The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1885-07-11
NUMBER As.
OUR NEW ORLEANS LETTER.
The Exposition Canvass Interesting the
Ladies-Suicide of A. j. Dumont-Fed-
eral lAppoiDtments-WhO Next?

Ladies-Suicitle of a. j. Dumont-Fed-
eral Appointments-Wh Next?
New ORLEANS, July ], 1885.
EDITOR CHEF:
The canvass to raise funds for the new
Exposition continues. All parties con-
cerned speak favorably of its prospects. A
late announcement was that $780, more
was required to complete the subscriptions,
and President McConnico resolved to call
the women to his assistance. There was a
woman's meeting held in the st. Charles
Hotel yesterday, an organization effected
and an adjournm snt had until Wednesday
at II o'clockA. NJ. Each lady was expected
to take ten blanks, with space for ten
names for shares of $40 each. By dividing
stock in small shares and getting tho ladies
interested it is believed more rapid progress
will be made in completing the subscrip-
tions than otherwise. It is certain that
success depends upon rapid and effective
work and there is no time to lose. The
press of the country gives tho new move
ment cordial support, because it is in the
direction of self help and not begging
scheme of New Orleans or preparation
for raid ON the national treasury.
The appearance of two cases by
medical authorities to be yellow fever oreates
a slight feeling of uneasiness; not because
an epidemic is feared, but business is at
such low ebb that the mishap of quar-
antine would be about the last straw the
hacks of some firms could bear. Hundreds
of people are now living Off the legitimate
profits accumulated during the past Expo
sition season; and they have very keen
appreciation of its benefits MS from places
of comparative comfort they look npon the
general poverty and dearth of employment
about them. Notwithstanding the unusual
depression the sentiment prevailing is geli-
orally hopeful.
In a moment of mental frenzy Andrew
j. Dumont, the most conspicuous colored
man in active Louisiana politics ended his
career with pistol ball. Born of mixed
parentage, French on the fathers side,
Dumont left Algicrs and entered the French
army that was occupying Mexico in the ef-
fort to uphold Macmillan on the throne.
He was brave soldier, highly compli-
mented by superior officers, and there is no
doubt that he would have speedily passed
from lieutenant to higher rank had he
chosen to remain in the service. After the
surrender and downfall of Macmillan he
engaged in business, and owned whiskey
distillery, but being dissatisfied with his
surroundings he returned to his native Al
gieEs and almost Immediately engaged in
politics. From several minor Offices, such
as Police Captain, Assessor, State Senator,
he passed on upward to the Naval Oflce,
but the distinguishing mark of his ability
is the fact that he held the presidency Of
the Republican State central committee
from 1876 to the day of his death. To all
those familiar with the stormy periods and
fierce contests of factions it is marvellous
that he was able to hold on 80 long. and to
exercise so strong personal torce upon
the councils of the party. As Naval Officer
he was popular because of his familiarity
with several foreign languages which en-
abled him to converse with seafaring men
in their own tongues. The accepted rea-
sons for his rash act of self destruction are
family troubles, together with the loss of
of property by fire recently. Personally he
was congenial and respected, and the col
ored people will mourn his death as the un-
timely taking OF of an able leader.
The long expected appointment of Sen
ator Jonas Us Collector of the Port was an
nounced from Washington on the LIST and
it is expected he will relieve Ger Badger
on the 18th of the month. Gen. Hdger is
preparing to gracefully introduce his sub
ordinates to his successor and rotire. With
scarce an exception Cen. Badger is re-
garded by the people of New Orleans as a
capable official against whom only the sus-
picion of offensive partisanship can be
brought. When the time of trial came for
the Republican government in Louisiana
he exercised the courage of his convictions.
stood at the head of the armed defenders,
and fell wounded severely at his post. Tbs
contrast between his admirable figure and
without making a single manly effort OH
the 14th of September, 1874, has never
passed out of mind. The foemen of Gen.
Badger on that day admired his conduct
and it is served as pardoning grace when
set up against his conspicuous services for
the Republican party. Wherever his Let
may be east Gen. Badger viii be followed
by the hearty good wishes of the many
friends he has Enado during long official
career IL the several positions he has held.
The next man to go is DIR. A. w. Smythe.
Superintendent of the Mint, who will be sue
ceeded by Mr.. Gabriel Montegut, the choice
OF Congressman Gay and the anti-ring
combination. The bonds are being pre-
pared and the commissisns will issue in
few days.
Who next? Postmaster w. 3. Merchant
has snugly ensconced himself as one of the
proprietor5 of the Commercial B,eltrfin
newspaper, and'is preparing for All early
retirement from the cares Of Office to the
practice of lucrative profession. Very
soon it will be fully realized that tie
Democrats carried the election last Noyem-
Der and the sign will be a Democratic head
to every important Office. The subordi-
mates take it sadly and the prospect of
return to lives of toll aud manual labor
weighs upon them heavily. But such is
politics. The stall fed Republican must
give way to the lean and hangry Dem oerat.
who a. the victor has the righ. to the spoils
Of conquest. More anon.
GENERAL OBSERVER
Smith Bill. Beans are She best auti-.,fiiOGs
purgatires ever made. &sk!ns either as a laxa-
two or cathar,,c fT..ra ajI,ca,. .rhnS..