davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

The Boston Journal has these sensible
and encouraging words:
All may be sure Of this; There will be
no war. There is deal of political uncer-
tainty, a plenty Of wrangling, too much
buster and some silly threatening, but no
war will follow. Whether Gov. Hayes or
Gov. Tilden is inaugurated President there
will DO no civil strife, no raising of armies,
no hostile army Of the adherents Of either.
Even such of the blood-thirsty partisan or
gans as expressed themselves for war three
weekssince have made haste since TO declare
that they are for peace and will spare no
effort in that direction. There can be no
possible pretext for an armed conflict. II
Congress cannot settle the question of the
Presidential succession and II is referred
back TO the people, they will settle it with
ballots, not by bayonets. And TO this con-
clusion every man must come who is ia
miliar with the character Of the American
people.
A careful survey of the situation should
not discourage intelligent business men,
or prevent thot1 from engaging in business
as they would at other times. The bust
ness prospect in itself is far from bad for
two years the country has been economic
ing; we are purchasing less Of the products
Of other nations and selling them more Of
our own than ever; the industries of the
country were never before so varied, nor
have their products ever before reached so
high state of excellence gold is cheap,
discounts low, and the demand for the ag-
ricultural products OF the country increas-
ing. If all buyers, sellers and consumers
will but take courage aud put of their
fears, the activity now manifested in tho in
creasing expectation of the products OF the
West will naturally reach the manufacture
ing interests OF the East.
But the duty of the present time, partic-
ularly at the close Of the year, when ac-
counts are settled and balances should be
paid, is TO meet all obligations with cour-
age, instead of boarding away money which
belongs 10 creditors, through cowardly
fear that something dreadful is sure tc
happen,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
Wilniington.

Christmas celebration, Sunday eve
ming, at the Universalist church was sue
cess. The house was prettily trimmed and
well lighted tho sermon was eloquent and
the singing superb.
The supper at the Methodist vestry
Monday evening was excellent, and The
tree loaded with presents gave great delight
TO the recipients thereof
AT the Baptist church there was a fine
Sunday school concert on Monday evening,
after which the packages which adorned
two Christmas trees weie distributed A.
mong the audience.
The "old Folks Choir sang very APP
prOpriate pieces at the Universalist church,
Sunday morning, and at the Baptist con-
celt, Monday evening.
Sunday afternoon the funeral Of Mr..
William Ray, much respected citizen,
was attended at the NJ. l.. church, all the
other churches closing.
Mr.. Lorin p. Harris has bought of
Deacon Reuel Smith, the Jabez Smith
place. Price, sl225.
-Rov. Mr.. Fowler or The Bal list church
of this place received pleasant surprise
party last Tuesday afternoon from about
thirty OF his former parishioncrs in Hall
fax
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
OBITUARY.

Another OF our oldest citizens, n son of
one OF tho early settlers Of this State, has
left us. Mr.. Luther Weld died on the 18th
inst, in the eigbtleth year OF his age. So
long life naturally leads us TO the reflec-
lion that three such lives would take us
back nearly 10 the landing OF the Pilgrims.
The deceased was born in GuilfOtd, Yer
mont, at n time when the settlements in
the State were still new. lie grew up with
the Slate, and his character was fashioned
amidst its early influences. II was distin-
gulshed for sterling manliness, sound prin-
ciple, and devotion to republican institu-
tons. One OF the last acts OF his life was
10 vote the American ticket for the Presi-
dency, ticket which he conceived repre-
scented the earlier and better character of
the State. Mr.. Weld left Guilford some
forty years ago, and purchased farm
north OF this village, at very picturesque
point on the right bank of West river
where he surrounded himself with a small
vineyard, choice fruits, aud all The comforts
Of agricultural life. lie also carried on
useful branch of manufacturing business.
being possessed of no small degree of me-
NhH'liNoA SpiiASs diS lCN At huC pres
enl day who manifest more intelligent con-
Germ in public affairs than was felt by him
self Possessed OF a strong mind, be per-
ceived material points clearly aud held 10
them with admirable firmness and tenac-
iiy. What he felt be could do for The pub
lie welfare lie did. In his earlier days he
was member of The then celebrated com
pany of Guilford heavy infantry. lie was
selfreliant, independent, honest, moder-
ate, respectful Of the rights OF others,
though prompt TO maintain his own; yet
modest, gener Gus, and highly respected by
the circle Of friends by whom he was inti-
mately known, and who will deeply feel
his loss. His education was not equal TO
his native ability, yet be has filed the du-
ties of life with even fidelity, constancy and
Intelligence. Com.
The following is the list Of letters re-
naming at the post office in this village
Dec. %:
Ladies-Mrs. Hester ii. Cook, Alta Lar
rabee, Mrs Geo. Rudy, Miss G. p. Rich.
Gents-W. J. Curtis, VIM. Chapman, E.
g. Dennisou, +. i. Estey, Arad Gilbert,
VIM. Knowlton, Frank Miller, c. W. Rice,
Addison A. Smith, Matthias Sullivan, Wal
lace Sargent, J. L. Whitaker, Luclan Witt,
Gladys Wayne.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

Mr.. Russell Gleason died al his resi-
dence, amer a short illness from pneumo.
mia, on Saturday morning OF last week. lie
leaves a wife and small children.
--Dea c. II. Barrett is in an cnrcebled
state Of health, apparently suffering from
paralysis.
Christmas was observed on Monday
evening Of the Baptist church. In the ear.
ly part Of the evening we we're entertained
by Rotations, dialogues, an essay and mn
sic. The arrival OF Santa Claus was an
nounced by Christmas card, and soon the
jingle, aud dancing and prancing Of his
reindeer team raised our spirits to that
pitch Of ecstatlc merriment which only
Santa has the art OF producing. Two trees
were handsomely loaded and the hearts Of
very many cheerod by the tokens Of kind
remembrance.
The Melhodists hold their donation at
w. S. Benefits on Friday evening of this
week.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
The Situation.

But little progress toward solution Of
our national political problem during the
past week, can be reported. The Joint
Committee of Conference on the question
OF counting the electoral votes has been APP
pointed. On the side Of the Senate, the
Committee includes Edmunds, Logan,
Morton and Frelinghuysen, Republicans !;
and Thurman, Bayard and Ransom, Dem
ocrats. The House members are Payne,
Hunton, Hewett and Springer, Democrats !;
and McCrary, Hoar and Willard, Republi-
cans. The committee of investigation in
the doubtful Southern States are hard at
work, and until their reports are in and
tho Joint Committee has concluded its de-
liberations, speculation as 10 future devel-
opments is useless. 1t is encouraging TO
note, however, that the tone OF sentiment
among the leading men of both parties in
Washington indicates more and more
steady determination to secure a peaceful
settlement of the great question on the ba-
sis of absolute right.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

The st. Louis Globe Democrat informs
its readers that Colonel A. w. Slayback of
that city, prominent Democrat, who was
dashing cavalry officer during the war on
the Confederate side, has come out in sup
port of Gen. ]. o. Shelby's proposition,
viz. "That If the President of the Senate,
after opening and counting the electoral
votes, declares Hayes elected, and the
House should pronounce in favor Of Til
den, the President shall act as umpire"
Colonel Clay King, another Confederate
officer of Missouri, fully Endorses the sem
tlments expressed by General Shelby; and
the ex- Confederate guerilla General Mos
by avows his purpose, in case there is any
fighting as result of all this political bus
mess, to raise a regiment in Missouri and
another in Virginia TO sustain General
Grant in inaugurating Governor Hayes.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

A WoULD-DE ELECToR IN A QUEER Pc.
sITIoN. During the trial of John Reeves
before the Bennington county court Friday
morning on a charge of the attempted
blowing up of the Trustee Halton house,
James Fitzgerald, one of the men who has
confessed to the burning of Judge Car
ney's mill, and being implicated in the 9TH
or outrages, sworo on the witness stand
that Amos Aldrch had drank with him in
Reeyes's saloon and that he treated AL
driob. The fact that Aldrich had been an
associate Of Fitzgerald at Reevess saloon
and had drank with him, Fitzgerald stand.
ing treat, caused considerable laughter, for
the reason that Aldrich is the man who
claims to be the legally elected Tilden
Presidential elector from Vermont and the
man who claims he shall go TO Washington
and claim the right to cast his vote for Til
den. Charles N. Davenport, one of the
leading Democrats Of Vermont, was exam
ing this witness when this circumstance
leaked ont and sat down somewhat embAr-
Tassed.-DispGteh 10 Boston Journal.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

THE FEELING IN WAsHINGToN.-The
well-informed Washington correspondent
OF the Providence Journal thus speaks of
the feeling in that city in regard TO the po-
litical situation:
at is fact recognized on all sides that
extreme talk is dying out here. Among
the Southern Congressman there are very
few who talk war, while the number of
those who openly declare The South
will do nothing TO stir up trouble in case
Hayes is inaug1rated, increase daily. The
universal under-current of conservative
sentiment among Southern men has, with
in the present week, had a marked effect
upon the Northern wing, in spite of The eff
forts 10 ridicule all statements of its exist
ence. Aside from this, the Tilden manag-
ers are becoming discouraged over the in
dications from the South. They have vir-
tually given up the idea of lettering their
condition by any showing their committees
can make from either Florida or South
Carolina, and even in regard TO Louisiana
they begin 10 feel that whatever technical
tiles of law their committee may claim in
their favor, they will not be able 10 H. eet
before the country the mass of evidence the
Republicans are collecting showing vio-
lence and general disturbance in many
parishes"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
Jacksonville.

Christmas was celebrated at the Uni
versalist church on Monday evening. A
very large audience witnessed the exercis-
es with deep interest. Prayer was offered
by Rev. Mr.. Clifford. The services consist
cd OF readings and responses, Rotations,
songs 10y the choir and Sabbath school, and
few original poems. The different parts
were well performed. Two large trees
were richly laden with choice aud valuable
articles, which were distributed much 10
the satisfaction OF all, especially The little
folks, by that remarkable parsonage, Santa
Claus.
On Wednesday evening, Dec. 2Olh. Rev.
Mr.. Brett gave, at the Universalist church,
an interesting AID instructive illustrated
lecture, and beautiful panoramic views of
cities, towns and villages, in the Holy
Land, Syria, &c.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
SOuGh GuIIIOrd.

During the fall and up TO this time,
South Guiliord has been making quite a
show at Improvement for these hard times.
Z. j. Franklin has made some permanent
improvements on his mill. Alanson Weld
has erected on his water privilege large
three-story building and has put in cider
mill in the lower story, run by wafer pow
or, grinding 100 bushels Of apples per hour,
and reducing the making ofcider to about
one-halr the former price. The two upper
stories are 10 be occupied, in the spring,
with shingle machine, planer, circular
saws, wood lathes, &c. The indelatisable
Frank Ashcraft has erected on his water
privilege below his old shop, (which he
will turn over TO iron works., a substantial
cement stone dam, at much cost and also
large three-slory carriage shop for max.
ing most everything that runs on wheels
or slides on runners, and TO be filled I'D
with all the latest improved machinery
that can facilitate his business. There is
attached TO this shop circular saw-mill-
all this will be attended with a heavy out
lay. Mr.. Asheral, with these facilities for
making first class work, and having no
rents TO pay, with farm sufficient for fam
lily expenses, taking everything on the
stump, and willing TO work without extor-
tion-will be able 10 bid defiance 10 all OPP
position. His long-tried truthfulness and
integrity in zeal should entille him to a
very large share of the public confidence
and patronage. Mr.. Henry Wilder has
also nearly doubled the capacity o: his car
rage shop. Mr.. George Baker who has
commenced stone dam for a machine
shop, ON the same stream, has suspended
work for Ihe time being.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
A Word for the Neu Year

If this years Christmas and holiday
trade shows anything it shows that there is
no real occasion on the part of the people
at large for nervous and underlined appre-
hension in regard 10 adverse times in the
year which is close upon us. While trade
in all departments OF business has been rea-
sonably good, tho most encouraging feat
ure in the holiday trade lies in The fact that
the purchases ofthe past week for gift pur-
poses have been, very much more than ever
before, of a practical and useful character.
Inexpensive articles of taste and ornament
have been by no means neglected, but The
bulk of money has been expended fer arti-
Giles pertaining 10 the real comforts and me-
cessities of life. If money is not so profuse-
ly abundant as it once was, there is more
than ample compensation in the fact that
the people have learned 10 spend what they
do have economically and judiciously-for
the substance and not for the show of life
And in this we have another evidence that
as individuals, as communities, and as
nation, we are once more safely on our way
TO solid and lasting prosperity. With the
peaceful solution of our political problem
which we are sure 10 see, We shall also see
renewed and substantial business activi-
~, such as will benefit and build up alike
the farmer, the manufacturer, The mer-
chant and the workman. The thing most
needed now is confidence, and if We were 10
tender any word of advice as we turn from
the old year to the new, it would be that ev-
cry individual should have the moral cour-
age 10 use his money 10 the last dollar in
paying his small bills OF whatever kind,
instead of boarding every penny in the
blind fear that if he parts with one he will
never get another. Let us, then, with
wise and manly confidence in ourselves and
each other other, do our mart toward The
coming OF the good times" and a truly
HAPPY NEW YEAR,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
TOWmahand.

Secretary Couant will hold Teachers
Institute at Townshend, Thursday and
Friday, The IIlh and 18th of January.
Teachers desiring entertainment will please
send their names to G. C. Boynton, stating
whether they will have team TO be pro-
vided for. The attendance of a large num-
Der OF teachers will contribute TO the sue
cess of tue Institute.
Mr.. and Mrs. Henry A. Scott celebrat-
ed their crystal wedding the Odd inst. Over
sixty were present, although a snow storm
was in progress. Rev. T. NJ. Butler made
the presentation speech, reminding the
welded pair Of The priceless value OF the
friendships oflife and expressing the hearty
good wishes OF all. Mr.. Scott responded
briefly and very appropriately. The affair
was a decided success.
The Baptist Sunday school, un Ter the
direction OF their Superintendent Mr.. c. @.
Stebbins, celebrated Christmas by con-
cert on Monday evening, at the church.
The exercises were well prepared and in
teresting. Remarks were made by Mr..
Scott Montgomery and 10y Rev. T. NJ. But
Ter. n
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., of New Ha-
ven writes TO the New York Tribune a
long letter to show that reconstruction in
some of the Southern States has proved a
failure in consequence of unlimited free
suffrage. Had suffrage been based upon
intelligence, had the ability 10 read and
write been made at first, the conditions by
which alone the right of suffrage could be
enjoyed, the doctor thinks, that although
thousands of the poor whites might have
been disrranchsed, thousands of freedmen
at an early day would have become voters,
and thus gradually the voting population
would have increased, both black and
white, in proportion TO the fitness of the
people TO make a right use of the franchise.
There are very many people who will cor
daily coincide in the views of Doctor Ba-
con, for since the abolition of slavery, it is
becoming moro and more apparent every
year that men who cannot read nor write
are always liable to become the dupes of
the worst clements of both parties, and 10
act in the interest of individuals rather
than for the public welfare.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
HinAdale. N. H.

The Star minstrel troupe gave an Gu
tertainment in American hall last Thurs
day evening. A social dance was parilci-
paied in al the close ia viii h all took part
who desired.
A mock court issue is to be the Subject
of entertainment at the next gathering Of
the select debating society, Monday eve
ming, Jan. S,h.
Premiums were awarded 10 p. +. Ami
don, Henry Latham, Francis Stebbins, c.
c. Hollou and t. w. Slbin on various va
rieties of fowls at thu poultry exhibition
in Keene last week.
A festival, with which was connected
numerous amusemenis, under the direc-
ton of Miss Abbio Hollon, was given
Wednesday evening, Dec. 20, for the bene-
fl Of school in the South which had the
misfortune to be burnt out, and which was
under the tuition OF Miss ii. for several
terms previous TO its destruction. b.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

John b. Cough thinks the ladies took
their idea of handling their skirts from see
ing him play with his coat-tails on the
stage.
Captain Hiram Ferris, of Fon du Lac,
Wis, is said TO be the oldest Freemason in
the United States. He was Initiated at
Whitehall, N. Y, in 1915.
The Rev. A. d. Smith, for thirteen
years past President Of Dartmouth College,
resigned the position, the other day, on ac-
count Of continued ill-health. The Board
of Trustees, however, refused TO accept the
resignation and voted TO give President
Smith vacation with the hope that IL
would revive his health.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
West Dummerston.

The ladies OF thescwng society in this
place held their annual festival on Friday
evening OF last week. They somewhat an
ticipaied Christmas, but Santa Claus had so
many pressing engagements elsew here
that his services must be accepted at that
particular time. The old folks and the
young folks were present in good number
and were merry indeed with friendly
greetings. The young folks acted well
their part in declamations aud dialogues.
The songs of the evening were well sung,
aud The company well entertained with The
evenings amusement. Santa Claus visit
was brief, coming In as he did near the
close and when the presents were all dis
thluted from The Christmas tree in the cor
ner of the hall, lie babe the company
"good--nigl" and soon disappeared in his
reindeer 2leiGh over the hills and FIR away.
The presents were numerous, many hearts
were made glad, and although the "pinch-
Ing days are at hand, tae company sepa-
rated, going 10 their several homes with
cheerful thoughts that the "hard times"
might come again no more.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
Putncy.

d. S. Wheat has bought of Fred Bill
linGs OF Woodstock ten thoroughbred South
down ewes, two years old, at SIS each.
A good story is told of what one OF the
unierrifie Performers" OF this place said
a few days previous 10 election. lie said
" He should vote for Mr.. TiIden, though he
d idn't like the way he used Mr.. Beecher."
The Methodist society held a festival
at the town hall Christmas evening. The
dramatic club fav ored them with an enter
tainment. The ocieiy realized about SIS.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

The refusal of the Senate TO pass the bill
reducing the Presidents salary over the
veto of Gen. Grant is generally commend
ed. The salary of our Chief Magistrate is
now less than $50 day; while the Gar
Alexander receives in round numbers $685.
900 day income; the Turkish Sultan, sls,-
900; the Emperor of Austria, $4,000; the
Emperor of Germany, $500; the King of
Italy, 1910; the Queen of England, $3.50 f;
the King of the Belgians, 1888; and the
President of the French Republic, $500.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

We had Christmas tree and fall
church on Monday evening, 18th, with rec
itations and readings, in,erspersed with
music from the choir. Santa Claus made
his appearance, which added much 10 the
enjoyment OF The occasion.
X. D. Charters singing school is pro-
crossing finely. snumbers have increas-
ed from 30 10 about 60 in attendance now.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

Tho new Board of Agriculture is now or
ganized and ready for work. The former
efficient and popular secretary, Prof. Seely,
Of Middlebury, is reelected and ready to
receive applications from individuals, far
mers' clubs or other kindred organiza-
tions, for meetings. According TO the new
act, meeting is to be held during the year
within each county in the State. 1t is the
purpose of the board to hold as many meet
ings as the State appropriation will allow.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

ENFORCING THE LIQUoR LAw.-In the
City Court, Saturday, young man ar
raigned on a charge of intoxication disclos-
ed on the United States Government, hav-
ing purchased his liquor at the Custom
House sale, Friday. 1t is proposed, we
understand, TO at once lodge in our county
Jail President Grant, all the members OF
Congress, and all officers of the Vermont
department of :he customs service, from
the collector down.-BHTliR9tO Free Press
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

Rev. n. f. Perry will preach in the
Congregational church next Sunday at Q
Pm.
There will be donation patty for the
benefit Of the Rev. Origen Smith. at the
dwellins Of Amos Thurber, ON Tuesday
afternoon and evening, Jan. I'd.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
TbeUermont 9benie.
BRATTLEBoRo;
FRIDAY EVENING, DEC. 20, 1876.

The Florida Supreme Court has ordered
n new count of tho vote of tho State from
the "face" of the returns. This may affect
the result of tho State election, but II can
not change that of the electoral vote as al
ready declared,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

THE BENNINGToN OUTRAGE.-Th jury
In the Reeves case, for exploding gun
powder under l.. NJ. Holton's house, have
disagreed and been discharged. The jury
stood eight for acquiltal 10 four for eonylsI
ton on the full count. II is stated that ID e
jury in The Cole arson case stood ten IL
guilty and two for acqulltal WI e
went out, but finally brou"
of not gully. The cas- ~
tinued. W
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29

Mr.. Edward Conant OF Randolph, State
Superintendent OF Education, will lecture
at the town hall on Tuesday, Jan. 9th, at I
O'Clock p. NJ. All are cordially and respect
fully invited 10 attend. w.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-29
GuiITorsI Centre.

Daniel Bixby has sold his farm TO J..
ii. Richmond; price, $500.
S. l.. Hunt has sold the John Shepard
son farm TO Alpheus Ingraham; price,
$1,000.