Connecticut western news., 1877-03-23
Spitz Dogs.-A writ, in the Southing.

l 0pltz DoSs.-A write r ln the Southlng- ton Phoenix says:
 During the past three months have col lected the following items from papers all over the country......The items relate to that little uncivilized pest, the Spitz dog, which IS cross between the Arctic fox and the Arctic volt In these different pa pers, hftY-three people are recorded as hay ing been bitten by rabld Spiiz, thirteen per sons are reported to have died from hydro phobia contracted from the bite of Spitz, and nine have died from the bites of other dogs who were known to have been bitten by Spiiz. In New York nine horses were bitten by one Spitz dog, and all died man. testing every symptom of hydrophobia. In Newark, IN. J., tour p:rsons were bit ten by these little death scatterers in one day.
 Now facts are very stubborn things, and any one who will study the facts. and study the traits and peculiarlties of the Spitz, must be convinced that it is a dan- gerous animal to have in the family. All doubt was long since removed from the minds of men who have studied the sub- ject, that there are periods when the bite of this dog is fatal, even if he IS not rabid, Before the importation of this breed of dogs in the country, rabies canina (hydro- phobia) was hardly known. Study the facts, and you will find that with the in- crease of these dogs during the last twenty years, hydrophobia has increased more than POO per cent, and is constantly increas- ing. Those who have long owned or been acquainted with Spitz, know that at times it is usually cross, snappish and moping, and at these period is apt to bite even it's best friend. Children who have been accus- toned to play with it are fre quently bitten at these times. However great one's at tachment for dog may be, 1t is not right that he should peril his own life, and the lives of his children and ns ighbors, by bar boring these dogs. The loss of all the dogs in creation cannot compensate for the loss of one human life. When the legislature of this state passes law, ordering the kill ing of every Spitz dog, on or before cer- tain date, It will remove a great danger from the community. The old classic warning, "Ca0e conen," and the scriptural injunction 'beware of dogs," will always hold good regarding this breed.
 A Town Meeting.-MR, ED1ToR:-Not long since, while travelling through South ern Berkshire, stopped for day in a town once famous for it's sobriety and steady habits. It was the time of their annual town election, so thought would stop in and see how these elections were managed. Perhaps might learn some thing-and so did-may tell you abou, it? As entered the hall the moderator was calling for "Order Order !" and from his very moderate way of speaking, judg cd he was born for this office. After many vain attempts, he at last gained hearing I wish, MT. Editor, you could have wit messed the proceedings with me, the scene was amusing and confusing too, for such 6 Babel of tongues Dever heard before. enqulred of grave looking man how they elected town officers in B., he advised me to use my eyes and ears for few mo- ments, and.I would need no further expla- nation. but he finally added this informa- tion: ''There is one straight ticket anG one crooked ticket" giving me wink ot his eye, ''it is expected that all straigh men will vote the straight ticket straigh through, even though his satanic majesty be one of the elect, ard hls election lead u all on the straight road to ruin." looked my informant in the eye, but I couldn' make out whether he was straight or crook ed. A little while after, ticket was offer ed me by one of the vendors. returned thanks, regreting very much tha: I wa not native. The man said it made D, difference, he guessed l could vote if
 liked. passed along to where one of tn, 'straigbt" men was busily engaged writing votes for those who couldn't write. An anx ious office seeker came up at this momen and peering over the scribe, said "that' right, put me on for select man and IT make it right with you when Pm elected "Yes, I'll help you all can," replied th' scribe and with countenance beaminl with hope, the ''select elect" passed on tt interview others. No sooner was he ou of hearing, than the scribe straightway proceeded to tear in pieces the vote where on he had inscribed the name of the select muttering ''darn if I'll be guilty of votins for him, party or no party" There's al exhibition of brotherly love, thought 1.
 passed on two men were in close conver- satlon one said. "come now C., if you'll help elect our school committee I'll agre, to vote for you" c. said, "what kind O a man is he ?" No. replied, "Oh, he' eddicated fust rate, and there's one thin, sartin', no wimmin can rule him." "He' the man for me, don't care who vote for only l don't approve of wimmin commit. tees ;" answered 0 Time will not permi me to tell of all the 'wire pulling saw it was worse than at the presidential cleo tion in our place. Surely thought thesa town offices must be paying situations, mt the honors weighty,to occasion such strife Then my attention was called to the plat. form where stood rosy faced orator har anguing the crowd on the subject ot schools and school books his easy word showed his familiarity with the subject un der consideration. This speech was full ot knock down arguments, and 'the admirine crowd of Patricks, Michaels and Johns al said amen, for they were all in good hu nor from having made successful visit te the saloon below. There were men of in telligence and good common sense at this town meeting, and every good proposition of theirs was voted down by the rabble. left the hall at an early hour. having seen enough. Before leaving town I enquired after the ''select elect," and was told tha, defeat was his portion, and rumor says he Wept bitterly. and declared hepceforth he