davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30
AhnntNcM.nnner Portage.

From an article published in another col
umn it will be seen that Mr. Crcsswell says
that in advocating the abolition of the frank
ing privilege he never contemplated max
ing newspapers subject to postage within
the county where published, and, further,
that he advocates a return t. the system oil
free delivery of such papers. So far us we
are ourselves concerned we have no fault
to find with the present law, as lis opera
ton has not, thus far, appreciably affected
our business, but on the ground of its man
irest injustice, we believe it ought TO be
changed without unnecessary de lay. If
five cents per quarter is only fair price
for delivering single copy of Boston or
New York paper in Brattleboro, or in Cal
ifornia or Texas, ii mauilesty must be an
exorbtant and very unfair price for deliv-
erng copy of the PHOENIX through the
Brattleboro post office, or through any post
Office in Windham county. And it is un-
just, not SO much because the distance tray
ersed in the latter case is greatly less, as
for the reason that newspapers are almost
invariably seut, within their county limits,
in large clubs or bundles, requiring very
little care or time in handling, and, in fact,
passing through tIfe ha-ds Of only one or
two postal agents, at most before reacnius
their destination. The same is true of all
county papers, and the difference in the
carriage and distribution of them and that
of paper which goes TO distant point,
and over several different postal routes, is
apparent to any one, while the argument
which justifes uniform rate ofletter post
age between all points within the United
States does not here hold good. We do
not ask for free postage on county papers,
but we do ask for justice. The adoption of
the measure to which we refer has been gen
orally construed Us a manifestation of spite
on the part of Congressman, and the quick
err they wipe it out the better.
We desire TO still further suggest in this
connection, that it may be well for Con-
gress, when this matter OF postal laws
comes up for action and revision, to con-
slider the expediency Of compelling the
strict and unvarying Prc-paym, mt of all
matter passing through the mails, no ex-
ception being made in favor of newspapers
or other periodicals sent TO regular sub
scribcrs, or in favor of any matter whatev-
e allowed in the mail bags. Much might
be said in favor of such Il rule, and an ex-
change of vie VS. on the subject would bring
out the weak points of the proposition, as
we'll as the strong ones.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30
.JaCLsOhsilIe.

A very interesting and agreeable time
WAS experienced at the hotel of r. A. Hicks,
Thursday eve. Jan. -. by all who partici-
pated therein. The object of the meeting
was 10 make a donation to Rev. j. Clifford,
who oflici ties at the Uuiversalist church,
with very general acceptance, on each al
ternate Sabbath. After singing, rectaliCns
and remarks, supper was served. The
avails of the affair amounted 10 SilJ0.
The dance parties of the Band do not
seem TO amount TO much even though the
notices say that the profits are 20 90 to de-
fray the expense ofthe teacher during the
present winter. The band need the profits
bad enough, as the profits of the late ex-
hibition were only $500.
The Farmers and Mechanics club dis
cussed the following question Jan. q: Re-
solved, that it would be for the best inter-
est of the tax payers in this community to
have our highway tax laid out under the
superintendent OF commissioners, instead
of highway surveyors ~ is now practiced.
L. $. Allen gave very pr ctcal and in
teresting essay upon the same subjest and
the question was discussed by Mr.. II.
Lyhue, lea L. a. W afIeh, Leonard brown,
Esq, Lewis Collins, L. S. Allen, \. 4.
Butterfeld, and J. W. Hatch. The essay
delivered by Rev. II. Eastman two weeks
since was so satisfactory that the club voted
to have him repeat it on the eve of Feb. 10;
also voted TO invite Mrs. L. l.. Roberts and
Miss Martha French TO prepare and read
paper before the next meeting. The High
Way Commission oupstion will mo disousS
ed at the next meeting. Discussion to be
opened by A. a. Butterdeld and Byron
Wheeler.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

An old soldier OF the war of 1912, Capt.
p hilip Martin, formerly Of GuilGord, sends
us some documents relating to the battle Of
Plattsburg, in which he took part, and an
account of which we give in this weeks
issue of the PHOENIX. Among these doc
uments is coffee-colored Muster Roll or
Descriptive List of Captain Burbap's COM
pany, made in 1915. Looking over the
names we observe that there are twenty of
men who went from Guilford, having been
enlisted there by the late Jeremiah Green
leaf, then a Lieutenant in the army. The
entire company consisted Of nearly hun
dred men, and belonged to the 3lst regi-
ment of infantry, which was wholly made
up of Vermonters, aud commanded by
Col. Dana of Woodstock.
Captain Martin, then a sergeant, received
a special written commentator for brav-
cry and good conduct from the captain Of
his company, which is one of the docu-
ments sent us. The drummer OF the com
pany, Edison Long, was also from Gullord.
which reminds us of the reputation which
was won by another Gulford boy during
the war of the rebellion, Frederick Thomp-
son, who was known rs The i've mile ii Ter,
it being averred Qhough with some addi-
tion) that he could play Eve miles Oh a
stretch.
These papers, coming down to US from
old times, r, dolent with their spirit of pat
rlotism, sobriety, and stad de votion 10 lib
erty, are in their effect something like that
OF a northwest breeze, following a hot,
murky spell of weather. The sketch of
Macdonough, and the naval battle on Lake
Champlain, will revive stirling memories
in the older cla.s of our readers. Trddi-
ton relates, and If we mistake not, is con-
firmed by history, that some Of the Com
modore's best fighters were negroes, whom
he had enlisted himself in Delaware.
We thus give brief sketch of the papers
which the captain has sent us, which may,
perhaps, prove as interesting to our read
ers as perusal of the documents them
selves has TO us. Many thanks to Il Q cap
tain for his attention, and hope TO be re-
membered again.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

The Slnitobia (Miss.) Signet of jan
contains a flatterinG editorial notice Of {
L. d. Frost, general superintendent Of
Mississippi Central Railroad, who W
Brattleboro boy and brother of John II
and Charles c. Frost of this village. 7
newspaper referred to gives Superiniu
ent Frost the chief credit for the com
ton OF the above railroad TO Cairo,
where it connects with the Illinois Gents
As matter of interest TO his many frie,
and acquaintances in this section, we Q.
as follows:
The idea that it was impracticable tole
Cairo in consequence OF iterVeniug uu,.
mountable hills and impossible swan
prevailed for some time amongst the O.
scientific engineers, and as a consequel
the Mississippi Central was stopped
Jack son, Tenn, aud forced into subori
lion 10 the NJ. IL o. II. X. Company.
Frost, a practical engineer himself, ea
held a contrary opinion. and before the
frequently expressed his firm belief
the Central could and should be exlcn5
TO Cairo, and thus become the master
stead OF the servant of the NJ. & o. To-
And when we reflect that a lazy fellow
now go 10 sleep in handsome palace
at New Orleans, and within thirly-g
hours or less time be aroused by the cIl
porters and hotel men on the platform
the Illinois Central at Chicago, Wit
even as mnch as leaving his drawingrJ-
unless he chooses, we can but admire
mysterious and wondrous braiu-pOve
the man through whose energies aud ac
superintendent the solution of The 81
problem is mostly due. Besides when
know the immensely of the difiica
overcome, and the indomitaDle perse'
ance which has accomplished all thl',
still holds silent but ever steady walg-
the it'll town of Water Valley, we are g.
PEELED to place him where be justly be.o-.
at the head of all Southern railroad sup
intendentS. We have known and obsen
Col. Frost for several years, and a'V,
predicted for him glorious future
we now see the rapid realization o!
predictions. 1t is too uilcn the case
many men get credit for work and aci..
ments accomplished By others, but 81
not the case with T.. ID. Frost. He has
the executive spirit OF this great cater
all the way through, and but for his
known modesty and retiring disposto.
to-day would enjoy a worldwide re.
ton as a railroad manager. But no"
eau no lonseT IeUldln III coHlpil dlI'N
scurity-his works have been made n4
fest, his light set on a hill and canns
hid away down amid the bluffs, rd'
and sloughs of Water Valley. In ms
one of his many admirers and friends
rejoice moro than Ourself, as we nav
ways found him socially most agree
gentleman; easy and pleasant in h'
dress, affable in his manners, warm D"
ed, generous and genial; and alIose.l.
man whose character furnishes an auu
bic model for our young men to pl''t'I
ter. His plan and his practice have
TO manufacture circumstances lnS'eyD.
being controlled by them. The OLD Nv,
'strike while the iron is hot has o9es
him metamorphosed thus: make II W.
striking"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30
VVeAtmOreIand, n. n.

1t is said that "a little knowledge is a
dangerous thing That it is also danger
Gus TO try 10 inculcate a little knowledge
into the minds Of our future presidents and
rulers, is also evident. The school house
in District No. s was taken by storm one
day last week by one Of the fair sex, the
scholars driven out, and then evacuated by
the lady herself, who gracefully retired
with one black eye, the result Of knock
down fight with one Of the scholars. All is
quiet now, but an influx Of "big uncles"
and bone. smashors is expected daily. They
20 on a now golden rule recently invented
-"Do unto me as you would be done by,
and I'll serve you as get chance" a
spelling school will be held at this district
on the evening Of Feb. 9th, unless another
exhibition Of "Wouan's rights" or some
other unforeseen calamity forhids.
"A beautiful organ, OF the well known
Mason & Hamlin manufacture, has recent
~ been presented To the Cong. church on
the bill, by Mr.. Snow, a former resident OF
Westmoreland, now of Fitchburg, Mass.
As the farmers OF the Republican party
play first hddle in the coming political
dance in this state, we expect to see their
opponents Ego TO grass" for a candidate
another season. ED WARD.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

a ROYAL WEDDING.-The marriage OF
the Duke of Edinburgh, second son of
Queen Victoria, to the Grand Duchess Ma
ria of Russia, fourth child and only daugh-
ter of the Car, was solemnized at st. Pc
tersburg last Friday. The day was observed
as holiday at the Russian capital, and the
festivities in honor of the event were to con-
tinue several days. The royal couple were
married according to the services of the
Greek Church and of the English Church.
The former ceremony, which was of an i'm
posing character, occupied an hour aud
half, and took place in the church attached
to the Winter Palace. Thence the party
repaired to large hall known as Alexan-
der Hall, where the English service, which
lasted quarter of an hour, was performed
by Dean Stanley. The marriage ceremon-
les concluded with a magnificent choral
service at the Greek Church. The wedding
dress of the bride was OF purple and erm-
inc, over white and silver, and her trosseau
consisted of fifty magnificent dresses, ex-
elusive of the ball dress, the lace of which
cost 1000 roubles yard. The royal groom
is thirty years of age and the bride twenty
one. The marriage Is said to have been a
case of love at first sight.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30
HinsdaIc, y. II.

Prof j. Doane of Keono gave an organ
concert in the Universalist church on the
evening of the 2slh inst, which delighted
a largo congregation.
on Saturday the Baptist society offered
according TO previous announcement, the
letting Of the pews in their church, which
was quito successful, having rented as re-
mort SAYS nearly one. half Of them.
Rev. NJ. Ii. Harris lectured In the Uni
versalist church on Tuesday evening OF
this week TO an auditory which nearly FILL
ed all the pews therein, as well as the seats
in the gallery. The subject, "Classes in
Society,"" was treated in manner which
gave entre satisfaction and great pleasure
to all present, judging from the many opln-
ions we have heard expressed.
The Messrs Wellman, who recently
bought Mr.. II. Il. Swans store, have open
ed and are in successful operation. They
will keep the usual variety OF goods Kept
by stores in country villages. We regret
to hear it reported that Mr.. Swan will soon
leave town. 1t is to be-hoped that he may
find sufic ient inducements 10 tarry with
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

The corporators OF the Windham Conn-
ty Savings Bank held their annual meet
ing Jan. 18Th, and chose the following Off
GERS for the year ensuing President Col.
J. Twtchell vice president, John Rice ;
trustees, Henry Rice, w. II. Goodnow, w.
A. Stedman, S. d. Winslow, c. II. Eager,
ID. A. Dickinson, w. r. Bruce, Austin Biz
chard, Franklin Moore, j. ID. Redwny, A.
J. Morse, p. II. Rutter, f. o. Burdiu, l.
X. Bachelor, and j. j. Green; treasurer,
Eleazer Gorham. An extra dividend was
DECLARED of per cent on all deposits for
the past five years, making the dividends a
little better than per cent annual interest.
Arler the meeting the trustees proceeded to
the house of Hon. Austin Brchard, the for
mer treasurer, and surprised him by the
presentation of a silver service, consisting
Of AN ice pitcher, slop-bowl, two goblets,
anJ salver, as a token of their appreciation
of his services for the past twenty years.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

The next college regatta is TO be held on
Saratoga lake, July 10Th. The decision to
go TO Saratoga is generally regretted in
New England, as it is regarded as a tri-
umph of John Morrissey, and it is feared
that the race will not, as heretofore, DO kept
free from pool-selling and other gambling.
So far as the natural advantages of Saratoga
lake are concerned, no better place could
be found. The lake is noted for its great
natural beauty, and the race would be visi-
BILE from any given point throughout its
entire course, which is not the case al
Springfield. The Amherst men have sig
nifed their refusal to 60 to Saratoga.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30
CoIored Wen In Congress.

The colored men bers of Congress are
distinguishing themselves in this session,
and earning an enviable reputation for ell
oquence and ability. Some two or three
weeks since Mr.. Elliot, colored Tepresen-
tativc from South Carolina made a speech
in reply TO Mr.. Stephens of the same State
which eflecua!ly vanqushed and sienced
the eX-Confederate vice president, and won
golden opinions from the Republican press
OF the country, and on Saturday last Mr..
Cain (colored), also from South Carolina,
made his debut in speech which proved
its author to he no mean antagonist for
those chivalrous Southern members, who
seem TO regard 1t as their special province
to oppose every effort for the advancement
and education of the colOred people. The
occasion was the speech of William NJ.
r obbins Of North Carolina, who showed
himself to be an old fire-eater of the tierc-
est type, and who, according TO his own
statement, Twas an officer In the conieder-
ate army, participating in nearly all the
battles Of northern Virginia from Bull
Run 10 Appomattox courthouse" Tine
subject under discussion was the civil
rights bill which Mr.. Robbins opposed, ar
guing that there was a natural and perpet-
ual antagonism between the white and col
ored races, and that the passage of the civ
il rights bill would result in the degrade
ton OF the white race, not in the elevation
Of the black.
Mr.. Cain replied, repelling the inslnua-
ton that black men could not fight, and
said that when black men were on the bat
tie field there was no flinchng. That black
men were ignorant was the fault of those
who had, for 200 years, kept them in that
condition. He retored to the insinuations
against his race that the civilizing instru-
ments employed by Mr.. Robbins and his
race had been the stocks, the whipping-post,
the thumb screw, aud the lash, and yet,
despite these agencies, there was but slight
difference between the whites and blacks OF
the South, and himself and his fellows
stood upon that floor, Mr.. Robbns's equals,
to assert their rights, and feared not COM
parison as to the education of the past eight
years. This speech was frequently applaud
ed,l and the.speaker personally compliment
ed by nearly all the republicans present.
1t Is gratifying to know that the black men
are abundantly able to turn the tables on
those who unblushingly assai and abuse
them and their race at every opportunity.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

1t isn't safe to believe everything you
see in print-PHGNIx editorials alone ex
cepted. While the public sympathies were
being duly lacerated by the recently pub
lished story OF the poverty, loneliness and
general wretchedness of Louis Kossuth in
his old age, in steps Des Moines, Iowa,
cousin of the old Hungarian, and says that
the pitiful sketch is all bosh; that Kossuth
isn't poor, but is pleasantly situated, with
enough of his own to support him comfort
ably, and with two well-to-do sons who, If
necessary, would gladly contribute 10 their
fathers support. This cousin says, too,
that Kossuth isn't feeble, but is hale and
hearty, that he isn't forgotten by his coun-
trymen, doesn't live in seclusion, etc, and
all this he knows for a fact, because he is in
frequent communication with him. Since
the publication of this statement Kossuth
bonds are reported more buoyant. Mean
while we wait for contradiction of the
"cousip's" letter.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

Senator Boutwell, of Massachusetts made
q three-hours' speech, upon the financial
situation, in the Senate on Thursday last,
which, coming from a man who has been
30 init mately connected with The financial
interests of the country, was attentively
listened to, and the views expressed are at
least worthy of consideration. Mr.. Bout
well took strong ground against either in
hation or contraction of the currency. He
said that the country had been steadily pro-
crossing toward specie payments, during
the last four years, and he thought it the
best financial policy to wait for resumption
until the way opens naturally and easily.
He did not believe that the government
could resume in a year from now, because
1t would be impossible to accumulate or
buy gold enough to resume with. Infia-
tion OF the currency would infilct serious
and lasting evils upon both the commercial
and the laboring interests Of the country I;
contraction would, in his opinion, be equal
ly disastrous, and he could see no better
way than to continue with the financial
policy which had been pursued successful
ly and advantagecusly TO the country for
the last four years.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

AN ARKANSAS STAGE RoBBERY.-An
Arkansas paper narrates the particulars of
daring stage robbery that recently occur
red short distance from Little Rock. The
highwaymen, to the number of five, were
all mounted on horses, and galloping up
behind the coach, they ordered the driver
to stop, at the same limo leveling their pis-
tolls at him and the passengers inside. The
order was obeyed, and the next command
was that the passengers should get out.
Having done so, they wero ranged in a row,
told to hold their hands up, and while four
of the brigands covered them with revoly-
ers, the leader proceeded TO go through
their pockets. From ex-Gov. Burbank, of
Dakota, they took $500 in money, a gold
watch and diamond breast-pin; Mr.. Tay-
Tor of Lowell, Mass, surrendered the sum
of $3.50, or Whereabouts; a passenger from
Syracuse, N. Y, made an appropriation OF
Sl6Oi the pocket-books Of four other pas
sengers yielded $3.50. The robbers com
p!eted their work by ripping open the mail
bags in search of registered letters, and by
appropriating the best horse attached to the
stage.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

1t is not pleasant 10 read that consider
able proportion of the sugars used in New
York, even in the first class hotels and res
tauran:s are adulterated TO dangerous ex-
tent with acid poisons. The Grand Jury
and the Board of Health of the city are
looking into the matter, and it is stated that
at a recent examin alton Of samples of SUI
gars and syrups gathered from various
places, nearly all showed the presence of
sulphuric acid in alarming quantities. 1t
is not stated that these poisonous goods
have been put upon the country trade, Ind
1t is to be hoped that such is not the case
The presence Of sulphuric acid in sugar or
syrup may be detected by pouring a smIll
quantity into strong tea, when, if acid is
present, the mixture will turn 10 a dark
color owing to the action of the tannin in
the tea upon the acid. II the matter is
properly followed up by the authorities
the manufacturers and dealers who are re-
sponsible for the adulteration will be dis
covered and dealt with as they deserve.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

We are glad TO learn that Bierstadts fa-
m Gus picture, "The Domes of the Yose-
mite" is hereafter to have home within
the borders of our own State, it having
been purchased by Mr.. Horace Fairbanks,
the scale maker, who will place it in the
free library and art gallery at st. Johns
bury. This picture, which is one ofthe best
representations of our wonderful Western
scenery ever put upon canvass, originally
sold for $50, 900, but its purchaser failed and
the painting was sold at auction to New
York gentleman, who concluded he didn't
want it, and it has finally come into Mr..
Fairbanks possession for the sum Of
s5O5O.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

So much has been said about the ''con-
tingent expenses" of the U. S. Senate, and
so much abuse has been heaped upon SEN
ators for the penknives, gold pens, gold
toothpicks, etc., which they have been ac-
cused of stealing and having the plumber
charged to their Stationery account" that
we gladly give place, today, to plain
statement of the facts in the case, from Mr..
Morrill, of this State. Mr.. Morrlrs expla-
nation is undoubtedly the only correct one,
and from his remarks it will be seen that
the only possible question is whether Sem
ators ought to have sl25 per year allowed
them for stationery. So long as either the
goods or the money are his by law, it is
no more stealing when Senator buys
penknife and has it charged to bis station
cry account than when he buys quire of
paper and has it charged to the same ac-
count,-provided, always, that in neither
case the yearly sum of Of SIPS is exceeded.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30

The PRICE OF CoAL.-The gentlemen
who met at New York, the other day, to
fix our coal bills for this year decided to
fix the prices for March, when the years
trade opens, fifteen cents per ton higher than
in March, 1873, and then TO so up five cents
per ton in March, ten cents per ton in May
aud the same In June, and fifteen cents per
ton for each of the months of July, August,
September, october and Noyember-which
will make the price of coal next Novem-
Der just Sl,l5 per ton moro than it was last
November The trouble between the min
ers and the companies, In the Schuylkill
region, has been compromised, and the
danger of wages strike is over for the
present.