The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-01-15
yERGENNES ALIVE.
RECEPTION or THE VERMONT
LEGISLATURE.
MusIc-PrOccssi0u- er-Nisit TO
the Arsenal, manufactories ana
water Works.

| ingS, Win view 10 locating the vermont
reform school, under the bill introduced
into the house on Wednesday. 1t proved
one of the most graceful receptions ever
given in Vermont, as well as an occasion
of pleasant memories, both 10 the citizens
and their visitors.
The members of the legislature left
Montpelier at o'clock a. IN. on Thursday
in special train consisting of seven cars,
furnished by the Central Vermont railroad,
under the direction Of Assistant Superin-
tendent Ambrose Arnold, and making the
trip in little over three hours, arriving at
Vergennes at 11.30 a. IN.
The members were all in excellent spirits,
repartec and anecdole went the round,
even injecting our good and staid governor
| with the same humorous vein which per-
vaded the younger members of the great
and honorable court. The trip was pleasant
and agreeable TO all. To many of the mem
bers from the northern and eastern coun-
| ties, who had never before visited the
Champlain valley and Western Vermont,
it was novel and especially interesting.
| The reform school was Of course the main
topic of general discussion. Here and there
knots Of men might be heard eagerly dis
cussing the merits and claims of the rcspec-
tive locations named Waterbury and YER
gennes. Many were debating the past and
present management of the reform school,
its successes and failures. Especially did
the large amount of money thus far eX-
pended come in for sharp comment in some
quarters. 1t seemed to be a general con-
cession that the amounts apprO-
priated had been too large in
comparison with the good results accomp-
ished. tits very evident that our lcgisla-
tors are disposed to demand "a stricter
economy in the administration of its affairs
The pressure brought to bear at the last
session to secure an appropriation for
another building, which failed TO pass be-
cause it was alleged to be a ''job' for the
benefit of the present superintendent, was
quite freely commented upon and initiates
against the rebuilding of the reform school
at Waterbury.
On the arrival at Ncrgennes the general
assembly were met by a committee and
large number of the leading citizens, among
whom were, Hon. Edward Seymour, Hon.
| Frederick +. Woodbridge, Hon. George
w. Grandey, Hon. John Z. Roberts, Hon.
]. d. Smith, c. T. Stevens, G. A. Booth,
w. A. Sheriff., II. G. johnson, ID. II.
Lewis, Gen. J. H.Lucia,L. +. Benton,F. NJ.
Strong, VIM. S. Hopkins, Preston Max
field, +. X. Haven, and in fact all the
leading citizens of the city.
Ex-Gov John w. Stewart and deega-
ton of the leading citizens of Middebury
were also present.
SiXty-eight teams were in waiting to con-
| yey the 29j visitors to the city. All were
| quickly loaded and conveyed to the city
where the Stevens hose company and the
Volunteer hose company were out in full
uniform to receive them with due honor
The Vergennes brass band discoursing most
excellent music
Soon after the arrival, the fire depart
ment gave an exhibition of the facilities
| enjoyed by the city, secured to them by
the new water works. Two sections of
hose were attached to hydrant in front
of the Stevens House. dischargng streams
from the same hydrant, showing the facili-
ties in case of fire only excelled by the city
of Burlington. The men of the depart
mcnt manifested themselves expert iiremen.
| Dinner was now announced, and the
| party sat down to most excellent repast
| which full justice was done. The Stevens
especially under the direction of mine host
| Gaines, outrivaling itself in its bounte-
GUS spread, courteous attention and well
prepared dinner. Those who dined at the
Franklin House were also profuse in their
| commentators of the feast to which they
were invited by Messrs. Adams Il Foster.
| Dinner over, the teams were reloaded
and proceeded to the grounds of the ole
Champlain arsenal, about one-half mile
distant, where full inspection was made
of the buildings, grounds, ETC., also a view
Of the Sherman farm, which has been men
toned as proper to be purchased for thu
use Of the school. The grounds, consisting
OF twenty-eight acres, are well located, af
fording a good view of the surrounding
country. The main buildings, built o
stone, are substantial and could easily b,
adapted to the purposes intended for thu
reform school. The arsenal, S0x3G feet
is bull of stone, three and half storie
high, and covered with slate. 1t is an ex
cellent building. The officers quarters ar
in line with the arsenal and five or 81,
rods from the streets. The magazine /
40xl9 feet, built of stone, and coYere,
with slate. The clubhouse, built Of wood
is 100x2G feet, and one and half storie
high The barracks, so-called, are woode
buildings, 40X30 feet, one and half storie
high. The other buildings are easily &C
cessible and equally convenient The i'm
preston conveyed was decidedly favorabl
upon all parties and that they might b
properly fitted for the purposes of til
school. The question now remains, Wha
will be the expenditure necessary to pu
t them in condition? There were variou
estimates, but how reliable they are W
were unable to judge The committee wi
undoubtedly present accurate figures fror
3 competent men.
After leaving the arsenal grounds I'll
party was taken around by the nail mant
factory and to the pump house of the cit
water works, which were examined wit
much interest. The party proceeded {
the railway station where they embarke
on the train, and about three O'Clock wei
off for the capital where they expected I
arrive at seven o'clock.