davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

The funeral of Mr.. David Dexter was
attended at the Congregational church last
Monday. The sermon was preached by
Rev. Mr. Orvis, Rev. Mr.. Gaylord assist
ing in the services.
business has been resumed with in
creased activity at the bedstead factory of
Church ~ MesSer in Searsburg, whose sus-
pension was announced few weeks since
TIE business hereafter will be conducted
in the name of Walter l.. Messer. And
the business is remuneratvo. and ready
sale for all the bedsteads that can be manu-
featured. Notwithstanding all predictions.
the creditors of the late firm will all un-
doubleday get their full CLAIMS.
About tifly citizens met at the hall of
tie Good Templars, last Monday evening,
to consider the subject OF forming Good
Samaritan Society. Rev. n. NJ. Gaylord
was called to the chair. Remarks were
made by most persons present favorable to
the purpose. They adjourned without
making an organization 10 Monday oven
ing, Jan 10Th, hoping that the people will
attend On masse at that time, and take up
the subject in good earnest, and make VIII
mington again, as of old, the banner town
in the temperance cause.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

\ New ZEALAND CAVERN.-About six
or seven years ago, Richard Todd, govern
ment surveyor at Raglan, while walking
on the shore at the south head, and being
close under the mountain called Caruni,
discovered among a large number of im-
mense boulders, one that was beautifully
carved. 1t had the appearance, said Mr..
Todd, of having been executed very great
number of years. Two stone chisels and
an aXe-head were found close to it. Owing
to the oncroachment of the sea, and action
of the tide, this immense boulder had been
displaced from its original position, and
disclosed the entrance to n most wonderful
cavern, running very great distance I'M
der the mountain. On this discovery being
made known to the settlers by the natives,
party of Raglan people, having provided
themselves with lamps and torches, pene-
trated the cavern for at least half mile,
and were obliged to tIrn back, they having
commenced their research too late in the
day. The cavern has been described as a
most wonderful one, very LOFTY. apparently
in places 200 feet high, with immense stall
actites, which seem to be 40 or so feet In
length, and which had a very grand appear
ance, from the reelection of the lights. The
party were completely wet through from
the dripping of water from the roof. At
about half the distance they traverscd
very large curiously shaped rock, it having
the appearance of large altar, seven steps,
about feet inches high, forming the ap-
proach to the table or altar. From the foot
of this rock, very powerful stream Of wa
ter wells up with great force-it apparently
having a subterranean passage. The cav
ern at this spot is described as being 80 feet
wide. At this spot were discovered the
bodies of 81 Maoris, all being in perfect
state of preservation, in fact, pctrtied into
stone, even their mats having undergone
the same process. The parties who placed
these bodies there must evidently have
been aware of the properties of the drip
ping water. There is n native settlement
close by the spot, and some very old ma
tives live there.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

News says: 1--WE cannot forbear express
ing very decided opinion that our colon
lists arc playing very dangerous game for
us, and one which will have more disa-
greeable result for themselves, should the
chronic irritation excited by stringent fish
cry regulations suddenly assume one of
these days, the moro acute form of actual
hostility" and this very respectable Eng
fish journal Observes subsequently, that
1t will be glad to hear that Earl Granville
Is not unwilling to revise, in the most lib
eral sense, such treaties as relate TO this
subject. This, l may say, represents the
general tone of the liberal portion of tho
British Press.
The free navigation of the st. Lawrence,
on which tho President in his message
seems to insist, as of right pertaining TO
the people of the United States, affords an
other ground of uneasiness, though not by
any means so alarming as the other mat
ters alluded to. Tho London Times says
"Wo should certainly never pretend to de-
ny the United States the use of this outlet
of the Northwest, subject only to such
conditions as are essential for the indie
pendence of the Dominion, and to such
transit tolls as may be necessary for the
preservation of thocanals used in the tran
sit from the lakes. On such conditions the
navigations of the st. Lawrence may be
FREQ and neutral, and we do not know that
the Canadian Government have ever. shown
any disposition TO close the river to COM
merce.'
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
R.fILR ODDS.

We learn that negotiations have for some
DAYS been in progress for the lease by the
Vermont Central of the Rutland and Bur
linpton railroad, and of all tn lines OF
travel of which it has had control. Wheth-
err the contract has been "signed, sealed
and delivered" we have not been informed,
but that the arrangement has been perfect
ed il. we understand, fixed fact. Tho
following view of the matter, which we
take from the Springfield Republican of
Jan. 18th, is as 1t appears to us, just and
sensible.
"The passing of the Rutland and Burling-
ton road and its leases over to the Vermont
Central under another and general lease,
though exposing the public to the danger
that always accompanies the concentration
of such extensive and complete power in II
single hand, promises, at first, most GER
tainly, the removal of the serious embar-
easements that have long been connected
with railroad transportation through the
upper Connecticut valley. Gov. Smith, the
manager of the Vermont Central, has al
WAYS been in accord with Mr.. Harris OF the
Connecticut river road, and they Will,
doubtless, soon perfect arrangements, by
which travel and freight will not only be
greatly expedited up and down the Con-
nccticut valley, but also seriously cheap
ened in price. They will make this line,
unquestonably, the great route between
the south and Canada, as well as the great
trunk line, north and south, through inte-
rior New England. The motive for the
construction of new road between Bellows
Falls and the Northern end of the Connect
icut river road, which had been commenc-
ed, is also thus removed, and the work Will
he abandoned. Only few thousand dol
lars had been expended upon 1t. Gov.
Smith is not only one of the most enter
prisinp. but one of the most liberal and
iar-seeing railroad managers in New Eng
land, and this great enlargement OF his
power will, unquestionably result in cor
responding improvements of the facilities
for travel and transportation through Yer
mont and the whole Connecticut river val
ley"
Since writing the foregoing We learn,
and are glad to announce, that Gov. Smith
has made arrangements by which Pull
mans Palace cars will be run regularly on
this line from New York to Montreal, rs
soon as the cars can be furnished, thus
showing that improvement is to be the
word in the management of the road.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
.u.II.vE .I.,'D .u.Iss.rCHUsBTT \.

The Legislatures Of these States are now
in session and their governors have deliv-
cred their annual messages to the same.
TIL ey are both able documents, and contain
much of general as woll as local interest.
Our readers in Vermont win be glad to
now what they say on subjects of equal
interest to them as TO the citizens of Maine
and Massachusetts. On the subject of
temperance Gov. Perham of the former
State is reported to have expressed himself
as follows:
On the subjects of temperance and pro-
hibition, which are classified together, the
Governor dwells at length. 10 grapple with
the evils Of lntemperance requires courage
and devotion. While the work necessary
to confne this evil within the smallest pos
sible limits belongs primarily, and perhaps
chiefly, to the domain Of moral effort, OK
perience shows, and nearly everybody con-
cedes, that in this as well as in our efforts
against all other wees and crimes, the aid
of Legislative cnactments is Indispensable.
For centuries il has been the subject of re-
strictive legislation among Christian an
tions. In 1851 Maine adopted the policy of
prohibition, and with the exception of one
or two years, 1t has been continued with
remark able unanimity. The Governor ar
CUES in favor of the principle, and claims
that the present law, where it is enforced,
is as effective in the suppression Of the
the crimes they are intended to prevent.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
cove X ESSIO.V.FL.

The chief subject of interest in the halls
of Congress since the close of the holiday
recess, is the mission to San Domingo.
From present appearances the project of
sending commissioners TO that Island to
obtain information in accordance with the
Presidents wish, will succeed, but the
prospect of the annexation of the Island il
not promising. While the argument of
the President in his message was strong
in its favor it has become evident that
there are two sides to the question, and
that there are powerful objections to the
measure. We favor the project of send
ing commissioners and of getting all the
information possible respecting the Island,
so that we may be better able to judge of
the proprety of having the Island annex
ed to our territory.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
Communications.
Written for The Vermont Phentr.
OUR WHITTIER Ru.R.vI.vCs.

My party have dispersed and gone to
their several homes. The large sleigh was
filed to crowding Of young happy lives,
full of buoyancy and merry-making, and
as sit by my window looking out on the
beautiful snow, all aglow and sparkling in
the light of tho golden crested moon, |
think of them gliding along, the tintlnnab-
ulation of the silvery bells, their joyous
shouts of laughter and the pretty songs I
know they are singing. Well, I will sit
here by my window looking out, until
think you are all at home, warm, and
tucked nicely away in your cosy beds for
the few hours of sleep that remain to you.
After have bid you all again good night,
and closed my lids, the thought came,
could the evening have been passed more
pleasantly, and at the same time afford us
like amount Of pleasure? This is the
usual way Of spending many of the long
winter evenings, both in town and coun-
try, in games, judgments, forieits, refresh
ments, and a little music. And then
think catch at an improvement. 1t all
seems so very trashy to look back upon.
If some reading had been introduced, it
would not only afford pleasure during the
while, but furnish us a wholesome subject
for consideration afterward. Many solec-
tions which will entertain and please
party of young people, will also leave inn
pressions both inspiring and invigorating
to their minds for the future.
1 felt urged to write you, Mr.. Editor,
that it might suggest to those who in many
places meet every week, at others, once in
two weeks, and in all communities many
times during the season, the organization
of Reading Clubs. Let the young people
meet together at regular intervals, intro
duce the amusements of the evening by
some good, healthy reading. If it be mirth-
full occasionally, all the better; and think
am safe in saying that it will add an i'm
provement to, and detract no enioyments
from the pleasure of the evening. An ar
arrangement of this kind will have ben
eticial and agreeable effect at sewing cir
Giles, in places not large enough to sup
port club independently. In some places
it is already established.
So much pleasure at the present day is
found in literature, so much comfort often
times when in trouble, so much to strength
en- and stimulate to the pure and beautiful
in life at so little cost, pains should not he
spared to advantageously make use of this
bra nch for improvement. c.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

The pastor of the Baptist church, East
Dover, has held series of meetings, as
sisted by Rev. II. Parmalce of Guiliord,
and the Lord has revived his work with
this people. BackSlders have been re-
claimed and converts are rejoicing in
Christ. New years day was season long
to be remembered. Nine were baptized
and united with the church. Others are
inquiring the way. Our meetings are
deeply interesting. There is also quite a
religious interest in West Dover under the
faithful labors of brother Amsden, pastor
of the Congregational church in that place.
Several young friends have experienced
religion.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
CHEESR rs FOOD.

Much has been said and written of late,
in the interest of agriculture, in praise of
cheese as an article of diet, and recon-
mendng its more general adoption in this
country. To the question-Why is it that
the consumption of chez sc is so very small,
if its high value as food is so well under
stood ?-the Germantown Telegraph an
sw ers as follows Ut is because cheese
eaten in any quantity to make its nutrition
felt is the most unwholesome food in the
world whereas, in very small quantities,
it is just the contrary, rs the 'corrector' of
other food"
To this the agricultural editor of Moore's
Rural New Yorker, Y. A. Willard-who,
we are inclined to think, is better authori-
ty in agriculture than in medicine-re-
spends: Paragraphs like the above are
very likely to mislead. Cheese is not an
unwholesome food, when eaten in suili-
cicnt quantities to make its nutrition felt
The fact is very clearly proved in the case
of the English laborcr who, when abund
antly supplied with cheese, can get along
with little or no other animal food, and re-
tain his health and strength. Cheese i, Il
grca blessing to loor people who cannot
n ford TO use other forms of animal FOOD
For ourselves, we cannot but regard
tue latter paragraph rs erroneous in its
statements and, Of the two, the one
most likely to mislead The fact that
cheese can be eaten in considerable guam
titles by the hardy English or American
laborer with comparative impunty, does
not by any means disprove the fact that it
is one of the most indigestible substances
ever taken into the stomach, and to per-
sons of sedcntary habits or of weak diges-
tive powers, one of the most injurious. 1t
would be far more in accordance with the
known facts of physiology to assert that,
in t he examples referred to, health and
vigor are maintained in spite, rather than
by aid of, the article in question. We
therefore regard the efforts of Mr. Willard,
and other agriculturists, to encourage the
increased consumption Of cheese as AN arti-
Gle of food among all classes, as resting up
on false theory, and fraught with no good
result
The multiplication of cheese factories
thr oughout the northern states by lessen
ing the price ana improving the quality OF
the article, has doubtless tended greatly to
increase the amount consumed in this
coun try but Though we have not the fig
ures at hand we are inclined to think that
the statistics for the last twenty-five years
will show a great falling off in the con-
sumption of cheese, as compared with the
increase of population. On this point VIC
have the testimony of correspondent from
one OF our farming towns, who writes as
follows:
~ have travelled by spells for forty
four years, and put up with all classes oil
inhabitants from the Congressman TO the
cobbler. For many long years of this time
all classes had an abundance of cheese ev-
cry day on theirtables, at each meal. Now,
by record have often kept the last sew
en- years of my trips, only one family in
six had any cheese on their tables"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
West BraffTeboro.

$. II. Shepardson of Dover, has bought
of Joseph Wilder building lot for $500 on
which he is preparing to erect a dwelling,
and a carriage shop.
II. X. White has opened a singing
school in this village. Meetings are held
once week at the chapel of the Congrega-
tional church.
Leroy Stoddard has sold his saw and
grist mill to Henry Bassett. Price $500.
VIM. Bigelow has sold his farm known
as the Col. Bennett place, to Thomas Kaye.
The reading club, which has hereto
fore formed 50 popular a feature among
our winter evenings entertainments, is to
be revived. No more unobiectionable or
valuable n means of social culture could
be devised, and we hope our young people
gentlemen as well MS ladies-will profit
by these readings.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
GOLDEN WEDDING.

On Monday evening, Jan. 9th, 1871, Jo-
seph Steen Of this village and his wife, Eliza
T.. (MilleD Stoen, celebrated the 50th ami
versary of their wedding day. They were
married in Heath, Mass, by Rev. Moses
Miller, and have lived in the house they
now occupy during the half century of
their married life. They have had six chill
dren, three of whom, two sons and one
daughter, are now living. Their son, DR..
VIM. c. Steen, died at Remington about
years since, and his widow and one of her
three children were present on this occa-
sion. A large number Of the friends and
neighbors of this venerable pair assembled
to congratulate them ON this occasion, to
express kind wishes for their happiness and
welfare, and in various ways TO testify their
respect and esteem. Among those present
were DIR. David Allen of Putney, and Mrs.
Mather, sister of Mrs. Steen, who were
present Mt the wedding fifty years ago, and
who with Mr.. and Mrs. Steen are the only
survivors of those who were present on
that joyous occasion. After congratula-
tions, kind wishes and pleasant words had
passed from lip to ear, and the bountiful
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

The lad les sewing society will hold
their annual fair and festival Il, the school
house hall, on Friday, Jan. 9th, Good
music will be in attendance. and after the
sale of articles, there will be opportunity
for dancing and refreshments. All are in
vited.
The weather this week has boen cold,
colder, coolest; and many of the villagers
are in "peck of trouble" because of
pumps and aqueducts being frozen up, and
lessening their usual supply of water.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

Farmers are diligently improving the
nice shedding we are now having in bring
ing bark, wood and mill logs to this viii
lage. Hcmlock bark is worth 81 per cord.
Green wood from 1926 to $3.50 per cord.
The Universalist Society held its an
nual meeting recently, and chose the fol-
lowing board of officers for the year ensu-
ing; Leonard Brown, clerk Farley Starr,
James Roberts, J. w. Morse, directors; T..
5. Allen, collector; James Roberts, Farley
Starr, Delegates to Windham and Benning.
ton County Association of Unversalists ;
James Roberts, J. w. Morse, L. S. Allen,
committee on church repairs.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
Vernon.
LONGEVITY,

i recently visited the house of my birth
in Vernon, with several of my relatives,
in which my grandfather, John Lee, and
my parents, Jesse and Eunice Lee, lived
and died; and there were present the
third, fourth, fifth and sixth generations,
and their are several living of the seventh
generation. am the only survivor of my
fathers family Of ten children; and taking
the ages at their deaths, including parents,
and adding my own, (s5 years., the aggre-
gate is s57 years and seven months, avorag-
ing Il years and five months each
ELI LEE.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

"Vick's illustrated Catalogue and Floral
Guide" for 1871, is before us. 1t is printed
on fine, tinted paper, illustrated with 800
wood ongravings and two colored plates.
II includes also n vegetable catalogue of
great value, and special directions as to tho
cultivation Of flowers and vegetables. All
who desire a copy of this useful pamphlet
can obtain it by addressing James Wick
Rochester, n. y, enclosing ten cents.
We have received from Briggs 4 Bros.
their illustrated catalogue Of "Flower and
Vegetable Seeds" for 1870; that for the COM
ing year is announced for the middle of
January,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
Nv Old .M.T.v-s .sRTICLRs or
BELIEF.



DeiIeVe that the man VINO makes a bed
vi goou MORTAR anu WIN ms hod carries II
ana tne Drick 10 MIN VINO lays them, and
uoes d" 'nis Ill correc' anu proper man
i,er' ls as deserving Oh hohor as the Presi-
uehl Vi the ohiteu otateS,-he mas acted
wei MS part.
peiie'o tnat llle man VINO contracts TO
cnop lo' oi "oou' ana completes the JOB
i" 'noroush MANNER Is as deserving oil
ho"or as 'io rres'ueh''--he mas acted well
MS part
i pe'ie'e ''i"' '''c ''riiier VINO p'oughS ms
lelu' PuNerlZes the SOIL, plants the Seed
anu III ProP'r manner hurtures ana Sc
cures crop, Is Us ueserVlhgoi hohor as the
TreSlueht,--he mas acted well ms part.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
west DOrer.

As a Mr.. Moore of Nowfane was driv-
ing into West Dover village ON Saturday
evening last his horse became frightened,
throwing Mrs, Moore down an embank-
ment about eight feet, to the bank of the
river, but fortunately she did not get into
the water, and was not injured, although
the sleigh was somewhat damaged,
On Wednesday evening, Jan 81, the
good people of this vicinity assembled at
Collins's hotel, to the number of lbs OF
thereabouts, to pay their respects to their
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

pastor, $. IL. Amsden, and to tender moro
substantial tokens of their well wishes.
After partaking of a generous supper-the
contents of many boxes and bundles that
mysteriously found their way into the
kitchen during the ovening-and having n
good time generally, as the inclinations of
each prompted, Mr.. Amsden was present
ed with about s75, and tho congratulations
of all present.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
BeTFOsrs FaIIs.

The people of this place have been busy
filling their ice-houses during the past
week.
The past week has been observed in
this place by tho several societies in hold
ing meetings alternately two days each.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

WAN NEws.-Tho Prussians are slowly
gaining ground, though they meet with
desperate resistance. The bombardment
Of the Paris Notifications is kept up with
vigor and effect. The barracks of Fort
Montrouge have been set on fire and do
stroyed. II is reported that some shells
have fallen in the gardens Of Luxembourg.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
H'nfncu,

The Ladies' Benevolent Society con-
nected with the NJ. Il. church in Putney,
held their festival on Tuesday evening the
10th inst. agreeable TO previous notice. The
stage exercises were of pleasing and in
struclive character. The singing, under
the direction of Mr.. Charles Puffer, was
very fine. The proceeds amount TO Sls5.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

Tho ladies' of the Orthodox Society
held festival on Thursday of last week,
which Noted about SIPS. The distinctive
feature of the occasion was an old-time
farmers supper, at which the ladies in at
tendance dressed in ancient costume and
had many table ornaments which were
said to have been brought over in the May
flower.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

A number Of gun carriages and anu
milton having been purchased by the Rus
sian government of the United States,
nearly four.thousand Of those stored at the
West Troy Arsenal, are being shipped to
New York to help fill the order
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

Eighteen deaths occurred in Westmin-
ster east parish during the year 1870. Isaiah
Davis, aged 80 years, s months was the old
est person who died, and six We're upwards
of 80. ANernge ace Sd.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13
IN .sDJ.RRTIsERs.

THE VERMONT PHOENIX HAS LARGER CIR
cuLATIoN THAN ANY oTHERNEwspAPER IN
souTuFRN VERMONT.