davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

FEMALE SUFFRAGE.-The female suffrage
cause has progressed as far as the United
States supreme court, where a suit is now on
trial involving the question whether women
are not, as citizens, under proper construc-
ton of the meaning of the fourteenth amend
ment to the constitutions entitled TO equal
rights and privileges at the polls The point
has frequently been raised before now, but
has been oyerruled by all the judicial au-
thority which has pronounced upon it, and
is now brought up for final decision by the
highest legal tribunal of the country The
case comes from Missouri, and is that of
Mrs. Miner against registration officer who
refused to receive her vote, and in whose ia
vor judgment was given in the state courts.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

TnE RgFoRM ScHooL.-0ur Waterbury
correspondent made some startling revela-
tons last week in relation to the proposed
site for the Reform School at Vergennes,
and these statements we have since been
credibly informed are strictly true. 1t is
painfully evident that in this matter the
Legislature made great blunder, or, in other
words were lobbied into authorizing the
purchase of property wholly untitled for
the purposes of Reform School, and which
it will require vast sum of money TO put
into running order. Under these circum-
stances, we wonder if Governor Peck will
feel compelled to complete the purchase
of the property and saddle burden upon
the state in comparison with which that con-
tracted while the school was located at
Waterbury will seem trhipg2 We certainly
think that this matter should receive careful
consideration at the hands of the Governor,
followed by prudent action.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

DAWN NALE-AGAIN. Orren Shipman,
who was recently accused of cheating the
Dawn Valcour community, which obtained
their lands of him, publishes a card denying
the charge and asserting that it was made
by j. II. Lippit alias j. Il. Smith, who, he
says, is villain and broken-down mer-
chant who has fled from his creditors to be
wintered by the community, MIR. Shipman
asserts that the appraisal of the property was
made by the examining committee of the
community, from whom he has the estimates
in black and white, and that he has yet no val
uation. lie still keeps open the offer to give
the community 81, 900 for every $4,000 they
invest, and the whole property when they
have invested 100000.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

The AGAssIz FuND.--The contributions
to the teachers and peoples fund " for
the Agassz memorial now foot up to the
very respectable figure of s9,l927l, coming,
it is estimated, from eighty-six thousand six
hundred and ninety-six persons. In some of
the principal cities of the country including
Boston, New York and Philadelphia, it was
deemed inexpedient to suspend the law for
bidding taking Of contributions in the
schools, but teachers and pupils, very gener-
ally, have an opportunity to contribute if
they desire. The fund ought to be swelled
from this source much beyond its present
proportions. One of the best results of
monument Of this kind is the effect upon the
minds of the giyers Of thus testifying their
regard for the memory of great and faith
ful teacher and the work which he accom-
plished for human knowledge.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

OyuuoN, DAWSON CorNrY NEnRAsKA.
Tehruurx \ ls-r

OyKuoN, DAWSON CorNrY, NEBRASKA,
February 3, 1875
Ns'Vs Editors III have read With interest the
Letters Of Mr. llenick in relation to tho deyasia-
ton caused in this section by tho grasshoppers,
andalthough Ihaye not been ln seward county my
self one Of my neighbors who has been, assures
me that Mr.. Ilerrick has not overstatcd the case
We have not suffered no much here, for aid came
seasonably but IL that should stop, We should be
IN very bad condition. The weather has been
very cold for the past six weeks, the thermometer
ranging from fourteen 10 twenty six degrees below
zero. You can judge something Of our situation
during storm when tell you that wc have 10 go
five miles Tor wood aud that, while the storm
lasts, money would not hire man to go and get IT,
Among the articles received by us are beans
con-meal, dried apple aud once in a while little
pork At one time We had twonty-six pounds Of
sugar and six pounds Of tea, to be divided into
one hundred and twenty-eight parts We have
some new clothes and plenty Of old ones A
portion Of the old are-not 10 put too dno a
point upon it-pretty old, but they help 20 keep
the cold out, and are very acceptable Game Is
scarce, so that we cannot do much for ourselves
II there is not something done right ~ for seed
and fodder for our teams, We shall be in a worse
condition than ever j.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

TnE NEW TARIFr.-Of course the new
tariff bill won't suit everybody-no tariff bill
ever did. There are those who complain
that the tax wasn't restored on tea and
coffee but was increased on sugar. But one
trouble was, that in expectation Of tax on
tea very heavy stocks had been imported,
and the tax would only have put money in
the pockets of the tea merchants without in
ereasing the revenue. The fact Is, the men
who know the least about what they are
talking can argue longest and grumble loud
est against what is done. And this obserya-
ton need not TO be limited to the tariff by
any means.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

RAILROAD SUBsIDIEs.-The late National
Grange Convention at Charleston, 5. c.. ador-
ted reiolutions fovoring goyemmentsubsidy
to the Texas * Pacific Railroad Co., Tom
SCOTS fayorite scheme whereat the Bos-
ton journal makes the following sensible sug-
gestions: d" If there is one practice which
we had supposed to be more abhorrent than
another to the principles of the grangers, it is
the practice Of granting subsidies to rail
roads from the national treasury. This
whole matter of gifts of money and grants
of land to railroad corporations, we had
taken to be one of the chief grievances of
the grangers, and, if we do not mistake, we
have read good many feryid resolutions,
addresses and remonstrances in behalf Of
the agricultural interests, on this very point.
There is curious flavor of richness in this
Endorsement of gigantic railway jolt by an
organization whose avowed object is to OPP
pose railway monopolies, and interpose on
behalf of the farmers, to prevent national
grants TO railways. Can it be that Mr.. Scott.
with all his other possessions, GOWNS" the
National Grange That a scheme for the
plumber of the treasury should receive the
formal and unanimous Endorsement of that
body is at least singular contradiction of
its protestations Of reform. One would
think that the Union Pacific road would be
enough of this sort Of thing for one genera
tion-wth its Credit Mobilier construction
dodge, its substitution of second for first
mortgages, and its magnificent indifference
to the government claims for interest," but
no, at every session Of Congress some new
project comes up with smiling front to
plead for national assistance. The National
Grange is in bad business when it consents
to stand sponsor to one of the most notorious
plundering schemes Of the season, and we
cannot believe that it represents truthfully
the sentiment Of its vast agricultural mem
bership in its course on this point"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

THE Com WAvE.-The cold wave which
passed over the northern portions of New
England and New York on Saturday of last
week was remarkable not only for sending
the mercury down lower than it has ever
been before for years, but also for the mar.
row and well defined limits by which it was
bounded. The cold belt across New lamp
shire was about seventy miles wide the most
intense cold being felt in towns lying few
miles north Of Concord. The weather was
cold in Massachusetts, but did not approx
mate to that in some of the towns in the CEN
trail part of New Hampshire where il was
considerably colder than in places farther
north. The same cold wave was felt in
northern New York, where forty-one degrees
below zero is reported, while in other places
the mercury was frozen, and those who did
not possess spirit Thermometers were unable
10 measure ii at all.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24
Indirect Taxation.

The world has been a long time in learn.
ing the true theory Of taxation and, indeed,
has much yet to learn. The general gov.
eminent, following the lead of other
nations, has always adopted the indirect
method Of taxing the people except in a few
instances during and since the war, when an
income tax was levied.
The only reason which can be assigned
for an indirect tax, is the fact that its oper.
alton is not observed by those upon whom il
is levied and money is paid into the treas
ury without the people realizing that it has
been taken from them.
This peculiarly Of mankind shows conclu-
sivcly that they have not reached the point
where direct taxation-tho only method 10y
which the burthens Of the government can
be made to fall upon each man according TO
his ability to bear thcm-can be safely
adopted. Men are so disposed to complain
where taxes are direct, and so willing to pay
them when indirect, that the government
finds it polite, if not absolutely necessary,
TO resort TO indirect taxation, however I'M
justly it may distribute the public burthens.
Congress may do much, in carrying out
the system Of indirect taxation, towards
just aud equitable distribution Of the bur
thens Of government, aud to that point they
should direct special attention. The plac-
ing Of a tax ON tea and coffee will not have
such a tendency. On the contrary, it will
place upon the shoulders Of the poor bur
thens which should be horne by the wealthy
for the poor hard-working men aud women
drink more tea and coffee than the rich.
The advocates of this tax claim that it will
not affect the prices asked for the articles
taxed--that the poor man will be able to buy
his tea aud coffee at the same prices which
would prevail without the imposition Of the
tax. This argument is not only very absurd,
but it is contradictcd by existing facts To-
day, dealers in tea will tell You that, in view
of the probable taxation Of that article 10y
Congress, an advance has taken place, and
that they cannot now purchase teas by the
quantity, at prices as low as the same are
sold by retail dealers.
1t is far from being just to make the poor
bear the burthens which should fall upon
the rich, and this would be the effect Of the
proposed tax on tea and coffee. Let Con-
gress, II additional revenues are absolutely
necessary, restore the income tax. That
would fall upon shoulders able to bear tit
would come out Of the profits derived from
labor, rather than from wages Of the laborer
In the framing Of revenue laws, Congress
should seek, as far as possible, to keep in
view the just theory that the property of the
country should pay its taxes; and while it
is impossible to strictly enforce this theory
under a system of indirect taxation, nothing
short Of the nearest possible approach to it
should characterize our revenue laws.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

The RAILROAD WAR.- Whatever may be
the ultimate result Of the bitter war just
opened between the Pennsylvania and Balti-
more & Ohio railroads the travelling public
is sure to reap the benefit Of low rates while
it lasts. The result must depend somewhat
upon the financial condition of the com
panics and in this view of the matter the
following figures are interesting; The Penn
sylyania road has total length with CON
nections) of one thousand four hundred
ninety-fve miles. disabilities are sl33, 057,-
O62, against a cost Of G5,l75,972 The Bal
timore & Ohio has a total track of one thou
sand five hundred and ffty-eight miles, with
liabilities of only ,O33, against cost
of sti,6j7 ,Si7. In 1873 the latter road
earned fourteen per cent on its liabilities !;
the former less than eight per cent, while
the Baltimore & Ohio closed the year with a
surplus of s20,033,l3l.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

Foolish LEGrSr ArioN-ln the House Of
Representatives, on Tuesday, Mr.. Young, Of
Georgia, succeeded in amending the bill 10
reorganize the treasury department so as to
provide for new distribution of the appoint
ments Of clerks, to be made after July lst,
so that they shall be divided among the statos
and territories in proportion to population
more stupid proposition it would be diff
cult to conceive of. It is based on the theory
that clerkships in the civil service of the
government should be considered as a refuge
for politicians, instead of being filled with
men selected for their capacity and iutelli-
gence, theory which has already been car
ried into practice to a most perncious extent.
To render the matter worse, Mr.. Young pro-
poses a general discharge of the clerks now
employed. who may be supposed 20 have
learned something Of their duties, and to re-
place them with a set Of greenhorns whose
only claim to appointment is based ON the
fact that they are seyerally residents of
certain state or territory. ANY merchant
who should undertake to conduct his private
business after such a fashion would be re-
garded as a lunatic, and there is not reason
that can be offered in support Of the amend
mend that is worthy of moments consider
alton.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

Tnr Secretary of War has directed the
adiutant general to send kilograms to the
commanding generals in Dakota, the Platte
and the Missouri, instructing them to carry
out the directions of the recent general order
for furnishing supplies to sufferers by grass
hopper rayages with the utmost despatch.
The quartermaster general and commissary
general are TO telegraph the officers of their
department TO the same effect.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

OUrRAGEOUs-f the reports which come 10 Us
Of recent scndalous letters said to have been for
warded to young lady in Franklin county, are
true, We heartily hope the miscreant who wrote
them will meet speedy aud sufficient punish
ment We copy from the Burlington Sentinel
For several weeks past Miss Annie D. Keith,
daughter Of Hon. Alfred Keith, Of sheldon, an es-
Unable young lady and member Of the Unitarian
church choir Of Burlington, has boon greatly an
noyed and insutcd by receiving Letters from an
unknown source, containing the Ylest propositions
and charges too obscene and indecent for publica-
ton. Miss Keith has been in great distress Of
mind from this cause, and now that the facts are
known she has the hearty sympathy Of all who
know her, and the high respect in which she has
ever been held is in nowise diminished by the
efforts Of her traducer. And this indecent anony-
nous correspondence has not been limited to the
Lady alone but letters containing the yilest charges
against her have been received by no less than Ave
persons who reside in Burlington, one Of whom Is
the Rev. Mr. Ware, pastor Of the Unitarian
church All efforts 10 trace out the author OF this
dirty work for time proved unayailing. Some
weeks ago man stopped at the Van Ness House,
registering himself as a Mr. Stone Of bakersfield
lie gained the confidence Of a bell-boy and asked
him all manner Of questions concerning Miss
Keith. The boy told Of misconceptions were
aroused, and Bakersfield was secured for Mr.
Stone, but no such man could be found In that
town, and for time Miss Keth's friends were at
fault. AT length suspicion turned upon well
known merchant Of st. Adams, and Friday last H.
H. laleott, Esq, accompanied by the bell-boy,
went 10 ST. Adams ON n tour Of Investigation
Mr., Talcott stepped into the clothing store Of W.
H. & &. G. Blaisdell, made some slight purchases
and while there the boy came in W II. Blaisdeli
was behind the counter The boy looked at him
and said:
How do you do M. Stoner
" Blaisdell denied nothing, and has since made
complete confession Of guilt, going upon his mar
row bones before the indignant father Of his
would-be victim Blaisdell is a single man.
about thrty-eight years old, and this is not his
FIRST experience in writing letters to and about
young ladies, although ii is not known that he
ever before carried the matter to such an outrage
Gus excess He lis worth $4,000 A suit for s25,-
ooO has been brought against him and his property
attached. The firm OF which he was a member.
was dissolved on Saturday. Col Keith saws he
would not take dollar Of the fellow money. but
he is determined his daughter shall be indicated.
T. J. Phelps and II. II, Tacott are retained as
counsel Tor the prosecution"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

CHEAP TELEGRAPHY. On Monday the
Western Union Telegraph Company reduced
the rates for messages between New York
city and Boston, Albany, Washington, and
all intermediate points, to an equality with
those of the Atlantic aud Pacific Company.
This reduction amounts to nearly fifty per
cent Of the old rates, and is long step to-
ward cheap telegraphy. The Atlantic and
Pacific Company proposes to answer it by
doubling the number of words which will be
transmitted at the present rates. This the
company can easily afford to do, since it pos
sesses patents which render the cost of tele-
graphing fifty or a hundred words hardly
greater than the cost of telegraphing ten
words. These reduced rates on the part of
both companies will Of course be extended
to whatever points are reached by the wires
Of the Atlantic and Pacific, and we shall
have thus cheap telegraphy throughout tine
country,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

PIscHBAcK's CASE PosrPoSED.-The re-
suit OF the debate in the Senate on Pinch
backs credentials as Senator elect from the
state OF louisiana, is a victory for the true
republicanism of this country Though the
session vas prolonged and wearisome, the
speeches delivered on both sides showed suf-
fcient ability and energy TO warrant the
opinion that the case has now been thor
oughly considered, and that the excuse for
further occupying the short time of this Con-
gress with its discussion is no longer valid
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24
The Winter DrOuth.

The extreme cold Of the present winter
has been accompanied 10y d~outh Of great
severity and wide extent Tie rainfall has
been very light. Our usual January thaw
failed us this time, and the streams as a con.
sequence are lower than for many years.
Mills have stopped for want of water in
various parts Of the country. Wells have
gone dry, and great Inconvenience and no
little suffering have been the result Far
mers, in this state and elsev here, have been
obliged to drive their stock from three to six
miles for water, The fall of snow at the
head waters Of our streams has been the
heaviest for a number Of winters. The long
continued cold has frozen the ground much
below the ordinary depth, and there are we'll
founded fears that the disasters and severi-
ties Of the present winter are not all past.
With the ground frozen as hard a. rock
to so great a depth, and with the immense
body of snow in the interior, heavy rain at
this time could hardly fail to result in most
disastrous floods A rain that would melt
the snow would soon fll all our streams to
overlooking, while the frozen condition Of
the ground would, for some time. prevent the
absorption of the water, which would pour
down the sides Of our hills mountains and
slope. as from a slated roof The sudden
breaking up Of the ice in the rivers and
creeks, being as tits Of almost unprecedented
thickness, would jam and choke up the nat
ural channels, causing floods and inunda-
tions in all directions. It is greatly to be
hoped that so terrible a calamity as sudden,
warm and copious rains would produce, may
be ayerted.
As soon as the weather moderates and a
general thaw sets in, there will be no lack of
water in the streams, while we shall have all
needed rains in due time to fiji cisterns and
wells throughout the country.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

Is the village of Ahali, in Asia Minor there
were about one thousand one hundred Inhabitants
two or three years ago. Since the famine there
have been four hundred deaths and one hundred
and fifty persons have emlgmted The total pop
ulation is thus reduced to little more than five
hundred. In some cases dead bodies were left
unburied for many days, the survivors being too
demoralized by privation to perform the last offices
Tor their fellow villagers. Many Of these bodies
were eaten by starving dogs and cats This was
also the case In another village named Karadali
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24

MIR HENRY T. CHEEvIn has published some
letters written by the Rev George Trasl, the anti
tobacco enthusiast, not long before his death.
They show how earnest he was at the age OF sew
enty-fyc In his fight against the weed Pray
that may have fresh amounting for my work."
he wrote, for It is put upon me by God" Ac-
knowledging a contribution, he said, at will
whiten many acres at the West with my tracts.
Lot us fight to the end, for heaven is near"
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1875-03-12
TELEGRAPHIC ITEMS.
The Virsinius Affair Settled.


MADRID, March S.-The convention
between Spain and the United States
settling the Virginius affair, has been
signed. The belligercnts exchange
prisoners.
The President.
WASHINGTON, March S.--GOv. Hebcrt
of Louisiana, had an interview with
the President to-day. The conversation
was of q colloquial character. Gov.
Hebert represents the Presidents tone
as kindly toward the entire South, anu
he seems disposed to doanythIng III MS
power to secure him justice and give
them quiet. The President wished to
know whether the South would abide
by reasonable arrangements. GOV.
Hebert assured the President there was
no doubt Of ii.
The Louisiana Compromise.
|. WAsHIN GToN, March S.-The follow
ing is authorized: Mr.. Wheeler received
this morning from New Orleans his
articles of adjustment, signed by A
members of the Conservative caucus,
an ample number to secure the desired
result. He at once telegraphet to for
ward by express to New York city,
the papers now in the Office Of the See
rotary of State, which was used in con-
tested cases before the Returning Board
in November last. Referees viii meet
ON Thursday next at the office OF Hon.
VIM. Walker Phelps, in New York,
and proceed with the hearing.
CONCORD, March 8. Sufficient returns
have already come in to insure, beyond
all doubt, a sweeping victory FOR the
Republicans. During the evening
several newspaper Offices and Republic
can headquarters have been crowded
with people seeking information. AL
the news obtained was Of the same
general character, showing victories
for the Republicans and losses for the
Democrats. There is not much excite
ment manifested in the streets, those
interested having crowded into the
several offices.
WASHINGTON, March Ex-senator
johnson is on the Committee on For
cign Relations, and Postotficcs and
Postroads.
Alexander White, member Of Con-
gress at large of Alabama, will probably
be appointed Assistant Attorney Gene
raj.
Mr.. Wilson is absent. Mr.. Ferry re-
ceivcd 80, and Mr.. Thurman % votes,
| for President pro tenn.