davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
Hiusdafe, ~. III.

The public entertainment given by the
Congregational society in American hall on
Thursday evening, the goth inst, was
shared by large number of people, rep
resenting the different religious denomin-
atoms in town. The attractions presented
were entirely unexceptionable in kind, and
in style and presentation unusually excel
lent. The most prominent features of the
evening were drama, dialogue, tableaux,
an antiquarian room, and 1.-THE Cleaner" "a
neat and interesting paper published for
the occasion. The managers of the enter
tainment are certainly emitted to much
credit for its excellent character, especially
so, in view of the disadvantages and diff
culties with which they had to contend.
The net cash proceeds of the evening a.
mounted to S2l6.
Rev. c. C. Watson, on Sunday last,
read to his congregation a manuscript in
which he rendered to the Congregational So
cety his resignation as its pastor, to take
effect July LIST.
Edward Stebbins is fitting up a new
store under American hall, to let. He is
also cutting the American House into tene-
ments for families. Already several fam
lilies have moved in. American hall, we
are happy to say, is to remain as it is for
the accommodation of the public.
S. X. Hildreth has bought of A. A.
Thayer the house built last season on Brat
teboro street for Lucius Stearns. Price
paid, $500. Mr., Stearns has bought lot a
fourth of mile west on the same street,
and proposes to build thereon this season.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
V'esrfdne.

Perhaps you think Adamsville is all
buried up in snow. Oh !! no, indeed, mot
much" We can see the chimney TO nearly
every house there is in the place. 1t is
beautiful going cross lots now; that is if
you have show shoes aud are an expert at
walking on them. Tho hill roads are al
most impossible but wo have ono thing
TO comfort US, it cannot always last. Our
weather prophet says he thinks dog days
will give II hard one. Most all kinds of
business IS dull except dentistry. About
all our farmers can do is to "leed their
chores"
The Wilmington man who was visiting
here last week, we think is up TO "snuff."
He has very unobtrusivo way of sleep
ing in his chair. The other evening he, as
usual, surrendered 10 old King Morpheus.
His wife and her friend, who were quietly
INDUCING in a pinch of Lorrillard's best,
proposed to give him pinch nolens volens.
They took about table spoonful, and as
he drew in his breath held it under his
nose. The explosion was terrible, similar
to 80 horse power earthquake. He is an
ti-tobacconist to the bac kbone now, and he
don't sleep in his chair when he is visiting.
Thinks it don't pay. MA.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28

exander Kathan, one Of the first settlers in
this town. The earliest date Is 17Gi. and
the numbers are complete down to the year
1917, except 1906 and 1914. The oldest ones
are the almanacs of Nathaniel Ames. There
are several numbers of BickerstaT's New
England Almanac, several also by Nathan
lei Low. Most OF the file from 1871 are the
almanacs of Isaiah Thomas. Mr.. Kathan
was in the habit of noting on the margin of
these almanacs important events relating
to his business and other affairs. Here are
a few items that will interest the sugar
makers. "March 10th, 1894, tapped trees
made 81 lbs of moasses." february 17G5,
tapped trees, and sugared off IS pounds
on the GOTH" "April 9th, 177s, made off
10 lbs of sugar /; that's the first this sea-
son." NOV. 10.h, 1873, raised the meeting
house." "May 10th, 177s, remarkable dark
day." "April 9th, 1881, man and horse
crossed the river on the ice;'' "The I'd
Sabbath in tho samo month, snow was
knee deep in the field and solid" "17S5,
snow LIST day of April, "a inches deep on
level; 10Th, old snow knee deep, new snow
fell @ inches 22d, the river cleared out.
May Goth, put in seine and catch no shad
May 30, catch shad." "March 31st, 1856,
no snow; I'd day of April, terrible storm
of wind and snow fell knee deep 18th, be-
gan to plow." "March Goth, 1857, burnt
out the Eastwood stub and scarf out two
flying squirrels" "May 10th, 1873, the
mountains covered with snow" "Aug.
10th, hurricane" "Marcb, 1903, what
sight of pigeons did fly all the 18th y Here
is an item for the tobacco growers. "June
9Th, 1904, set tobacco. Aug. 90, cut up to-
bacco." 1907, "Mrs. Kathan sea robin
on the 9th of February. Robins here Til
the 18th. March 9Th sea two robins. July
18th, had string beins; the ed, had new
tatos." February 1911, killed ITO rats in
corn house in one day.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
THE PROVISIONS OF TEE VIEW
PE.y;sIO.v' L.EIs.

The new pension law contains several
provisions which are Of general interest.
All persons who have lost leg above the
knee, and are so disabled thereby that they
cannot use an artificial limb, shall be rated
in the second-class and receive S24 per
month. All persons having lest the hear
ing of both ears to receive S13 per month.
Section provides that the rate of SIS per
month may be proport ionately divided for
any degree of disability established for
which the second section makes no pro-
vision. The old law provides for the rates
between IS and SIS. In the organization
OF the Pension Bureau important changes
are made, The new law provides for the
appointment by the President of a Deputy
Commissioner of Pensions, with a salary of
$500 per annum. The efficacy of the
bureau is increased by provision for the
appointment of duly qualified surgeon as
a medical referee, with salary of $500
per annum, who shall have charge of the
examination and revision of reports of ex-
aiming surgeons and such other profess
sional matters as may be referred TO him
by the commissioner. The new law adds
two years to the Limitation under which
pension claims may be establ ished. Fees
for medical examination have been in
creased to 81, excepting in the case of the
Board of Examiners, each member being
entitled to receive only 81.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
NEWS ITEMS.
The yellow fever Is ragin.

The yellow fever is raging terribly in
Brazil.
Chicago has converted 400 miles of hogs
into pork this season.
1t has been nearly Is years since an ex-
ecution has taken place in Boston, and but
three have occurred for more than twenty
fveyears. tFI<
There are two thousand children in
New York under fifleen years Of age en-
ployed in making paper collars.
There were sold IN the United States
. last year s5l,73s sewing machines. TWEEN
ty-one different styles of manufacture were
represented.
THE Japanese government has promul-
gated special edict tolerating Christianity
throughout the empire, and throwing the
whole country open to foreigners. ga Ia
James McElhaney of Cambridge, Mass.
who murdered his wife, last August, expi-
ated his crime on the scaffold at the Suf-
folk Jail in Boston, Friday morning.
William Foster, who murdered Avery
d. Putnam of New York with car-hook,
in May, 1871, was hung at the Tombs, FRI
day morning.
Prom the report made to the constitu-
tional commission 1t appears that the ag-
gregate of state, town, county and city in
debtedness In the state OF New York has
reached the astounding sum of 1000
OO0
The Secretary of War has selected
Rock Island, Illinois, as the site of the ma
tionsl military prison, and has appointed u
commission OF three officers and three civ
ilians to examine the site and prepare
plans.
Most Of the old rebel leaders of the
South are now earning an honorable iiveli-
hood. JEFF Davis is president Of an insur-
ance company; Mr.. Stephens is writing for
a newspaper: Beauregard and Bragg su-
perlntend street railways; Hood is a cot
ton factor; Hill keeps school Ben Hill
practices laws so does Semmes Forest
keeps livery stable; ii. V. johnson is a
planter. .-...... ., ..
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
MISCELLANEOUS.

"A boy three years old, in Cincinnati,
has "big brother" aged 60.
Rhode Islanders are multitudinously
signing petitions for the restoration of the
death penalty.
Two young ladies in Minnesota town
volunteered 10 nurse the family of a neigh
Dor during an attack of a contagious dis
ease, and both were taken i'll, died, and
were buried in one common grave.
A gentleman in North Carolina built
fire in his house on his wedding day, TWEEN
ty-five years ago, and has kept it burning
night and day ever since, and declares his
intention never to permit it to die out while
he lives.
1t Is remarkable that every day in the
week is by different nations devoted to the
public celebration of religious services.
Sunday by the Christians, Monday by the
Greeks, Tuesday by the Persians, Wednes-
day by the Assyrians, Thursday by the
Egyptians, Friday by the Turks, Saturday
by the Jews.
"A Sacramento lawyer remarked to the
court: at is my candid opinion, Judge,
you are an old fool" The judge allowed
his mildly beaming eye 10 fall upon the
lawyer a brief moment, then in voice
husky with suppressed tobacco juice-and
emotion, said: at is my candid opinion
that you are fined $780,"
General Fremont publishes in the
Tribune a reply to the charges which have
been made against him as President OF the
Memphis, El Paso & Pacific Railroad Com
psny. The main points ofhis defence are
that he did not become President of the
company until after the alleged transact
tions took place; that the enterprise which
he represents is genuine one, and that
the work Of placing tho bonds in Paris was
intrusted to subordinate agents.
Professor Burt G. Wilder of Ithaca, N.
Y, has written long letter to the Tribune,
in which he argues against hanging as bru-
tai, and suggests as substitute, death by
an excess of chloroform and he would
have the execution, not public spectacle,
but a dark mystery; the time and place
known only to the proper officials. He
thinks the dread of such a death would
have greater restraining effect over the
dangerous classes than any other form of
execution.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
Political Votes.

Congressman Willard is taking South
ern trip.
Grace Greenwood calls Senator Ed
munds the watchdog of the Senate"
Gen. Hawley of Connecticut refused to
draw his back pay under the extra salary
swindle.
The Illinois Senate has passed bill to
regulate freight tolls on railways, and kill
cd the compulsory education bill.
If al jobs had gone through Congress,
say the correspondents, the Treasury would
have been S624, 600 "out."
The Mississippi Legislature has passed
temperance bill which is close copy of
the Ohio and Indiana laws.
Col. Charles Dillingham;, son of ex-Gov-
ernor Paul Dillingham; of Vermont, has
been renominated as surveyor of the port
of New Orleans.
Grants brother-in-law, Casey, renomin-
ated collector of the port of New Orleans,
was confirmed by the Senate, on Saturday,
by majority of ten, after two hours de-
bate.
The Civil Service Examination Board of
the Treasury Department reports the COM
petitive examinations successful enough to
prove the utility of the system and justify
its continuance.
Woman suffrage is making progress in
New York. The Assembly has instructed
its judiciary committee to report an amend
ment to the constitution allowing tax-pay-
ing female citizens to vote.
The Richmond Wing says that 65 char
tan Co. s1,aa ho,va la1 eli nm
| the war, not one of which has heen con-
| structed or is in process of construction.
| Hence 1t opposes the free railroad law,
| which it declares "does not mean more
railroads, but the absorption and control
| of existing roads," 1t thinks the peculiar
situation of Virginia in the matter has
been overlooked by those who have recon-
mended the free railroad law as defence
against monopoly.
New Jersey has spasm of emancipation
from the railroad thralldom under which
she has so long suffered. "Tom" Scott has
sustained an overwhelming defeat ; and
the great Jersey lines which through so
many years have carried the Legislature
in their pocket find they can no longer hold
it. A general railroad law has been passed
which authorizes any company to build
competing lines without Having to fight
the old companies to secure a charter.
No man was moro vilified during the
late bitter campaign than John f. Hart
rant, now Governor of Pennsylvania. AT
ter he was triumphantly elected and the
seals were removed from his lips, he init
mated that the ISLANDERS sprang from men
who had robbed the Commonwealth, and
were made to cover up their own villainies,
but that he should compel them to disgorge.
On the 9th inst. the Commonwealth OF
Pennsylvania recovered of one of the
scamps a judgment amounting to $40, $780,
SO.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
IT. w. OLMbTED,
Fayetteville, March 81, 1873.

Gladstone has resumed the reins of
government in England.
"A fire at Thayer, Kan, Sunday night,
destroyed about half the business portion
of the town.
The N. Y. Times publishes a detailed
statement to tho effect that Fosters sick
ness just before his execution was due to
poison.
Leonard Uncas, grandson OF the cele-
brated Indian chief, and the last of his
name, died at Willimatic, Conn.,, last week,
aged 20. He has resided in that vicinity
most of his life, was an expert fisher and
hunter, and Woodworking man.
Through the liberality ola New York
gentleman, Prof. Agassiz has come into the
possession of an island of 100 acres in Buz.
Yards bay, and $4,000 in money, to aid in
the permanent establishment of scientific
school on the island. Another $50, 900 is to
be raised by subscription for the erection
of suitable buildings, etc.
Fred w. Cooper, clerk in the Boston
post-office, has been arrested for stealing
money from letters. The letters which he
operated upon were principally those ad-
dressed TO Hunter q Co., of Hinsdale, N.
II. Cooper is SO years old and unmarried.
Another mysterious murder has lately
come TO light. On Friday morning, Chas.
Goodrich was found dead in the basement
of one Of a row of handsome brown stone
houses in Brooklyn, N. Y, with a pistol
wound through his head and deep wound
over the right eye. Goodrich was a Wild
over, AZ years of age and man of consid-
cradle means. The murderer is thought
to have been woman.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
.g.NR.v'D.NEv'TS TO EEzE .y.Egy.
I'ORK CO.v.STITUTEO.v.

In 1867 the people of New York elected
a constitutional convention, but its work
was rejected on submission to popular vote.
Thinking that the task of preparing n con-
stitution would be better performed by a
smaller and more select body, the Legis-
lature empowered Gov. Hoffman to APP
point a commission for the purpose. The
governor did so and the commission has
now reported list of constitutional amend
ments, the most important of which may
be briefly summarized.
The number of the Senate remains the
same, thirtytwo, but it is TO be elected
from eight instead of thirty-two districts,
four from each district, one of which dele
cations will be renewed every year. Mem
bors OF the House and Senate receive $1,000
year and milage of 10 cents per mile. No
officer Of the United States or of any city
government can be elected to the Legisla-
ture, nor can any member thereof be ap-
pointed such officer. Bills can be passed
only by majorities Of all the members cleo
ted, not by mere majorities Of quorum.
A three-ffths majority is requisite for tax
bills. 1t will require two-thirds of the
veto. The governor, moreover, can veto
any particular item in an appropriation
bill, without vetoing the whole, most sal
utary provision, which every constitution
should contain. No bills granting exclus-
i've privileges to persons or corporations
can be passed, but only general laws. The
Legislature cannot grant franchises in
towns or cities without consulting the local
authorities. To prevent smuggling ofbills,
it is forbidden that any bill should treat of
anything not described in its title, or that
any general law should contain a special
provision, or that any law should be en-
acted or repealed merely by referring to it,
but that it shall in all instances be bodily
introduced.
The governor is TO be elected for three
years instead of two, and TO have a salary
of$10,000; lieutenant governor $4,000. The
number of bureaus is cut down, various
commissions of several offices are reduced
TO a single officer, to be appointed by the
governor, with view to greater efficiency
and responsibility. The law against bribe-
ny is made more severe, and every member
Of the Legislature has 10 purge himself by
viding for the government of cities by q
general law, prevents any future tamper-
ing by the Legislature with the govern
ment of New York city. The comptroller
is to be elected with the governor, all other
heads of departments appointed by the lat
ter.
The gist of the amendments is to secure
direct responsibility OF officers, to put an
end to the corruption of special legislation
TO prevent bribery and undue influence
over voters and legislators, to put stop to
sleight of hand and methods of getting bills
through the Legislature, and to secure the
independence OF cities and towns from
state Interference. The evils which these
amendments aim to cure, are not peculiar
to New York the other states of the Union
suffer similarly If not in equal degree, and
and the discussion of remedies is, therefore
of common interest," SprinQ feld Union.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28

ington confirm tho Massa chusetts view
that as between Anes and Coliax the latter
is the nearer out of hatchets. 1t Is main
taned there that the story Of Colfax's du-
plicity hasn't been half told yet. If 1t could
be told, and the Nesbtt letters could be
published, Colfax would be buried In q
deeper hole than even Young Mems
Christian Association can rescue him from.
In carrying out his defence Colfax was
compelled to invent falsehood after false
hood, until he had built up story of COM
plicated falseness seldom equalled. The
points have not all come out, but the Mes
bitt letters will probably be published
soon, and are expected TO make a sensation.
1t will be remembered that Colfax swore
in the committee room, before Ames pro-
duced the famous checks, among which
was one TO rs. c." that he had never seeu
them and knew nothing about them, Meth
err by whom they were drawn, nor 10 whose
order they were payable. 1t now transpires
that he had secretly sent to his friend Dillon
in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms and
procured copies, which he had in his pock-
ct at the same moment he swore he knew
nothing of them. 1t has also become
known that Colfax sent his private secie
tary to tho railroad station, late at night, 10
meet important witnesses and find out
what they were going to swear to. There
is quite an amount of scandal afloat in re-
lation to Colfax's friend Dillon, whom
Ordway has just discharged from his Office.
1t seems that bond of affection exists be-
tween this Dillon and daughter Of a mes
senger employed by Colfax, which explains
the influence of Colfax over this man.
These are some of the facts that are COM
ing out, and that render it impossible for
anybody in Washington to believe any
thing in favor of Colfax. However much
his neighbors may think Of him, his late
fellow statesmen, who are like himself a
trihe selfish, do not mourn for him. There
isn't another Republican politician, not
even Pomeroy, who meets with so little
sympathy"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
From ROSTOJy..
BosToN, March oath, 1873.

BOSTON, March 2lth, 1878.
AS a funny Irishman once intimated the
opinion that a bird could be in two places
at once, think the PHGNIx ought to come
to Boston to help us rise from our ashes.
The tabled fowl made business of doing
that sort of thing on his own account, and
his newspaper representative should be
willing to do as much for others. Perhaps
some Of your readers know whether there
is any truth in the current report that a
party Of Bratleboro people are coming
down here before long to eat ice cream and
maple sugar under the big tree on the Com
mon. If so, advise them TO bring their
maple sugar with them, for what passes for
it in Boston is an ingenious compound of
sand and molasses, gritty to the tongue,
and dismal to the digestion. 1t is only our
swell relations who succeed in getting even
homeopathic doses of the genuine article.
One has to be licensed 10 sell it, and if a
policeman should have reason to suspect
too many Jumps were being eaten, the
chances are that he would look in at your
house late at night. Perhaps he might be
bribed by glass of champagne TO remem-
Der that "mum's the word'' in such cases,
and depart without taking the offenders
along with him. have seen one so good
as not to raise hue and cry about such
things, but then he was susceptible to fe-
male destinations. l shall look for that
Brattleboro party under our venerable, but
somewhat slippery, elm, with great eager
ness, and hope the PHOENIX will have a
full report of the proceedings.
o. DoUaHNUr.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
.uBBTI.vG OF SCHOOL SUPBRI.v-
TR.y'D E,TTS.

In pursuance of a call from the Secretary
of the Board of Education, a meeting of
the Town Superintendent of Schools In
Windham county, was held in Fayette-
vile, Friday, March, 21st. There were
present Rev. c. P. Frenyear of Jamaica,
Rev. d. w. Palmer of Wardsboro, DR.. e.
Pettingill of Rockingham, J. B. Morse o.
Westminster, A. NJ. Merrifield of Newf,ne,
G. A. Downs of Putney, and Rev. F. w.
Olmstcd of Townshend. ]. ii. French,
LID, was chosen chairman, and Rev. F..
w. Olmsted secretary. After a very full
discussion in committee OF the whole, the
following resolutions were unanimously
adopted:
!. A written examination Of teachers
shall be held on four branches, viz. arith-
metic, grammar, geography and history.
2. The number of questions for such
written examinations on each branch shall
be ten for each examination.
8. That the spring examination be held
On Saturday, the 10th of April next; and
the fall examination on Saturday, the 22d
of November next; the written examina-
tions to commence at 8 o'clock, A. M, and
the oral examination at o'clock, p. NJ, on
each Of said days.
4. That to receive certificate, teachers
must answer correctly an average of IS per
cent of the written questions, and sustain
an oral examination on all the branches
required that shall be satisfactory TO the su-
perintendent; and that no one shall re-
ceive q certificate who falls below so pei
cent on any of the subjects in the written
examination; and that IN all special cram
nations an average af 80 per cent shall b.
required.
8. That there be held two Institutes In
this county, one in the spring and the 9th.
er in the fall the spring Institute to com.
mence on the 18th day Of April next.
@. That the secretary send copies of the
proceedings Of the meeting to the several
county papers, with request that they bt
inserted in their next issues.
F. w. OLMsTED, Sec'y.
Fayetteville, March 81, 1873.