Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

That the year 1876, so soon TO draw to a
close, marks a century in the progress of
the nation, has been rather frequently re-
marked during the past twelve months
but that the year 1877, so soon 10 open, will
mark century in the progress of the first
State added TO the original thirteen which
composed that nation, is not so universally
known. The territory now known as the
State OF Vermont was, one hundred years
ago, called the New Hamshire Grants, the
lands having been granted the settlers by
the province of New Hampshire. New
York at the same time claimed jurisdiction
over the lands, and hence controversy
arose which brought about 4 determination
on the part OF the Inhabitants to set up a
state government for themselves. They
accordingly met by delegates in conven-
ton, at Westminster, on the 18th OF Janua-
ry, l777, and declared themselves an indie
pendent State. The convention then adj
journed 10 meet at Windsor, June 4th, and
sill again at the same place July ID, when
the delegates formed a constitution, organ
izing temporary State government, till an
election could be held, which was order ed
for March 12th, IT'S. The State immed-
aIely applied for admission into the Union,
but this was denied until 1901. Neverthe
less, the organization under 1.-The name of
the State OF Vermont dates from the year
III, for during period OF fourteen years
the people living there were an independ-
ent community, exercising and enjoying
all the functions of a state, except a repre-
sentation in Congress. On the 10th day of
August OF the same eventful year, the i'm
portant battle OF Bennington occurred, in
which the Green Mountain Boys under
Stark, with his brigade from New Hamp-
shire and regiment of Berkshire County
militia, signally defeated a detachment of
Burgoyne's army sent TO capture the mill
tary stores at Bennington. This brilliant
success led, in short space oftwo months
and one day, TO the complete surrender Of
Burgoyne at Saratoga, which decided the
contest in favor of American independence.
1t is this event Of the Battle of Benning-
ton which Vermont proposes 10 remember
next year, by the commencement OF a
monument 10 the memory OF John Stark
and his gallant band; aud in this good
work the present generation or.Vermont-
ers invites the cooperation of New Hamp-
shire and Massachusetts, as their fathers
did in that of one hundred years ago. They
have, as an earnest Of their endeavors, ten e
dered by their legislature just adjourned,
the sum of $4,000 as their fair contrihu-
ton TO the contemplated structure at Ben
nington. The governor of the Slate is by
the act appropriating this money spec iical-
ly directed TO invite, in the name of the
State, the States OF New Hampshire and
Massachusetts TO unite with Vermont in
this work. 1t would seem eminenily fit
that the thee States which furnished the
troops that won the decisive victory at Ben
nington should join in placing there some
suitable token commemorative OF their
glorious deeds. We look for a cordial re-
Spouse from our own State, which still
keeps proudly suspended over the door of
her senate chamber the spoils sent her by
Stark himself from the field of Benning-
ion. New Hampshire, too-if we may
venture suggestion of this kind 10 a sister
State-which bore the "brunt of the fight"
aud came Off with the largest share of the
honors OF the victory, can i'll afford 10 neg
lect the opportunity so gracefully offered
TO heartily join in perpetuating the name
she most delights TO honor.-BoSton Globe,
1Sh inst.