The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1885-03-14
The DoqaIdsoqviIIe CRieG'
Two Dollars Year.
OUR NEW ORLEANS LETTER.
Two Dollars a Year

Two Dollars Year.
OUR NEW ORLEANS LETTER.
The Ftremen's Parade-Congress Helps
the Exposition, but Neglects the siissis-
slppi River-The New Administration
Ex-senator Jonas-Thc 1ns Ready to 60
Out ParsOn" Newman In New Or
leans Gen. Grant not Long for this
World.
NEW ORLEANS, March 9, 1885.
EDITOR CHIEF: 5
On the fourth day of March there was a
continuous drizzling rain that greatly dis
commoded our people, and especially the
firemen, who after elaborate preparation
were ready for parade. On the following
DAY, however, the weather cleared, and the
firemen passed over the usual long route
in the attempt to delight as many as pos
sible. It was real treat after the surfeit
of foolishness of Mardi Gras week, and ex-
hibited the department to the best advan
tage. This was the serni-centennial ami
versary of this volunteer association, the
faithful ally of householders and insurance
associations. Occasionally citizen is
heard to censure the department as the
aucleus Of the clements of bad municipal
rule, but it is generally kid glove anti
primary man who INDUCES in such re-
mark. The department is composed of
average men, governed by the common in
Qentives, who should neither be neglected
ncr withdrawn from the sympathy of mu-
nicipal reformers of any class.
In the closing hours Of the last session Of
Congress in truly fraternal spirit Con-
gress voted additional aid to the Words
Exposition, and relieved the Board of
Management of great anxiety about I'M
paid claims Of the unfortunate weeks since
the opening. The attendance keeps up
well with slight Improvement in line
with the weather. The railroad managers
have notified Director General Burke that,
in compliance with his request, they have
reduced excursion rates to one cent per
mile. The cheapening Of the railroad fare
It il believed will increase the number of
Exposition visitors.
While Congress was generous to the Ex-
position it was adverse to continued river
improvement, and failed 70 make any ap-
to continue the work in the
Mississippi valley. The executive commit
tee Of the improvement convention has is
sued note warning to the people and
commercial bodies of the valley. 1t re-
minds them that many Western Congress-
men opposed further work in improving
the rivers, and by their action and neglect
the work has been delayed, and unless Wig
orous action is taken it will be delayed
for years. After consultation with the Ex-
position management, the It'll and 9Th of
April have been set apart as Improve
..nent of Western ghter-ways Days. They
will be devoted to the discussion of all nee
essary measures. Commercial organiza-
tions are requested to send delegates, the
people are generally inviteaaso attend, and
eminent speakers from oil parts Of the
country will be present
The inauguration of new administra-
ton has perceptible influence on the peo-
pie here; they generally believe Mr.. Cleve-
land will make good President, and that
his Cabinet is admirably composed of strong
men. The inauguration address was fair
document and the reference to the stabil-
ity Of the rights of Negroes relieves them
Of some degree Of fear attending the change
of government from the party of their
friends to the party whom they have long
looked upon rs foes. Some expected to see
Mr.. Jonas or a Louisiana man in the Cabi-
net, but it seems they counted without
their host and they did not consult Jonas
In the matter. He is now an ex-senator,
but is chief in party councils Mr.. Eustis
walked into the Senate and after taking the
oath sat down in the identical seat recent
II occupied by Mr.. Jonas. In form and
place he is Mr.. Jonas successor; but it is to
be decided whether the State is gamer or a
loser by the choice. There is quite a dele
CATION of Louisiana politicians in WASH
ington, and several meetings have been
held with a tendency to disagree in the !
distribution of Federal offices, and to set
tie upon compromise men. just how much |
ut this the hungry boys will stand it is |
hard to say: they have arranged to have
particular men who have agreed to IDEAL |
particularly nice with them, and it would |
be hard, you know, if the wrong fellow got |
in after all. Here is the besetting danger
of Cleveland,s administration, and a strong
n p nm INF $nr r,f .,,,1
form to relieve the President of large
share of the strain upon him.
The Republicans in the Custom house are |
ready to so when notice is served, and
probably not one VIII leave position bet
tc7 Of and few as well of in this worlds
goods as upon the day they entered the
government service. Party necessities |
have necessarily and also because of !
acknowledgement fallen heavily upon them
Salaries have come and gone with dispatch
to cover multitude of party sins.
Rev. John P. Newman, D. D., the famous
Parson New man " Of Ames NJ. E. Church
In war times, and later the Senate chap \
lain, friend of Gen. Grant, etc, came to
The city last week from San Francisco,
accompanied by his wife. He has been
iecturing in San Francisco aud intended to
pro!ong his stay there another month,
but private advices from Gen. Grant were
such that he is hurryirg on to New York
to be near him i'll his declining hours. Gen.
Grant has cancer at the root of the tongue,
lis death is sure to take place at an early
date, and lie is fnr worse than newspaper
reports have lately represented. Dr.. New
man 's an ultimate friend and is posted
from the family on the Generals condition,
and the above is nearly the exact language