davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
The Man Who Deciphered Them.
Washington Letter to Philadelphia Times.l

Washington Letter to Philadelphia Times.l
There has been great deal of talk
during the past week here on the sub
.ject of the cipher telegrams, and every
body is asking where they came from.
Whatever may be said about the Tri-
bune, and enough can be said for and
against it, the Importance of the dis
patches cannot well be over stated.
The industry, patience and sagacity
displayed in translating the dispatches
cannot be too highly commended. So
far as l know, nobody has yet stopped
to inquire who has done this piece of
patient and skillful work Happily
can furnish the information. The Tri-
bune has had bushel basket full of
cipher kilograms in its Office for more
than two months. How Mr.. Reid OBJ
tained possession of them is more than
| can pretend to say. However, they
were turned over in bulk to Mr.. Has
sard, the most versatile gentleman con-
nected with the New York press. 1 am
informed that Mr.. Hassard worked six
weeks on this mass of enigmas without
getting point or useful suggestion.
He then began to work on the dates,
the number of words in the several
classes of kilograms, looked up the oc-
currences happening in the localities at
the dates in question, the noted persons
in the localities at the time, etc.. and
before he knew the tangled threads be-
gan to unwind, and in Il fortnight he
was in possession of the whole secret.
With slight help, more of a clerical
character than otherwise, Mr.. Hassard
has done the whole work on which the
Tribune is making such spread. Mr..
Hassard does not belong to the ordi-
nary class of journalists in New York.
By nature, education and association
he is a gentleman. Besides he is an old
journalist, although yet young man,
three or four years below 40. He writes
on all subjects unusually we'll and |
can't see what the Tribune would do
without him.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
Unequal British Justice to the Sexes.

Frances Power Cobbe, who is as alert
in behalf of women's rights in England
as Mrs. LivermOre is in this country,
has fastened upon what she considers
a gross case of unequal justice to the
sexes in the results of two recent mur-
der trials. At the Glasgow autumn cir
cult, Isabel Grant, a woman of so, with
a family of grown-up children, was SEN
fenced to death for fatally stabbing her
husband Peter. Peter had just been
paid off, and the couple went amicably
to the nearest tavern and indulged,
British fashion, in little of their fa-
vorite tipple. Coming home, they fell
to quarrelllng over some trlt1e, and i'll
frenzied moment the woman seized
band. causing his death. The remOrse
of the poor wife over what she had
done was terrible, and during her trial
she evidently labored under the most
acute mental agony. When the judge
donned the black cap to pronounce
sentence, she fell back into the dock
with a shrek, and was carried out of
court insensible. About the same time,
Cornelius Spillane, a Cork Irishman,
was undergoing trial for the killing of
his wife. Spillane, coming home late
after the Easter Sunday festivities,
without apparent provocation struck
his pregnant wife three brutal blows,
telling her to the ground. Feeling her.
self dying, she begged Spillane to go
for the priest, which he did, swearing
that he hoped she would die. This she
shortly did, praying God to forgive her
heartless husband his crime. When it
came to the trial, manslaughter was the
Indictment, although the prosecution
remarked that the evidence would war
rant the charge of murder. The con-
clusion was verdict of guilty with
Recommendation to mercy" and the
farce of justice was completed by Spill
lanes sentence to one weeks imprisOn
ment. "Would such things happen,"
significantly questions Miss Cobbe,
"were women summoned on juries
when women are prisoners at the bar ?"
''There is very little need to strike ter
ror info the minds of wives respecting
the crime of husband-murder," con-
cludes Miss CObbe. "There is, how
ever, alas the most grievous and cry
ing need to alarm the more brutal sol
of husbands as to the consequence of
killing their wives. Yet Cornelius
Spillane has had one weeks imprison-
ment, and Isabel Grant lies under sen
tence of DEATH"
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
The Surprise.

Yes, 1t was very uncommon, n very
remarkable thing, and half the people
would wonder and probably condemn.
They were at the altar, the wedding
ceremony was partly completed, the
man had answered the questions and
made the promises. Then came the
same to the woman: "Wilt thou take
this man to be thy lawful welded
husband ," and instead of the usual
timid response, came Il tone loud and
clear, "No." The question was repeated
with the same result. Something was
wrong; nothing would change her an
swer, and the whole came to an end.
She was wise woman. Helen H. had
been engaged to James Laird for some
months, perhaps year, when she found
that, alas he was not to be trusted.
Good and honest and upright as he was
in general, he had at times the weak
ness Ito put an enemy into his mouth
to steal away his brains" Helen re-
monstrated, and he made light of it /;
she talked more seriously, and then he
promised. He said he could stop drink
ing at any time (that's what they al
ways say of drinking and smoking; they
can stop, but somehow they never do. J
James said he could stop, and Helen
took him at his word. And this was her
reasoning; was it not wise eff you
can stop easily, better do so; it will be
no great sacrifice. If you cannot stop
easily, then it is time you should. The
very fact shows that you are OH unsafe
ground"
Time had gone on and all looked fair.
James Laird was in good business; he
had fine natural abilities; there seemed
nothing to prevent his having a happy,
prosperous and successful life. So he
thought, and so Helen fondly hoped.
But once and again he fell. She bore
long with him, for her love was great,
and she was hopeful. Still, she had
seen once in her life the daily agony of
a friend, woman who was tied to a
man whose appetite was his master, and
she had made up her mind that no nor
tai power should tempt her to sentence
herself to such a living death. And she
had talked very plainly to James, say
ing distinctly: "What man will not
do for the woman he loves he never
will do for his wife,
! James Laird had been a sober man
| for long time. He had resisted temp
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
General Grout to the Voters.
The OTHER C.. NJ. S.
Dedham, Mass, Oct. %, 1873.

To the Freemen of the Third Con-
been directed by the Governors proc
lamatiOn to the choice, on the 5th of
November next, of IL person to repre-
sent you in Congress-. This unusual
proceeding has been made necessary by
the remarkable conduct of certain gen
tlemen in the district, heretofore NOV
ing with the Republican party, who,
before the September election, inaugu-
rated and carried forward campaign
the character of which l will not stop
here to discuss-but which, taken as a
whole, is without parallel in the history
of the state. Among the many extrav-
agant things said in that canvass, it was
said that neither the Republican party
in the Third District, nor the candidate
of that party, had any political princi-
Piles. 1t was certainly unfortunate that
the Hydepark Convention did not an
nounce platform of principles; but
that convention was one of unexampled
excitement and activity, and the clos
ing scene was so unanimous, so full of
apparent good feeling that in the ecstacy
of the moment it was forgotten. Had
the convention put forth platform,
there is no doubt it would have beeh
one of pronounced Republicanism-one
recognizing alike the proud career of
the party and the high demands of the
hour. 1t is safe to say that in it would
have been found no comfort for repu-
diators or inf1atiOnists-no license for
socialists or disOrganizers. 1t would
have declared in favor of honest money,
,fo 4
standard of the commercial world. 1t
would have cOunselled no backward
step in the world of resumption-but
would have insisted that labor's dollar
should be real dollar, and that that
part of our currency represented by
paper should be equivalent to and con-
vertible into coin at the option of the
holder, thereby making it a secure and
steady currency regulated by the laws
of trade, and not, as some would have
it, by f1uctuating majority in Con-
gress, subject to all those political vicis-
situdes which would surely paralyze
the arm of industry and cheat toll of
its pittance. That platform would
doubtless have endorsed the effort put
forth by the present administration to
elevate and reform the civil service ;
would have declared in favor of pure,
| frugal and efficient administration in
every part of the government would
have pleaded for free, unsectarian pub
lie schools, and for the equal civil rights
of all before the law.
Such, in brief outline, would have
been the platform of that convention.
Such at least is my platform and if
upon that platform | cannot win, then
upon that platform l am willing to lose.
But | beg the Republicans of the Third
District to remember that this is not
my affair alone, but theirs as well; that
1.-THE, issue is not in my hands, but in
theirs; and that the result will depend
flargely upon what they may do, and
very little what I may do.
u know that by convention have
been charged with the custody of the
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
VOLUME 42---NUMBER 2153.

tation and taken solemn VOWS, and all
seemed well. All preparations were
made, the wedding day was fixed.
Helen had detected no signs of falter-
ing. They came to the altar, and as he
turned to speak and his face was toward
her, she caught the unmistakable OdOr
of his breath. At the last moment he
had either fortified himself for the occa-
sion or fallen into temptation. James
had broken his solemn vows, had bro
ken faith with her. Would he be any
more faithful as her husband? How
ever hel heart might plead, her reason
answered no and when the momentous
question came, instead of the quiet 81
WILL" she answered "No," and went
away free woman. Her heart was al
most broken but better that than slav-
cry to druukard, or even the awful
risk that it might be so.
Here the story ends. 1t may be that
James will yet escape, (the grace of God
knows no limit,) and that Helen may
yet forgive him, as she loves him; but
she will want stronger guarantees than
ever. And even then they will have
saddened and lost some of the best
years of their lives, aud all from his
sheer weakness, and his love for that
(which biteth like serpent and sting
eth like an adder.n
MOraI.-Let other women do the
same, and save themselves from what
Cough calls, with so much emphasis,
"The unutterable woes and horrors OF
the drunkard's wife" 1t is worse than
death, and when it involves innocent
children, and their sad inheritance OF
sin and shame, words fail. Beware
Selected.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01

blue eyes. Was ever presence more
genial! We are asked into the study /;
books, more old than new, fill the high
shelves, a few fine paintings are here
also; wood fire CLEANS on the and
irons.
Half mile farther now to Haw-
thorne's home, up into the study he had
built on top of the house, with windows
looking out on every side over a quiet,
charming landscape. Here is the desk
at which he used to stand and write
those unequalled romances. Outside,
we pace along the walk, dusky under
thick pines, where he used to mediate
at evening. The house is now occupied
as girls school. Facilis descensus
Notice, as we go back, that this is
the road along which the British Regu-
lars came from Lexington, and up on
this ridge to the right, the Yankee farm
ers lodged from tree to tree, picking
off men from the column when retreat
ing to Boston.
Hawthorne's grave is in "Sleepy Hol-
low Cemetery" on high knoll, look
ing down upon the silent river behind
and the silent graves in front. Tall
pines whisper above it and strew their
needles upon the turf; loose hedge OF
arbOr vitae surrounds the plot; low
stones with rounded tops are at the
head and foot. On each is simply
Hawthorne" A filter resting place
could hardly be found for the sensitive,
poetic man. Near by is the massive
granite monument of Judge Samuel
HOar, father of our congressman, man
of solid frame, imprisoned once al
Charleston, S. c., as an abOlitiOnist
Above the inscription recounting his
virtues are the words from Bunyan:
THE pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber
Whose window opened toward the sunrising.
The name of the chamber was Peace,
Where he slept till break of day, and then ht
awoke and sang"
| We must just look at the battlefield
The enemy were drawn up on the East
side of the river. Here stands gran
ite monument, and little plot is mark
ed, "Grave of British Soldiers" Across
the stream is the "Minute Man, in last.
ing bronze; on the front of the pedestal
which supports it are lines from Emer.
sons Ode at the centennial celebration
By the rude bridge that arched the flood.
| Their flag to April's breeze unfurled
| Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fred the shot heard round the world.
Can you pause to look into the libra.
ry? Most interesting of all, perhaps
are the original manuscripts EmersOn's
open hand, scrawling along the blue
page, using five lines space for two o
his; Thoreau's, only less large and ir
regular; Lowell's, beautiful and deli
cate; Hawthorne's, small, clear, neat
MOtley's, unique, and fine. This roll o
blue paper has carelessly written on il
in pencil, ''Part of MS. of Little WO
men, presented at mothers request ;
inside, a regular back-handed script
All of these manuscripts are legible a
the first glance; some of them elegant
Here, too, is John Browns enlistmen
Roll of the Kansas Regulars.
Enough. Have l made long story
of it ? But it filed a memorable day.
Yours us ever,
THE OTHER C. NJ. S.
| Dedham, Mass, Oct. %, 1873.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01

Republican standard, and have duty
to perform. 1t is in obedience to that
duty that I write this letter, in order
that all may know that, for one at
least, / shall never consent that that
standard be lowered Zone jot or one
title" to the motley flag of the Oppo-
sition.
did not thrust myself into this cam
paign. 1t was with reluctance that /
entered it, and l should have kept out
altogether, but l thought only of a
friendly and generous rivalry for prefer
ence within the Republican ranks-to
be decided in the usual way, by con-
ventions. AS it is, l would step out
now, but the standard is in my keep
ing; and like the Admiral, who, in the
midst of an engagement, signalled a
ship of the line to move alongside his
his own, and as it came near said to
the Lieutenant commanding the ap-
preaching vessel: 81 have taken the
depth of the water at this point, and if
l go down, it is not so deep but that
the flag, which you see nailed to the
mast, will still float above the surf. 1t
is your business to stand by the flag"
so, fellOw-citizens, l propose to go
down-if go down l must-with flying
colors; those cOlors still bearing these
inscriptions "HOnest Money !" IRE
sumption of Specie Payments !" ''Civil
Service Reform !" "Free Schools r'
Equal Civil Rights :"
Under this banner, honest men from
all parties can rally. If such will do
their duty, do not believe the waters
of this unseemly contest are so deep,
but that we may still stand upon the
solid ground and beat back the dark
wave that threatens to engulf us. l do
not believe that the hard money men
of the Third District are so demOralized
as to lie supinely by and surrender
without struggle. 1t is, however, all
with them and they need not be re-
minded that they stand in the full gaze
of the whole state of Vermont, indeed
of the whole country and that the
friends of honest money and honest
government, everywhere, expect that
OH the 5th of November next every man
in the Third District will do his duty
This done, and all will be we'll. l am
fellow citizens,
Hopefully and faithfully,
Your Obedient servant,
WILLIAM w. CIRCUIT.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
From the Philadelphia Times.
Honest Old Abe.

When Abraham Lincoln was post
master in small Illinois village, word
came that the post office agent would
be along in a day or tive, to collect the
balance due to the government. 1t was
about seventy-fve dollars, and one of
Lincoln's friends, alarmed lest the
young postmaster should he embarrass-
ed by the sudden demand for so much
money, offered to lend him the required
sum. Lincoln declined, with thanks,
the proffered kindness, and going to the
upper shelf of a closet, brought down Il
bag containing the amount in the very
coins which had come into his hands.
He said he never allowed himself to use,
even for day, money which was in his
possession belonging to other people.
Would that all who have the handling
of the money of others were as rigidly
square in their transactions as honest
Old Abe was in his.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
Passumpsic Railroad L, 1878.
st. Johnsbury Church Directory

ADvENT-Paddock Village. Elder L. c. g. Mrs
McKinstry. Pastors. Sabbath Services at 1O:45 a.
m. and las p. m. Sabbath School 12 m. Prayer
Meeting $3.50 p. m. and on Tuesday and Friday
evenings
BArTIsT-Railroad Street. Corner Maple. Rev.
K, L. Sanford, Pastor. Preaching 1920 A. NJ. S.
School IL m, prayer meeting 6:30. Prayer meet
lngs Wednesday evening at 7:3O.
FREE BAPTIsT-Main Street Corner Prospect.
Rev. G. S. Frost Pastor. Residence at D. Street
ers, Prospect st. Sabbath services at 1870 4 M
and 6:30 p. M. Sabbath School at 1900 M We'd
nesday evening prayer meeting at 1880
CHURCH OF THE Observation-Disclosures East
ern avenue, corner Cherry street. Rev. B. NJ. Til
lOtsOn, Pastor. sabbath services at las and $3.50
p. NJ. Sabbath School at IL NJ. Wednesday even
ing prayer meeting at 1880.
METHoDIsT-Central, street. Rev. H. F. Austin
Pastor Residence head of Summer Street.
Sabbath School at 1900 M. Wednesday evening
meeting at 1880.
St Johnsbury Centre, Sabbath services at 13O
social meeting at 500; Sunday school at 1890 p m.
Thursday evening meeting at 1890
NogTu CoNGREGATIoNAL-M street, corner
Church. Rev. Henry W. Jones Pastor. Sabbath
services at 1890 A. NJ and 6:3O p. NJ. Sabbath
school at Ids p. M. Wednesday evening meeting
at 1880.
SouTH OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES street Rev
Edward T. Fairbanks Pastor. Sabbath services
at 1890 A NJ. and 6:30 p. M. Sabbath School at
l2:OOM. Wednesday evening meeting at 1890
ST. ANDREw's-(E Episcopal Main street, Rev.
n. f. Putnam. Rector. Services at 1030 a. m, and
p. m. Sunday School, $3.50 p III. Wednesday
evening meeting at 1880
ROMAN CATHOLIC Cherry Street. Rev. j. A.
BOissonnault. Parish Priest. Mass and 10 a. IN
VespeIs and BenedictiOn at 3 p. m. On the
second Sunday of the month, service at $3.50 a. m
and p. Ill. At Lyndonvile same day at 1890 a. m
Noon PRAYER NlEETING-Every Nj week day. from
IL to 1890 in the Y. NJ. G. A. Rooms over f. f.
Browns Store.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
The New Party Candidate.

Father. who travels the road so late r.
Hush my child tits the candidate.
Fit example of human woes
Early he comes and late he goes
He greets the women with courtly grace,
He kisses the baby's dirty face,
He calls to the fence the farmer at work,
He bores the merchant, he bOres the clerk,
The blacksmith, while his anvil rings,
He greets, and this is the song he sings -
"'Howdy, howdy, howdy do4
How is your wife, and how are you7
All it fits my fist as no other can,
The horny hand of the workingman.'
Husband, who is that man at the gatel'
Flush, my lovel it's the candidate"
Husband, why can't he work like youl
Has he got nothing at home to dOP'
MY dear, whenever a man is down,
No cash at home, no money in town,
Too stupid to preach, too proud to beg,
Too timid to rob, too lazy to dig,
Then over his hoIse his legs he filings,
And to the dear people this song he sings:-
"'Howdy, howdy, howdy dol
How is your wife, and how are you3
All ! it fits my fist as no other can,
The horny hand of the workingman.'
Brothers who labor early and late,
Ask these things of the candidate:
What's his record How does he stand
At home7 No matter about his hand,
Be it hard or soft, so it be prone
To close over money not his own.
Has he in view no thieving planl
Is he honest or capable 2-is he our man
Cheer such a one till the welkin rings,
Join in the chorus when thus he sings
'Howdy, howdy, howdy dol
How is your wife, and how are youi
All it fits my fist as no other can,
The horny hand of the workingmanH'
Burlington Haaoke.
St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-11-01
The Lime-Kiln Club for Reform.
From the Detroit Free Press. !


"Las, mite, 'twixt de hours of 7 and
o'clock, l went ober to see de Widder
Johnsin," said Brother Gardner, as his
bald head rose to within 18 inches OF
the ceiling. "She's bin in heap O.
trouble bout de water tax, an my ole
woman sent me ober dar to tell her to
trus' in de Lawd an cotch all de rain
water she could. l sot down by de
grateful stove, an when | seed dat de
widder he'd bin readin' Il nOOsepaper, !
softly axed her =
"'Missus Johnsin, am you a-wah dat
de fall campaign hez openedP p
San she replied dat she was awOre.'
"'An' did you know, 'cordin' to de
papers, dat among de candydates am
fo' murderers 7"
"'Bress my soul but 'spected it,
'spected it for ober a month = she yell
ed, as she histed one of de pickaniggers
outer de way.
cam do you know dat six mo- of dc
candydates am forgers an perjuresP
sweetly continered.
"'Bress my soul but I'll took in dem
chickuns soon's you gone awayr she
'sclaimed, as she frowed ii glance OF
scorn at de chill'en playin' horse wild de
spider.
"'An' 'mong de lesser candydates
Missus Johnsin, am numbered gem'leu
who steal hosses when dey git de chance
an Odders who rob orfun 'sylums an
prowl frew graveyards.'
"' knode it! l knode it!-Ize bin
h'arin de strangest kin'O' noises 'roun
de cabin ebery night fur de las week,
she whispered as she bent ober to look
under de bed.
"Den dar was paws. De ole clock
licked away in de sOlomnest manner
an de chill'en knocked de handle off de
spider as dey tux circle 'rOun' de big
blue rockin' char. Bime by de widdel
kinder aiged aroun' till she showed de
dollar rings on her fingers an de big
yaller bow at her froat, an she said =
"'Brudder Gardner, it seems to me
dat de time hez arrove to purge
'Merican politics of its fraud an cor
rupshun. How am you gwine TO vote 2
'Gem'len, spit on de hot stove, an
l spit ober it, am l seed de widder's big
eyes wild DER canvas backgroun' lookin
right at de end of my nose, an couldn't
git dis old mOuf open to save me
Wftlhou Out vi udi VIII ItI QuoSuuD uu-
answered an de chill'en tyin' de clothes
line fast to de tea-kettle an maxim
ready for haul. was finkin' ober il
all mite long, an Ize finkin' ober it yit
Sir Isaac Walpole, you am an ole man
You hez bin run Ober by butcher-cart
bit by a rattlesnake, an lost in dt
woods, an you am competent to speak
on dis subjeck. Dispress your views
Brudder Walpole."
The old man rose up in an humble
hesitating way, and mildly said:-
"Gem'len, shall nebber cast my
vote for a criminal, an l move dat d.
club insert de follerin' advertisement il
de papers -
"'WANTED-A political candidat,
who has not been charged with murder
arson, robbery, burglary, forgery, EN-
bezzlement, fraud, drunkenness ct al.
is invited to send his address, affidavit
and references of character to the De
trOit Lime-Kiln Club.'n
Brother Gardners face lighted III
like the bottom board of fence oppo
site a bonfire, and the club adopted th,
idea and ordered the secretary to hav,
the ad inserted in red ink if possible.