The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-31
vOUDoOISM.
The Rites Still Praoticed in New Orleans
"A Saapoa Pr0lrap IT.,

"A Seance Broken Up.
New ORLEANS, La, May 30.-A case in
the Second Recorders Court yesterday
morning established the fact that Voudoo.
ism and its distinguishing rites still havo
foothold in Louisiana. II was generally
supposed that tho Voudoo was extinct.
Careful inquiry by the city press, covering
a series OF years, had failed to uncover q
genuine case of Voudooism, and it was be-
lieved that this relic Of Africa and slavery
had finally disappeared with the death
some years ago of Marie Leveaux, the
Voudoo queen. The judicial proceedings
today, however, show that Vo1doo fetch
still has its votaries, and that they arc not
confined to the negroes. For some time
past there has been at stated periods pro-
miscuous gatherings of whites and blacks
in house on St. Anthony street. far re-
moved from the hustle of tho city. AL
though in n retired locality, the assem-
blages became so noisy that they disturbed
the neighbors and attracted to the vicinity
large crowds OF boys. AS the house was
retired from the street and the doors and
windows were kept tightly closed, those
who gathered from curiosity were unable
to discover what was going on inside.
AT last the place became nuisance to
the neighborhood, and the police were in
formed. Steps were taken ut once to dis
cover the secret OF the house and the cause
OF the disturbance therein. To this effect
the place was closely watched. A number
OF black and white women and several
negro men were seen to enter the Enclosure
yesterday and disappear within the house.
Shortly afterward the noises of which the
neighbors .had complained were heard.
At this juncturc a patrol wagon filled with
police drove up. The house wassurrounded
so as to prevent the escape oil the occu-
pants, and without warning the police
entered. A strange and disgusting sight
met their eyes. In circle formed weight
white men and six negro women and seven
negro men was a hali-breed Indian and
negro named Alexander, who, dressed in
silken tights, was performing typical
voudoo dance, muttering at the same time
weird incarnation, the refrain OF which
was taken up by the men and women sur
rounding him, the chorus at times rising
TO great volume OF sound. The negro
men were lying on tho floor partly clad,
while the women standing around had also
laid aside much OF their ordinary wearing
apparel. The entire party were so engrossed
in the antics Of Alexander that the entry
Of the police was complete surprise.
Capt. Connolly, in command of the po-
lice, ordered the arrest OF all in the house.
The women protested violently agains;
this, one OF them expressing the senti-
ments OF all when she exclaimed "This
is scandalous, the idea OF arresting a
woman for trying to get cured"
Findingthe police memorable they then
begged for time TO make their toilets,
which was granted. When they were
robed for the street II was found that they
were nearly all white women, were well
dressed and apparently very respectable
people. They were Mortified to learn that
they were TO be taken TO the police sta
ton. When they reached there they
volunteered an explanation Of their pres
encc in such an assembly and in such
scant attire. Atterward they said Alex
ander was a voudoo doctor. lie had
made many wonderful cures and they had
full confidence in his power TO relieve their
suHerings by his nominations. They
stoutly Insisted that they had experienced
benefit from his treatment and were conf.
dent nc would effect thorough cure. The
women were evidently sincere in their
statements They were of all ages. rang.
ing from sixteen 10 fifty, and several Of
them were decidedly handsome.
The entire party were arraigned in court
and the men and women were fined g.. so
each fol taking part in an immoral show,
while the youdoo doctor was required TO
pay SO for tho same oifcnse.