davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1874-04-25
METAMERIsM IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY.

METAMERISM IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY.
BY PROF. wOLCoTT GIBBS OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY.
Although this paper was of a technical char
aoter and greatest value Of TO those who
are interested directly in chemical researches it pre-
sents discovery novel in its character that 1t
scarcely without interest to the professional
student Hitherto what has been denominated metame-
rsm has never before been observed except in organic
substances Bodies sad TO be metameric when they
OF the composition and atomic weight, but diff
feriDg entirely In their properties in consequence OF diff
feren molecular constitution. Prof GIBBS has discOy
cred such bodies bearing such relation 10
other aud a seventh which not OF his discovery.
That Is IL take these substances and
separate its ultimate constituents you would
find each giving not only the same materials to ultimate
analysis but weight for weight the same amounts OF
materas and yet each OF the substances Is
intrnscay different from the other in it's character,
appearance and chemical reac0ns and no OF them
can transformed the other. In the whole realm
OF inorganic chemistry there has been similar
instance recorded although among organic bodies there
not a few such cases.
The substance with which the series begins dis
covered by Dr. EdmaDn. 1t Is an exceedingly stable
compound Its constituents two parts OF cobalt sir
mula is;
The six other bodies metamerc with IT, obtained
by Prof Gibbs by making the compounds aud cOmbn ming
them when made in the manner indicated IN the nota
ton which follows 1t will be observed by the chemist
that the combination OF the compounds Is that OF
acid with base, in each instance making a salt,
obtained in crystalline form. For the sake OF abridge
ment notation, in what follows. the ammonia IN 81
s represented by and the nitric acid by X. Ou
count of difference their atomic constitution DR..
Gibbs divides the seven substances into three
First seres-Bdmlnns discovery:
New-York tribune., 1874-04-25

As each OF the salts thus obtained Is beautifully crys
taline and perfectly we'll Defined and each salt OF the
second and third groups gives the reactions Of each con-
sttuent with perfect dsnctness doubt can exist as
to their real chemical structure.
New-York tribune., 1874-04-25

Second ssies-DI. Gibbss discovery:
WeaA4x9 Cco2AsxNn- c.aAoxo
WoaA4x0 !, CoaA1Ox2'- s. cosAsxe
Co2A4x8 3 (Co2A12) a Co 2A6X6
Third senes--DL Gibbs's discover:
vi vi
Co2Xl2) (Co 2Ai2) 9. Co2A6XS
(CO2 2Xl2l tCo 2A9xA3 4. Co2A6X6
vi
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

John Bright, tho great English lib
eral, has written letter to Mr.. Dorman b.
Eaton, chairman of our Civil Service Com
mission, concerning the workings of the re-
formed civil service in England lie says
it has met with general approval, and after
the experience Of some years it would be
now impossible to go back to the old system.
ln Eng land appointments are permanent,
depending only on the competency and good
behavior Of the official. They do not find
it necessary to turn out the whole army of
tax -gatherers and tide.waiters on change
of government, and members of Parliament
are not constantly bored by ofhce-seek ers.
By permanent appointments they secure
competent officials, aud, as promotion de.
ponds upon fitness, every man is stimulated
to faithful service The political leaders Of
this country are united against this reform,
but its merits are better understood every
year, and the time is surely coming when
the places of responsibility under the gov.
eminent will no longer be used simply as
rewards for doing dirty political work. As
Mr.. Bright says" In these days, when SC
much is done by the governments and
when so many persons are employed BY
them, it seems absolutely necessary to take
precautions against the selection of incom
petent men and against the corruption which
under the purest administrations, is alwayi
menaoing evil"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

1t sounds qucerly in this year of grace,
1874, to read the official report of magis-
trate certifying that he has burned to death
two persons for practicing the arts of sor-
Gerry and witchcraft. This was done, how
ever, in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico, no
longer ago than the 4th of April. The
magistrate, who bears the proud title of
Alcalde of Jacobo, actually tried, convicted
and burned at the stake a man and woman,
who, according to the testimony, bewitched
simple villager so that he " vomited frag-
ments Of blanket and punches of hair I"
The people of Jacobo appear to have been
greatly excited concerning these sorcerers,
and the Alcalde adds that though the sen.
tence was passed with the approval of his
judgment, there was an unmistakable pop
ular demand that the prisoners should be
burned. He frankly says he has his eye
on other disciples of the Evil One, against
whom complaints have been made, and there
are rumors from another source that other
burnings have taken place. Verify Mexico
may well be regarded as the " last ditch -
Of superstition. 1F
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27


The Social Science Association have
already discussed number of important
topics, the Farmers Movement, Taxation,
and the Laws of Steamship Navigation es.
pecially being ably handled by Willard c.
Fagg, David A. Wells aud Professor
Pierce. The first presented a digest of
what had been undertaken by the Changers,
and statement of the true meaning Of the
movement the second pointed out where
existing systems of taxation are at fault,
and claimed that tax levied upon only a
few articles, tangible property and fixed
possessions would, by the principle of diff.
fusion, apportion itself equally throughout
the community; and the third gave the de-
tails of system Of ocean lanes or paths
for steamers, whereby collisions could GER
tainly be averted. An interesting account
Of CALIFORNIA; progress has also been given
by President Gilman, of the University Of
California, and a valuable paper was read
by Mr.. Hubbard, Of Boston, on American
and European Railroads. Ia addition
papers were read Saturday by DR.. A. L.
Carroll and d. +. Lincoln on Hygiene
in Schools and Colleges" and by Mr.. W
G.. Sumner, of New York, on Finance.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

The Baptists of the country propose to
celebrate the centennial in 1876 by raising
a jubilee educational fund for their institu-
tons of higher education. That the educa-
tional interests should figure in the national
celebration is eminenuy fit aud proper, aud
we hope that this feature will not be con-
fined to the rejoicings Of this sect alone.
The immense growth Of the denomination
is a good reason for celebration. Accord
ing to the Watchman and Reflector, in
1866 there were scarcely twenty-five thous-
and Baptists in the United States, while at
present there are one million six hundred and
thirty three thousand nine hundred and thir.
ty-ninc. A hundred years ago the number of
sittings in Baptist churches did not exceed
the number of members, whilst it now
reaches four million. In round numbers,
for convenience of memory, the number of
Baptists in the United States at different
points in the last century were as follows
In 1875, seventy thousand in 1912, one
hundred and eighty thousand; in 1885,
four hundred and fifty thousand; in 1874,
more than one million six hundred thous-
and
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

Civil Rights still trouble the Demo.
cratic members of the United States Sen.
ate amazingly. They have not fully con.
quered their prejudices. They cling to
their old notions that if State chooses to
deprive any portion of the people of the
privileges guaranteed by the Federal Con.
stitution to all citizens, Congress cannot in
terfere by legislation to enforce justice -
Well, the logic of elections, if not events,
will cure the evils which may arise from
this obstinacy 10 maintaining opinions that
cannot be defended from the constitution as
it now reads. The Senate remained in SEES.
sion throughout Friday night, and passed
by a large majority the bill insuring colored
men their rights under the fundamental law
Of the country. Political capital cannot be
made at present by attempting to deprive
any part of the people of their privileges
as derived from liberal Interpretation of
the constitution.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

The students of Bowdoin College,
Maine, have for some time past manifested
in various ways their opposition to the mil
itary drill which is required of them.
Friday the sophomore and freshman classes
held meetings and agreed not to drill again,
every member Of the two classes except
two sophomores signing paper to that
effect. Only the two sophomores who re.
fused to sign the paper were present on the
parade ground at the usual hour for drill.
Saturday morning the juniors held meet
ing and took similar action, after which
there was joint meeting of the three
classes, and an agreement was signed that
the suspension or expulsion of one of their
number would be considered by that as the
suspension or expulsion Of all. The faculty
have the matter under consideration, and it
is said will insist upon the students recedng
from their position or expulsion will follow.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

TnK FLOOD is difficult to realize the
horror Of the Mill River disaster by merely
reading the accounts, graphic and touching
as they are. One has to stop and think to
appreciate the full extent Of the blow. We
are shocked by volcanic eruption, or an
earthquake shock which desolates a village
in distant land, or a fire that devastates a
neighboring city. But here is a calamity
far more sudden, quite as destructive, aud
causing loss of life that is known in few
of the disasters we have named, but Of SO
unexpected and uncommon a character that
we are unable TO realize its force. Those
who were familiar with Charles Reade's
novel Put Yourself in his Place." at once
recalled his vivid description of reservoir
breaking away in England. 1t always
seemed to US as one of those extravagant
pictures to be tolerated only by extreme
novelist's license. But Mill River fairly
rivals its marvels, and fact, as ever, proves
itself stranger than fiction.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

The Washington correspondent of the
New York Post says that so far as can be
ascertained, it is not General Buffers pur.
pose to abandon his fight for the Governor
ship of Massachusetts, next autumn, as has
been alleged in some newspapers. He be-
lieves that he has the inside track and that
he can command enough votes in the Re.
publican State Convention to give him the
nomination. To Democratic correspon.
dent who inquired of him whether it was
true that he had decided not to push for
the Governoship, be replied; "Oh yes;
and it is also true that | am going to the
FIJI Islands for my health. and while there
| intend to eat two missionary babies"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

The latest revision of the list of vic.
tins of the Mill River food somewhat re.
duces the estimated loss of life. The Spring
field Republican has published lists show.
ing that the total number certainly lost does
not now seem to exceed one hundred and
thirty-eight, distributed as follows between
the four villages: Williamsburg fifty.
seven; Skinnerville, four Haydenville, TWEEN.
ty.sx; Leeds, 6fty-one. OF these the bodies
of all but fifteen have been recovered, and
except in one instance identified. The
bodies Of others not known to be lost NAV
yet be recovered, but as these lists account
for every person belonging in the valley
or known to be there, the additions cannot
be very numerous.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27
Methodist Church Union.

More than a generation since, the Meth.
odist church of this country was rent 10
twain by the differences Of opinion and
practice with regard to human slavery, and
since that time there has been " Church
North and Church South two dis.
tinct organizations, having no communica.
ton with each other in their general church
work Since the war and the overthrow Of
slavery, the cause which led to separation
having been removed, there has been
strong disposition manifested on both sides to
reunite yet no decisive steps have been
taken looking TO such a result until recently.
AT the last General Conference Of the
Church North, held in Brooklyn in the fall
Of 1872, the subject Of uniting the two
branches Of the Church was discussed, and
the Conference were disposed to favor the
proposition. For the purpose Of bringing
the subject before the Church South and
iuauguratiug measures looking to a union
Of the branches at an early day the Con.
ference appointed S S Hunt, D. D., Rev
G. A. Fowler, and General Clinton Il. Fiske
Commissioners to visit the General Confer.
ence Of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South, and represent to that body the views
aud wishes Of the Church North. These
Commissioners performed the important
duty assigned them last week. They met
with a cordial reception from the General
Conference, and their expressions Of broth
crly love and desire for union we're greeted
with hearty applause. The Conference also
appointed a committee to prepare resolu-
tons expressive Of the sentiments Of the
Church South, aud prospects are favorable
for an early aud permanent union Of the
two branches
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

Proceedings have been commenced, in
the Supreme Court Of Wisconsin, for the
forfeiture Of the charters Of the Chicago
Il Northwestern, aud Milwaukee & st.
Paul Railway Companies, on account OF
their refusal to comply with the new rail-
road law. The companies offered to make up
a case, in the United States Circuit Court,
with the view Of expediting its hearing be-
fore the United States Supreme Court but
the Wisconsin authorities would not sub.
init to that arrangement and proceedings
were at once instituted in the State Court.
The railroad folks will probably renew their
effort, in every possible way, to get the case
into the Federal Courts.
Ia this connection, the suit pending be-
tween the State of Illinois and the Chicago
4 Alton Railroad Company, in the County
Court Of Sangamou, will be watched with
interest An argument will be made at the
June term at Springfield, for the removal
of the case to the United States Circuit
Court. This is exciting deep interest in Il.
linois, as a favorable decision would be an
intimatiou that the State has no restrictive
power over the corporations it has created
Illinois has a railroad law similar, in some
of its provisions, to that Of Wisconsin
and the Railroad Commissioners of the
former State, in endeavoriug to regulate
fares and freights in accordance with the
Illinois law, have provoked this law suit
If the case goes to the Circuit Court their
power, it is thought, would be greatly Grip
pied.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

STRINGENT PRovIsIoNs.-The new Ohio
Constitution bears severely upon railroads
Among the restrictions it embodies is one pro-
viding that no officer or agent of any COM
pany shall be interested in the receipts, con-
tracts or earnings otherwise than as an or
binary shipper or passenger, or be a party
to any arrangement which shall afford more
advantageous terms or greater facilities
than are offered and awarded to the public.
Another clause provides that no company
shall consolidate with another having a
parallel or competing line, or lease or pur-
chase such line, or permit any of its officers
earnings in any way. Another section pro-
hibits any foreign corporation from carry
log on the business of transporting persons
or property, or of telcgraphing, mining,
manufacturing, or insurance, unless it main
tains an Office within the State, No cor
poration is permitted to issue stocks or bonds
except for money actually received for la
Dor done, aud there shall be no increase Of
capital stock or bonded Indebtedness, except
in pursuance of general law, nor until the
consent of majority Of the stockholders
has been obtained. Persons and property
transported over any railroad, must also be
carried to any station at charges not ex-
ceeding in gross the charges for the same
class and amount of transportation of per-
sons and property in the same direction to
any more distant station. These provisions
seem to be stringent enough to satisfy even
a Wisconsin granger.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

There seems to be no better prospect
at Washington for securing an appropria-
ton in aid Of the Centennial. The bill
passed by the House, short time since, re-
questing the President to extend, in the
name OF the nation, a respectful and cordial
invitation to the governments of other ma
tons to take part in the International Ex.
hibition to be held in Philadelphia, under
the auspices Of the United States, in 1876"
has been reported back, FROM. the Sen.
ate Committee on Appropriations, with
an amendment to the effect that the United
States should not be liable, directly or in
directly, for any expense attending or re.
sulting from the same, If this is not OBJ.
jected to, the bill will undoubtedly pass.
It's of no use talking; the people want
fitting celebration of the birthday of the ua-
ton, but they want the expenses paid in
consistent manner, and il isn't consistent
to take the money out Of the public treasury.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27
-Ephor, l. vinln. uhn /. wnlL0tl

.-Egber, L, Viele, who is we'll Known
as a competent and skilled engineer, re-
marks, in communication to the New
York Tribune, that if thorough system
of inspecting reservoirs and dams had been
in vogue the Mill River disaster would
not have occurred. He regards the dis
aster as clear and reprehensble case of
neglect, inasmuch as warning had already
been given by the appearance of leak.
lie then lays down several well settled
rules which should be observed in the con.
struction of such works, neither of which
had apparently been followed in the build
ing of the Hampshire dam. Mr.. Viele's
recommendation that the State should pro.
vide for an annual inspection of those
works by an officer appointed for the pur.
pose, whose duty it should be to have the
water drawn off in case of insecurity, is
certainly entitled to consideration.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

LIEUTEsAST-Go GOVERNORS. About in pro.
portion as the public mind seems to conccn.
trate upon JUDGE PECK for Governor, does it
become fruitful in candidates for the second
place upon the ticket. We have now to add to
the list, Judge Cotton of Irasburgh, Col.
Franklin Fairbanks, Of st. Johnsbury, Cen.
w. W. Lynde, Of Marlboro and Hon. B. d.
Harris, of Brattleboro. While all these gen.
tlemen have had legislative experience, and
would most worthily Gil the place, we have
personal knowledge of the especial fitness Of
the last named gentleman. During his
two years service in the Senate, we have
occasion to know, not only that he was an
easy and graceful presiding officer, but q
most genial and accomplished gentleman.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27

The House of Representatives has
passed bill to admit New Mexico as a
State of the Union. Upon the spur of that
another Territory, Pembina, which many
people have scarcely ever heard Of, seeks
admission also. 1t is best, probably, to
take the people of the Territories out Of
their condition of tutelage and dependence
as soon as their numbers may be sufficient !;
but it is neither good policy nor justice to
the old and populous States to give few
thousand settlers the weight Of great State
in the Union and an equal power in the
Senate. 1t looks as if the old practice of
log'rolling in erecting States by the batch
was to be repeated.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27
Notes and Comments.


Connecticut did the handsome and sis
tory thing in appropriating her thousand
dollars to the relief of the Mill River suf-
ferers, and her kind words Of sympathy are
worth as much as her dollars.
1t is decided that Vice President Will
son will 20 neither to California nor to Eu'
rope. Still his health is too precarious for
steady work, and he will occupy the coming
summer and fall in short trips and other
means of recreation.
Petitions to Congress praying that
body to adjourn as speedily as possible in
order to promote the business interests Of
the country, are being extensively signed at
the New York cotton produce and butter
and cheese exchanges.
Tho Lowell Courier, whose editor is
clerk Of the Massachusetts, House. says the
chances are that Lieutenant Governor
and Commander-in.chief Talbot will change
his title to Governor next November with.
out very much fuss on anybody's part
Rev. Robert Ingersol Of Chicago, says
in Sermon that ordinary Christians, had
they been at the burning OF Servetus, would
have extinguishcd the flames with their
tears, while the Presbytery Of Chicago
would have quietly turned their backs, d.
vided their coat.tails and warmed them
selves.
The Lower House Of the Arkansas
legislature, by vote Of forty-seyen to nine
has adopted resolutions declaring that Sen.
ators Dorsey and Clayton obtained their
seats in the United States Senate by bribery
and corruption and that in case they do mol
resign within ten days, the United States
will be requested to investigate their cleo
ton
About two hundred Mennonite immi'
grants have reached Baltimore en- ro,tie for
Nebraska and Dakota There are twenty
thousand more to come if these pioneer:
make a favorable report. If they expect
to find heaven ready made and waiting foi
their coming they will be disappointed but
they are said to have common sense and
100000 in gold.
--Oakes Ames was supposed to be a
millionaire at the time Of his death, but the
depreciation Of the stocks held by him
probably in consequence Of the November
panic, makes it doubtful whether the assets
will be sufficient to cover the debts. Al
any rate the estate is represented as iu
solvent before probate court, and com
missoners have been appointed
Congressman Isaac Il. Sherwood, o
Ohio has written an elaborate tbree.columr
letter on initiation, for the edifcation Of biz
constituents, which he closes with thi
statesmanlike observation Contraction il
narrow and un-Amcrican word Let Vi
Danish it from our vocabulary. Our mott,
should be expansion, development, pro
gress.' The argument is conclusive
There are tokens of gathering storm
of pressure, at Washington, for the resigua
ton of Secretary Richardson, Assistan
Secretary Sawyer, and Solicitor Banfeld
on account of their course in the Sanborr
contract affair, If such an event Should
take place there will be no great sorrow il
the land. The report of the committee o
investigation would seem to be sufficient Il
Justify such a result.