losers. Let us Izo,,e not however.
Yours truly. ~ Da-A W.tttE