davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05
BtRsA.ENGTGN:


1t is said that our Annual Thanksgiving
had its origin in this way. The early settlers
of New England were won't in the many sore
trials and exposures to which they were sub
icctcd, to see the dealings of an crrullng
Providence. who sent them Affections for their
spiritual good. Hence they had frequent days
of solemn fasting and prayer set apart as the
religious assem- lies agreed upon. to be obser-
we'd by the individuals who composed them,
or as the highest authority Of the province
6. - n o,,r,oint for nhsarvnn"n lu the com
munity at large. 1t happened once wh,n the
appointment of such day was under consid-
Grafton, that one arose and said that it was
true their trials were severe, yet considerin ;
their unworthincss, far less than they deser-
we'd d.-that their wants were many, yet they
had mercies in still greater number; and really
for his part, he thought it behooved them to
turn their thoughts in an opposite direction
from what had been usual with them
contemplate the ahounding mercy and good
ness of God, and to give utterance to their
grateful feelings towards Him. IN songs Of
praise and words Of Thanksgiving.
The suggestion was harry one. The
hearts of others responded to it. The day
which was to have been one of fasting and
humiliation, was changed 10 one for thanks
giving and praise. So grateful was its inhu-
ence on those who participated nits exercises
that the recurring year found a repetition of
the day called for. From that time Thanks
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

1AN5sAs;>-The Watchmau contains
list of donations received from different
parts of the State by the committee at Mont
pelier, to aid in forwarding and sustaining
Free State men in Kansas-amouuung, IN all
to S2325,G7 Besides this some contribu-
tions in clothing are spoken of, to the amount
Of S4S4,23.
This of course gives but an inadequate
view of what has been done throughout the
State-much having been sent through other
channels of communication. The people of
Shoreham contributed e267,7G, which was
forwarded to the 2i5junc Kansas fund Other
sums from Vermont have been acknowled ,ed
as sent the same way. Nearly $1,000 in
some of which was forwarded to Kansas
through private channels, and part through
the National Kansas Aid Co., acting from
Chicago-also il large package Of useful cloth
ing. Other sums, to a considerable amount.
have been given from other towns in this
county.
Mr., Army of Chicago, the agent of the
National Kansas Committee, says there are
about three thousand persons in Kansas who
will require clothing. provisions and medicine
to keep them till next spring, All clothing
should be forwarded previous to the 18th OF
December as after that date the transporta-
tion will be discontinued for the winter
Arrangements have been made by the com
mittee, by which it is quite certain that arti-
cles sent to Kansas through its agency will
not fall into the hands of those who are enc,
mics of freedom Mr.. Army says the commit,
tee are fully satisfied that if the Free State
men are sustained through this winter il
Kansas, that even under the present organi,
law, that fair land must be free territory.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

\ LARGE TURKEY PRESENTATION took place at
the Boston q Worcester r. R. depot in Bos.
ton, Tuesday evening. Every one in the employ
of that corporation wio was a married man,
was presented with nice fat turkey at the
expense of the corporation. The number Of
employees on the ro1d is not far from seven
hundred, of whom four hundred aud sixty
one are married men. Pleasant speeches
were made on the occasion hv some Of the
Directors, and by Mr.. Twichell the Superin,
tendent, on the part Of The employees Mr.
Thomas Tucker OF Worcester, who wls one
of the first conductors on that rold spoke of
the great improvements in men as well as
machinery which had taken place since lis
connexion with the road. By way Of illus
tration, be remarked that 20 great was tho
sea ,city of engineers in the early days Of
railroading, that the road was often forced to
emJ 10y Incorporate men, and it was not un-
common for the conductor to be forced to run
The train, especially afterit had reached Fra
mingham. lie had himself represented to
the Superintendent the absolute Incompetence
Of his engineer in consequence Of intemre-
rate habits, but received for answer that lie
must get along as we'll as he could, for no 9TH
er man could be obtained who was competent
to run locomotive. The character Of the
engineers aud employees as u class, since that
time had greatly improved, ard now intcm-
perance among those connected with railroads
was almost unknown.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

GIFT TO HARVARD CoLLroE.-By the will Of
Dr. Henry Wales, the Library of Harvard
has lately received a rich collection of about
l4OO volumes of rare and costly works in
the Sanskrit, German and Italian languages.
The collection is spoken Of as one of the
most valuable which tie library has ever
received By another clause of his will, the
testator set aside the SUM OF forty thous-
and dollars to be ultimately dedicated tJ the
foundation Of Chair Of Slnskit Literature
at Cambridge.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

and the relief granted therein, are hereby
extended to all persons, against whom judg-
mcnt has been or shall be rendered by JUS
tice of the peace, by default, and who have
been, or shall he, deprived of their day in
court. by fraud, accident, or mistake.
SEC. . This act shall take effect from its
passage.
Approved, October 3lst, 1856.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

No 25.-AN ACT to repeal the law allowing
recovery for moneys expended in and
about Pauper cases.
II is hereby enacted, etc.
SEC. |. In all cases of appeal hereafter
taken from any order, or warrant of removal
of pauper, no recovery shall be had by
either party, for moneys expended in and
about said appeal, except such as is by law
taxable as costs in other civil cases.
SEC. ?. In cases of such appeal now pend
ing, no recovery shall be had for moneys
hereafter expended in and about said app al
except for costs as aforesaid.
SEC 3. This act shall take effect from its
passage.
Approved, Novem Der 18th, 1856
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05
No. 26.-AN ACT in relation to the punish
ment Of minor offences
IL ., be,, ,bu cu1c1ed ctr

No 26-AN ACT in relation to the punish
ment Of minor offences.
II is hereby enacted, etc.
SEC. l Whenever any person shall be
convicted before any court of crime, the
punishment whereof is by imprisonment in
the county Jail of any county, or by fine, or
by both Of said punishments, the court be-
fore whom such person shall be convicted
and after sentence, shall have power in its
discretion to order such convicted person to
be put to hard labor under the direction of
the sheriff If the county, or the constable Of
the town, wherein such offence was commit
ted, for a period not exceeding that for which
such person has been so sentenced to impris-
onment and the period during which such
person is SO put to labor, shall for all pur-
poses be regarded the same as though said
person had been confined in the county Jail
during said period
SEC In cases whore the sentence is
that the person SO convicted pay fine and
costs of prosecution, and stand committed
until sentence be complied with, if said fine
and costs are not paid, s1id court may in its
discretion order the said person to he put to
hard labor as in this act provided, until said
fine aud costs are paid or until the avails of
such labor, received by the town. county or
state as hereinafter provided, shall amount
70 II sum sulHcltllt 10 pay shlu ule anu cOsts,
SEC, 3. The said sheriff or constable in
their discretion may put such person to hard
labor under the control Of the keeper or
superintendent of any poor house or farm or
association for tha support of paupers, il the
town in which the offence is committed is
legally interested in such poor house. farm
or association.
SIC t. The avails of such labor shall Re
received hy the town or county entitled to
the fine in cases where fine shall be i'm.
| posed, and in all other cases by the State.
/ SEC, ). In case any such person shall
wllfully refuse TO work at any time the
officer having charge of SAID person may
commit him to the jail in said county, at
/ any time during the period of such sentence to
/ hard labor, and confne him therein in soli-
tary confinement for such time during said
/ period as to such officer shall seem proper, or
until he shall be willing 10 resume labor.
SEC, G. If any person so sentenced and
ordered to labor shall escape out of the Gus
tody of the officer or other keeper having him
| in charge, he shall be liable to recapture and
| to the same penalties, US are by law provided
! in cases of the escape Of persons confined in
ilil on criminal process, and persons break
/ ing jlil.
SEC. l. This act shall take effect from 1t,
| passage.
Approved, November l4th, 1856,
No, 27,-AN ACT respecting the custody o
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05
NUMBER TWENTY-THREE.

! SIC 5. When the selecmen shall receive
no bid for section, or no bid that they shall
consider to BE- for the interest Of the town to
he accepted, then in that case the srlectmen
shall make the repairs, until a reasonable
contract can be made for the remainder Of
| the term.
SIC. g. The selectmen may, aud shall, at
the request Of two legal voters of the
town, insert an article in the warning for the
annual March meeting, to see if the inhahi-
tants will vote to put the highways under
contract, and to raise money to support the
same agreehlv to the provisions of this act
Approved November 18th, 1856
No. ban ACT to prevent distractions
Of the public highway by freight trains not
in motion on railroads
II is hcrebY cnactcd bV The General Assembly
IF Ho State Of Vermont, as loHoUs
Sec. |. If any conductor or engineer Of
any freight train on anv railroad IN this state
shall allow said train of cars TO come to a
stop, and by so doing shall obstruct any pub.
lie highway in this state, and shall refuse
Immediately upon the stoppage Of such
train to open u free and sufficient passage for
carriages through such train by disconnection
Of cars. removal of train or otherwise, unless
prevented by breakage of engine or other ac-
cident, sGch conductor or engineer. for every
such offence, shall forfeit and pay n sum not
less than ten dollars nor more than fifty dollars
to be recovered with costs Of prosecution in
an action founded on this statute to be
brought by any person, before any justice of
the peace competent to try the same, and the
fine so collected shall be paid into the treas
ury Of the town in which such offence was
committed for the support of the poor of said
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

No, ls.-AN ACT to EXEMPT professional
libraries from attachment and levy of exc
ecution.
II is hereby enacted dc.
SEo. |. The professional books and in
struments of physicians aud surgeons and
the professional books Of clergymen and at
torneys at law to the value OF two hundred
dollars shall hereafter be exempt from at
tachment on execution.
SEC ?, This act shall take effect from its
passage.
Approved November l4th, loj6
No. l9,-AN ACT in addition to chapter
thirty'one of the compiled statutes relat-
ing to attachments of personal property.
II is hereby enacted, &c.
SEC l. Section twenty Of chapter thirty
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

No. "a AN ACT relating to the legal settle
ment of Paup'rs.
II is hercbV eHdctea etc.
SEC. ]. Clause numbered fourth of Soc
tion one of chapt r seventeen Of the compiled
statutes is so amended as to read as follows :
Every person of full age who shall reside
in any town in tins State, and whose rateahle
estate held in his own right, besides his poll +,
shall he set in the list of such town. at the
sum of three dollars or upwards, for five
years in succession, shall thereby gain set
tement in such town.
Approved, November 18th, 1856.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

No. 3l.-AN ACT in addition to chapter
twenty three Of the compiled statutes in
relation to the making of Highways and
bridges.
II IS hcrcby enacted etc.
SEC. |. Whenever any town shall neglect
to perform any order of the county or su'
prcme court in regard to the making of any
highway, or the building Of any bridge, such
court shall have power, on application
made therefor, as hereinafter provided, to
fine such town in such sum as shall he suhi-
cient to make and complete such highway
or bridge and the said fine shall be
expended in making such highway
under the superntendence and direction of a
commissioner to be appointed by tho court for
that purpose.
SEC. 2. The application provided for IN
the preceding section may be made by any
one or more of the original petitioners for
said highway or bridge but no such appli-
cation shall be entertained by such court
unless such applicant or applicants shall
cause a citation, signed by the clerk of such
court, or by some justice of the peace of the
county in which such highway or bridge is
situated, to be served on one of the selectmen
of the town to be proceeded against, at least
thirty DAYS before the session of such court !;
which citation shall recite said application
and shall cite said town to appear and show
cause, if any they have, why the prayer of
said application should not be granted. And
such clerk and such justice of the peace are
hereby authorized to issue such citation.
SEC. g. The town so cited In shall have
the right to demand a trial by jury as to the
fact of such neglect to perform such order of
the court. and in such case the court shall
direct the proper issue to be joined.
/ SIC. A. Such court shall have power to
award costs to either party in such proceed
ing, in their discretion.
Approved, November 18th, 1856.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05
LAWS OF VERMONT.
Session of 1856.

No. AN ACT to repeal an act entitled
can Act relating to the bringing of suits, y
Approved November llth, A. d. lSjj.
II IS herc5y cnacicd bV the Gcnerdt assembly
oCkhc state Of Vermont, as follows
See. |. An act entitled an act relating to
the bringing of suits approved November
l4th, A. u. 1855, is hereby repealed; and
the same shall not hereafter be available for
the purpose of sustaining or continuing in
force any action, suit or legal proceeding
whatever :-Ptorided, that nothing in this
act contained shall affect any suit or action
already brought to. or now pending in, any
county court in this State,
Sec .. This act shall take effect from its
passage.
Approved, October llth, 1856.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

No. l4.-AN ACT authorising the tender of
amends in actions to Recover damages for
any act or neglect.
II IS herejy enacted DC.
SIC. |. In all cases of claims for damages
for any act or neglect ot any town. corpora
tion, officer or other person such town corpora
tion, officer. or other person may, 1T any time,
either before or after the cOmmcncemc of any
action. to three DAYS before the commence
ment of the term OF the court to which such
action is made returnable if before the coun-
ty court, or to twelve days before the com
mencement of any subsequent term of said
court to which such action may be continued
or to twenty-tour hours before the time of
trial, if before n justice of the peace, tender
to the plaintiff, his agent or attorney, in
money, amends for the injury complained of,
with the costs then accrued. And if the
plaintiff, his agert or attorney shall refuse
to receive the same and the defendant sha Il
bring into court the sum SO rendered, then if
in the opinion of the court, the defendant
acted in good faith in the matter complained
of, the plaintiff shall recover no costs
accruing after such tender, unless he
shall recover larger sum in dam
ages than tho amount of damages so ten
dered, but the defendant shall be allowed in
the discretion Of the court, to recover his
costs Whlch snail nave accrued aiter such
tender.
Sec. 2. Section thirty-three, of chapter
! twenty-three of the compiled statutes, is
hereby repealed, but this repeal shall not af-
feet any tender made under the provisions OF
such section, but the same proceedings shall
be had as though this act had not passed.
SEC. 3. This act shall take effect from its
/ passage.
Approved, November Is, 1856
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05
TH"T0EV' "
Approved, October llth, 1856.
No 2.-AN ACT in relation to common sell
lers of Intoxicating liquors.

II is hcrcby enacted dc.
Sec. l. No person shall be hereafter convict
cd as common seller under the act approx
ed Nov. 23 1852, entitled an act to prevent
'ran" in Intoxicating liquors for the purpose
oi drinking, when the number of offenses
proved or confessed shall exceed ten but in
all such cases the respondent shall be fined
for each distinct act of selling, furnishing or
giving away as is now provided for such dis
tinct oiltnses and no conviction as COM
mon seller shall be a bar to any subsequent
conviction for offenses, other than those for
which the respondent was convicted asa com
mon seller, whether such offenses were COM
nittcd on the same or any other day.
Approved, November 18th, 1856.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05
M 32-AN ACT IN addition to chapter
twenty-three of the compiled statutes, re-
laung to the repair of highways and bridg-

twenty-three of the compiled statutes, re-
latng to the repair of highways and bridg
e.
Il IL herebY enacted etc.
The several towns in this state may at
their annual March meetings, direct the select
men Of the town to make contracts for repair
ing the highways and bridges of the town for
a term of years, and the town shall direct
what number of years the term shall be,
aud said term may be for any length OF time,
not to exceed four years, and the town may
direct when said term shall commence.
S c. .. When the town shall so vote, the
selnctmen shall divide the highways into
sections Of suitable lengths, no one section
20 exceed the average length OF the highway
districts in such n town, and make sched-
ula 1f the same, which they shall post up in
two or more public places in such town with
IL notice that on certain day named, they
will proceed to sell and contract said sections
! at public auction, to the lowest responsible
bidder, which notice shall be posted up at
least fifteen days before the day of sale.
| SIC When the town shall vote to have
| tho highways repaired by contract as afore-
said, there shall not be any highway survey
! er apponted to act during the term of time
/ voted by said town, neither shall there be
assessed any highway tax as specified in Sec
| N''N
compiled statutes, during said term, but the
town may raise such sum of money as they
may deem sufficient to support said high
| ways.
SEC. 4. When the highways of town are
put under contract, as provided in the fore
| going section it shall be the duty OF the se>
lectmen to inspect all of the highways so under
contract in the months of June and Novem-
her IN each year, and no contractor shall be
entitled to anv compensation on his contract
until the section of highway by him contrac-
ted for shall be accepted by the selectmen
and if the seectmen shall, at either Of said
inspections, or at any special inspection,
believe any repair necessary, they
shall notify the said contractor thereof, and
in ca Sc the said contractor shall neglect OIL
refuse to make the same, may proceed forth
with to make such repairs, and the expense
thereof shall be deducted from any sum due
or that may become due on said contract.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

Sec G. Said board may at any time, fill
vacancy in the board or Office of secretary.
Sec I. The secretary of said board is
hereby authorized to employ the assistance
of trustees in academies and scminaries. or
assistance from other sources, to give cllicien-
CIV and interest to the institutes which he
may hold, at an expense to the state not ex
cccding thirty dollars in any one year, to
each county.
Sec. s. The compensation to the members
of said board, with secretary thereof for their
services shall be as follows To each member
of the board for each days necessary atten-
dance on the meetings of the same the sum
of three dollars, and the same mileage as is
now provided by law for members of the le-
gislature; to the secretary the sum OF one
thousand dollars per year, and the expenses
of procuring blank forms, and postage; all
of which allowances shall be paid by the
treasurer of the state, on the certificate OF
the governor.
Sec. 0. All that part of chapter twenty eff
the compiled statutes, which provides for
the rpiintment and defines the duties Of
state superintendent of common schools, and
all other acts and parts of acts inconsistent
with the provisions of this act, are hereby re-
pealed.
Sec 10. This act shall take effect from
and after its passage, and the first annual
meeting of said board shall be held in Mont
pelier on due notice from the governor within
thirty days after this act is approved, and
said board may, in their discretion, dispense
with n secretary and neglect to appoint one
as is provided in the third section of this act
Approved, November lS, 1856.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

No. l0.-AN ACT to amend section three oi
chapter thirty-iour of the compiled stat
utes, relating to depositions of witnesses.
II is hereJy enacted, dc.
SIC. |. Section three of chapter of thirty.
four of the compiled statutes, is so amended
as to read as follows Notarics public and
masters in chancery, shall have the same
power to take depositions, and to issue
subpenas and attachments for witnesses to
appear before them or any other court or
tribunal, that justices of the peace now have,
and all depositons taken by notary public,
or master in chancery, agreeablv to law,
shall be admitted on the trial of any civil
cause in any court of law.
Sec. 2. This act shall take effect from its
passage.
Approved, October 9th, 1856.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

No. IAN ACT in amendment of the
fourth paragraph OF section fourteen Of chap
ter forty-fye of the compile statutes relating
to articles exempt from attachment and
execution.
IL is hereby enacted dc.
SEC /, The fourth paragraph Of section
fourteen of chapter forty five Of the compiled
statutes is hereby amended to read as follows:
Fourth, Ten cords OF fire wood, 90 bushels
of potatoes, such military arms and accoutre.
ments as the debtor is required by law to
furnish, all growing crops, ten bushels of
grain, one barrel of Aour, three swarms Of
bees and hives together with their produce
in honey, two hundred pounds OF sugar, and
all lettered grave-stones.
SIC. 2, Sections fifteen, sixteen and sew
enteen of said chapter torty-fye are hereby
repealed.
SEC, g. This act shall take effect from its
passage
Approved October eth, 1856,
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05

school district in this state, to keepa fair record Of
all the votes and proceedings of school meetings in
their respective districts, to certify the when
required to ascertain and make list, annually, Of
the children which shall reside in his district the
first day Of January, between the ages of four aud
eighteen years, with the Of the heads Of FAM
lies, and the number OF children in each, and re-
turn the to the town clerk between the fi-
tcenth AID twenty fifth days Of Februarv, and aso
to return to the town cct his certificate Of tho
number Of weeks in which a school shall have been
kept in such district during the preceding year,
and the town clerk shall make true record Of all
such returns.
SIC. 2. Sections twcnty-seyen and twenty-nine
hereby repealed.
SEC 3. This act shall take effect from its pass
age.
Approved, November l4th 1886.