davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06

Every person who has kno wn Paris
Hill for the past quarter or halt century.
has associated with the village. in his
mind, q large and graceful elm tree, which
stood just above the cemetery. For q
long time it was known as the eagle elm,
because, when In full leaf. its topmost
branches outlined an eagle with extended
wings. But one night several years since
a heavy gale tore away a sufficient num-
Der of limbs to destroy the likeness. At
that time there was great mourning over
this slight DETACHMENT; but how much
greater will be the sorrow of all lovers
of nature when they learn that the tree
has been ruthlessly hewn down. Who
committed this act of vandalism we do
not know, nor yet the motives which
prompted it. The tree grew upon the
roadside and belonged to every traveller
who had an eye tor the beautiful. 1t was
the terminal point of many a "constitu-
t:onal." while the flower and foliage bur-
dened pedestrians of Paris have found
beneath it q halt rest, while ascending the
tedious hill. Man had no right to destroy
this "ancient landmark" Perhaps the
law may justify it, and the dictates of
selfish nature may prompt; but when so
many fond associations centre in thing
OF nature. it becomes part of US, and
no statute or promise OF profit will war.
rant its destruction-it is like uprooting
q hundred human lives. Tears will start
unbidden to many eyes, when they learn
that the old elm is dead, and excavations
will be heaped upon him who, for few
paItry dollars, would sacrifice so much
beauty and grandeur
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
The Count.

The last struggle of the democratic
6llibuslers in Congress vas 9 long
drawn one. All night Thursday they
kept at their work. determined to either
prevent the count or destroy their party.
Every dilatory motion which could be
made was presented; and it was not till
four o'clock Friday morning that those
who were opposed to anarchy were en-
abled TO proceed with the Legitimate
business before them. Then the State OF
Wisconsin was counted and President
Ferry declared that RUTHERFORD B.
HAYES and WILLIAM A. WHEELER had
received 1Sj votss and Sam' j. Tilden
and I. B. Hendricks 1S4 votes. Then
the shout that went up from the capitol
was echoed from Maine to Texas, for the
people knew that right had triumphed.
and the country was safe for another
four years.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Buckheld.

The following statements clearly in
dictate that we are steadily reducing our
town debt, and lessening our yearly ex-
penses: Total Understanding: debt Feb.
10. 1874, S32. 1915; Cancelled in 1874,
$3.50 l6; in 1875. S5002 80; in 1876,
S355O.OO; three years, Sll.7l2.05; fund
ed debt Feb. Is, 1877, S2l, Ol9 90; amt oil
iuteres. required in 1874, S2064 90; in
1877, $I275. 90; reduction in our yearly
interest, $3.50 90; our resources, now 10
the Collectors hands, would. if collected,
reduce our funded debt to less than
$4,000.
Fuller is closing out his goods at auction.
Oscar Hall of this village has sold his
farm 10 Hartford to l.. r. Watson oi
Turner for $500.
w. S. Robinson of Plymouth. N H.,
addressed the Reform meeting last week
in very able and convincing manner.
George, son Of M VIM. F. Robinson,
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
The abuse of Mr.. Justice Brad,

The abuse of Mr.. Justice Bradley
by those who have, within q week, been
throwing out Aattery and cajolery in Or
der to secure vote from him in their ia
vor, proves the insincerity Of the speak
ers and writer's who have so suddenly
changed their tone. They cry partisan
ship" They complain that the vote
stood always eight to seven. Well. it
was not the fault of republicans that all
the democrats opposed them. They could
not force Mr.. Bayard to adhere to his
views of the Constitution uttered two
years, less one week, ago. The senator
then commended the act Of 1892. He
called special attention to the fact that
there could be found in that act mo at
tempt to transcend the grant of power of
the Constitution as to the reception and
count of the electoral votes. 1t provided
the method of certifcation of the result
and it will be observed that not only was
the manner of the election of the electoral
college confded to each State. and to
the discretion of the legislature Of each
State, but that the certi6cation, the au-
Identification of the electoral vote was con-
6ded wholly and unresefyedly by the
Constitution to the States. And nowhere
is power given to either house of Cong
ress TO pass upon the election, either the
manner, or the fact, Of electors for Presi-
dent and Vice President and if the
Congress of the United States, either one
or both houses, shall assume, under the
guise or pretext of telling or counting a
vote to decide the fact OF the election of
electors who are to form the college by
whom the President and Vice President
are to be chosen, then they will have ia
ken upon themselves an authority for
which |, for one, can find no warrant in
the charter of limited powers" If Sena-
tor Bayard had voted in the commission
in accordance with these sentiments, the
result would have been nine to six. Is
there any doubt of it? And can there be
any greater inconsistency than that be-
tween the speech of senator Bayard in
the Senate on February %, 1875, and
the vote of the same gentleman on Feb
ruary 16, 1877 boston Advertiser.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Toicn Meeting Paris.

Over three hundred voters were out
Yesterday morning, to look otter the
towns affairs. There was some niue
rivalry smong candidates for some oil the
offices, but it was carried on amid the
best of feeling. The following oihcer'
were elected Selectmen, Geo. +. Ham
mond, Geo. H. Briggs. VIM. +. Cush'
man; CLERK. Geo. A Wilson; Treasurer
n. d. Bolster; Collector. John Black
Voted to raise 80 500 for town debt and
interest, 81 600 for poor and other charg'
es. 5000 Tor roads and bridges, and
eighty cents per inhabitant for EchooI
purposes. 1t was also voted that The
Seleetmen "be not authorized TO license
a town liquor agent for the ensuing year
Remarks were made in favor OF abolish
ing the agency by A p Andrews and
T. c. Cushman, Esqs. There was the
usual amount of debate over changing
the lines of school districts. and concern
ing unused roads. A larger number oil
hogreves than usual were elected. The
business was all completed and meeting
adjourned before one O'Clock.
The officers are all good. sound Repub-
licans.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
TOWN ITEMS.
Andover.

!, March The snow has disappeared
very rapidly during the past week. and
many fields are as bare as in May
Sleighing is very poor and In many
places snow has to be hauled into The
roads TO make them passabie.
The winter schools nearly oil close THIS
week. The pupils in District No. 4 held
their exhibition last Monday evening
This school is the largest in town. and
has been under the instruction oil Dir.
Herbert Dresser of Turntr curing The
past two winters. and shows plainly thai
excellent progress has been made oy al
the pupils. Before the hour appointed
the large and elegant school-hou'e war
well filed with parents and friends; the
exercises were as follows:
Music; recitation. Spring-R1sie Cut
ting; farce, Precious Pickle acted by
six young people; ec.amation, The
Teacher the Hope OF America 10y FREQ
II. Akers; recitation, The Little Mourner
Eva Abbott; singing; farce. The Ram
mage" by four boys; reading, The Two
Angels. by Minnie Abbott; defamation
The Builders. by d. Newton; reading
Lady Clare, by Beckle Akers; music
recitation, All tor Killing Robin by
Allie Campbell; defamation, Rum, Lu
clan Akers; farce. Goals Of Fire. by
six young gentlemen; reading, { ais o
Fire, by Sadie AserS; recitation, Angry
Grace, Cora Cutting; music; reading
Wreck OF River Mouth by Ida Cutting
tarce. "Hypochondriac.' By i've youas
gentlemen; recitation, We are Jesus
Little Flowers, by Nellie Cutting; dec
lamation. Naming the Chickens, by FREQ
| C. Akers; reading, Night Rambles, b]
Eta Campbell; recitation, Oar L'tti'
Bess, by Katie Abbott; music, America.
The parts were perfectly learned AM
acted in the M lst crediiable m amer. Thu
singing by such young pupils was"erl
surprising, and would do credit 10 thos
OF ripper years. LONE STAR
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Dudley ID. Fields Br other on Gov. Hayes
and Accepting the Result.

DR.. Henry NJ. Field editor of the Evan
gelist and brother of Congressman Dudley
D. Field. so conspicuous as an advocate
of the democratic side in the present con-
troversy, writes in reference to the pro-
babe result:
"Of course the end is notiyet, but the result Is
foreshadOved In the decisions already given; and
| do but reflect the general opinion here, when
express my belief that on the ith OF March GOV.
ernor Hayes OF Ohio will be inaugurated as Pres.
ident of the United States / regret that there
should le any doubt as 10 the election although IL
/ is a fair question, whether In any result there
would not still remain DOUBT In such a case,
outsiders Ike myself, who cannot spend indefinite
time in Ascertainng how the people OF this or that
State voted, cannot 10 otherwise than accept the
decision of the Commission, 10 which the whole
matter has been referred We should submit TO
/ the decision, whatever IL waS-whether 10 gave us
| one Governor or the other-him OF New York, or
him OF Ohio. But as il is likely 10 be the latter,
IL will be satisfaction TO the religious people OF
the country 10 be assured that this high otcs will
\ be filled by man Of the purest character On
this point hear but opinion from all quarters.
| Chief Justice Waite told me that he had known
Gov. Have ever since they were young men To-
gelher; that more upright man does not exist
and that be has ability for any position. Certainly
| he has behaved In this prolonged contest with \
| reticency and dignity that inspire universal re-
| spect, and might well conciiate opposition. Obey
| ing the Bible rule TO submit 10 the powers that
be, feel IL the part OF religious duty 10 accept
| the one who Is placed in office not grudgingly,
but sincerity and Loyalty, giving him a hearty
in laboring for the welfare Of our common coun-
try.N
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Bethel.

Feb. 23.-The Bethel people were
highly entertained last Thursday evening
at Pattee's Hall. An original COMEDY 10
three acts entitled Caste was given with
splendid success by the Rlmtord ORA
matte Club. The parts Of MessrS. Spring
and Wardw.ll rs Hon. Geo. D'Alroy and
Captain Hamtree very soon proved thai
the Communications which preceded them
were deserved. Mrs Eliot as Marquis
de ST. Maur was perfection itself; her
part was given splendidly. Her com
manding looks and sca,hiEg remarks had
the desired effect. Mrs. Blanchard a
Esther ~ss representation oil rare per-
lection. She is an accomplished lady a.
well as skilltul pianist Mr.. Stevens
as Ecc!es, Miss Martin as Polly, and Mir.
IIutchins as Sam Gerridge are all deserv-
ing of much praise. This was followed
by The laughable farce The Stage-SItuck
Yankee which shews comic abilities and
excite laughter in the soberest OF mortaIs.
The entertainment was followed by a
ance aud supper at the Garden House
Sunday afternoon Bethel Reform Ciub
held a rousing meeting 10 the Coogreg ga
tional Church. Among the speakers
from abroad were the Hon. A. ) Twitct-
ell aud Mr.. Robertson OF Gorham, n. II.
We learn Mr.. Samuel p. PhilbroOk
who has been confined to his house Tor
several weeks sick with spinal com
plant, is now improving, and there Is
hopes OF his recovery.
MIR Porter Sauborn, who has been sick
Tor long time With consumption, dice
last Tuesday. HIS iureral was conducted
by Rev. Mr.. Garland at his brother s
residence.
The Grange met last Wednesday even.
ing at the house OF Mr.. Vim. X. Evans.
The maple sap ran freely several daJ 5
last week. c.
March 2.-Belhel Reform Club will
mold its first anniversary Thursday, March
S.h. Members of all Reform clubs and
all that are interested in the cause are
invited to be present. The people oil
Bethel will gladly entertain all visitors.
Cone one come all.
By invitation our Reform Club went 10
Albany Thursday evening, March lst,
and held a meeting in the Town House.
There seemed to be quite an interest
manifested, and we got l6 signers to the
pledge. Next Sunday, the 4th. we hold
another meeting there and hope to do
still better.
The following officers were elected for
the next three months at our regular
election held Feb 25th: G. w. Haskell,
President; j. B. Chapman, A. M. True.
S. X. Estes. Vice-PresIdents; o. ID.
Clough, Corresponding and Financial
Secretary; S. F. Gibson. Treasurer; D..
F. Brown, Chaplain. REFORM.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06

CoNCERT.-One of the most successful
musical entertainments which has been
enjoyed in this section for long time,
was given in the U niversalist church,
Paris Hill, last Thursday evening. Miss
Anna St. Clair Gerry of Portland. who
has, for some time, been giving private
instruction in vocal music 10 The Paris
ians, has credit for organizing and con-
Quoting 10 successful close this grand
concert. Mr.. f. II. Marble OF Paris was
also particularly active in making those
arrangements which are SO necessary 10
secure the success OF any such enterprise.
In addition to Miss Gerry and MIR. Mar
BILE, (whose accomplishments are so well
known in this county that further praise
is unnecessary Miss Greedy, contral,o.
and Mr.. Noyes, tenor. both of Portland,
completed the bouquet of vocal artists.
Mrs. George Briggs OF Sc. Paris was
present as pianist, and Miss Maxim of
Buckfeld performed guitar solo. The
evening was one OF perfect parts, so large
numbers came in from distance, thus
ensuripg large audience. All the APP
pointments were in excellent taste while
the programme was sufficiently varied
to supply all demands OF the audience.
Nearly every selection was encored. and
considerable enthusiasm was manifested.
There was but one opinion regarding the
concert, viz 1T was grand success.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Greenwood.

Feb. 2S.-We notice in this weeks
issue an explanation OF how II happens
that Bethel's Agency sells so much liquor.
Among the various towns said to be sup
piled by this agency we iad our own
mentioned. They had dance at the vii
lagc Locke's MiiIs) a week or Two ago,
a, which a number go: drunk. We bad
given our own agent tie credit Tor fur
nshing The medicine. but will not dispute
the authority Of your correspondent ~ho
gives the glory to Bethel.
GREENWOOD.
The school in District No. 3. taught by
&. W Richardson. closed Friday of las:
week with all exhibition in the evening,
which was we'll attended. Toe evenings
entertainment consisted VI select read
ing, declarations, dialogues. charAdes.
and drama entitled The Last Leap
Considering the age Of the actors AID
speakers, the most of whom were qliIe
young, the parts were remarkably well
sustained and much better exhibition
realized than was anticipated.
Diphtheria and scarlet fever have viz
tied every family in the neighboThood.
Members OF seven families were sick at
one time. Ia Mr.. R1el Colliu's family
six children were sick at one time with
scarlet fever and putrid sore throat. Two
boys one 4 and the other years of age
were in a dying condition when the ply
stefan was summoned and lived but
short time. A boy 10 years OF age died
some three or tour days afterwards.
Three girls, although very sick, have
now so far recovered as TO be considered
out OF danger. Mrs Coffin informed
your correspondent that with her own
hands she closed the eyes aud otherwise
prepared her children Tor burial-a trying
ordeal for mother. This seeming neg
lect was no fault Of the neighbors, for
every family at that time had their own
sick ones to care for. Mr.. Asa Packard
and William Richardson came near losing
two boys with the above disease.
Mr.Wm. Richardson made maple syrup
Feb. Sd, 9th and 9Th, from sap that ran
Feb lst. We tasted some and found it
very nice. JNo
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
tsilrad.

March / The weather continues very
warm. and the snow IS wasting away
Very fast. People travel on the river the
most Of the time.
Thomas Wight Is putting 3 single
machine into his mill aud will be pre-
pared to saw shinsles q. short notice on
reasonable terms.
Rev. Mr. Center OF Bathel preached n
very able sermon il the Hall Sunday
afternoon, Feb. lS,h.
l. regard to the notice Of the twin
calves which appeared in the Democrat
Feb. ,. they were Of the Durham Instead
OF The Ayrshire breed. b.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Senator Thurman on Going Behind the
Returns.

Senator Thurman is one of the ablest
representatives of the democratic party in
Congress. He has given much attention
to the subject of counting the electoral
vote, and the debates of the Senate on the
various measures which have been con-
sidered BY that body during the past three
wears contain his opinions on the powers
of Congress respecting the votes of the
States, He has held from the first that
nowhere has power been conferred upon
Congress to 90 behind the certificates of
the electoral votes. In 1873, pending
the counting of the electoral votes, res
olution was under consideration requir-
ing the Committee on Elections and Priv
ileges ITO inquire and report whether the
recent elections of electors of President
in the States of Arkansas and Louisiana
had been conducted in accordance with
the Constitution of the laws of the Uni
ted States" During the discussion, In
which Mr.. Thurman took the initiative,
he said:
"This resolution seems 10 imply that there is a
broader Jurisdiction in Congress over the subject
Of the election OF President than have been &C
cusiomed to suppose vested IN Congress.
know ONO power vested In Congress 10 pass
any law on this subject except law fixing the
time when the electors shall be chosen. kach
state il 20 appoint it, electors 10 the manner the
Ieni-lsiure thereof shall direct. IL there lie any
contest OF the right Of persons 10 hold the once
of elector it seems have been the contemplation
of the trainers OF the Constitution that thai was
70 be provided Tor by the states themselves that
/ each State must determine IN such mode as II
shall provide any question that may arise between
| different persons claiming u be elected TO that
Office. No Jurisdiction over he subject seems ~
/ have been given 10 Congress. How far
/ our power goes an not prepared 10 say ~ IS
\ matter that requires the gIayest considerations
but 10 not wIsh 10 be considered As committing
myself by any implication that We have power TO
90 into the question 81 contest Of the seat 81 !hes,
| doctors. We may be compelled possibly 10y ne
cessty 10 decrf irhIch or these tco sets 81 cleo
tors hGS the OPTICAL EVIDENCE that entities Their
cerulszles 10 DC received aud votes given 10y them
70 be counted, but L. j. subject full vi din Guilty
Senator Bayard, another democratic
member of the Commission, in the course
of the debate on the Norton Electoral
bill during the last session of Congress,
expressed himself in the following en-
phatic manner
"NpwHERE Is POWER GIVEN TO ETHER HoU-
| OF CoNGREss To PASS IrON I'M ELECTION
| ElTHEK THE MANNER OR THE PACT, or ELECTORS
| YoR President AND VICE PRENIpENT; and q
the Congress d he United states dfhsr one or boh
Houses SHALL ASSUME, under the giiLsc or prefer
| offeiiiHg or counting rote TO DECIDE TUE FA' l
! Oh IHE ELECTION Uf ELECTORs who are 10 form
1 the College By won the Pre-, !deni and Vice Pres
| ident are 10 be chosen, THEN THEY WILL HAVE
| TAkEN UPON THEMSELVES AUTUO RlIl ioi
WHICH /, FOR oNE. CAN FIND No WARRANT u
! THIS CHARTER OF LIMITED POWERS
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Meeting Judge Swayne of the United

Meeting Judge Swayne of the United
States Supreme Court, after the decision
of the electoral commission in the Florida
case, Representative Abram S. Hewitt of
New york said: Judge, isn't it painful
to note the fact that the judges on the
electoral commission do not rise above
partisanship, but uniformly vote on party
lines ?" The Judge, assuming distress
sed expression OF countenance, but with
merry twinkle in his eye, replied "Why'
yes, my dear sir, it was a subject OF NOR
tifcation to me, and | have seriously
thought of demonstrating with Brother
Clifford and Field on that subject; but
YOU know it would be rather a delicate
matter for me to do, and perhaps you had
better speak to them yourself. Wash
ington Special.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
"Tagabonds and Loafers."

As the following statement is made in
the Washington correspondence Of that
jealous Tilden organ, the Boston Herald,
we presume the Democratic papers will
hardly dispute it: ,
"The fifty extra policemen employed
by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House OF
Representatives are about the worst crowd
of vagabonds and loaters who ever were
congregated in Washington. The recent
resolution of Congress authorized the APP
pointment Of extra men for each wing OF
the Capitol. When the men were called
together in the rotunda Of the Capitol to
take the oath, the fifty men employed by
the Sergant-at-Arms Of the Senate were
all called up first, and all held up their
right arms to take the iron-clad oath ex'
cept two, who had to raise their left arms
having lost their right arms at Gettys'
bury. When the fifty men employed by
the House Sergant-at-Arms were called
up, only three out of the fifty could take
the iron.clad oath, At being ex-rebels."
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06

The Democrats rooster has taken
Horace Greeley's advice and gone West,
having effected an engagement with the
Chicago Inter- Ocean, at the head ofwhose
news columns he appeared Saturday
carrying Cronin in his beak. Beneath
the design are these lines;
Put away his empty barrel; fold his Presidential
clothes;
He has started up salt River, led aud lit by Gro
Minis nose.
In another column of the Inter-Ocean
bard breaks into song in the following
elegiac strains
Put away the little barrels,
sammy empted out with care.
Eight TO seven was what upset him,
Gle has climbed the golden stair
Put away the little laureis
That our darling used to wear,
Cronin's vote was only left him.
And no ace can beat pair.
Listen TO the fearful curses
That salute the eager air.
Sammy's gone-the jig is ended,
Gone to meet the buildozaire.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
Saws the y. Y. Tribune The Der

Says the n. Y. Tribune The DEM
ocratic members of Congress said to the
Republicans, "You drew the cartridges
from our shortguns in the South and you
intimidated our rife clubs by United
States bayonets By this partisan inter-
ference with a free and unanimous ex-
preston of Democratic opinion you cleo
ted your man. Therefore give US one
more chance or we will set upa President
of our own" This modest request was
acceded to, and the tribunal was created
And now it is undoubtedly the proper
thing for the Democracy to say to the
Tribunal, Hand over the keys to the
White House, or we'll pry the doors open
with jimmy"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
died last week from the result of kick
of horse. I.
DixneId.

At the annual election of the Dixtield
Reform Club the following officers were
elected for the ensuing year: Vim. I.
Eustis, President; VIM. w. Abbott.
Hiram A. Randall, Joseph p. EImunds,
Vice-Presldents; John f. Stanley. Sec'y
and Treasurer.
The number belonging TO the Iron
Clad Pledge" is S65. Not one that has
gone back on the pledge. Our regular
meetings are Thursday evenings.
IRoN CLAD.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06
RrowndeId.

The spring term of the Free High
School is now in session, Under the in
struc,ion of Mr.. Osgood of Fryeburg.
The Young Mems Christian Associa-
lion are having protracted meeting in
this village.
Mr.. Ham is doing quite an extensive
business in the painting line.
There are four miliner's shops in this
place. No excuse for being out OF style.
VERITAs.