davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

their policy and their reasons for IT, The
people Of this town will submit TO be taxed,
but they want to know that they are getting
their moneys worth.
We have no difficulty with the committee.
The recommendation that they made last year
for increase Of accommodation for the pri-
mary departments was judcous With a
population Of thirty.fyc hundred, we need
more school room than with population Of
twenty-five hundred Our necessity also, is
for more room in the lower grades. For our
foreign population is largely increasing, and
their children 60 only to the lower rooms,
md drop out very fast after they pass No. ,
or 81 consequently our lower rooms are
oyerstocked. But it would be a poor econmy,
because No is crowded, to lop of the head,
the very beauty and flower aud fruit Of
the Union School 1t would be singular
policy to give Mr.. Gorham sixty academic
scholars, pursuing wide variety Of stud.
les, number that the experience of every
academy and teacher shows it to b. impos.
siblc for one person to teach, because Miss
Sweet has a hundred or more infant scholars.
Whatever changes are made 10 our school
we trust this will not be one Our school
has not reached its present standing aud hon
or by grading down in this way but by grad
ing up. The hfimg power Of the school is
in the highest and not in the lowest 49,
Whatever can be done to increase the cili,ien.
cy and convenience Of the Primary depart
ment, should be done but TO sacrifice the
highest to the lowest, to diminish il. extent
or its excellence Of instruction, 10 order to
give more room to the infant school, would be
to put the knife into the heart of our eluca.
tiona system, and make an institution, which
is now the glory Of our town and blessing Of
our youth, and which has added most largely
Of any to our welfare, the reproach Of our
village and the disappointment Of or aspir.
ing children
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

For the Watohm
Family Reunion at East Calais.


very pleasant occasion was the reunion o.
the family and relatives of Israel DwISRLL, of Ca
lais, August 18th, Mr. Dwinell has nearly com
pleted his Seth year, and is still vigorous in mind
ana ior his years strong in body, apart from rheu
matte lomeness, with which he has long been af
llicted
His SIX sons and one daughter, with all tn,
members OF their families, are now re-yisitint
the old homestead, reyiving former memories, anC
enloyinga most pleasant social reunion.
Thursday, August 18th, was appointed the da,
to visit the relatives Of the family, to Join then
in picnic in pleasant grove on the old farm.
About 100 in all responded to the invitation
The day was unusually propitious, and a kind
Providence seemed to preside over all the arrange
ments.
After the greetings 10 those from abroad and
season OF social intercourse, all were summoned
to the very bountiful repast by the voices of the
children, singing Happy Greeting to AM,
The Divine Blessing was invoked By the venerable
'randparent The collation. was followed by
singing brief hymn, prepared for the occasion.
'osether with old Turner, " Northfed, " and
other tunes Of former generation. in which Tho
older persons present Joined with evident salts.
action After this, one OF the sons, Rev. DR..
p"inell, Of Sacramento, made some pertinent re.
MARKS in reference TO the family geneaogy and
history, Then followed prayer by Rev. J. G.
'iale Of Chester, who married the only daughter
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23
f'f zoe NAN
The state Reform school.

Mr.sR.. EbiToRs - Most readersof the Nait.-
man are presumed 10 be interested in the objects
Of the State Reform School-frst, and the pin
ciral Of which, is the prevention of crime and
yice-which, like flowing tide, seems 60 threaten
the destruction Of our country's best, greatest 10.
terest-the peace Of society
In this view Of the subject, ever, member &
civil society should feel that individual a- well %
public safety depends much upon tine success 81
the States eiIlrts 90 prcr1f a- we'll o.. J4n.i
crime since preysHh11 is infinitely better than
any r0aedial measures for ,he suppression of
crime For years past the attention of phan.
thropi-t- and lawmakers has been directed 70
this object the result of which fact Is seen ia the
establishment OF numerous rciormatory schools
The great secret Of successful government is be-
ginning early. Civil government will fail where
families are not governed and family govern
ment will fail if it begins not early Hence st e.
the States duty to that the young are not leh
to vicious, or to no moral training
II is now about six years since the Legislature
Of VI by law established a Reform school it
authorized but very limited expenditures for land
and buildings indeed the enterprise or measure
Of experiment, as it was regarded by some, wa.
then submitted to the consideration Of the pe5
pie, with not little difidence as to its popular
acceptance The friends Of the institution were
prudent in this respect. Last year, after louI
years of trial and moderate expense to the siaie
the Legislature determined that, not regarding .l
longer as an experiment., it ought 10 be pat upon
the foundation of permanent State Institution.
In accordance with this view, that honorable
body appropriated $50 600 to erect a suitable edi-
nee to accommodate e 200 boys, with the various
improved arrangements for their physical comfort
as well as for their appropriate labors and studies
There they are to be trained to habits Of industry,
order and discipline, physical, intellectual and
moral they are to be educated rs boys should
be, 70 be useful, exemplary and honored men OF
their time The mild restraints to which they
are subjected are such as are absolutely ncees
sary where so many active boys are eongregatedi
and scarcely suggest the idea Of confinement,
much less Of punishment. 10 those who appear
to be trustworthy, the restraint is but little great
er than is imposed on academic and college stu
dents
The new Reform School building is rapidly
approaching completion, and will be respectable
in appearance, as We doubt not it will be found
conyinently arranged, both externally and inter
nally, for the purposes designed, and--what the
people will bepeased to learn, built without an
unreasonable expense to the state 1t is now near
ly finished externally, except the cupoa and win.
dows and doors, which are probably nearly ready
The present number Of boys is about 100. that is
about 40 more than one year ago,--a rate of in
crease indicating the need Of tho now hn;ldin0q rs
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

TnE WASHINGTON TREATY.--The London
Times appears to consider that England got
cheated in the treaty. yet is disposed to be
glad of its acceptance, after all, as establish.
ing useful precedent. On this point it re.
marks;
When We think of the unsettled state Of
Europe and the passions which are raging
under the pacifed exterior of the Continent,
when we find that nation after nation is being
armed in mass, we cannot be sure that any
rectitude OF purpose or moderation of policy
will preserve us from war. Should such a
calamity fall upon us it will be an inestima'
BILE advantage that the duties of neutrals have
been interpreted in the strctest sense by the
nation which has the greatest opportunity oil
lnjuring Us, and which has hitherto through
out its history prided itself on its independ :
ence of action aud its disregard Of conven'
tionalities,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

Some volunteer remarks were offered IA.
thanks Of tho guests were heartily voted to N.
designers Of the gathering, and the remainder b
the day WIS spent by the children in cro1uet ana
other games, and by the older ones in pleasant
converse.
The occasion was one Of deep interest to tlo..
participating in il, and will doubtless be remea
bcred by all while life shall last
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

Our Russian VISITOR. few weeks
we shall have the qualification Of seeing in
our country the Grand Dnke Alexis, the third
son of the Emperor Alexander Of Russia.
His visit will be one Of great interest to both
countries, inasmuch as it is the first time that
a Russian Prince Of the same position ever
honored our land by his presence, and espec-
tally when we consider the amicable relations
which have ever so happily existed between
the two nations All will with pleasure re-
member the wisdom and humanity of the
present Emperor, who abolished the serflom
of millions of his subieats-an act of itself
worthy of the noblest monarch that ever
welded sceptre. During our recent strug.
gle we, from the first, had the sympathy and
moral support Of the Russian monarch We
learn that upon Mr.. Bodsco, the Russian
Consul General at New York, will devolye
the duty of receiving the distinguished stran.
ger, aud of conducting him through our coun.
try. Mr.. Bodisco is a sou Of the late emf.
nent Russian Ambassador, who was so popular
while representing his country in the United
States.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

" The pungent and telling address of
Speaker Blaine at Saratoga, which we pub.
fish this week, uettles the democratic papers
excessively. Its palpabe truths and sharp
hits fairly touched the quick The New York
Iorld denounces him like Billingsgate fish
woman, on the ground that he violated cour.
tesy aud decorum" Even the staid Journal
Of Commerce is vexed into saying that he
ought not to have made political speech on
such an occasion
1t strikes US that this is most desperate
and short.sighted business, Speaker Blaine
was expressly invited to deliver a political
speech. 1t was his high political position
which induced the compliment. Under such
circumstances, would it not better become
these carping journals to refute his arguments
aud answer his facts, rather than yapor away
in essays on manners, as petty aud querulous
in spirit as they are false aud unjust in fact Z
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

o. The Supreme Court Of Illinois mas
rendered decision which will be certain to
attract general attention and comment. The
subject Of the decision involved the right of
the Legislature to enact measures restraining
OF their liberty persons convicted Of no crime,
upon the grounds that such restraint was nee.
essary to their reform or education. The de-
cision itself prouounces unconstitutional the
law creating Reform School, aad the commit
ment to it Of children who are destitute of
proper parental care, and growing up in men
delaney. vice and idleness" since it establish.
es virtual Imprisonment without due process
Of law, aud is in conflict with the Bill OF
Rights which declares that all men have Ger.
tain inherent rights, among which is liberty.
This decision has been highly commended by
eminent legal writers in the east The appli-
cation Of these principles will probably COM
pei a reorganization of the laws 10 the sever.
al states regulating reformatories where
youths are kept charged only with yagraucy
for lack Of home aud guardians
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

" The world moves. \ coroner's Jury
has found somebody to blame for the steam.
boat West6eld accident, and does not hesitate
to tell who that somebody is They say that
there was flaw in the iron of the boiler
that the engineer was negligent, aud the com.
pany owning the steamboat was crminally
negligent in not having competent engineer
and mechanic in their employ. The opinion
is also expressed that the government inspec.
ton is imperfecily conducted Asa result Of
this verdict, Jacob II. Vanderbilt, President
of the Staten Island Ferry Company, Jane,
W. Breasted, Superintendent, and Henry Rob.
inson, who was engineer of the West6eld
have been arrested, aud committed to the
roombs, all offers of bail being refused,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

-Germane Sommelllser, the eminent Italian
engineer died last month at his home ia the
Savoy mountains. He was the leading promo.
ter Of the Mont Gems tunnel project, which
he commended in pamphlet 20 years ago
He received control Of that stupendous under
taxing, aud had the satisfaction Of seeing it
virtually completed before his death.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

The French capital i, again the scene Of
agitation and excitement The discussion ia
the assembly over the term of Theirs has
strrei all the dormant political impulses into
new life. New intrigues Of various parties
are reported, and the struggle for the possess
sion Of power is renewed with yigorou. ener-
gy
Without crediting the full story which
reaches US it is not difficult to believe that
the partisans of Napoleon, under the direct
inspiration Of their chief, are crailiIy plotting
for the restoration Of the Empire The result
Of the last election. which they VIGOROUSLY
sought 10 control, was not calculated to slim
ulate them with much hope But they are
not easily discouraged. Last week occurred the
anniversary Of the birth of the first Napoleon
and furnished them with an excuse for gather
ing at the capital The tendency of motion,
which is to decide the character Of the Govern
ment for sometime to come, quickened their
activity. From the first they have doubtles,
hoped to secure the old impera guards whom
the Emperor had SO long pampered and
hattcred, and the efforts to excite their ieal-
ousy constitute a natural resource Of the art
ful schemers
1t is not probable, however, that any Of
these busy plots will be successful at present
For the time-being Theirs has complete
ascendaucy, and though it may be true, as
stated, that he has few devoted and unchange-
able friends, he best represents the average
sentiment of the hour and commands the
most confidence. Not cordially trusted by
any party, neither is he specially repugnant
to any. The Republicans regard him with
more favor than Monarchis,, and the
Monarchists with more favor than Repubi-
can. The motion for the prolongatiou of hi.
term will doubtless be adopted, and the plot.
will still 90 on.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23
Mnror HaIl. Of New York. ha. b

- Mayor Hall, of New York has been get
ting his name up as humanitarian. Last
week while yachting, Gu South Bay, l.. l.,
with some friends, little child fell overheard
and the mayor plunging in brought the little
sinner to the surface and safety, OF course,
being modest man he did not want It TO get
out, but il unaccouoiably did
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

w. Now that the first gush OF excitement
regarding the recent revelations of Tammany
dishonesty has blown over, the people of other
cities are beginning to turn a little Of their
attention homeward with view Of discover.
ing whether their own affairs are lust as pure
as a strict observance of the moral law would
The result is good deal of COM
planning arising from different quarters.
Brooklyn led off the outside Investigations,
and has very readily arrived at the conclusion
that if the New York officials are any worse
than its are, it is simply because there are
more Of them. Chicago. following in the
same track mas brought out in clear relief a
set Of aldermen who, it charges are corrupt
from the Alpha to the Omega Phiadelphi
has begun to suspect that something deeper
down than simple official neglect is at the
bottom Of its fearful aud wonderful sanitar,
condition and, in fact, the wave of inyesitaa
ton and discovery i. spreading very rapidly
and generally. The effect of the agitation
will in all probability be most beneficial
one. ltonly persisted in, it will 20 far to un
earth political corruption, and may lead t,
many and important reforms.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23
Brrcurn Am nm Pnr.Inmcy.-Tho Coa

BEEcuER ASH THE PRrstpNcy.-Tho Can.
gregatioaaiia says;
1t sounds little oddly to hear Henry Ward
Beecher mentioned as a candidate for the
Presidency Of the United States in 1872
But some Of the papers are so using his namo
And why not lie is as much statesman
as he is a theoogiau, and that is saying some
thing despite the criticisms made here and
there. He is as closely identified with the
party of progress which has brought the
country to Its present place, as any Of its po-
litical leaders lie is man whose honesty
and integrity no living perseu will question
And he has a personal popularity which few
public individuals have ever possessed beior,
him. On the whole, what man in the Unit
ed States to-day has more followers than Hen
ry Ward Beecherl 1t would be funny fol
him to step from Plymouth Church to thu
White House, aud we do not expect to Sc,
him do it, though stranger things have hap
pened but if any such call should be giyer
him, it would be a signal tribute to the wortl
of the ministerial profession, and striking
testimony to the degree Of eminence and in
fuence which Mr. Beecher has attained
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

REcovFGY OF A DlNMoND The Boston
Transcript tells a story of the remarkable re-
covcry Of valuable diamond by gentleman
engaged in the lumber business in Maine 10
April Of last year, while working on his boom
OF logs on one of the streams of the kennobec,
having on a shirt, the -tud-hole worn large by
service, he saw his sparkling brilliant fall from
bis bosom, strike the log, and glide quietly into
the swift current below Determination to re-
gain it overpowcred the regret of his mind
Tie kept his loss where his stud should have
been in his bosom Sounding the depth Of
the water, he found it to be about seven feet
he then decided to wait tin the summer drought
should bring the stream to its lowest obb, and
taking accurate measurement Of the place, by
the bearings Of rocks and trees on shore, al
lowing eighteen inches for o change Of direc-
ton by tie current, he lc0 his treasure to
compete wife the doce and sinners in fascinat-
ing the river mermaid and returned to his
Massachusetts home. The September following
six months after the loss, the river being then
at its lowest point for the season, the undaun-
ted lumberman started for his diamond. The
river full of logs, covering the place, had been
sawed and shipped and now only few inches
of water trickled over where the stud fell
He took with him large tin oolander, the
holes Of which were ola size to hold the prize
if found. He had determined to work fort
night, before giving up the gem as lost and to
have all the river bottom to 90 through his
handy kitchen straiuer. lie made his first dip
Of gravel and water, as nearly as he could
calculate, eighteen inches down the current
from where itstruck the surface Of the stream,
seven feet above, And lucky dip it was, ior
at the bottom Of the pan lay the lost gem
bright and sparkling %. when it came from
the jeweler"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

" There are some who think Secretary
Boutwell, is paying of the debt more rapidly
than the condition of our finances will permit.
We do not share in this belief The public
debt is too good an Investment 1t promotes
laziResS Of capital, if We may so speak 49,
Every bond that is cancelled compels the cap.
ital it releases to seek investment in merchan.
disc, in manufactures, in railroads. or some
other form Of active business. A farmer in
a pinch goes to a capitalist for money. lie
is met by the remark, you cannot afford to
pay me what my bonds are worth to me, and
hence the money he might have borrowed
for his relief is withheld from him. II is
therefore good policy in our government to
compel capital into other investments. Let
the debit be paid as speedily as possible, aud
let those who prefer long bonds of the gov.
eminent as their preferred investments take
the five per cents, or take their money back
The policy Of paying the debt as fast as pos
sible is the true way 1t heightens credit
aud releases capital for the benefit of tn,
country. The heavier taxation required e
decrease the debt will be compensated for by
greater ease in the money market, and tn,
reduction Of rates Of interest on money.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

GT0gdeusburgh has been the scene dur
ing the past week Of genuine first class ex-
citement One Baron DeCamin, who claims
to be an ex'Catholic priest and member of
the inquisition in France, attempted to speak
in denunciation of Popery. The Catholics
present violently assaulted him and broke up
the meeting lie was carried away in car
riage guarded by the police. Ga Wednesday
evening, however, he delivered his lecture,
with large force for his protection. Now
that the right of free speech has been fully
vindicated, we trust DeCamin and other
speakers of that ik will have the sense to
stop such partilan harrangues, which can be
productive Of no good aud only stir up III will
and prejudice
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23

A southern lady was lately poisoned
by biting off the ends Of green sewing silk.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-08-23
Narrow Gauge Railways.

The English journals are loud in the
praise Of the financial success of the Festn-
log railway in Wales. Engineering, the
most important engineering journal published
in England, styles the system Of narrow
gauges of which The road alluded to is one
Of the most prominent example," the hrst
great revolution in railway practice Al
ready in this country, as well as abroad, this
system is rapidly gaining ground. Whining
ton, Del, is we believe the pioneer city in
the construction of rolling stock for such
roads That city and Philadelphia have, ac.
cording to the Wilmington Daay CONNER.
ciqi thus far, made the only contracts for
narrow gauge rolling stock in this country.
Five roads Of this kind are now in progress
in various parts Of the country, and the next
ten years will doubtless witness the construc-
ton Of many Others The system is admira.
bly, adapted to supply feeders for the great
trunk lines both in passenger and freight
traffic, but more especially the former by
the adoption of narrow gauges. the first cost
Of road. is greatly cheapcned. as sleeper
grades. longer curves. liahtcr rails. and what
is vastly of more importance, very great
reduction of uon.paying weight in rolling
stock. in proportion TO paying weight. are
rendered possible There j.. no longer the
shallow of doubt o., to the probability Of
very narrow gauges, d. it has been shown
that passenger train. can Doe run on road. Of
only eighteon.iuch gauge.
500
-. The niuety-fourth anniversary of the Bat
tie of Bennington, was celebrated at that place
on wednesday of last week, in due form. The
crowd present is estimated at from 1900 to
$4,000. The 2lth regiment Of New York
militia was present and acted as escort Hon.
Seth b. Hunt presided, and after prayer by
Rev Isaac Jennings of Bennington Center,
an Grafton was pronounced by 7. X. Herbert