davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25


Gen B. H. Bristow is sound on the siivel
question, and on civil service reform, a. b,
seems to be on most public questions. lr
his speech at the dinner rendered to him il
Boston, last week, he said
Anothe- matter which has attracted public
attention in this country, and about which
much remains to be said, and more to be
done, is the elevation and reform of our civil
service On this subject the Republican
PARTY OF Massachusetts has taken high and
unmistakable position. The declaration Of
principles of your last State Convention, at
Worcester, met the earnest approval of the
| sincere and earnest friends of reform every
where throughout the country. The organ
lied movement for reform may be said to be
in its infancy. Public attention for many
wears past has been too much absorbed by
questions Of a more exciting nature to admit
OF a free and full discussion of this topic,
which must now come. But, although the
organized movement Cor reform is Of recent
origin. there is much to encourage its friends
to hope for ultimate and complete success,
because, first of all, We know We are right.
The great Republican party Of the country,
at its National Convention in 1876, adopted
and engrafted into the platform IA resolution
in favor Of the principle for which We con-
tend. The first thing to be accomplished in
this movement for reform is the abolition Of
an abuse of administration which has
been the growth of years. This was
clearly seen and plainly declared by the
representatives OF the Republican party at
Cincinnati They demanded Il restoration
of the just constitutional powers OF the ex-
ecutye branch Of the government. They
declared that senators and representatives
in Congress, who may he Judges and accu>-
er1, should not dictate appointments to
office and that the rule in appointments
should have reference to the honesty, tiieli-
ty and capacity of the appointce and that
the chief executive of the nation, being res
ponsible under the constitution and answer
able to the representatives of the people for |
the proper performance Of his duty in this |
regard, should be wholly untrammclled by 4
the vicious practice which had hitherto pre-
vailed This was blow struck at the root |
OF the evil. 1t was followed bv bold, |
manly and clear letter of acceptance from |
the nominee of the convention for the high |
Office Of president, Gov. Hayes. There was
no lowering OF the standard which had been
lifted ct Cincinnati. On the contrary, it
was still higher advanced, and the people,
who were about to make their choice be-
tween the candidates OF the two great par
ties, were notified in the clearcst and most
distinct manner that. in the event Of the
success Of the Republican candidate, every
effort would be made for "thorough, radical
and complete reform Having succeeded
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25
Collector Arthnr'S Letter.

Collector Arthur, of New York, has writ
ten review of the reports of the Jay Com
mission of Inquiry, in which he makes some
interesting and suggestive state ents. lie
holds the elements Of correct civil service
system to be: first, permanence of tenure,
which of course prevents removals except for
cause; second, promotion third, prompt
and thorough investigation OF all complaints,
and equally prompt punishment lie main
tains that these principles have been more
faithfully observed and more thoroughly
carried out in the New York Custom house
under his administration ethan in any other
branch of the Government, either under the
present or any past National Administra-
tion,'' and he cites the proof. of 923 per-
sons who held office on December l, 1871,
when he became Collector, 53l were still in
office on May l, 1877. This leaves 800 who
have died or resigned or have been re-
moved, which is an average of sixty-ive in
each year. The yearly percentage of re-
movals for all causes has been only two and
three-quarters per cent. of the 800 ap-
pointments. l13vere made in strict conform
ity to the ciyilservice rules Of General Grant
The other original appointments ''arc made
precisely as in all other public Offices, that is,
upon the recommendation of persons who are
known Promotion, the Collector says,
has been the uniform system, as proved by
the evidence before the commission; and
lastly, he alleges that all complaints have
been promptly examined, and when found
to be justified, offenders have been punished
and removed. The letter, good as is the
showing it makes, docs not suit the profess
sional civil service reformers who have been
clamoring for Gen. Arthur's head; but I'M
prejudiced and fair-minded people seem to
be well suited with it and with him.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

TIE prolonged Senatorial contests in tho
kentucky and Maryland legislatures have
ended in the election (of course) of two mt
and-out Democrats. Ia Maryland, Mr. James
Black Groome is elected to succeed Senator
Dennis. In 1874 he was chosen bv tho
Legislature to serve out Gov. Whites pner
pred term, and he was twice member If
the House Of Delegates. lie has had no
other experience in public life. His noni-
Dation for the Senate is attributed N
political accident and he will 90 into tho
senate with no particular reputation for any,
thing.
In Kentucky. the successful candidate is
Gen. Williams known as Germ Gordo
Williams, on account of something he did
IN the battle Of Cerro Gordoj. For years he
mas been on hand as a candidate, whenever
there was nomination to be made for gov
ernor or United States Senator, but slvavs
without the slightest chance of success. n,tiI
now. His untiring persistence has won him |
something at last. He is a man of inferior
ABILITY and has no fitness for the Office tn
which be bas now been elected.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

WATEEvILLE.--A robin Was seen last week
by some of Mr.. Moves teamsters between
our villageand Cambridge Centre.
On Monday of last week the first loads of
fork handles were drawn to the depot at
Cambridge Centre, Charlie Mann started
with a load in the afternoon and while going
up the hill near Thomas Stevens place got
stuck. The horses became fractious and the
load with the sled was dumped down the
steep bank. Fortunately no damage was
done to the man or his team.
On Monday last Albert Bartlett, a Young
man attending school in our village, had his
left arm badly broken near the elbow Joint.
He received the injury while wrestling with
another scholar.
There Is now fair prospect Of our having
singing school here this winter, the teacher
being $. Tillotson, of Bakersfield
Emery Wheelocl:, aged 10 years, onl7 SON
OF W J. Wheelock, died very suddenly on
Friday evening last, of membranous Group.
He was very active and bright boy, q mem
Der of the Sabbath school, and his death falls
heavily upon his parents. His funeral was
attended on Sunday last at the church.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

Ir HAS BEEN frequently stated that coinage
in the United States is free. This is not abso-
lutely the case, according to Prof. Perry who
states that recently the minis have charged
one-half of one per cent on gold. AT that
rate the charge amounts to but SIS for coin
ing $1,000, and only about 1915 for
changing Sl,050 worth of silver into los
silver dollars of 412t grains each.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25
WASHINGTON letters say that the Ser

WASHINGTON letters say that the Senate
committee on pensions has been considering
the propriety of abolishing all pension
agencies and paying pensions directly from
Washington. Secretary Schurz informed
the committee that such change would
meet with his approval and that the late
consolidation oil agencies by Mr. Sehurz
was step in this direction. 1t is stated
that the annual saving to the Government
under such a change would be fully $780,
mn
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

Mr. EDMUNDS no doubt secs, and his letter
will suggest to everybody who reads it, the
fact that no general agreement on the part
of Senators to abstain from ofice-soliciting
will last long if the Executive is forced by
necessity to apply constantly or frequently
to them and Representatives for information
about candidates, and that this necessity
must exist as long as changes are as frequent
as they now arc. Nothing but greater iixity
of tenure will make the Presidents nomina-
ting burden SO light that legislators can be
asked for advice without risk of dictation.-
n Y NqiiOu
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

NORTH fERRIsBURGH.-The grand event
| OF the week Just past, was the reading of
Prot. Frank Bradford, of Bennington, be-
| fore the Lecture Association of this place
on Tuesday evening, Jan. Is. The selec-
| tons consisted of The Spanish Duel ~
Under the Snow" THE Wind and the
Moon, kit Carsons Ride" Lake in Col
orado Park, 'Innocents Abroad or Roman
Guides, Little Mabel, " (by request). The
Grave Diggers" and The London Charity
Dinner" The audience were truly enchant-
ed with the characters as they were made to
appear before us in their proper, yet quick
succession. Golden opinions were won by
the Professor while many are waiting in
eager expectation another opportunity of
listening to his reading. No Lecture Asso-
citation should consider their literary enter
tainments complete without securiLg his ser
vices.
The religious or revival meetings are still
continued at the VI. E. church.
Mr. Henry Ballard delivered a Temperance
address before the Lecture Association of this
place on Thursday evening of the present
week.
VI. F. Allen has SO far recovered from his
injuries as to attend church services, also
his business engagements somewhat.
Several cases of diphtheria have again ap-
peared in the western part of this town.
The covered bridge at this village has late
ly been re-planked.
But very little heavy teamwork is being
done in this vicinity this winter, on account
of the scarcity of snow, and the general
warm weather.
James A. Fadden's new carriage shop is
progressing steadily toward completion.
Messrs. Webb & Whites tin-shop is also open
for business. They invite the patronage of
all.
Fl. G. Martin has returned from his west
ern visit, as Jolly as ever.
The last quarterly meeting of the present
year at this appointment occurs at the II. E.
next Sabbath.
The attendance at the VI. E Sabbath school
on Sunday the goth was 1877 penny collec-
ton, Sl.59.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

CoNsTANTNoPLE adyices say that is has
been decided that the Turkish government
and the sultan shall quit Constantinople as
soon as the Russians reach Tehataldia, a
station on the Adrianople railway, ,25 miles
from Corstantinople. The Porte has order
ed pending, the result of the armistice ne
gotiations, -alLthe -aEetirahls faresss e to Con
stantinople BY the quickest route.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

In THE SENATE, on Tuesday, Mr.. Morrill,,
of Vermont, submitted an amendment to the
preamble Of the resolution of Mr.. Matthews,
Of Ohio, in regard to the right of Govern
ment to pay the bonds in silver, reciting at
length provisions of various acts of Congress
pledging the faith of the Government, etc.
Mr.. Morrill, said, in the long recital of acts
in the preamble as submitted BY the Senator
from Ohio, there seemed to be strange omis-
sions of some of the statutes. He hoped
the Senator would accept his amendment.
1t was ordered that the amendment be print
ed
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

THE Third Assistant Postmaster Ger era
has prepared for the consideration of Con
gress bill regulating the compensation Of
fourth class postmasters, or all whose annual
compensation is less than $1,000. 1t pro-
vides that hereafter the basis of their COM
pensation shall be the face value of the
stamps cancelled in their respective Offices,
instead of the value Of the stamps sold by
them. 1t also imposes severe penalties for
making false returns and for trafhcking in
stamps. The bill embodies the recommenda-
tons made by the Postmaster General in his
Last rnnnrt
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

The LATE SAMUEL BowLEs. - Samuel
Bowles was born in Springfield on the 9th
of February, 1896. His father, of the same
name, had established the Springfield
Weekly republican in 1894, and the son was
brought up to the business and carly, before
his majority, became his fathers chief
assistant In 1874, the daily was founded
and the son was placed in charge Of it. He
has been it chief editor eyer since, except
ing short period when he was one Of the
leading editors of the Boston Irdrcller,
when it attempted to launch out into the
field of the metropolitan morning journal.
This was a failure ; and be returned to
Springfield to devote himself to building up
the Repu5hodn-with what success it is
needless to mention nor is it necessary to
refer at this time to his political course and
the editorial conduct of the Republican
for all are too familiar to our readers. DIR.
J. G. Holland was Mr.. Bowles's chiefassis-
tant from the year lS49 to 1860, and Gen.
Francis A. Walker was another of his dis
tinguished subordinates. Outside of the
Republican Office Mr. Bowles did little work,
but he was the author of Across the Con-
tinent." published in 1865, the "Switzer-
land of America published in 1869. and
ore or two other smaller works. lie was
never a speech-maker conspicuous in public.
He did, however, hold high social position,
Of course, and was an efficient helper Of
benevolent and educational interests. He was
one of the trustees Of Amherst College.
Mr.. Bowles was the most distinguished
New England jou.nalist-with perhaps one
exception. Gen. Hawley, of the Hartford
COwant, is probably more widely known
taking into account his fame as a politi-
clan. soldier, Congressman, and President
Of the Philadelphia Centennial. Mr.. Bowles
was none of these. He was famous simply as
a journalist, las the proprietor and editor of the
Republican and that most successful paper
IS the monument Of his enterprise and
ability as a newspaper manager. Though |
he never received a. liberal education"
Mr.. BOwles's mind was well furnish |
d. lie was a good deal of traveller and
lad made several trips to the far West and
everal to Europe. lie leaves an invalid
wife and several children, the eldest, Samuel,
It the head of the business department of
he Republican.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

SwASTOy.-An unusual religious interest ia
manifested in several of the adjoining dis
tri"ts. Rev. Mr.. Hyde is holding extra meet
lngs at Maquam school house, and several
conversions are reported.
The donation for the benefit of Rev. Mr..
Frost resulted in s27 in money and quanti-
ty of provisions
A good quality of ice is being secured
Fresh eggs bring Is cents per pound and
butter . cents per pound.
Sir. lan9don, of Milton, is about to take
possession of the Barney Hotel as tenant
The Union Lime Kilns are ready for work
making the third kiln in town.
The next lecture before the association
will be by Rev. DIR. Rabbit subject, Among
the Chippewas."
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

We propose to Senator Edmunds that he
should supplement his letter with the draft
of bill for the reform of the abuses he so
clearly states and that he should submit the
same to the Senate for its consideration.
Let the bill declare, in the first place, that
all the subordinate appcintces below the
heads of departments shall retain their
Offices during good behavior, and be remov-
able only by promotion to higher positions
or by dismissal FOR cause. Let it, in the
second place, provide for promotion from
lower to higher grades Of the service, in
cases when there are vacancies to be filled
in the latter, the rule of such promotion
being the selection of those who by trial
have proved themselves both worthy and
competent. Let the bill, in the third place,
provide that new corners into the service
shall be appointed in the first instance to
the lower grades, and that in respect to them
special examinations shall be had, with a
view to ascertain their character and test
their qualifications. Here is very simple
outline for civil service reform. There is no
difficulty in adding the requisite details
n. Y. HdCpendenf.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

dress Of the pssseTs-hy those who nail from New
hampshire and those coming from Wisconsin
hince gentlemen from all secton5 pretty generally
We moustaches. and very many OF them wear
little. Insignificant. rourd-topped hats, whether
they hail from Montpelier or from Omaha.
Ladies visiting New York from kanEakse orSt
Louis cannot be distinguished by their bOnnets or
by their accom- plishments frCm those who belong
10 Rutland, BrandOf, burlington, st. Adams, and
81. lohnsbury, for the simple reason that pull
backs broke out in all sections of the cOuutry
simultaneously, or thereabouts.
Before reaping machines, sewing machines, and
friction machines were invented. before George
FRANCIS Tram was discovered before the advent OF
the magnetic telegraph and wuman's rights con-
Nentlons' beor" railroads penetrated every State vi
the Union as they now co, there existed in many
sections Of The country. even north Of Mason and
DtNons line Il very strong prejudice against
Yankees in general, and Vernont Yankees IN par
trular' and must say that Yankees we're almost
equally intoIerant OF =" Buckeyes" "Eoosiers" and
=" Michiganders."
Railroats,far more than colleges and "female sem
inares, " have wrought the change. Yankees tran
spanted have grown broader and somewhat less con-
ceitad, while natives Of other states amons whom
Yankees have settled have gradually grown more
charitable, and thus the intsrminglinz has proved
mutually beneficial
The day has passed when Yankees can be recog.
nized by the dreadful oaths once so common among
them, - yum ~ - snum!' 81 swow" and
abeout hcOuw long before You will begin to get
ready to prepare to Commence to make a start TO 90
and fetch that are ceOuw ,"
4 Western man is no longer known hy what he
used to call his billed shirt store clothes" and
right smart chance o. fever nagur," which he de-
cllred rendered him powerful weak -
Even we Vermont Yankees here, tonight, clan
nish a. We may have been considered, Can and do
most heartily feO sship and iraterHzed with those
Of our guests who were so unfortunate as % have
been born outside the comparatively narrow area
o. New England, however much We may commits
crate them FOR their mis!ortunes, or however much
We may indu &c ia self glorihcation that we were
born in country Offering 20 many Inducements
!or US TO leave it.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

TIE CENTRAL RoAD-Mr. George W.
Bentley, Superintendent of the New London
Northern Road, has reconsidered. his former
refusal and accepted the Vice-Presidency Of
the Central Vermont Railroad, made vacant
by the resignation Of Hon W c. Smith, and
will at once enter upon his duties. President
Smith has issaed the following circular:
ST. ALBASs, VT, Jan. II, 1873.
Mr.. Geo. W. Bentley having been duly elsctsd
to the office OF Second Vice President OF this Com
pany and having accepted the position, will enter
Immediately upon its appointed duties
The heads OF the several departments will, from
and after this daterepOrt to him through the accus
toned channels, and the details Of the business Of
the road will come under his general supervision
The Traffic Department Of the road Will hereafter
be consolidated as follows A Through Freight De-
partment, TO be under charge Of a General Mana
ger" Local Freight department TO be under
the charge OF Superintendent OF Local Freight
Traffic" A General Passenger Department to be
under the charge Of " General Pssseng ger Agent"
Mr.. Lansing Mills has besn appointed General
Manager Of the Through Traffic The appOintees
OF the Local Freight and the General Passenger
Department will be announced hereafter.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

| ME. PRESIDENT. LADIES AND GESrLRMRS
think this splendid assembly gives better express
sion than any arts OF speech can give to tbs senii
ment that has called Us together. We are a thou
| sand miles from home Tonight, ladies and gentle
men. and many of US may never get back there, but
we are not iorgetiul nevertheless. Coming MS We
do from little country,-a land of mountains and
wide valleys of clear streams and great, Oveishad
owing trees full OF the associations OF an tlustfi
Gus history,-althOush We are proud OF our par
ticipations in the great Republic, and though IN
our ample iellos ship OF States we have forgiven
even New York, since the men OF lOl years ago sue
ceeded In keeping the land they fought for, sttll
the mind reverts to that little country out OF
which We came with sentiment something Ike
that OF the wandering Scythlans, who told the Per
sian King TO touch the graves OF their fathers ana
he would loon see what manner OF men they were.
Now. Mr.. President, the resolution and spirit OF
the mon of lOl years ago and Their cause winch
the day we celebrate commentaries. are too ianlil
lar to call for present review. They conducted a
controversy which involved great questions Of pub
lie and private right, OF civil hbsrty and Of pr;
vate property. They were loyal to their political
principle 10 the end. But il may not he lnapprO-
PIRATE, while we are commencing their example,
to remember that when their controversy was end
ed they and their foes alike put away its bitter
ness, and Joined in establishing the honor and
greatness OF a common nationality. l am sure sir,
that are all srated at what we believe to be
true,-that our people At home still uphold the
high character their ancestors, and command for
their own present the honor which they and we
a.e proud to tender to the past. They love the
blessings of peace, for they thrive by tho arts and
industries OF peace. but they never shrank from
wa. when the national honor and security seemed
20 demand It. They hold their obligation TO the
payment of public and private debts, but they
hold il better still not to have any debts Uponhll
the principles OF civil rights and political order the
STERLING ring Of their opinion never fails to be
heard. and they perpetuate such opinion through |
the baptism Of substantial education which they |
give their children. But, sir, must not occupy |
your time and congratulate thus assembly upon |
/ he occasion Il at called II together
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-01-25

After another song by the quartette. come
the fourth toast,
The State Of Our Adoption"
which was responded to by Lieut.. Gov.
Shuman.
lie said it was diiicult To say any thing to suc
an intelligent assrmhiIge about Illinois that would
10 new 1r ediiIing- Ih.y might look hG.k with
pride upon the state they had LETT, hut feIt that
they had cause for ieicitatiog themselves and
consrntulating each other upon the TACT that they
had cast their lot here. Applause