davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
FonTY-FIFrH CONGREsS--FI FIRST
REGULAR SESSION
SENATE.
TUE SILVER QUESTION


WASHINGTON. Dec. l2.-Mr. Morgan said
the South would meier favor single stan
dard, and eulogized silser, asserting that
1t was Just and polite to remonetiEe it.
Mr.. Christiancy said many of our bonds
were purchased during the war from pat
rioHc motives and to save the country
Many individuals who purchased bonds sac
rifced their property TO obtain the means so
buy. They had been purchased at a pre-
MUM over and above par and were Inev
now TO be paid in coin below psr@ In 1878
the silye- dollar was demonetzsi and ceased
to be part of our coin. Bonds issued
after that time certainly could not be paid
in silver. Ii silver was not a part of our
coin and it was not contemplated when they
were issued that it would ever again con
Stitute part of our coinage, there was no
reason to suppose the bonds were Uayable
in anything else than gold coin. The pur-
chssers had the right to rely upon the law
and expect payment in such coin. He
spoke at length on the legal obligations OF
the government, and declared he could not
vote tor the resolution.
Pending the discussion Mr.. Allison NOV
ed that the Senate consider executive bust
ness. Agreed to, and the Senate went into
executive session.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN BETHEL
VERMONT.
4 S5O,OOD Blaze

BsTHzL, Dec. IA disastrous fire Oc'
CURED here, beginning at midnight. The
fire started in the White River House. own
ed by j j. Wilson. from whence it spread
north to building owned by I. r. Viii
liams, occupied by DR.. Chase, dentist, and
L. ". Welsh, furniture dealer, and south to
A. l.. Stesrns livery stable. then to Ora
ham new block, in which were I. A.
Chadwick, harness maker c. Ii. Skinner,
jeweler the post Office Mrs. E.
NJ Tarbell, milliner &; and two fam
lilies in the chambers /; then to the
store and dwelling house of \. j. Davis.
The fire crossed to the east side Of the street,
burning the large block owned and occu-
pied on the first floor by G. f Graham, on
the second floor by a. L. Stearns as dwell
ing. ard HuntOn i Srickney, and Gilman
4 Williams, for law offices. Tho engines
from Mortified and West Randolph were
sen. for and by their aid the further spread
of the FIRE was stopped. Total loss. nearly
ffty thousand dollars.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

The admission of Mr.. Eustis as senator
from Louisiana-whch was foregone con-
clusion-fls the last vacancy in the Senate
and, for the first time since the beginning oil
1851, every State is represented by TWO
Senators
The eight Senators who voted against the
admission of Eustis were Allison of Iowa,
Cameron Of Wisconsin, liamlin OF Name,
Howe of Wisconsin, Iugalls of Kansas, Nc
MILAN of Minnesota, Morrill, of Vermont,
and Saunders of Nebraska. Mr.. Eustis
draws pay from the commencement OF the
full term for which he was elected, amount
ing already to nearly 100000.
Gen. John NJ. Harlan was sworn in as one
of the Justices of the Supreme Court OF the
United States, on Monday. The proceed
ings were quite impressive.
Gen. Harlan is expected to enter upon his
duties on the bench of the U. 5. Supreme
Court, this week
The Washington correspondent OF the
COngrGgdtiOnGhSt, himself believer in the
Southern policy. saws of the Senatorial con-
test at would have been wiser proceed
inu | believe. if Butler had been left out and
the oppo,ipr claimant in the case, Mr.. Cor
hin baa haan admitted For in
the Soutb Carolina case il is clear that the
man admitted had mn case. II was so Door
that .Jndge Davis. of Illinois, who acted
with the Democrats in all these cases when
bc rossibIv couId declined to vote to admit
General Butler"
The appearance of Mr.. Thurman, as the
advocate of silver reconciliation, shows how
little sincerity there has been in his preten-
tions heretofore of solicitude for the public
faith and credit
Senator Eustls, the new Loui'iana sena-
tor, it is understood, will side with the
Western men on the silver bill, and ~ nKeiy
to cooperate with Mr.. Conkling IN meas
ures opposed to the Administration policy.
At least, some of Conkling's friends are of
that opinion. Mr.. Eustls : pet scheme De-
fore Congress will be large appropriations
for the Mississippi levees.
The House passed bill, Saturday, pro-
viding for the payment of the claims OF Mrs.
Slocumb and other ladies Of New Orleans,
whose property, they being absentees and
IN sympathy with the rebellion. was taken
by the Government. Ii is claimed that this
claim, if paid, will become precedent for
the payment of the millions of dollars OF
Confederate claims.
The Democratic door-keeper of the Demo
cratic House has, during the two months he
has been in Office, exceeded the allowance
q. h.. I; ,,,ea1 bv {. S0n and has appoint
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

work for him now. Hon. Bradley Barlow,
of St. Adams, has friends who would have
been glad, in former years, to make him
Governor. and who may think that they
have waited about long enough before trying
his chances in earnest. The same may be
said of Col. N. I. Sprague, of Brandon.
There are, however, as vet no outward signs
of canvass for any of these or any one else ,
and it would be folly to begin one now.
There could hardly be surer way to kill a
candidate than to commence now, or shortly,
an open canvass for the nomination. There
will be time enough for all that next Sum
mer
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
THE WAR THE EAST.
FALL OF PLEvNA.

BUCHAREST, Dec l0.-After a severe en-
eagement, yesterday, before Plevns, Osmsr-
Pasha, who was wounded, surrendered IN
conditionally, and the place is now in the
hands OF the RussO-ROumanian armies. The
Tur Ks in Pleyna were
DYING WITH HUNGER
and cold There is great rejoicing and
Blu charest is covered with flags.
THE LOSS OF PLEvNA-wHAr 1T SIGNIFIES.
LONDON. Dec, 1.-THE Times. this morn
ing, says that Osmsn Pasha's surrender Is
not merely the loss of considerable army
and a good strongh hold. but final collapse
of the whole Turkish campaign and pracri-
cal conquest of Bulgaria.
The news of the fall of Plevns. which was
not known here till after midnight, created
much excitement. The foreign o flee re-
ceived fell details about | q. IN. and it is
understood dispatches are sent to COnstan
tinOple and st. Petersburg, offering media
ton. The scene at the stock exchange was
remarkable. when Turkish securities fell 5
to 8 per cent.
ATTEMPT To AssAssINATE THE PRINCE OF
MONTENEGRO.
CArrARo, Dec. lI.-During the operations
against the citadel of AntIvarI. the Prince
OF Montenegro has been inhabiting a house
belonging to a Mahometan hey in Antivari.
On Sunday. an attempt was made to asSas-
sinate the Prince. The house was mined
and blown up. The Prince was fortunately
absent at the time. One of his body guard
was killed and SIX injured.
FALL OF PLEvNA-REJoICISG AT ST. PETERS
BURG.
Sr. PErERsBURGu, Dec 10 - Evening"
The news OF the fall of Plevna occasions
great rejoicing. Enthusiastic popular de-
IN onstrstions in honor of the imperial fam
lily and army are made in the streets. the
aires and public places. Great crowds are
assembled, cheering and singing the ma
tiOnsl anthem. The city is partially illu-
minated.
osxAN's LAST ASSAULT.
BoGor, Dec. lI.-At : 30 O'Clock. Dec.
10Th. osmsn Pasha's entire army attacked
the Russian grenadier corps holding the
line OF investment on the left bank of the
river Nid, endeavoring to force a passage
The attack was made with desperate energy.
portion of the Turkish troops penetrated
the line of entertainments; but all attempts
to break through were Intellectual. After
five hours Of severe fighting the Turks were
defeated. Osman Pasha was surrounded on
all sides and compelled to surrender with
his whole army. 1t is impossible to esti-
mate the number of Turkish prisoners or
the quantity of war material taken. Every
thing in Plevna has fallen into Russian
hands The Russian losses are !ncOnsider
able co impaired with the results
TO THE. BITTER END.
CoNsrANTINoPLE, Dec. l5.-The Grand
council held to-day at the war office. said it
was resolved to carry on the war to the
last extremity.
THE CAR Returns OSMAN's SWORD.
NRRBIr1., Dec la--Thc Gar starts for
St Petersburg Saturday. lie visi ted OS-
man Pashs. and returned him his sword in
recognition of his bravery
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

EVERY time President Hayes goes out Of
the circle Of mere politicians and appoints
citizen to Il high Office he makes popularity
with the country and commands the respect
and acquiescence of the politicians them
selves When he takes politician. he
creates popular distrust and political jeal-
ousy, and doesn't elevate the civil service.
The moral isn't far to seek. There are more
citizens than there are politicians, and the
one are growing in influence and Importance
as the otheis are fading Springfield Re-
publican.
We recognize no such antagonism between
citizenship and politics a. is here set forth.
Every citizen, as We look at it, ought to be
something of n politician, and We cannot
conceive that citizen can be fit for high
office in the civil service. without prac
teal acquaintance with and performance
of political without, in short. being
a politician. Of course. there are politicians
and politicians good and bad, honest and
dishonest, high-minded and low-minded.
The better the citizen, the better politician
he will make, and rice rrSd. The neglect
of political duties by citizens is a great curse
aud danger OF our time and the journals
which strive to divide the citizens from the
politicians. and which try to make politics
dishOnorable, do the worst possible service
they can render to the Republic. We agree
with Rev. Joseph Cook, when he says:
Our fathers taught, and so have an hun
dred years of American history. that eternal
vigilance, and not merely endless grumbling
and sour grimace ON the purt Of culture, is
the price of liberty.
Glass secession il hardly less dangerous
than geographical secession. The withdrawal
of the cultivated class from politics may Ill
timately work az much harm as the open Sc
cessioD Of our CarOlinaa and our Georgia4
from the Union. The secession of culture
from primary political meetings, and from
the post of Argus at the ballot, box, is to be
Judged by its fruits. We are to assert our
rights or have none. We are to occupy our
privileges, or find them, little by little, eur
tailed. The inactivity of the good is the OPP
portunity OF the bad. Even If you could do
but little at the polls. you might do much
at the primary meetings. Even if you could
do little in the latter places, you might do
much BY inspiriting young pen who have time
for the work to attend To the patriotic du-
ties Of unmasking fraud.
To elevate the civil service, give us in its
Offices honest. high-minded, intelligent citi-
zens, who are also honest. high-minded and
intelligent politicians The citizen who is no
politician, and who hates politics in rcpub-
lie, will be very sure to lack the practical
knowledge, sound Judgment, and hearty in
terest in public affairs, necessary to the
highest and best administration of response
bic public Office.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
FROM NEW YORK.
THE HURON DISASTER.


NORFOLK, Dec lO-Capt. Truxton pub
fishes a reply to the card in the New York
Herald, by Calvin, brother-in-law of Com
mander Ryan. accusing Truxton OF derelec-
ton of duty IN connection with the dead of
the Huron disaster. TrUxtOn denies the accu-
sation and says he stretched his authority
to the utmost to facilitate the recovery Of
bodies by friends, and invites the fullest in-
vesrigation.
THE RING suITs-saLE OF swEENKY's PROP
ERTY.
The final payment of hundred thousand
dollars, being in all four hundred thousand
and interest. was made to-day by counsel
representing the Sweeney estate, in settle
ment of the ring suits. All property here
tofore attached under the Sweeney proceed
inss was sold at noon, Judge Davis vacated
all the city's attachments. and immediate
transfers OF the property were made to Jay
Gould and others. The principal piece Of
real estate thus transferred was bought by
Jay Gould. 1t had previously been offered
unsuccessiully to the AstOrs, Judge Hilton,
and other heavy real estate buyers The
entire amount of the claim made by Tilden
against Sweeney is made good upon the
basis of the original offer to Charles
O'Conor.
swEENY TO BEGIN THE WORLD ANEW.
Sweeny's friends claim he has given up
all his property and intends to begin the
world anew in the practice of law, having
already taken important suits here and
in Philadelphia.
THE CONNOLLY SUIT.
No settlement of the Connolly suit is
under negotiation, though some supposed
such settlement was anticipated by Con-
holly's counsel. when be confessed iudg-
ment, recently. 1t is asserted that his
counsel lett for Europe, Saturday and absn-
doned the effort 1t is also said he made
specific offer of S40O,OO0, which was
rejected as inadequate.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

The fall OF Plevna, and capture of Osman-
Pasha, is the worst blow as yet received by
Turkey, in this war. 0sman-Pasha, who is
called the best of the Turkish generals, had
at Pievna, two months ago, an army Of some
50 900 men. Since the last of October, the
stronghold has been completely invested BY
Russian army Of lbs 900 with COO guns.
A double line of siege works, constructed BY
General Todleben, the defender of Sebas-
topol, has prevented all attempts at succor
or escape The Turkish supplies of food
having failed, 0sman-Pasha attempted to
break through the Russian lines. He was
attacked in front and rear and compelled to
lay down his arms, after severe battle, in
which he was seriously wounded. The next
point Of main strstegicll value in the Russian
advance upon Constantinople, will be Adri-
anorle
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

THERE is general rejoicing over the defeat
of Mayor Prince and of Democratic. ring
rule in Boston. 1t required extraordinary
efforts to do this, but the better classes OF
citizens, remembering their victory two years
ago and their defeat last year, went to work
in earnest, and, aided by dissensions in the
ranks of the Democracy, made most etiec-
tive canvass. The city press, with the excep-
ton of the Post, went in heartily for Pierce.
Both branches Of the city government will
now be in the hands of honest and capable
men. and an economical, business admins
tration of affairs is expected.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
THE INDIANS.
ruK slorx JOINING SITTING Bull.

lux sloUN JOINING SITTING BULL
NEw loRS, Dee. IA letter of the 10Th
ult. from Fort Walsh says sixty lodges OF
Sioux have joined Sitting Bulls camp in
Canada territory. Major Walsh held an in
teryiew with them. They told him that
Crazy Horse. just before dyrug. told them
to go to the land Of the white mother. as
they never would have peace With the great
father. Major Walsh believes that all the
Sioux will follow these instructions and 90
to Canada. There are nine chiefs with the
party that reached Sitting Bulls camp.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

A LEGAL correspondent of the Rutland
Herald thinks it Is absurd to suppose that
the committee Of conference, which reported
the act establishing the Vermont Board of
Agriculture, could have been SO ignorant or
stupid as not to discover the glazing defect
in their bill, in the omission Of the words
per aiqum. if they intended to allow the
Board 81 500 year. That committee con-
sisted Of Martin Of Londonderry. Sprague of
Brandon, and Colton OF Irasburgh, on the
part OF the House, and Senator'S LOthrop,
Belden and Butterfeld on the part Of the
Senate. Tie provision that " the entire e1-
pense Of the board shall not exceed twen-
ty-fge hundred dollars was one Of the
amendments recommended by that commit
tee. IL does seem almost incredible that the
committee should not have discovered
that their bill limited the entire apple
priation Tor the Board to the sum named.
If it was lot their deliberate intention to
allow the Bard but 81 500 for two wears,
then i: was inaccessible carelessness, on their
part, TO report the bill in such terms. Yet
we have NJ doubt that the latter alternative
is the true one. The bill! was piece Of
patchwork, showing discreditable careless
ness in ether sections, and it was reported
and passed 10 the last hour of the session.
We remain Of the opinion that the commit
tee and the Legislature suppos ID they were
allowing the Board $4,000 per annum. But
we agree with " Lex tina; officers should
be held to a rigid accountability and that
if laws are defective, II is. as a rule, the
safer way 10 wait with patience till the
defects can be removed IN a legal manner.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

Hon. X. d. hEDDsS, )
Isaac NJ. Tr!pp, Sheriff; Geo. X Chapman: States
Attorner; RUFUS Wainwright, County Clerk Geo
". Grandey. Court Auditor; Jonn q. Wellington
County Treasurer; Il W. J. Hawkins, Court He
porter.
Monday Dee IL. 1876
Court opened with prayer by Rev. f.
Hooker. After proclamation by Sheriff.
the Petit Jurors were called. They are as
follows: Addison. Charles Merrill, Edgar
Ellis; Brdport. Ii. E. Merrill, j. W. Pratt /;
Bristol, Arson Wright. j. X, Ferre !; Corn
wall, E. d Searls; Ferrisburgh. Richard
D Booth. Preston Allen GOsnen. Walter
Atwood Granville, David BabcOck; Han
ok. John b. Darling Leicester. Orson
A. Briggs: Lincoln, A. e. Merrill 4: Mid
dlebury. Henry Persons. Otis Lee /; Monk
ton, Harry j: Finny; Newhaven. Misses
Depouty. b. K. Emo. ; Orwell. Ii. q. Hib-
bard, Charles Phelps; Panton. Charles
jackson; Ripton. John Houston Sails
bury. A. D. Wainwright; Shoreham. Sam
uel Ward, Serene Smith; Starksboro. ii.
c. Dixie Nergennes, Ezra Scovill. Geo. o.
Smith Waltham, Enoch Gregory Wey-
bridge, l.. Sllas Wright Whiting, j.
k.tcham.
A special session of the Grand Jury was
called. but owing to the Tact that the States
Attorney was sick at Montpelier with
typhoid fsver). they we've notified not to
make their appearance until Tuesday OF
next week, and the court this afternoon
gave notice that for the cause aforesaid the
grand Jury would not be needed at the
present term. and directed that the sheriff
and clerk give notice to each that they
would not be required to attend.
The indications now are that the term
will be longer than usual. OF the causes
originally SET for the jury, on calling of
the docket. thirty causes stand for trial.
In the afternoon c. l.. Eaton vs.. Homer
Goodrich was called, and a jury was I'm
paneled. Ii is an appealed case /; an action
IN some form to recover in horse case,
where horse had been snapped off with a
lien on him, and it appeared at least. that
it was lien case. However lean the horse
might be the evidence showed that he was
better than he looked r. Ii. Marden, and
n. W. Rider for plaintiff; E. r. Hard, and
F.. F. Brownell for the defendants
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

SwANroS. Customs officer Dean had II
sharp race over the rough roads, with Frank
Johnson and his four gallons ct ''crittcI. 50
Inst week. but came of best near Fonda :
Lime Kiln. johnson loses his whiskey and
team.
The repairs ON the depot on the west side
of the river are complete. and 1t looks as
good as new. Two nice and cummodious
offices have been fitted NJ Tor the use at the
agents If the two roads aud an addition of a
union baggage room has been built.
The Western Union and Vermont IuteIna
tional Telegraph offices have consolidated,
and been removed To the Peoples Drug
Store Miss Winslow, of johnson. is opera
tor Only the railroad line is lett at the de-
pot.
The lecture course commences Tuesday
night, at Billiards Hall. President Hubert
will deliver the first lecture. 5.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

ARE RAILROAD TAXES CoLLEcrIBLE The
case of Samuel Wells vs.. Ii. II. Bailey and
others was heard by Judge Wheeler in the
Circuit Court, at Rutland, Tuesday. The
case is really of the Vermont Central against
the town of St. Adams. and involves the
right of the town to collect taxes on rail-
road property under the law OF 1874 10
1875, Samuel Wells. q stakeholder in the
Vermont and Canada railroad. brought a
petition for an injunction to restrain Ii. Ii.
Bailey, collector of st. Adams. from col
Letting taxes amounting to about 81, 500, on
the ground that the law was unconstitu
tionsl. A preliminary injunction was
granted in June. 1876, the town not ap-
pcaring. through the negligence OF Its
officers. At the October term OF 1876 the
town did not appear or make answer. The
other defendants appeared but made no de
fence. and the bill was taken rs confessed
against them Ia the winter Mr.. Willard,
attorney for the Vermont and Canada rail
road made out Il decree enjOinlng the col
lectJr from collecting the taxes. dated Jan
uary sth. mot rule day OF the court).
In the March following the new selectmen
wished to contest the case. In May pc
tition was brought to yacate the de-
cree and try the case on lts merits, and
in October II motion was made to strike
the case from tho courts on account Ot
lrregularity, the decree being dated in
vacation, and not purpGrting on it, face
To DO OF any term. The hearing WAS on
this technical point. The deience OF the
railroad was that the town could not
plead it, own negligence to set aside Il
decree Di the court. The court held tho
case to allGw Mr Fiiield. one OF the rail
road attorneys who vas not precent, to iic
some points. II tho jccree is set aside !;
will open the case Tor II trial On the merits,
when the town will claim that the court
has no right to restrain the collection OF
taxes. II the decree il sustained. some OF
the other towns, which are awaiting tho
decision, will probably try the question.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
SERVED HIN RIGHT

New ioRK. Dec. ll.-Six negro chill dren,
two Of them being girls. none over IL
years of age, while picking cotton on a
plantation near Columbia, ). C.. were
harassed and beaten by youth of Is years.
Finally upon striking one a severe blow
they all turned upon him to protect them
selves and beat aad cut him so that he died
The children were all arrested and held in
So coo bail for trial for murder.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

The report of tho Treasurer Of the Home
shows that the receipts in money from all
sources for the two years amounted to Sll,-
632, and the disbursements to Sll, 1871.
The Permanent Fund remains at S43, 1854.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
W ESTERN NEWS.
ACQuITTSn

ST. LoUIs. Dec. lS.-The trial of Michael
llyddan. charged with perjury and cons
piracy in connection with the construction
of the new custom house and pOstOfice
b uildlng, in this city. has resulted IN
verdict of acquIttsl. This was regarded
as a test case.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14
EUROPEAN NEWS.


New YORK. Dec. ia cable special
says that on Sunday night the crisis in
France assumed new shape. Marshal
MaeMahon determined on policy OF resis-
tence. 1t remains to be seen whether the
constitutionallsts in the senate will aecede
to the demand for a second dissolution.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-14

A Rutland correspondent of the Springfield
Republican thinks it mot among the i'm
Possibilities that Col. W. G. Veazey will be
next governor Of Vermont" We should De
sorry to think it impossible to nominate and
elect 50 unexeeptionable candidate-if he is
or Is to be candidate Rutland will not want
tao candidates for the position, We take it.
any trotting out of candidates, now, is
surely premature.