davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
The Charter Oak.

Il. r. Wiggin, president of the Charter
Oak Life Insurance Company, has pub
lished an address to the policy holders Of
company, 10 which he claims, aud gives
estimates and figures to prove, that the as
sets Of the company were greatly underes-
timated by the insurance commission in
their recent report. An apparently salts
factory explanation Of the financial stand
ing of the company, on several disputed
points, is given, and in conclusion Mr..
Wiggn solemnly declares that the compa-
ny has not only all the assets it claims to
have, but that they are worth at least all its
officers claim them to be worth. Mr.. Wig
gin also emphatcally denies that the COM
pauy has any liabilities not acknowledged,
aud, further, he forcibly says:
I'VE urge our policy holders everywhere
10 renew their policies, and not TO be driv-
en- by malicious ISLANDERS, mistaken reports,
or idle rumOrS into the sacrifice OF their in
surance and their rights. The company
will pay every just claim"
A statement from the secretary of the
company has also been published in which
the assertion that Mr.. Furber, the financial
manager of the company, drew out from
lis revenues in 1876, more than $500, 900, is
branded as false. There are several points
in regard to the management and condition
of the company which are not yet clear TO
the mind of the public, but under all the
light at present obtainable we judge that
the Boston Sunday Herald reaches a wise
and timely conclusion when it says that
1.-THE men whose lives are insured in the
Charter Oak Company should, by no means,
neglect 10 perform their part of the con-
tract, but go on with their regular pay
ments, trusting, as we fully believe they
have reason 10 trust, that when the time
comes each policy will be paid in full. That
the company's assets have been overvalued
may be conceded, if necessary; that the
company's officers have interests distinct
from and adverse to those of the policy
holders may be granted that at present
an actual deficiency exists in the resources
of the company is perhaps true, but even
under these circumstances we do not see
that 1t is necessary that any man who is in
sured should lose. The key to the stua-
ton is honest, disinterested management
in the future"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

The President is reported as being more
amused than frightened at the various re-
ports with reference TO the attempts now
being made at New Orleans 10 reopen the
Louisiana controversy. He denies in de.
tail the mum erous reports circulated about
his uneasiness over the threatened persecu-
tion of members of the Returning Board.
While he regards the prosecution of Wells
and Anderson as a violation of the pledges
made by the Nichols Legislature, he says
he can have nothing to do in any way with
the matter, and certainly has no apprehen-
sions with reference 10 the results. The
searching Investigations made in Washing
ton, last winter, by Dudley Field and the
Congressional committees in Louisiana, Sc
cured all the facts that can be disclosed, and
he does not see what is TO be gained by
malicious persecution of Wells and Ander-
son. The President does not believe any
illegal act was committed by the members
of the Returning Board, and is convinced
that the persecution of Wells and Anderson
springs from the malice and disappont-
ment of those who strenuously opposed all
efforts to reach an amicable and satisfactory
settlement of the controversy. He believes
the efforts oil the Bourbons to renew the ag-
itation is condemned by fair men of all
parties in Louisiana, and must inevitably
be stamped out by public sentiment.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

The celebration OF the 4lh began with
firing the town cannon. At II o'clock the
home guard filibusters psraded and at II
o'clock the public exercises in the grove of
Mr.. CaDedy commenced. Mr.. G. J. STAT
ford read the Declaration of Independence;
A. A. Butterfield, Esq, delivered an able
and instructive Grafton, showing why the
day should be celebrated. The music was
inspiring and fitting the occasion. A free
dinner was then served 10 all present.
Toasts were given ana speeches made by
Rev. L. U. Woodward, Rev. DIR. Clark and
DR.. Harrington. The latter read the let
tiers patent from George the Second, dated
1850, conveying the land Of the town of
Halifax 10 Ga original settlers. After two
or three hours spent most pleasantly the
company sepaI ated we'll satisfied with the
celebration, and hoping TO enjoy similar
scenes in coming years. The amount
raised by subscription and from ice cream
exceeded S35.
H. b. Miller of Coleraine, Mass, with
a gang of five men, is peeling hemleck
bark on his wood land in Halifax, the men
living in a shanty and boarding them
selves, Mr.. Miller being cook. They have
already peeled about 60 cords, and intend
to make it up 10 100. Tho bark is sold on
contract at s. per cord, cash on delivery at
the tannery at Halifax.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

A sensation has been created at st. AL
bans by the removal from Office of w. H.
H. McAllister, Deputy Collector of Gus
toms at that place, on account of a discov
cry that his cash was S17OO short. McAllis-
ter lost leg in the war, for which he has
had yearly pension of S2sS; he received
$3.50 as preacher in the Methodist denom-
ination, and his government salary was
$500, his perquisites amounting TO several
hundred dollars more. The aggregate of
his receipts in the past five years is believ-
ed TO be nearly $4,000, and the mystery is
as TO what has become of it all. OF late he
has been borrowing money largely of va
rious parties. His friends claim that he
has been unfortunate in his private affairs,
the cost of his new house having exceeded
his expectations, and he used money that
was in his hands to meet pressing obliga-
tions, not doubling his ability to repay.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
MINOR NOTES.

Prof. James Russell Lowell, the New
Minister to Spain, will sail from Boston for
Liverpool on the l4lh of July.
President Hayes is to attend the celebra-
ton of South Mountain Day by the Ohio
Twenty-third Regiment, at'Fremont, Ohio,
Sept. Il.
Cyrus w. Field aud Samuel J. 1iden
will sail next week for England to raise a
loan for the benefit Of the elevated railroad
at New York city.
Harvard University made Mr.. Hayes an
LID. at his recent visit, and Union College,
New York, has conferred like honor on
Vice President Wheeler.
President Hayes has gone into summer
quarters at the soldiers home near Wash
ington. 1t Is only about three miles from
the White House, but the temperature is
ten degrees cooler, and it is delightful
place for spending the summer.
President aud Mrs. Hayes during their
visit to Newport slept under an elegant sat
in bed quilt made in 1857 by an ancestor of
William Ellery, the Rhode Island signer of
the Declaration of Independence, aud which
once covered the recumbent form of George
Washington.
Secretary Sherman len Washington on
Monday on the revenue steamer Grant, for
cruise along the Atlantic coast for the
purpose of examining into the condition
and operations Of the lile-saving service,
the coast survey, the lighthouse system,
and the revenue cutter service. The cruise
will occupy about three weeks, and will
extend from the mouth of the Chesapeake
to the coast Of Maine.
Hon. William d. Kelley of Penusylva-
mia is thus reported 1.-The doctrine that so
the victors belong the spoils,' which came
into vogue under Gen. Jackson, has done
more than all other causes to corrupt our
politics, and in setting his face against il,
President Hayes shows that he is endowed
with the true spirit of reform. His South
ern policy must prove beneficial TO the
whole country"
jeff Davis is finishing up his history of
the rebellion and will put it TO press in the
TALL. He tries TO solace and excuse his own
shortcomings as civil and military lead
er by sharply critcsing Gen. Joseph L.
Johnston's policy, and he charges upon
that officer the full responsibility for not
pursuing the federal troops into Washing
ton after the first Bull Run battle.
Some of the men at Washington who
profess superior skill in discerning and in
terpreting the political signs of the times,
say that the recent Robson banquet and
the Woodstock gathering are the beginning
of movement designed by certain polit-
ical leaders 10 attempt to ALLEVIATE the re-
publican party from President Hayes, and
to leave him in position of political iso-
| lation.
The present Cabinet is made up of COM
paratively poor men-not one of them has
a fixed income sufficient for his support
and is financially able to retire from bust
ness. Mr.. Sherman is supposed to be the
| wealthiest member of the Cabinet, and he
is not rich. This comparative poverty is,
however, not altogether to be regretted.
| The result will be that we shall have less
foolish display in Washington than for
merly. The President himself is a man OF
plain and economical tastes.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
Wore Destructive rornado..

A tornado struck the little town Of PEN
saukee, Wis, Sunday night, almost COM
pletely wrecking the place, destroying 80
houses, among them the leading summer
hotel in Northern Wisconsin, killing per-
SONS or more, and wounding several others.
A powerful gust of wind raised the rail-
road depot from It's foundations and threw
it across the track, preventing the passing
Of the Green Bay train for two hours.
Large trees were torn up as though weeds,
and whirled in the air like feathers. The
tornado was not over 1000 feet in width aud
lasted but two minutes, but its velocity and
power were terrific. Three miles south
eastward it struck Coullardville, damaging
II houses and barns and badly injuring
the crops. GAINESVILLE, Wis, had a terrible
tornado on the same day.
Poughkeepsle, N Y, had n damaging
storm Of wind aud rain on Monday, and
the same day sharp tornado, a mile in
width, swept over Wesitield, Mass, Telling
trees, scattering fences and demolishing
buildings until its force was expended. 1t
first struck the walls of the Salmon Falls
paper mill, rebuilding from the recent fire,
which fell, crushing in the engine house,
containing two men, one Of whom is seri
ously hurt. Two men blowing saw the
storm coming and attempted 10 reach a
barn near by. They and the horses were
thrown TO the ground and wounded by the
flying stones. When they recovered their
sight the barn was gone. a family Of six
persons in house heard the whirling
noise, and knew nothing until they found
themselves lying ON what had been the
floor Of their house several rods from
where ii had once stood. Not stick Of
timber was over them to shield from the
pouring rain, but all around were scattered
fragments of their dwelling ana house
hold utensils. None of the family was Sc
riously injured. Another dwelling house
and several barns were destroyed, together
with large quantities Of crops, grass aud
trees. At Chicopee Falls the wind destroy
ed several barns, sheds and many trees.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

The New York Sun last Saturday produce
ed fac-simile of paragraph from the pen
of Horace Greeley, prepared, il alleges, for
publication in the Tribune. bat suppressed
under orders of the then editor in charge.
When Mr.. Greeley was defeated as a pres-
dental candidate he published a card in
the Tribune announcing his resumption of
the editorship. On the same page appear
ed singular article entitled "Crumbs of
Comfort" in which an intimstion was dis
tinctly given that Mr.. Greeley had been
pestered by political beggars" for Office
and that he wished the annoyance to cease.
The paragraph which the Sun virtually
charges Mr.. Whitelaw Reid with suppress
ing referred 10 this article and denounced it
as "monstrous fable" Subsequently, the
Sun asserts, Mr.. Greeley "entreated, beg
ged and threatened TO get his disclaimer
printed, bnt all in vain," and be then real
lied the fact that he had been deposed from
the management of the Tribune. II was
this kowledge, according TO the Sun-and
not his political defeat or the death of his
wife, that sent the old philosopher To insan-
ity and death. The editor of the Sun has
long been known as Mr.. Reids implacable
enemy, and an allowance for the story is
TO be made OH this account. The Spring
field Republican is undoubtedly correct
when it says that there was no one cause OF
Mr.. Greeley's sickness aud death. Years
of trial and overwork and irregularity led
up, both naturally and inevitably, TO them,
and the final strain came with such a Curl
GUS combination of trials and dlsappoint-
ments that it is no wonder that even Mr..
Greeley's strong constitution succumbed to
the shock,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

The present year is emphatically one of
centennial celebrations for the State of YER
mont, and it is pleasant and gratifying TO
see the anniversaries OF the various historic
events which transpired within our borders
one hundred years ago suitably comment
GRATED, each in its turn. First came the
centennial anniversary of the declaration of
our State independence at Westminster,
which was periodically celebrated by the
citizens of that town on the 10th of January
last. Next in order was the anniversary Of
the battle of Hubbardton, which occurred
last Saturday, and although the town is
small, and notice OF the event was not wide
ly heralded, her citizens held a very credi-
table and enthusiastic celebration on that
day. 1000 people were present, and process
sion headed by visiting companies of imam
try and brass bands. formed at the mOan-
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

NEW HAMPsHIRE.-Ther raised map of
the State, the construction of which was
begun early last year by Prof. Hitchcock
Of the geological survey, has been COM
pleted and set up in the capitol. The map
is constructed on a scale of one mile TO the
inch and is therefore nearly Is feet i'm length
and about feet across in the widest part.
The extreme length of the State is l7S
miles and the width SO miles. The entire
surface of the State, 1856 square miles, is
shown. All the important rivers, brooks.
ponds, lakes, hills and mountains are de-
lineated, together with town and county
lines and railroads. The names of all cit
les, towns and rivers and tue principal
mountains and bodies of water are given
conspicuously. The height of elevations is
on scale of an inch TO 1000 feet. The map
is made of pine and bass woods, and the
jig saving and drawing were mostly done
by a lady, Miss Moulton of the Thayer
school of civil engineering. A colored
copy of the map to illustrate the geology OF
the State is to be placed in Culver hall at
Dartmouth college.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

OF the European war there is very little to
say this week, as the reports are conflict
ing and vague. The number of Russians
who have crossed the Danube is said to be
10000, besides those who had entered the
Dobrudscha before. There is thought TO be
no doubt that the Turks have given up the
defense OF the whole line of the Jantra. In
Armenia the current of events appears to
be running strongly against the Russians,
and, according 10 the latest reports, the
Russian people consider the campaign of
their forces in Asia TO have been a failure
and say that it will have to be begun anew.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

Saturday morning, July 9TH, MIR. Ros-
well Whitney, farmer 90 years old, hung
himself with a rope in his sugar house. He
left the house early in the morning taking
his milk pail, but not returning as usual
his wife went in search and also notified
The near neighbors OF his prolonged absence.
He was soon found by Mr.. Lemuel Spauld-
ing who took the body down Immediately,
but life was extinct. The bereaved family
receive the sympathy of all.
S. S. Stoddard, Esq, LEFT on Monday
for Saratoga Springs and Mrs. James May
and daughter accompanied by Miss Fam
ny e. Ellsworth on Thursday for the White
Mountains.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

is an unteusble one, and the administration
has since explicitly denied that it has any
purpose in in its method Of dealing with
the Mexican border outrages, other than TO
protect the rights and property Of Aneri-
can citizens on the Texan frontier. 1t has
been not inaptly said of Mr.. Balne's
speech, that If any public man less conspic-
uous than Mr.. Blaine should declare that
there is danger that the United states Gov
erument is likely to become so embroiled
with Mexico as to compel it to seize and
hold portion of its worthless territory, his
declaration would provoke shout of ridi-
culo from Maine to Texas.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

Hon. John A. Dix has addressed to Pres
ident Hayes a letter on civil service reform,
in which he recounts his experiences while
Postmaster of New York, in 1860, when he
undertook TO reform abuses there, using
precisely the same methods now adopted
and recommended by the National Execu-
tive. General Dix most heartily supports
the Presidents policy in this respect, and
extends to him a sympathetic hand, while
he speaks words of commentator which
have no uncertain sound.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

storeroom and adjoining office, which oc-
cupies the west end Of the laundry build.
ing. This department is under the EN-
cient charge Of Mr.. Porter c. Spencer, aud
in IL are kept all necessary supplies for the
patients in the various wards, with the ex-
ceplion Of provisions. These supplies in
clude clothing, dry goods, crockery, etc,
which are now bought largely at whole.
sale, and, as these are given out, an ac.
count is kept with each ward, and with in
diyidual patients, thus admirably systema-
tizing the operations Of the institution In
this direction.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
West TOwnshend.

The Fourth was celebrated here by the
firing of the cannon, ringing of the hell,
and most ofall by an "old fashioned picnic"
All classes were fully represented at this
gathering old and young, rich and poor
assembled, aud seemed to enjoy the occa-
sion. The exercises were opened by pray
er by Bev. Mr.. Baldwin, who afterwards
delivered short but very appropriate adj
dress; music followed which was excellent
and well chosen. 1.-THE Star Spangled
Banner" "Hurrah for Old New England"
and America" were sung, together with
several other songs, glees, etc. The day
was fine, the refreshments choice and am
pie, and il was altogether a very pleasant
afilir
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
How 20 Use Paris Green.

M. Edit0r-Dedr Su':-As was once an
inhabtsnt Of your county (llalilaX) and as
l see 10y your county papers that you are
just getting the Colorado bulb Tor potato
bug, as he is commonly called, l write
you these few lines. | see that some far
mers are blowing up some fields of pota-
toes, not knowing how to get rid of them,
or are afraid of using Paris green. We
have had the bug here for seven years
Though a pest to the farmers We can get
along with them now. We do not trouble
them until the young ones begin to hatch
out, and then we take -four or middlings-
about one pound TO thirty, and take q cup
with a cover to ii and perlorale il at one
end like a pepper box and sprinkle the
mixture on the potatoes If il is too strong
it will turn the tops black; if so, reduce it,.
1t will Kill all of the bugs. Some use wa
ter with about one tablespoonful to pail
If water, and sprinkle from Watering pot.
G. II. HARRIS.
O!>egu. Mich, July 9, 1877.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

The Baptist church will celebrate its
5Oth anniversary next Sunday. 1t was or
ganized July 4, 1877. The two former pas
tors now living, the Rev. Messrs. Abbott
and Prentiss will be invited to be present.
A historical discourse will be preached in
the forenoon by the present pastor, Rev.
F. NJ. Butler, TO be followed in the latter
part Of the day by "reminiscences from va
rious speakers.
Rev. f. w. olmsted has accepted a call
to the Congregational church in Williston,
VT.
Considerable improvements are pro-
posed in the academy building. No change
of teachers is expected. II.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
To the Editor Of he Vermont PRGnir 4:

To the Editor Of he Vermont PbGRjr:
IN the History and Description OF New
England" it is stated that "Fairbauk
Moore aud his SON were among the first
settlers Of Brattleboro; that they were both
killed by the Indians at the West River
Meadows, and the wife aud daughter of
the son were carried into captivity. My
palernal grandfather. Of Townshend, was
wounded in the battle Of Bennington by
musket ball shot through his groin, and,
on leaving the field, he picked up pow
der horn, marked, in rude carving, Fair
bank Moore-his horn" When a lad this
horn was given me by the hand of my an
cestor, the finder. l still keep the valua-
BILE gift. How came il on the field of bat
tie? The probable answer to the question
is that ii was in the possession Of the
Moores when they were killed, was taken
as trophy by their murderers, and, be-
coming the properly Of a warrior, was car
ried 10y him, either as friend or foe of the
patriots, 10 the battle, and that lie was dis
possessed of it during the engagement. AT
any rate, whatever its history, it is an in
teresting relic at this particular moment, as
a memento of the fight. T.
SomerUHie, Mass, July I, 1877.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

The village schools closed on Friday,
June Doth. Whole number of scholars in
the higher department, 80 not absent, Is;
not tardy, rs. Names OF pupils who were
neither absent nor tardy: Mary Howe,
Clara Howe, May Waterman, Myrtle Ksl-
logg, May Howe, Jennie Skinner, Lula
Kingsbury, Nellie Allen, Myra Howard,
Oracle HOlton, George Butler, Halle Wa
terman,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
south GuIIfOrd.

The celebration and picnic which came
off on the Fourth, notwithstanding the
stormy look in the morning, was a perfect
persons al a time were amply furnished,
considering the estimated number of 400
that partook Of the festivities, which were
free-thanks to those who contributed. A
soda fountain was provided, the best Of ice
cream was in abundance. Appropriate
toasts and sentiments were offered and
Brooks Band, by their excellent music, ad-
ded greatly TO the enjoyment Of the day.
A pavilion, So by 20 feet, afforded good OPP
portunity for dancing, with which the ex-
ercises closed.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

"A basket picnic was held IN the grove
near our village on the afternoon of July
4lh, in behalf of our children and youth.
The affair was successful, and much credit
is due Miss Bliss for her drill of the little
ones in rhetorical exercises and 10 the la
dies for their generously supplied baskets,
and to all those who participated. Remarks
were made by d. Wells and F. T. Lovett.
Bro. Morse was absent from town.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13

The school taught by Miss Hattie L.
Brown, closed last Friday. Number ofpu-
pills, 10. Average, 10. Average hardness,
!. Number Of visits by citizens, 20. Miss
b. is young and this is her first school.
These facts make her success more con-
spicuous. Her classes show constant re-
view, and a mastery Of every topic. Life
and drill were united in recitation. Few
reading classes Of equal age can be found
10 our common schools whose rendering is
as good. Miss b. is pupil Of Leland and
Gray Seminary, and does credit to the in
struction of the Normal class there. b.