davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
THE TOLL GATES OF LIFE.

We are all on Journey. The world thro
which we are passing is in some respects
like a turnpike-all along which Vice and
Folly have erected toll-gates for the accom-
mediation of those who choose to call as
they go-and there are few of all the hosts
of travellers who do not occasionally stop at
some one or another of them-and conse-
quently pay more or less to toll-gatherers.
Pay more or less, because there is very
great variety as well in the amount as in the
kind Of toll exacted at these different stop
ping places.
Pride and fashion take heavy tolls of the
purse. Many man has become beggar
by paying at these gates. The ordinary
rates they charge are heavy and the road
that way is none of the best
Pleasure offers a very smooth and delight
full ROAD in the outset. She tempts the travel
Ter with many fair promises, and wins thou
sands-but she takes without mercy. Like
an artfnl robbcr, she allures till she gets her
victim in her power, and then strips him of
health and money, and turns him off mis-
cradle object, into the very worst road of
life
Intemperance plays the part of sturdy
villain. He's the very worst toll-gatherer
on the road; for he not only gets from his
customers their money and health, but he
robs them of their very brains. The men
you meet in the road, ragged and ruined in
fame and fortune, are his visitors
And so we might go on enumeratng ma
ny others who gather toll of the unwary.
Accidents sometimes happen, it is true,
along the road, but those who do not get
through, at least tolerably well, you may be
sure have been stopping by the way at some
Of these places. The plain common sense
men who travel straight forward, go through
the journey without much difficulty.
This being the state OF things, it becomes
every one, in the outset, if he intends to
make comfortable journey, to take care
what kind of company he gets in with.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
6,lmorous Selections.
MEAN MEN.

PvE known some mean men in my
time. There was Giles Overreach, now
he was so mean he always carried hen in
his gig-box when he travelled to pick up the
oats his horse wasted in the Manager, and
lay an egg for his breakfast in the morning
And there was Hugo Zimmerman, who
made his wife dig potatoes to pay fer the
marriage license. Lawyer" he coutinued
addressing himself to Barclay, T" must tel
that story of Hugo, for it's not bad one
and good stories, like potatoes, amt a.
plenty as they were when / was boy
Hugo is a neighbor of mine though consd
cradle older than be; and a mean neigh
Dor he is, too. Well, when he was goins
to get married to Gretchen KeIp, he goe.
down to Parson Rogers at Digby, to get t
license.
Parson," says he, whats the price o
licenser'
Six dollars" says he.
"ASix dollars" says Hugo. "Thats
dreadful sight ofmoney! Couldn't you TAX
less :"
"No," says he "Thats what they cos
me to the Secretary's Office at Halifax"
"Well, how much do you ask for pub
fishing in church, then p
Nothing" says the parscn.
"Well," says Hugo, that's so cheap
can't expect you to make no change back
| think I'll be published. How long doe
it take!
"Three Sundays"
"Three Sundays" says Hugo. "Wel
that's long time, too But three Sunday
only make fortnight, after all two fo
the covers and one for the inside like; an
six dollars is great sum of money for
poor man to throw away. | must wait"
So off he went Jogging towards home
and looking about as mean as a new
sheared sheep, when all at once brigh
thought came into his head, and back h
went as fast as his horse could carry him.
Parson," says he, Z" I've changed m
mind. Here's the six dollars. I'll tie tn
knot tonight with my tongue that can
undo with my teeth"
"Why, what in nature is the meaning c
all this p says the parson.
"Why," says Hugo, Pve been cipher
ing it out in my head, and it's cheaper tina
publishing banns, after all. You see, sill
it'spotatoe digging time; and if wait
be called in church, her father will have he
work for nothing and as hands are scare
and wages high, if ] marry her tonight sh
can begin to dig our own tomorrow; an
that will pay for the license, and just seve
shillDgs over; for there amt man in a
Clements that can dig and carry as man
bushels in day as Gretchen can. And be
sides fresh wives, like fresh servants, wor
like smooth at first, but they get sarcy an
lazy after a while."-Lte an Colony, D
Sam Slick.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
MORALITIES DRAWN FROM
THE BEE.

We very much question the utility of the
common moralties' drawn from the indus
try and prudence of the bee. Storing and
boarding are rather the curse than the re-
quirement of our ordinary nature; and few,
except the very young and very poor, re-
quire to have this sermon impressed upon
them. We are rather inclined to believe
that, had Almighty Wisdom intended this
to be the lesson drawn from the considera-
ton of the works of His creatures, we should
have been referred in His revealed Word to
the housewifery of this insect fowl of the
air. rather than to the ravens, which have
neither store-house nor barn.
Yet the thrifty bee is never once set be-
fore us as IA pattern in the Bible. The wise
King, indeed, who 'spake of beasts, and OF
fowls, and of creeping things and of fishes,
has referred to the sluggard, and the distrust-
full to the early hours, and the waking
while it is yet day and the guileless secur-
ty of the ant, but we see nothing in his
words which necessarily implies appreciation
of that anxious carefulness of the morrow
which we are elsewhere expressly told tc
shun, and which is but too often the mask
of real covetousness of heart. And we be-
lieve this the more, because the ant, though
it wisely provides its daily bread, does not
lay up the Winter store wherewith to fare
sumptuously every day.
We know, that in saying this, we are fly
ing into the upliited eyes of careful mothers
and bachelor uncles, who, time out of mind
have quoted, as it has been quoted to them
the busy bee as the sure exemplar of world
ly prudence and prosperity; but we think
that we can show them a more excellent
way even for earthly honor, if they, az
Christ's servants, will content themselves
with those types in the natural world which
He Himself has given them, and learn tina
quiet security, and trustful contentedness
aud ready obedience, and active labor fo
the present hour, which he has several!
pointed out to us in the lilies, the ravens
the sheep and the emmets, rather than seel
elsewhere for an emblem OF that curious
forecasting for the future, which whether II
things spiritual or temporal, is plainly dis
couraged in the Word of God-those law
and judgments of the Lord which are sweet
err than honey and the hOney-cOmb, aud IL
the keeping of which there is great reward
.Take Thai, and lie that doth the ravens feed,
| Yea, provdeniially caters for the sparrow,
| BE comfort to my age !"
Not but that the bee affords us moral
though it be not that which worldly wisdom
commonly assigns to it. We have in tn
first place, direct cause for thankfulness
in the delicate food which it supplies III
The bee is little among such as fly, br
her fruit is the chief of sweet things;' (Et
Giles. xi. 3D. and the Almighty has, in man
senses, and in no common cases, supple
the houseless and the wanderer wit
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

AN ARGUMENT FOR DRINKING. Now
ak your fellars, who's the best citizen, him
that supports government or him that does
MT? Why him as does in course. We
support government, every one as drinks
supports government, that is if he lckers
at license house. Every blessed drop Of
Ticker that he swallers thar is taxed to pay
the salary ofthem ar CRATE officers, such as
Mayors and Corporationers, Hi Constabuls,
Presidents and Custom-house gentlemen.
Spose we wus to quit d. inkin-why guvern-
ment must fail ; it couldn't help it no how.
That's the very rezun l drinks. | don't
like grog, MORALLY hates it. If follered
my own inclination, I'd ruther drink but
ter-milk, ginger pop, or Dearberii's sody
waters. But Gckurs for the good of my
country, to set an example of patriotism
and vrchuous self-denial to the rizen gem
eration.-iStr0c Stacker.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

"Fact, SIR"
Wall, wonder if couldn't get some-
thing to do here myselfW
"Ohl yes, you'd make pretty good
midshipman."
"Wail, what's a midshipman's wages for
green hand"
Forty dollars month, only.">
Only forty dollars! Jerusalem -
Why was told to hire out for ten. But
where can be made midshipman on -
say quick"
Clown below, sir, in the Storage AS
soon as I'm relieved, I'll see to it,"
Down went the quizzer and the quiz
zed. A bevy of young midshipmen requir-
ed no prompting to perpetrate piece of
mischief spurious warrant was soon
made out, and the green horn equipped in
splendid uniform, including an elegant
chapeau and costly sword, by joint contri-
button of the mess. Thus furnished, he
was directed to present himself to Commo-
dore S. in the cabin, and report ready for
duty. He was told that the Commodore
might be pretty gruf-"i it was a way he
had" but not to mind it. The Storage
being. full, the new midshipman was to de-
mand quarters in the Commodore's cabin
in fact, he was ordered to take possession of
certain state room. The Commodore's
black looks and angry words were to be re-
garded as nothing-he had no right to use
either. Thus posted up" the victim pre-
scented himself to the Commodore with:
Old hoss-how are you ?"
S. started-he had come across a rara
avis. Take seat, sir"
~ kin help myself, old felar-I gener-
ally do''--was the reply of the Vermonter,
as he flung himself into one seat and cross
ed his leg upon another.
"You are one of the new midshpmen,
suppose" remarked the Commodore, who,
from the first, suspected something.
81 amt nothing else"
Shall trouble you for your warrant 2"
"Catch hold, old boy"
The Commodore looked at the document
and then at his visitor.
Who gave you this?'
"The fellars down stairs and I'm ready
for duty"
"That's enough. Now you can CO."
" Not as you knows on, Squire. The
cellars chock full-and l amt gon' out
of this ERE in a hurry tell you now
Oh! you needn't rare up, old fellur. see
what's the matter-you're a leetle cracked
up here p'-and the brilliant youth touched
his forehead with his fore-fnger. "Pm
going into this here chamber to take right
good snooze-boots and all, by gravyW
As he was proceeding to execute this
menace, the Commodore took HIM by the
arm and led him to the gangway. Pointing
to the sentinel, he remarked mildly" You
see that man with a musket,--now if YOU
don't clear out directly, and leave the ship
and yard and never show your face here
again-Ill order him to shoot you"
The Yankee broke-and in two seconds
his blue coat-tai was seen floating in his
rear, as he darted out of the yard with the
speed of a flying jackass
In minute afterwards, half a dozen ter
rifed midshipmen rushed on deck, and ask
ed for liberty to go ashore
"Young gentlemen" said the Commo-
dore, grant no liberty to-day"
Six faces fell feet" and six young To-
kers returned to their mess-room as mean-
choly as mules at an alderman's funeral
They never saw or heard any thing of the
Yankee afterwards-nor the uniform either.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

that had been tapped the previous morning.
This quantity of milk, he said, would suffice
for ten pairs of shoes, and when he himself
attended to the trees, he could could collect
the same quantity every morning for several
months. But his girls could only collect
from seventy trees. The Seringa trees do
not usually grow thickly, and such num-
Der may require a circuit of several miles.
In making the shoes two girls we're the ar
fists, in little matched hut, which had no
opening but the door. From an inverted
water jar, the bottom Of which had been
broken out for the purpose, issued column
of dense white smoke, from the burning of
a species Of palm nut, and which SO filled
the hut that we could scarcely see the in
mates. The lasts were of wood, exported
from the United States, and were smeared
with clay to prevent adhesion. In the leg
of each was long stick, serving as ham
die. The last was dipped into the milk,
without much discoloring, dried the surface
at once. 1t was then re-dipped and the pro-
cess repeated a dozen times, until the shoe
was of sufficient thickness, care being taken
to give greater number of coatings to the
bottom. The whole operation from the
smearing of the last, to placing the finished
shoe in the sun, required less than five min
utes. The shoe was now of slightly more
yellowish hue than the liquid milk, but in
the course of few hours it became of a
reddish brown. After an exposure of twen-
ty-four hours, it is figured, as we see upon
the imported shoes. This is done by the
girls, with small sticks of hard wood, or the
needle like spnes of the palms. Stamping
has been tried, but without success The
shoe is now cut from the last, and is ready
for sale, bringing price of from ten to
twelve vntens, or cents, per pair. 1t is a
long time before they assume black hue.
Brought to the city, they are assorted, the
best laid aside for expectation as shoes, the
other as waste rubber. The proper desig-
nation for this latter, in which are included
bottles, sheets and any other form excepting
selected shoes, is bOrachu, and this is ship
ped in bulk. There are number of per-
sons i'll this city, who make business Of
filling shoes with rice, chat, and hay, pre-
vious to their being packed into boxes
They are generally fashioned into better
shape by being stretched upon lasts after
they arrive at their final destination By
far the greater part Of the rubber exported
from Para, goes to the United States Eu-
ropean consumption being comparatively
very small.-EdcarPs Voyages up the Am
dzOn.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
The Yankee that would be a Mid
shipman.

The Boston Times tells laughable sto-
ry of green Vermonter, who went on
board to look at the Old Columbus, when
she lay at Charlestown Navy Yard IA few
years ago. Having examined every thing
on deck with curious eyes, the officer of the
watch, from his bearing and neatness of his
uniform, attracted the Yankees notice.
!" Got pretty good place here-hey =
he inquired.
| The officer assented,
"What wages do you get !"
Gone hundred and twenty-five dollars
"One hundred and twenty-five dollars
liAll tew YOURSELF Shoh r.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

Rustic PoLITENEss.-Th father of the
present Lord Abingdon, who was remarkable
for his stateliness of manner, when riding
one day through village in the vicinity of
Oxford, met lad dragging calf along
the road, who, when his lordship came up,
made stop and stared him full in the face.
His lordship asked the boy if he knew him.
He replied Ees
What is my Manner inquired his lord
ship
why, Lord Abingdon, replied the lad.
Then why don't you take off your hat =
So will, eur said the boy, If yen
hold the calf
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

CIvILIrY.--A son of Erin, just arrived in
this land of plenty, being in want, ventured
to solicit little aid from a person whose
external appearance seemed to indicate that
he could easily afford it. He was however,
rudely repulsed with Go to hell Pat
looked at him in such way as to fix his at
tention, and meekly replied, God bless yer
honor for yer civility, for you're the first
jintleman's invited me home to his fathers
house since come to the land.'--Al6d"y
Journal
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
GOOD ADVICE.

The following says the Odd Fellow, contains good advice 70
story telers: it might have pacuarized editors 1t
another stray leaf from Herbert
When thou dost tell anotber's jests, therein
Omit the oaths, which true wit cannot need:
Pick out of ,aIos the mirth, hut not the sin
He pures his apple that will cleanly feed.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
Lines written in an Album.
ny L. A. NJ.

by l.. A. NJ,
May We, while DER lifes stormy pillows borne,
All wrapped in clouds and empests, dark and drcar,
Raise up our eyes, and through the whiR-lng wo
Yon Star Of Bethlehem spy, with cheering beam.
Darkness will then upace and though prouD waves
Fer round barques may DASH and clouds BIZ seen.
Naught fear, till hnv-ened D. peaceful shore.
Shall all whose true friendship here has penned,
Minglo again in y-onder cli-Mes of joy'
o let us SEEK then, for the Morning Star
Rejoice in 1t, OUR Alpha, Omega
Ere we shall Mould Er where it meier will CLEAN.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

LEGAL ADVICE. Sir" said a barber
to an attorney who was passing his door,
twill you tell me, is this good half-sove-
reignl" The lawyer pronounced the piece
good, deposited it in his pocket, adding
with great gravity, =" if you will send your
lad to my office, I'll return the three and
four pence"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
The Battle of Blenhe elm.
AN OLD y ALLAD D..

AN OLD BALLAD.
1t was summer evening,
Old Kaspur's work was done,
And he before his cottage door
Was sitting in the sun,
And by him spor,ed on the green
His little grandchild Wihelmino.
She saw her brother Peterkin
Roll something large and round,
That he beside the rivulet
In playing there had found
He came to ask what he had found,
That was so large, and smooth, and round.
Old Kaspar took it from the boy,
Who stood expectant by;
And then the old man shook his head,
And with a natural sigh,
IT'S some psor fellows skull, said he,
Who fell in the great victory.
find them in the garden, for
There's many here about,
And often when go to plough
The ploughshare turns them out
For many thousand men, said he,
Were slain in that great victory.
Now tell us what twas all about,
Young Peterkin he cries,
And little Wilhelmine looks up
With wonder-waiting eyes
Now tell US all about the war,
And what they killed each other for.
1t was the English, Kospar cried,
That put the French to rout--
But what they kil'd each other for
could not well make out
But every body said, quoth he,
That twas a famous victory.
My father lived at Blenheim then,
Yon little stream hard by
They burnt his dwelling to the ground,
And he was forced to hyj
So with his wife and child he fed,
Nor had he where to rest his head.
With fire and sword the country round
Was wasted far and wide,
And many childing mother then
And newborn infant died:
But things like that you know mustbe
AT every famous victory.
They say ii was shocking sight
After the field was won,
For many thousand bodies here
Lay rotting in the sun;
But things like that you know must be
At every famous victory.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

ct fear" said country curate to his
flock, "when explained to you, in my last
charity sermon, that philanthropy was inc
love of our species, you must nave UNDER
stood me to say SPECIE, which may account
for the smallness of the collection. You
will prove, hope, by your present contri-
button, that you are no longer laboring un'
der the same mistake"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
MANUFACTURE OF INDIA
RUBBER.

Here we saw the manufacture of rubber.
The man of the house returned from the
forest about noon, bringing in nearly two
gallons of milk, which he had been engaged,
since daylight, in collecting from 100 trees,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
1Dottrp.

Tho Odd Fellow gives the poetic novelty challenging
the poets equal it. II may be called bundle of acrostcs
the reader will observe by reading the first letter of each
line downward and the last letter of each line upward-aso
the itac letters in each line upward and the small capital
letters downward
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

A PLEA OF LuNAoY.-" Sammy" said
a tender hearted mother to her little son,
"what ON earth did you throw that kitten
into the well for p
90, coz was crazy"
"Come to me, you little cherub"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09
matrbman & State 1ollrnal.
PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY MORNING.

TERMS-Sl so cash in advanced 50 on il payment is
made in advance interest always charged from the end Of
he
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-09-09

GRATUITOUS ADVERTISING.
The undersigned finding that the public making unrea-
sonabe demands upon their columns by the way grauous
ADVERTISEMENTS feel compelled TO enter into the following
grcemeni;
lst For all notices wharer usually Published gatuouy,
we will charge half the usual price of advertisements.
I'd For obituary notices, exceeding the simple
ment of the death, will charge the price.
e. p. WALTON & SONS,
Publishers Of The Waichman and Journal
JOSEPH POLAND,
Publisher Of the Freeman.
EASTMAN & DANF0RTH,
Publishers Of the Patriot.
Montpelier, Dec. lsi6
Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-03-30
TW VIC EF4HIF7
AMELIA CONVENTION.

Messrs. Editors-I propose to give you some
account OF the proceedings OF the Amelia Con-
yenlion, which will thank you TO publish. My
object is to afford correct information Of those
nroceedings TO such OF The people of The county
as were moi present for apprehend that the
Wings will, in this instance, as in others, attempt
To magnify our dissensions, and then employ
them 10 promote their own success. ! would
warn my ellow-countymen against any such
insidious arts, no mailer by whom employed !;
and give this account Of our proceedings, that The
facts NAV controver any Misrepresentation they
may hear
Il meeting OF The Democrats of Amelia, for
The purpose of nominating candidate 10 repre-
sent The county in the next House OF Delegates,
had been called by notice in the Enquirer some
weeks previous 10 be held al the Court House
on Thursday last, that being court day. On that
day, an unusually large number Of The people Of
Amelia, as we'll as OF The adjoining counties al
tended al the Court House, attracted principally,
no doubt, by the expectation of hearing speeches
from The Congressional and Senatorial candi-
dates.
During the morning proclamation was made,
calling upon all the friends of The Caucus system, 10
assemble in the Portico OF the Tavern, for the
purpose OF nominating Democratic candidate
10 represent the people in The next House of Del
eeates Some effort was made by one or Two
gentlemen OF the Democratic party to have the
proclamation altered so as 10 embrace all The De-
mocrais OF the county; but without success. A
large crowd assembled in the pouico embracing as
well those who were, as we'll as those who were
not in favor of the caucus system, and without
any regard 10 The restriction in the proclamation.
The meeting was organized, by appointing Col.
Bottom as Chairman, aud Dr. Robertson as Sec