davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29

Our common was made very especially
lively lascFriday, 22d, ~ the occurrence of
one of those delightful occasions, n family
reunion. You must know, firstly, that
one of our most agreeable mel gbbors is
widow, Sally w. Russell, relict of Jason
Russell, deceased And it came to pass
that as last Friday was her sixly-iirst birth
day, all her nine children came together,
seven of them bringing their companions
and children with them; of these last, the
grandchildren, but twelve! And here is
the only criticism we have 10 make-thero
were not quite enough of these 10 render
adequate honor to so excellent grandma.
We find some relief, however, in the quail
ity of the article, best in the market, and
the presence CT two great grandchildren,
with Excelsior" written all over them.
OF what transpired within tho dear old
hive, with the lively, almost young, grand
ma, and how table, never lean, groaned
that day with "fat things full of marrow"
and the choicest pastry; or how fast tho
healthful appetites of that really good look
ing company of some. thirty wholesome
Voimonters and Bay Staters relieved that
loaded board, we luckless outsiders pre-
sumo not TO speak.
But in the game of ball we certainly
found the men not only "did run well for
season." but were capable of making
some good hits when they were minded TO
throw themselves into a game, however,
son. common"
| AS for the ladies, they made the scene ra-
diant with their presence. 1t was as though
a piece Of rainbow had suddenly fallen
about the church steps, where with pleas
ed and quiet interest they watched the field
of ball.
We said to ourselves, GOOD good !"
would there were many more such old
fashioned families; many more such re-un-
ions of the dear oldtime boys. and girls y
We thought, too, here is a practical rebuke
of the cowardice, or pride Ito call IL by no
worse name), that is to an alarming extent
is leaving to foreigners the work, honor
and management of posterity in our land.
Here is a mother who though not rich in
goods, is more than rich in tho aggregated
love and homage of her nine children and
their eight life companons with all these
dear little people, their twelve children,
and even two OF their children again, each
one of whom, moreover, is and will be the
centre of a circle Of interest and influence F.;
from all which a certain tribute-a blessed
revenue of love that kings in vain may
covet, will ascend to this fountain of homes
the mother of mothers.
One (alas, "Procrastination is the thief OF
time,O is yet unmarried and that, too
with preacher next door! May we soor
hear the Russell of that bridal robe also
and he shall not lack for the kindest aid
from d.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29

The New York Tribune is decidedly OPP
posed, for many valid reasons, to the con-
struction by the Government of an east
west railway, but entertains the opinion
that an exclusively freight road, built by
private capital, would afford very great re-
lief to Western producers from the present
excessive freight charges. Such road
would not so much cheaper freghts by in
Producing new competition, as it would by
reducing the actual cost of transportation.
To these views The Tribune adds that Mr..
Vanderbilt, recognizing these facts, is pro-
viding double roadway for the New York
Central which will not only greatly reduce
the cost of moving freight on that line, but
more than quadruple its capacity. The
Pennsylvania Central Company is also lay
ing two additional tracks between Phila-
delphia and Pittsburgh, to- be devoted en-
tirely TO freight. Enterprises like these
will accomplish all that Government road
could, and at the same time obviate the
immense opportunities and temptations to
jobbery and corruption, to say nothing OF
the creation of a dangerous political power,
which would be the inevitable accompani-
ments of Government railway building.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
GNiff0rR.
A FAMILY REUNION.
r. NJ.

A happy family meeting took place at
Guilford Springs last week, which was rem
dered the more pleasant from its having
been almost entirely unanticipated. Four
of the children of one of tho earliest set
tied physicians of the town, DR.. Hyde, af-
ter an absence of nearly half century,
met at the Guillord Springs House, togeth-
err with some eleven of their descendants,
making, with connections all told, twenty
persons. There were fifteen at the dinner
table at one time.
OF DR.. IIyde's family left at his decease,
consisting of ten children, five are still liv-
ing, and of these three daughters and one
son were present, viz: Mrs. Paul Chase,
OF Cambridge, Mass, now eighty years OF
age, who is as erect in figure and elastic in
step as modern girl of eighteen Col. Rus
sell Hyde of Bellows Falls, hale aud hear
ty at seventy-five; Mrs. Hart of Washing
ton, d. c., and Mrs. Cromwell of Akron
Ohio. Mrs. Gale, the fourth surviving
daughter, was absent, but was represented
by her daughter, Mrs. Chamberlin.
Among the descendants were Col. Hub
bard Hart of Florida, Mrs. Crosby Of Bos-
ton, Mass, Mrs. Adams of Ohio. Miss Hyde
of Bellows Falls etc., and not the least, the
young Hyde Hart of great promise, OF
Washington, ID. c.
The occasion was made use of by the ell
der members of the party to renew the
early associations of the scene, which, at
ter so many years, and under circumstance
es so changed, were of the. most pleasing
character, though not void of some of the
deepest shades of sadness. The old home
stead and large once well filed church near
it are both gone, the one destroyed by fire
and the other removed to another site. Mrs.
Chase found tho houi where she lived
some sixty years ago still occupied, and the
scene from its elevated point of view as
beautiful as ever; but the graveyard where
her husbands parents were buried is Sc
overgrown rs to be hardly discoverabe
Few, indeed, are left of her contemporaries
death aud emigration to other quarters hay
ing taken them almost all away. OF thu
many families who filled the town of Gull
ford fifty years since, then populous ant
thriving, few could gather again such {
goodly number of representatives as me-
and congratulated each other last week.
May they long live to renew these happy
reunions, and may the hospltable host o.
the Springs House, himself a descendant
| of the FIRST settlers, with his smile of well
come and cheerful face, ever be there to re-
ceiye them Com.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
y'ER.N O.vT CONVENTION OF
U.yEI'ERS.ILISTS

The annual meeting of this association is
now Thursday in progress at tho church
OF the First Universalist Society in this vii
lage. The attendance is unusually large,
some four or five hundred people being
present from out of town. The ministers
number As, and the delegates 40. Meetings
rcheld Tuesday evening and Wednesday
morning, at which organization was effect
ed and the usual committees appointed.
AT the latter meeting a stirring address was
delivered by Rev. DR.. Emerson of Boston,
editor of the Universalist.
At the meeting on Wednesday afternoon
very interesting and able address was de-
livered by Mrs. Caroline A. Soule Of New
York, Presidentoi the Woman's Centenary
Association. She was followed by Mrs.
Rev. NJ. II. Harris of Brattleboro, Vice
President for Vermont, who made a strong
and eloquent appeal TO the women of Ver-
mont in behalf of the association. The sum Of
Sl04 was raised upon the spot, by way of
response. The funds now in the hands of
the association were reported MS amount
ing to about $4,000.
The occasional sermon was delivered on
Wednesday evening by Rev. f. Hewitt of
Woodstock-TeXtE ph. 5: 25, PC, Gland
was listened to with close attention by an
audience of some six hundred people. The
church was literally packed full, and many
were unable even to find standing ROOM
At the Thursday morning meeting, the
Secretary, Rev. Geo. s. Gurnsey of Roch-
ester, read his annual report. From it we
learn that ihp nnnhar Of ia
ed in the association is 20S7; number of
churches 10, with membership of 1147
number of Sunday Schools 80, containing
2194 pupils and 200 teachers, besides SUPER
intendents. Total amount of church prop
erty, $3.50, 400; total Indebtedness S12, 700
expenses for the year s2l $3.50. There has
been paid in during the year in the i'm
provement of church editices, Slll5; in pay
ment of debts, s225O. Paid into the gener-
for missions and charities, $685. Re-
turns from the various churches show a
handsome increase in membership from
last year.
Brief addresses on education, Sunday
schools, and other topics of interest were
made by several clergymen of note, prom
inent among whom were Rev. Moses
Marston of Canton, N. Y, Rev. Mr.. Perry
of Lawrence, Mass, Rev. John +. Gates o
Springfield, Rev. II. A. Philbrook ant
Rev. DIR. Emerson.
This Thursday afternoon there is to b
communion service, with a sermon b,
Rev. Geo. II. Deere of New Orleans, form
erly pastor of the Brattleboro society. Tn
services will be held at the Congregations
church-a larger structure than the Uni
versalst-the use of which has been kind
ly rendered for the occasion. A list of tn
permanent officers of the convention vii
be given next week.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
POLITICAL NOTES.
Oscar l.. Shaner, ]

The New York Republican State Con-
vention will be held at Utica, September
"a.
Gen. Banks is mentioned in Democratic
circles as probable candidate for Governor
of Massachusetts.
1t is regarded as a rather good joke upon
tho Iowa anti-railroad monopolsts that
they should have taken the President of
railroad company as their nominee for Gov
ernor. Such is the case.
The Boston Journal says that Senator
Carpenter is preparing to make the New
York Tribune and Chicago Times answer
for their recent defamation of his character.
Senator Morton of Ohio in recent speech
said that he never expects TO take his back
pay because he does not believe the princi-
pie sound one, though he thinks it is a
matter on which men may honestly differ.
The New York National shrewdly says {:
"The Liberal Republicans afford curious
instance of party living everywhere
throughout the country on the strength
they are supposed to have somewhere
ese.'
The Republicans of Erie County, Ohio,
evidently believe in giving all persons re-
sponsible for the salary swindle full credit
therefor. In convention at Sandusky re-
Gently they resolved: "That we condemn
the so-called increase of Salary bill pass
ed by the last Congress that the members
| of Congress who favored the measure, and
the President who signed it, are guilty OF
| violating the confidence reposed in them
| by the people and of violating the pledges
| made by them during the last Presidential
campaign"
Some of the Democrats are beginning 10
see that they have got TO shoulder good
share Of the responsibility for the salary
steals. To show how important part the
Democratic Representatives in Congress
took in the passage of this measure We
quote the following succinct statement from
the Cincinnati Gazette:
"a majority of the Republicans in Con-
eress voted against the salary steal, while &
large majority of the Democrats voted loi
it. When the last vote had been called If
the House the bill was defeated, but be
fore ii was announced five members jump
ed to their feet to change their votes. Foul
of these were Democrats. OF those wht
| refused the back pay, -tifths are Re
| publicans and one-fiith Democrats. W.
do not think it would be prudent To dc
| pend upon the Democratic party for re
| form"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29

On Friday last, Sheriff Phelps, armed
with the proper warrants, proceeded with
his posse to search the premises of S. C.
Fleming, proprietor of the Island House,
for contraband liquor He found and seiz-
ell over 300 gallons of what purported to be
different kinds of liquors, and locked them
up in room on the premises. Not long
after the seizure it was discovered by the
officer that casks containing the supposed
liquor were filled with water. In the
meantime certain team loaded down with
rum barrels was seen rapidly driving to-
ward the New Hampshire side of the river.
Geo. Fletcher, Esq, of Chester. appeared
for the prosecution, and after having the
matter continued for several days, conclud-
ed to prosecute no farther. On the same
day Deputy-Sheriff Taylor, with his posse,
searched the premises Of Charles Blake for
the same species of goods. He seized a
cask of liquor, which was duly tried and
adjudged forfeited but on examination by
the liquor agent, 10 another miracle. That
also had turned into water.
There was a public installation OF the
officers of King Solomon's Lodge of Free
Masons at their hall, on Friday evening OF
last week.
The Times of last week says: "rhe ISL
and House Is now filled every day to over
flowing The proprietor, Mr.. Fleming, and
his efficient clerk, Mr.. Campbell, are unre-
hitting in their attentions to their guests,
and In turn are justly received with popu-
lar favor"
A reunion of the Eleventh Vermont
Regiment will be held at Bellows Falls on
Friday, Sept. 10th.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
ByifDsi ngtoH.

And still they come! Capt. Henry +.
Dix, a valiant soldier from this town in the
10th VT Regiment, has captured wife in
his new house in Memphis, Tenn, and
brought her here TO visit his numerous
friends. Samuel Dix, Il brother of the Cap
tain's from Illinois, is also present with his
wife. "Haystack" parties and "Ray pond"
picnics are numerous. May they all have
good time.
-Plummer Prouty, a staid and thifty
farmer living one mile north of the village,
while chopping in the woods. Friday of
last week, got in range Of falling tree and
narrowly escaped instant death. He was
feled senseless to the earth and for several
hours the trunk of the tree rested upon his
mutilated body. His groans attracted some
neighbors, who released him from his hor-
rible position and bore him TO his home,
where medical aid was promptly summon
ed. DR.. Swift dressed his injuries, a brok-
en- arm and dislocated shoulder, and other
injuries which are especially severe in the
chest, but it is hoped he has passed the crit
| zeal period.-RecOrd
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29

Tho War Department promulgates in
general orders the findings and sentence
in the case of the Modoc captives, Captain
Jack, Schonchin, Black Jim, Boston Char
ley, Barncho, alias One-Eyed jim, and
Sloluck, alias COX, who were tried by mil
itary commission for the murder of General
Candy and Commissioner Thomas, and for
assault with intent to kill the other Peace
Commissioners. They are found guilty of
the specifications and charges and sentence
cd TO DO hanged. The proceedings have
been approved by the President and Sec
rotary of War, and the sentence will be
carried into effect at Fort klamath, Or, on
the Sd of October, under the direction of the
General commanding the Department OF
Columbia.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
BrO0kIiMf.

Our town is place of common events.
Nothing remarkable takes place here no
body gets married, nobody's horse runs
away, nobody's hens lay big eggs; there is
no one here that shoots people, and the
country seekers of the city haven't found
us; consequently correspondents from this
vicinity have very little to write about. 1t
is verdant here as in June-time; trees and
shrubs and vines are loaded with leaves,
and fields are making up for time lost early
in the season. Reynard makes now and
then attacks upon poultry, but as far as
learned has made no serious depreciation.
The school in district No. Q, taught by
Miss Abbie A. Wellman, has opened with
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
WATERFOWL UNION LIVE STOCK MARKET.

WArERrowS, Aug. 90, 1873.
Prices Market Beef. A. few choce-$l0 GOA 90 90;
Extra so OO6s so; rst quality IS 00@ so; Second
quality, SO OOa 81 so; third quality, 81 OOCss5 SO.
Stores-workng Oxen-s10O, $3.50, 200@ s275 Fpair.
Mich Cows an Calves-S35 to 80; extra, S65 to 80.
Farrow Cows-sl5a s35.
Yesrlings-sl0 co to 10. Two years old-s20 to 81 .
Three years od-S3O to As.
Prices Of Sheep and Lambs.-In lots, 81 rs, So 90,
SO 25as3 so each; Extra, 81 O0@s5 90 per head, or
from 4d5 lac 4 ID.
Spring Lambs-667c . b.
Veal Calves-s4asl2.
Hides Brighton DC q n Country, IS Lac 4 n.
Taow-Brighton, 5@5 Sac Sib. Country Sal lac
per N.
Pelts 81 75las2 so each: sheared Sheep Skins soc
each. Lamb Skins 5O975c each. Calf Skins l6sisc
q ID.
CLASSIFICATION OF CATTLE AND SHEEP.
N B.-Beef-Choice grade includes MOTH, but
stall-fed 100 to 400 lbs Bullocks. Extra and rs
quality includes the best, large fat oxen. Second and
third quality includes Oxen andtwo and three year
oldsteers.
sheep-EItra include Cossets and when those Of
inferior quality are thrown out.
Poutry-Chickens plenty, and Poultrymon have
knocked down the price &c. This Is as previously
pected. We quote Chickens zoe; Turkeys and Hens
lSc; ordinary grades l6c b ID.
Poulry-The Poultry market has been crowded with
all kinds Of Hens Turkeys and Chickens. Some were
liked lots others select lot Of Canada all sorts at
IL lac q 10 Hens and Turkeys from l5,a lSc; best
Chickens zoe. heavy stock in the city.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
FIRRPROOF SIZES.

The disastrous CONGREGATIONS Of Chicago
and Boston have made it evident that the
only method Of ensuring the preservation
of valuables, when buildings burn, is TO
prevent the fall of the safes into the cellars,
below, where the fire generally RACES long
est and most fiercely. This is done by sup
porting the safes upon masonry, or by
embedding them in The strong walls of the
building.
| 1t must be admitted that the ordinary
movable safes are unreliable in great fires.
| Heat any safe hot enough, and its contents
| are sure to burn. Nevertheless, the nova
BILE safe is most useful thing, and its en-
| ployment has become necessity in almost
| every branch of business. People must
have them, and question, interesting to
thousands, is, which is the best safe?
Theoret Ideally considered, that is the best
safe which contains the most water in its
filling for the more water present, the more
steam we have in case Of fire, and nothing
burns within the safe while the filing gives
off steam at 2l2o F.
Theoretically, then, the best filling for
any safe is pure water. But in practice it
is found very difficult TO make water.f fill
ed safe proof against leakage, which is like
ly to be occasioned by rust, freezing, or the
tremendous shock of a fall from an upper
story to the cellar at the critical moment
during fire.
The best water safe in the market 10 day
is one in which but very little ofthat liquid
is used, the principal portion of the space
| e., oil
ment.
Next in theoretical value TO pure water
as filling, are solidified filings, which
hold an abundance of water, to be given of
in the form of yapor when the safe is sub
ected to fire.
Probably the best filling of this kind is
composed by mixing plaster OF Paris,
gelatin, and water. This filling holds a
larger quantity of water than almost any
other. But it is alleged 10 emit bad odor
and to produce dampness within the safe
quite injurious to the contents. Safes with
this filling, we believe are not now made
Plaster of Paris and water were formerly
used quite extensively for safe filings
But such safes, though excellent when new
are subject to the objection of dampness
badly mildewing and damaging books ant
papers. This filling, like other wet cemen
Filings, soon loses large portion of III
water by evaporation, its filling shrnks
and the safe Is rendered less secure than ;
dry filed safe.
+ The favorite safe filings at present EN-
/ ployed are Alum and dry Plaster Of Pari
and Cement mixed with Glauber Salt, com
mon salt, or other chemicals containing
water. Safes thus filed are always dry
t and, If well made 10 begin with, are no
l likely to deteriorate by age in respect t
fire-reslstng qualities. In thousands O
cases of fire they have proved reliabl
| | wherever placed in building, and ma.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
Grafton.

-Scribner's Magazine for September has
a well written sketch of Rev. Edward Egle-
ston in which Grafton people will be inter
ested, as he has been spending some weeks
in this town and has made himself so
pleasantly known that all will regret his
departure and wish, with him, this had
been his native place that he might visit
here every summer.
-Phelps's Hotel has been filed with 4
pleasant company of boarders since early
in June, with the prospect that it will be
several weeks yet
The former readers of the little Corpo-
raj will be interested in knowing that
"Chicken Little" will remain sometime
longer Pm.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29
uu.esfn fnsfer.

The Ward Brothers have commenced
the manufacture of feather busters, for
which we understand they have large
contract.
-Chas. Stone has bought the Geo. Good
ell farm price $500.
"A. X. Cobb has sold his sold his trot-
ting mare Brown Kitty" to Hamilton
Burrows Of Boston.
If premium Is offered at our town
fair this fall for the best acre of Connect
cut seed-leaf tobacco, It will probably he
awarded TO Geo. w. Pierce.
AT the last annual town meeting, funds
were raised for, and the selectmen were in
structed purchase, a suitable safe in which
TO keep the town records, they heretofore
having been stored in old wooden chests
and boxes. In accordance with the vote,
one of Morris & Irelan rs large fire-prooi
combination lock safes has been procured
and now adorns the town clerks office.
The directors of the Agricultural AS
ISOLATION will meet at the town hall on next
Saturday evening, Aug. 3Oth, t. make ar
rangements for the town fair.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-29

Asa Reyes, lawyer full of wisdom and
erudition.
For Stratton appeared Oscar l.. Shafter-
then of Wilmington, who soon after re-
moved to California-oi whom II can truth
fully be said, that Vermont never sent from
her green hills, one who combined In him
self so many of the elements of perfect
lawyer as he. 1t has been my good for
tune to sec and to hear most of the reputcd
great lawyers of this generation. l have
not vet seen or heard the peer of Oscar l..
Skater. With him was associated, as
counsel, Daniel Roberts, then of Manches-
ter, now of Burlington. He is still "this
side the river" Your readers who don't
know him, will get an idea of the man by
reading the following gem, which found
with brief by Mr.. Roberts, the other day,
among some old papers in Brattlebora ".
Stratton. There are many now living in
Windham County who will recognize the
portrait of "the town agent of Stratton."
IND.
MANCHESTER, Jany IL, 1852.
NJ dear brother Shdfter THAT fierce
original little gentleman, the town agent of
Stratton, whom l have in my minds eye,
as he haunted the purlieus of your court,
last September, with his ears envelopod in
a cotton bandanna, and his two supporters
thrust into pair of striped and very llex-
ibe candle moulds, besought me TO lend
you a helping hand in the fight that is
about TO come off between the big bully
Brattleboro, and poor, wee, starvelng STRAIT
ton. God help the right, say l, especially
If weak and little.
have done my devors, not with battle
axe, lance, sword or pke-they are your
weapons, Oscar-but | have brought you
draft of water in my little calabash, which
perchance in the thick of the fight, should
you pause to unlock your visor, you may
find refreshing to your ebbing strength,
and the more so, when you see by how
faithful hand IL is offered.
Let me hear how goes the battle.
Faithfully your page,
DAN'L ROBERTS, JR.'
Oscar l.. Shaller, Esq.