Lafargue, L., New Orleans, Louisiana, to Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché, Paris, France, 1880 May 15

Pursuant to Perché's instructions of April 9, he sent the circulars to the priests of the city and to a great many of those of the countryside. The dispatch sent to Father Gilbert Raymond arrived to confirm the circular. He does not know what reply the corporation has made, but he fears that the apparent agreement between the board and Bishop Francis Xavier Leray indicates that they have not agreed to Perché's projects. He believes that many of the clergy will join him in opposing liquidation. However, several, feeling that the expenses of the last loan had been considerable, are not favorable to the idea of a new loan in France. Since he received Perché's letter of April 2 authorizing him to cease publication of the "Propagateur Catholique," he has tried to prevent its fall. Father Louis Andrew Chassé has made numerous attempts to obtain assistance without success. Lafargue has taken some steps which he hopes will enable him to prolong its existence until Perché's return. Sacrifices made by Chassé have made this possible. He gave Lafargue $200 and will continue his collaboration without any salary. In place of $40 Lafargue will give the printer Mr. Francois, only $20 per week and, as a result, he will set only 11 columns. He has also been obliged to drop the Rome and Paris correspondence. Unfortunately, the refusal of the diocese to pay what is owed him exposes him to imminent catastrophe. When it occurs he will have to cease publication. The committee established by Perché in 1879 to establish the budget for the "Propagateur" fixed expenses for 1879-80 at $6000. It was understood that the diocese would reimburse him for any deficit. He continues publication presuming that all these stipulations are still applicable. If in a few months he receives a reimbursement, he will restore to Francois the $20 per week, return Chassé's $200, and restore Chassé's salary. He is saddened by the thought that the possible loss of his position at the book shop in a few weeks may render all these arrangements useless. :: VI-3-b A.L.S. French 7pp. 12mo.