davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28

MIDDLEBURY.-Last Sabbath evening a
mass convention under the auspices of
the Middlebury temperance reform elu b
was held IN the Academy Hall Every
church in town suspended their secustOm-
ed worship and pastors and people attended.
Toe club now numbers about fifty.
The Barker Family" closed a musical
convention 10 Ripton last wees They will
be IN Rochester this week
\ lodge Of l. o. Of G. I. i expected soon
to be organized in the village. About
twenty charter members have now signed
In the east part Of the town one of the most
Furnishing lodges is found that the State
has
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28

The potato-bug has already made sad
havoc among the early crop Of potatoes On
Long Island. IN blowing up the ground
bushels of the insects are found.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28

A design for the badge of the old Ander-
sonville prisoners adopted at the convention
at Norwich, Conn. the other day, is sgni-
tcant enough. 1t is a square frame Of gold
or bronze, representing the stockade and the
piekets about the prison pen. On each corner
Is a representation of one Of the four forts
surrounding the stockad e, and On the
eentre-piece a design Of Union soldier
with a bloodhound at his throat.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28

@oyernor PECK has received from the De
partment of State, at Washington, the fol
lowing communication
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
WA>HINGToN -aApriI Is, ls76.
10 lbs ETcsAHlcy. The GorsrHor Of tie
>lGte Of Vermont
Sir have the honor TO enclose here
with, for your information, copy of 2 joint;
Resolution Of the Senate and House Of Reu-
re~enmtiye~, approved by the President IN
the 18th of March last, recommending to the
people Of the nited States the adoption %.
measures to obtain record n the progress Of
our Institutions, during the first century of
their existence.
1t has been deemed proper to bring the
joint Resolution in question to the notices
Of the Governors Of the several States.
have the honor to he your Exceliency's
0badient servant.
JoH> L. CADwALDER,
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28

Some Of the " independent " papers, We
perceive, take exception to Mr. Blaine's re-
ply = the charges against him on the ground
that there are still some matters back. a.
Yet only dimly limited at, which are not Gov
cred BY Mr.. Biaine's documents and denials.
1t strikes US that if man replies square
Is and successfully to the charges definite
ly brought against him, he does all that can
be reasonably asked Of him If he were
the Angel Gabriel, he could not expect to
silence detraotion. When his assailants.
who now deal in hints, speak out, Mr..
Blaine viii doubtless have something to say
10 reply. We DO not believe be is such
fol. not to say knaye,,.as to assert 50 COM
prehensively his innocence and challenge in
vastigation, if there be any spot in his
record which would not bear the light.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28

some wears hEO person IN hlEu station
did him great injury. 1t became important
to the peace of mind Of that great parsonage
that the witness should be harmless. Hired
detectives soon hurried him to the Govern
ment mad-house. lie was kept there friend
less and powerles, for months, when one
day agents Of this great parsonage approach
ed him. giving him his choice between life
imprisonment wiz lunatics OF life Of exile
in Europe. lie choose the latter Detec-
tives accompanied him to the steamer, and
he left for Europe. Becoming weary Of
Europe he returned, and appeared before
the committee, to-day, to tell this story. The
committee seemed paralyzed, in part with
establishment, in part with the diabolical
job.
" Who was that great parsonage that
wronged You - asked the Chairman.
The President of the United States. - was
the reply.
NV hat wrong did he do you 30 Here the
witness stopped. lie would die before he
would tel. 1t was tt delicate subject and
should not be mentioned For an hour the
committee piled him with questions They
threatened him with Imprisonment, with
severe punishment, with the terrors of con-
lumdNN Iut WINES ltl1tu lie SdIu tue
President Of the United States had done him
mortal wrong. That he had ruined his
1.-THE witnesss) betrothed. and since that
time witness had been a prescribed and per
secuted man. Hence these detectives, hence
the,e mad house bars The President had
frequently come to the house of the witness
about it at the dead of night, and had i'm
portuned him at his bedside not to ruin his
great fame.
Bat" interbosed Republican member,
chow I'D the Pres ident get to your bedside
at that time of night did he ring the bell ?"
The climax had come. The Democrats
were enthusiastic in their joy. and were just
ready to render their verdict against the
President, when the witness quickly inter
posed
IL want you to understand, gentlemen.
that President Grant in the body never did
ne or mine harm. He has only done me
nat great wrong as spirit"
The witness was = mailman. Tie COM
mittee instantly discharged him, ordered the
ster ographer to suppress his notes, and
begg ed the Republican members to keep the
matter silent. One of the Latter with a
good .sl of Indignation said that he hoped
be might De as mad as the witness if be kept
still.
And til is vas the way the Democrats Of
the COMMITTEE on Expenditures in the In
terror Department caught the President
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28

The laugh Is fairly u the Committee On
Expenditures IN the Interior Department.
They have been conducting a dark-lantern
investigation, IN connection with which there
loomel uron the scene the figure of mys-
terious witness, carrying rcstlessly from
place to place box OF highly important
documents, and coneealing his identity 50
carefully that he refused even to register at
the hotel. To this mysterious stranger, en-
tered from time to time certain Democratic
investigators, wearing an aspect of terrific
responsibility. Dark suspicious were hint
Cd n. and the more exultant among the
Democrats openly intimated that President
Grants turn had now come The Commit
tee had been sitting with open doors, but
when the mysterious witness was produced
the doors were barred The witness upon
whose lips tie fate Of the President Of
the United States hung was an ordinary
looking business man. lis marvellous story
was this
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-04-28
Ionn and county ceIebratIOns Of The centennial.

&oyernor Peck has received from the De
partment of State, at Washington, the fol
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03
WilliauasVilIe.

The village district school taught by
Mrs. Edna Cheney closed on Tuesday, 3lst
ult. The scholars not absent were Flor
ence Aldrich, Lena Hall, Katie Hoyt, Mer-
lie HOsley, Lizzie Stone, Maud Stone, Ida
Wheeler, Seth Hoyt; neither tardy nor alb
sent. Edith Allen and Murray Cheney
were absent but one day and not tardy.
Ida Wheeler, Carter Hosley and Fred
Morse were perfect in Rotations. Lizzie
Stone and Mertie Hosley had only two i'm
perfect.
The dramatic entertainment given on
Tuesday evening, to a full house, was very
entertaining. 1t consisted of plays, stump
speech, tableaux, ETC., interspersed with
numerous songs, mostly by the Pondville
choir, aud very acceptably rendered. As
each and all sustained their parts well, it is
useless 10 particularize.
On Wednesday, 25th ult., we listened
TO a very sensible and Interesting lecture
from Mr.. Jameson of Irasburg, 10 Grangers
aud others. Music, vocal and instrumental,
enlivened the evening. Mr.. Barrett, Mr..
Redtield and Mrs. Geo. Wheeler sang APP
propriate songs.
Mrs. Lambs select school closed Fri
day, Oct. 9th.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03
Kidnapping the State,

The "Allen County" project Of two years
ago wa S virtually revived last week by the
introduction in the House by Mr.. Henry of
Chester of a bill changing the county
lines on the Eastern side of the State.
The proposed changes in brief, are as fol-
lows: 10 take from Orleans county the
to WINS of Holland, Morgan, Charleston and
Westmore, and from Caledonia county, the
town of Newark, and annex them TO IGs-
sex county. To take from Essex county
the towns of Victory, Lunenburgh and
Conc ord to take from Orange county the
towns of Topsham, Newbury, Corinth and
Bradford, and add them to Caledonia coun-
ty. To take fiom Orange county the towns
of Orange, Washington and Williamstown,
and annex them TO Washington county.
To take from Windsor county Rochester,
Bethel, Royaltop, Sharon, Norwich, Stock
bridge, Barnard, Pomfret, Hartford, Bridge
water, Woodstock, Hartland, West Wind
sor and Windsor, and annex them to Or
ange. To take from Windham county the
towns of Londonderry, Windham, Grafton,
Rockingham, Athens and Westminster,
and annex them TO Windsor.
Ine Dill pTOVIueS tuat tue sulTe VI rSSeA
county shall be located in the town of
Brighton; the shire of Orange county, to be
located by commission, at some point be-
tween West Randolph and Sharon; the
| shire of Windsor county, 10 be located by
| a commission, between the villages of Lud-
low and Bartonsville, in the town of Rock
ingham. By this arrangement, every shire
town is located upon some main line of
railroad, and the main and easiest line of
travel of each county is towards its shire.
The bill preserves the tenure OF all eoun-
| ty officers, until the end OF their present
term of service, and provides that, after the
first Wednesday Of October, 1873, the coun-
ties OF Windsor and Windham shall have
two Senators each, and Orange three.
1t abolishes six probate districts-Brad-
ford, Randolph, Hartford. Windsor, West
minister and Marlboro, and substitutes for
them the three districts of Orange, Wind
sor and Windham.
There is no probability that this project
will meet with any better success than did
The one of two years ago, nor is there any
good reason why 1t should, and we have
thus briefly stated its chief features merely
as a matter of public interest and informa
| finn
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

The alarming increase of fires during
the past year demands public attention.
The severe losses which insurance comra-
MES have sustained OF late have increased
the cost of insurance, aud in this respect
the public are interested. We do not under
take TO point out all the causes which re-
suit in the conflagration of property, but
we are satisfied that fires have recently &C.
Cured in our own county, which but lit
tie investigation demonstrates not To have
been accidental. In some Instances the
property destroyed has been insured for
more than its cash value and suspicion Of
tentimes becomes certainty with the pub
lie as to who tho porpetrator of the crime
really is; still this moral certainty is not
sufficient 10 legally convict. There arc
other instances, like the fires in Windham
two weeks since, which indicate that malice
must have been the prompting cause. Ev-
cry precaution should be taken TO guard
against incendiarism, in view of the enorm-
ity of the crime, the case with which ii can
be committed and the difficulty of bring
ing the offenders 10 justice. Insurance
companies should guard against over in
surance and special measures should be
taken 10 reduce, or cancel policies wherever
the depreciation of property makes it an
object for the insured TO sell to the insur-
ance company. Many times agents insure
property without any apparent regard as to
its value, and whenever fragrant cases of
this character are brought 10 light measures
should at once be devised by insurance
companies TO prevent the recurrence of a
similar outrage. The companies shou ID
see to it that their agents do not tempt TO
| crime.
The burning of buildings for the sake oil
| plumber and to crafty malice is becoming
frequent, If not somewhat popular. To the
| crime OF arson the law fixes severe pen
atty, but il does not prevent the commit
ting of the crime. Rewards should be of
fered and detectives employed wherever
there is reasonable prospect of detecting
| and Furnishing the offender. Towns ant
insurance companies should unite for this
purpose. This matter of incendarism |:
| we'll worthy of the attention of our legisla
ture and demands its best thought for the
purpose of devising measures TO check this
alarming evil. ......
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03
jamaica.

The fall term Of The village schools clos
ed on Friday, October 9th.
The schools have been in charge of Miss
Ella L. Rice of Newfane and Miss Aggie
NJ. Shumwsy OF this village and have given
general satisfaction. We understand these
teachers have been engaged for the winter
term, commencing about the first of Deem
Der.
Rev. j. ii. Parmalee has returned from
Philadelphia and holds service regularly at
the Baptist church.
Judge II. II. Wheeler is attending the
General Term of the Supreme Court at
Montpelier.
John A. Butler, cashier of the West
River National Bank, with his family, have
just returned from visit to friends in New
York City and the Centennial.
e. w. Prior has completed the addition
to his livery stable and is building an addi-
ton to his hotel. Y.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

With the great majority ofcandid, think
ing men, the issues as between The two
leading candidates who ask for their suf-
frages next Tuesday, will settle themselves
to about this: That while Mr.. Tilden has
sought for the presidential office with IAN
uncommon.anxiely," Mr.. Hayes has never
been in the slightest degree a sel-seeker;
that while Mr.. Tilden has, during the cam
paign, unblushingly planned, and engln-
eered and intrigued in his own behalf, Mr..
Hayes, like Washington and Jefferson, has
shown nice sense of the eternal fitness of
things and of the dignity of his position,
and, while quietly attending TO the duties
of his present office, has left the manage
ment of the canvass entirely to his friends ;
that while many and serious charges have
been brought against Mr.. Tilden as an i'm
dividual and as a public man, which have
not been satisfactorily answered, Mr.. Hayes
stands forth clean-ha nded and unscathed
as when the campaign opened; and, lastly,
that while Mr.. Hayes represents the best
elements Of great party which has saved
the country and made for itself grand
record 10 which history alone can do JUS
tice, Mr.. Tilden is the self-imposed leader
of party which was in full sympathy with
determined and bloody effort TO destroy
the country, and which to-day contains
within itself elements that even the most
honest and resolute man could not keep in
check were that party elevated 10 full pow
er.
1t is thus, as we believe, that the case
stands, and on all these points every intel
llgent voter has formed his own opinion
aud determined in his own mind how his
ballot shall be cast. 1t is too late for argu-
ment, and II only remains to urge every
Republican to do his duty next Tuesday
and to see that his vote goes to swell the
grand majority for Hayes and Wheeler
Vermont did her full duty and her voice
gave forth no uncertain sound in Septom.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

On the evenings of the 18th and 10th
tpst., the NJ. L. Society will give dra-
matte entertainment at American Hall.
Wax work and the drama in two acts enti-
tied Bread on the Waters" make up the
programme.
New board Of officers of the select de-
bating association: ]. w. Jeffords, Presi-
dent; L. C. Barber, vice president; j. w.
Holtou, secretary; C. N. Clark, treasurer.
Resolution for debate Friday evening Re-
solved that fame is more TO be desired than
riches.
"A prominent citizen of our town, while
in attendance at the Centennial Exhibition
recently, with his wife, was much worried
when he ascertaiped that his companion
had fUrsaken his presence. He was in a
terrible dilemma, not knowing whether it
was Intentional Or accidental. The latest
report divulges the fact that twenty-fOur
hours and a restless night passed ere the
meeting of the separated pair. b.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

Vermont's day at the great exposition &C.
Cured last Friday, and proved very
pleasant affair. In the absence Of Gov.
Fairbanks ex-Gov. John b. Page accepted
an invitation TO act as master OF ceremonies.
A reception was held at the State building
in the morning and was attended by up
ward of 1900 guests, among whom were
many persons of prominence. No speech
es were made, the reception being entirely
Informal, and at lis close large number of
The guests repaired to the judges pavilion
and listened TO all address by Henry Clark
OF Rutland on Vermonrs character and re-
sources. In sketchng the history Of the
State Mr.. Clark said: The history OF no
Stale in the Union presents such claims up
on the attention as does that of Vermont.
Her origin was peculiar and her position
among the States of New England was
marked for many generations. The early
settlers agreed in one great principle, the
then unchartcred independence as State.
This peculiarly they adhered 10 with te-
nacity which they never yielded. Amid
the privation of the wilderness, of the en-
croachtnenls of all the neighboring prov
inces, in the fundamental principle of her
society she stood forth single and alone.
This PECULIARLY in her early character
made her the object Of incessant suspicion
and distrust, and al length arrayed against
her the legislation and prescription of the
neighboring provinces. They chose 10 re-
gard her as an outlaw Stale whose land, in
terest aud happiness they might prey upon
at pleasure and without rebuke. They laid
claim TO her territory and extended their
jurisdiction over her people, and we'll nigh
crushed her in her very cradle. After show
ing how strong State was solved out Of
this dangerous aid uncertain condition OF
affairs, Mr.. Clark gave an interesting ac-
count of the government; Of education; OF
the colleges and the distinguished men
they have sent forth TO the world; of the
agricultural and commerce and general
prosperity Of the Commonwealth up to the
present time. The long-r0ll of illustrious
names cited as of Vermont origin was suf-
fcient TO prove the Importance and value
of the State as a member of the Union.
After the address Il vote Of thanks was
moved by Mr.. Hyde OF Castlelon and was
unanimously carried.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

We learn that at the recent annual meet
ing of the Vermo mt Medical Society COM
mittee was appointed 10 memorabilia the
Legislature with reference 10 the appoint
ment of a sanitary commission, whose du-
ty ii shall be, during the next two years, to
make an examination in regard to the laws
at present existing in this State in regard
10 sanitary matters, and report to the next
general assembly what legislation is neces-
sary on his subject. This commission
would probably also be empowered TO make
suitable investigation in regard TO any cpl
denies which might prevail, and discover
the cause if possible, and, in general way,
10 take cognizance of those things in gener-
al which pertain to the public health. At
the present time Vermont is destitute of
any means or enactments by which proper
or official attention can be paidto any matter
affecting the health or sanitary condition of
the State at large, and in this respect we are
far behind many of our sister States. The
subject is an important and far reaching
one, and as the expense attending the APP
pointment and services of this proposed
commission would be but small, we hope
that the legislature will take favorable ac-
tion in tho premises.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03
Brat.IebOro and whitehall nailroad.

The survey of this line across the sum-
NIT OF the Green Mountains has now been
in progress two weeks. Various trial lines
have been run down the western slope
from Winhall into Manchester and Dorset,
and a perfectly feasible route has been
found. with grades and curves quite as ia
vorable as was anticipated. The practical
bility OF the enterprise is thus settled be-
yond question. The engineers are now
running down the eastern slope of the
mountains, between the summit and ia
maica, and will have the whole line run to
Whitehall in four 10 five weeks, when a
close estimate OF the entire cost of the road,
with equipments, can be made.
Assurances have been received from cap
italists in New York that they will furnish
about one-half the money required TO build
and equip the road provided the other half
can be raised along the line. Can this be
done2 Unquestionably it can, and with
out serious inconvenience, too, If each town
will raise its fair share. The question will
co me before the people of each town for
decision at an early day, and they should
gi We it serious consideration. Brattleboro,
as well as other towns, should be ready
with her answer, for without her the road
cannot be built.
A bill designed 10 secure the needed leg
isla ton has been introduced in the House
by our representative, Mr.. Estey, and in
the Senate by Mr.. Waterman, which will
und oubtedly pass without opposition, and
i'm mediately thereafter it is proposed 10
call a meeting of those interested on tho
entire line with a view TO make complete
organization of the enterprise.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

On recent Saturday evening Mr.. II.
d. Smilh heard noise among some tur-
keys belonging TO L. II. Coblegh, and on
going 10 learn the cause, found one strug-
Cling with large owl, which he caught in
his hands without receiving scratch. His
owlship proved TO be ofthe kind known as
Bubo Virginianus, and is now in posses
sion of j. A. Smith. Farmers troubled
with owls will do well 10 engage Mr.. Smith
TO capture them.
The new Grange hall of this place is
nearly finished. 1t will contain u store
room underneath, above two small ante
rooms and fine hall 40 by "a feet; aud
when flushed will probably he dedicated
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-03

1t is with much regret we learn that
Capt. c. p. Stone, the worthy proprietor OF
the Windbam County House Is soon 10 va
cate the hotel. The house under his care
has had tho reputation Of being very quiet
well kept, and orderly. The inmates of
the Jail are kept cleanly and are well cared
for in every respect, as far as we can learn.
Might 1t not be for the interest Of the coun-
ty TO retain one who has gained tho good
will and confidence of the people, instead
Of giving this position 10 one who may be
new and unlried in this respect2 We are
con Gdent that we express only the general
feeling of The public when we say we are
exceedingly sorry he is intending TO leave
US, and would gladly have II otherwise.
We wish him success wherever he goes,-
such success and prosperity as he deserves.
Com,