davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
A Southern Opinion.

Ex-Doorkeeper Polk has more sagacity
than most of his Southern and exconfed-
crate friends, and a good deal more than
most Northern Democrats. In letter just
published in Washington he says
"The Democrats In congress have done more
TO nominate General Grant than all his friends
have or could do, by affirming solidly extreme
state rights doctrine In their speeches. led on by
the vice president and postmaster general of the
confederacy. To that pernicious doctrine must be
charged all the trouble and sorrow that ever befe
the United States, and the people, far in advance
Of the politicians on that question. regard and
condemn 1t. No matter what was intended when
the compact was made, they look at its operation
practically, and justly charge to 1t the devastating
consequences OF the war and the interrupted rela-
tons of the sections In the minds Of the people
1t will be q blessed day when 1t becomes obsolete
and ceases to be an issue, and when we are ma
ton with q government not to be shaken and rent
asunder by the wild leadership of your Toombses
and your Yanceys. 1t lie almost beyond belief
that the leading Democrats in congress should
have walked into the trap set for them by the Re-
publicans, led by General Garfield. Their blind
ness can be accounted for in but way, and that
il that they entertain the foolish belief that the
party was returned to power on the state rights
Issue. For one, decline to follow again TO my
ruin that ignis Jdtuis. The speeches made on the
floor OF the house by the Democratic leaders to-day
will cost the party Ohio in October, and drive Il
from power In congress. Gentlemen, you wen,
too far, and made blunder Of blunders by being
drawn into a general debate on that question
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

OUR ANTIQUARIAN.-Hon. c. l.. Knapp
of Lowell, Massachusetts,, thus recalls one
Who was very familiar to the last generation
of our people: Henry Stevens of London,
who has lately made gift to public insti-
tuition in Boston, is referred to by the papers
as well-known Englishman. His birth
place was Barnet, Caledonia county, Yer
mont. His father, of the same name, was
distinguished for his historical and antigua
rian researches, and, withal, was remarkably
well posted in all matters relating to wooden
manufacture, etc. His home, in his prime,
was resort for people who had conundrums
to solve. His library was crammed with files
of old papers, autograph letters of historic
characters of the olden time, Indian relics,
in short, with about everything curious to
behold"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
The ScOurge OF France.

viii the people of France never learn
anything by their sad experience Partisan
mobs, whose doings mark the history of
France with blood, are not dead yet, or at
least the spirit which animated them is not,
judging from the reason given recently by
the senatorial committee who reported
against the sitting of the French assembly
in Paris instead of Versailles " because it
was safer in the latter city in case of riot"
Great precautions have been taken there to
protect the members, whose attendance upon
the sessions is compulsory. Crowds are not
allowed to be formed within a certain dis
lance Of the chambers, and the soldiery is
held ready to dispense the groups that may
collect for the discussion of any subject.
Given few decades of quiet legislation,
and what promises for the future a stable
government, and the French may learn such
regard for law and order, as to make it
safe for their national legislature to conduct
its proceedings without fear of interference.
Imagine the United States reduced to the
necessity Of keeping an armed force at hand
to prevent riots daring the sittings of con.
gress. Some Of the proceedings there
would seem to call for soldiery inside the
capitol rather than out to keep the peace
The French people, however, are excitable
They have always been accustomed to ar
bitrary rule, and the monarch who knew
best how to hold them with an iron hant
was the one most beloved. Self-governmen
is the lesson most needed TO be learned, ant
II the new order Of things, with the chang
which 1t brings, shall teach this, it will b.
well for the future prosperity of France.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

A DELAY IN JUSTICE --Chastine Cox, the mu-
latto who was condemned to be hung In New
York on the 29th of August for the murder OF
Mrs. DR. Huh, has been granted slight reprieve
A stay of the execution of the sentence, pending
the decision OF the appeal to the general term on
the points raised by the prisoners counsel at the
trial has been granted. This delay in the punish
ment Of the murderer was inevitable, as the case
cannot be argued before October, and may after
that be carried to the court OF appeals. 1t is sat
isfactory to know that the worst result to be APP
pretended is new trial. and that no legal in
genuity can prevent the final satisfaction Of JUS
tce. 1t would have been better II the punishment
OF the murderer could have followed swiftly on
the heels OF his crime, but the fact that the shadow
OF the gallows is on his path and cannot be re-
moved will have good effect ON the criminal
classes In New York. Cox will assuredy be OK
ecuted in the end. matter how long the forms
OF law may postpone the day Of his punishment
aud his certain fate will serve As a warning to
those who rush recklessly into crimes that often
lead to more terrible results than their perpetra-
tors contemplate.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

No FOOLING.-It is a curious illustra-
ton of the popular feeling that the man
most in demand for the Ohio campaign
is Zach Chandler. Senator Chandler is
very far from being an orator. He is not a
senate or stump speaker in the ordinary
sense. He rarely talks for half an hour.
His faculty for speaking is practically lin.
tied to short, crisp, pithy utterances OF ten
or fifteen minutes. But he has put so much
force into some of these speeches and he
has 80 clearly hit the stalwart patriotic SEN
timent of the country that the people are
everywhere calling for him. 1t shows the
intensity and vigor Of the feeling which the
performances of the confederate brigadiers
have stirred.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

MANLY REToRT.-In the Louisiana con-
stitutional convention now in session, Mr..
Allan, once slave, recently made an able
speech in opposition to abolishing the office
of superintendent of public instruction. At
its close an ex.slaveholder offered resolu.
ton deriding it, because Of a mistake in
grammar, and providing for its translation
into all modern languages. To this Mr..
Allan responded "Mr Chairman, I was
formerly slave. The results of the war
emancipated me, and simultaneously placed
me under obligation Of fitting myself to dis
charge the duties of citizenship. While the
gentleman from Orleans was perfecting
himself in all these languages to which he
refers, was picking cotton. The years
that spent in picking cotton he devoted to
his moral and intellectual improvement |;
yet think may be pardoned for saying
that he might have put his varied accom-
plishments to more creditable use than in
thus striving to ridicule and deride me in
my effort to promote an end | consider
right and proper"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

Coon SIoS.-The Springfield Republican
notices the fact that the rate of interest in
Massachusetts, is coming down from the war
standard Of seven per cent to the ordinary
rate Of six-the customary interest upon
well-secured mortgage loans in that state
for many years before the war. The Spring
field Institution for Savings, the leading
savings bank in the Connecticut Valley, has
reduced the rate OF interest to borrowers
upon mortgage from six and one-half to six
per cent, the reduction to take effect upon
all existing loans from June LIST of this year
The interest paid depositors, our contem-
porary expects, will not exceed four per
cent, the amount realized on government
bonds. The Massachusetts Mutual Life In
snrance Company has also decided to reduce
the rate npon its mortgage loan from seven
per cent TO six, from and after July LIST.
The interest on the loans Of the Mutual Life
was at one time ~ high as eight per cent.
The final reduction to six will be highly ap-
prsciated by its debtors.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
Two Years OF President Hayes.

From calm and approximately just re-
view Of President Hayes administration,
contained in the Atlantic Monthly for August,
we extract the following "Wbat, then Ito
sum up), has been accomplished in the first
half Of President Hayes administration
The practice of determining the issue Of
state elections by the authority Of the ma
tional administration, and enforcing that
determination by the army in the United
States, has been definitely abandoned. II
was high time. The practice was essen
TALLY unrepublican, was destructive of the
rigbtful independence and dignity Of states,
was subversive of liberty, and was poten-
TALLY, If not in experience, wrong worse
than that which it was invoked to correct.
The honor of the nation in respect of finan-
cial obligations has been vindicated in every
point dependent on the action of the execu-
tive, a great burden of taxation has been
lifted, the credit Of the United States is as
good as that Of any nation in the world, and
an era of sound prosperity has dawned.
The civil service has been purified and in
vigorated. The executive has resumed the
prerogative and responsibility which had
been relinquished to enable party leaders to
strengthen their personal influence. More
than at any other time for two generations
past, character, intelligence and fitness for
doing well the governments work are the
qualifications regarded in appointments,
rather than zeal in party service. The PEG.
pie are delivered from the domination of
officeholding agents Of the administration in
the conduct Of their political affairs. The
business of the government, whether affect
ing our foreign relations or our domestic
peace and prosperity, is efficiently managed,
with supreme regard to the commonwealth,
and not with supreme regard for the politi-
cal fortunes of those in power. But already
the presidents aphorism, He serves his
party best who serves his country best is
verified. In the congressional elections Of
1878 the party in power held its own as the
party in power is seldom able to do in an
off year. and was more successful than
bucic 10 any Biouhu III ichoou VI
to suppose it could have been If the old
grievances had not been removed. Had the
president failed to do the things for doing
which he is so rancorously blamed in some
quarters, the Republican party in this con-
gress might not be stronger than it was in
the forty-fourth congress. The party is In
better position either for attack or defense
than it was in two years ago. The change
in the Republican position has compelled
the Democracy to unmask its purposes, and
to take ground where it is terribly exposed.
For this incalculable advantage on the lines
of party conflict, as well as for the obvious
improvement of all national concerns, the
administration OF President Hayes more
than congress, and the president more than
any other Republican, is entitled to praise
and gratitude"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

WHOLLY USsEcEssARY.-Mr. Stewart l..
Woodford, district attorney Of New York, to
whom was attributed singular story of
General Grants intentions If Mr. Tilden un-
dertook TO take the oath Of Office and set up
at New York, has got home from Europe
and makes an emphatic denial of the affair
He denies that he was ever consulted by
President Grant, any of his cabinet, or SEN
ator Conkling as to what should be done at
New York II Mr.. Tilden refused to abide by
the decision of the electoral commission /;
also that he ever had any communication
with Secretary Robson about a gunboat in
the harbor. The denial is totally superfu-
GUS, for nobody believed the silly story.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
Stricken Memphis.

The latest advices from the yellow fever
district are to the effect that the disease
has broken out in most virulent form in
Memphis at least fortnight earlier than
last year, when IL made such fearful havoc
there. Every day adds to the terrible bill
Of mortality, and those citizens who have,
or can borrow, means to leave the city have
fled from it. This terrible visitation seems
to have originated in the fact that the health
and other authorities of the city neglected
to burn or otherwise disinfect the garments
worn by those who died Of the disease last
year, and, in fact, total disregard of those
sanitary measures so effectual to prevent its
recurrence seems to have pervaded the en-
tire action of the authorities.
1t is painful to think that this renewal of
q terrible calamity is occasioned by causes
which human foresight might have removed.
Last winter the board of health of Memphis
was reorganized and went earnestly at work
to remove the traces Of the disease, and put
the city in such condition that contagion
brought in from another place could not
well find Judgment there. Streets were
cleaned, old garbage collected, and in all new
buildings that were erected stringent regu-
lations in relation to drainage were enforced.
But, although this much was done, highly
important part seems 10 have been left un.
done. We have no means of knowing the
limits under which the board worked, but the
inference to be drawn from its omissions is
that it did not possess the power to enter upon
private property and make necessary reforms
at the expense of the owner, whether he de-
sired to have the work done or not. To grant
such right to public officers may have SEEM
ed to be too great stretch of power, but
without this was done, and an autocratic use
was made of the license thus given, it was
certain that the changes required to pre-
serve good health would not be made. When
threatened with an attack by plague,
city, if it would pass through the ordeal
with comparative safety, must be put under
sanitary laws as arbitrary as those which
would be enforced by military commander
If the place was besieged by hostile army.
In Memphis this does not appear to have
been done. One important duty, the clean
ing out Of the cess.pools, was left, until too
late, to the discretion of the property own
ers, who, with customary indifference,
neglected to do their share of the work.
They may realize now, in the immense de-
IN, Ina xuh;nh a IF ha
fever must occasion in real estate in Mem.
phis, that the oversight was a terrible mis-
take. But the lesson chiefly taught is, that
under conditions such as these, there is lit
tie risk in putting almost unlimited power
into the hands of competent health officers.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
Darien Shin Canal.

This great international project is rapidly
taking practical form, and giving assurance
Of success at no distant day. On Saturday
last the $4,000, required under the Colon
bian concession to the Darien isthmus canal
company before work can be formally begun,
was paid at London to banker represent
ing the United States of Colombia.
With this promising Inauguration Of the
new project, we see little cause for the jeal-
ousy which is rapidly being developed in
this country. While the people of the
United States are alive to the Monroe doc
trine, and will not suffer any European
power to get political foothold on the
1sthmus of Panama, yet, after all, it may be
taken for granted that the responsible movers
in this great scheme are actuated by no mo-
tives Of contrary character. M. de Lesseps,
we may well suppose, is governed by en-
cheering and financial ideas, not by schemes
guided by most successful experience, and
by pardonable respect to his own past
achievements. He has built one canal
which cost in the vicinity of one hundred
million Of dollars. The shares of the Suez
Company numbered four hundred thousand,
and the par value was 800. But M. de
Lesseps saw them fall in the market as low
as 800; he saw them advance only to $50 at
the opening Of the canal; he saw that, five
years later, they had gone to STA, at which
figure Disraeli secured one hundred and
seventy-six thousand six hundred and nine
ty-two for the British government; and he
sees them to-day at sl44 or more--netting,
by the way, a very handsome annual profit.
He has also seen the revenues of the Suez
canal increase from 100000 in 1870 to
something like 100000 to-day and he
has seen the expenses steadily decrease
while the income has augmented. He finds
that this pleasant state Of affairs, in the face
of predictions of financial failure, continued
through years, is appreciated not only by
governmental but individual stockholders.
II should be remembered that the Suez
canal has no locks. Hence, with its banks
once built, little of Importance in repair,
save the simple cleaning, needs to be done.
1t is this fact which has reduced the ex-
penses so low and carried the stock so high.
Unquestionably these considerations had a
powerful influence in bringing de Lesseps
and his associates to the decision reached at
Paris, as the distinctive feature of the route
there adopted was that it required no locks.
They may be wrong, but the point just now
to be observed is that the French expert
and his followers were moved in the Paris
congress, by his natural prejudices and his
actual experience, to do as they did, rather
than by political Vaccinations or stealthy
enmity to the Monroe doctrine.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
INTERNATIONAL PARK.-A plan is upde,

INTERNATIONAL PARK.-A plan is under
consideration to form an international park
at Niagara Falls, by the purchase of consid.
cradle land upon both sides Of the river now
belonging to companies or private individu-
ais. That part which would have to be paid
for by the state Of New York includes the
grounds Of the Cataract House, Interna-
tional Hotel, Prospect Park, Goat and sew
eral other islands, together with half of Sus.
pension Bridge. 1t would cost at the pres
ent time from 100000 to sl,5OO,OOO, a
good large sum when it is considered that
the state sold the whole amount of land
years ago for the magnificent sum of S75.
Canada will be obliged 10 buy forty acres
upon her side, paying 100000. The car
riage way along the cliff which is about six
rods wide is already public property, so that
the sum she would otherwise have to ex.
pend is rendered much smaller. II this
project can be carried out everybody will be
rejoiced, for 1t will render the possibility OF
further torture by the crowd Of money
leeches now congregated there absolutely
impossible. The place has been already toe
long disgraced by their merciless exactons
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
Commissioners Report.

TO Hon. E. Henry Po,oel, Auditor Of accounts
for the State Of Vermont:
We, the undersigned, commissioners appointed
under and by virtue OF Act No. 105 Of the Session
Laws Of A. d. 1878, do hereby make this our re-
port, as by said act provided
The following named towns presented claims
before u.s. based on assessments against the Cen
trial Vermont, or Vermont Central, railroad, which
assessments we find to have been illegal and not
collectible. and which we have allowed for the
sums stated below, to wit.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

FLATTERING REvIEw.-The treasury de-
partment has properly signalized the prac-
tical close Of the refunding operations by
publishing table showing the comparative
changes in the national debt every five years
since 1856. by this table it appears that in
1855 our national debt was 56,43l,57l.
1t has now TO carry mortgage on the ma
tional farm of one-fourth less, or $780,
4l4,9O5. And the burden of interest, which
in 1865 was si5O,e77, 6o7, is now but $685.
777,77s, falling of of forty per cent.
Taking all the changes in the interest paid
on the debt together since the war. about
81 600. 100000 six per cents and s3O,OO0OOO
seven-thirties have been extinguished, paid
or converted into securities bearing a smaller
rate Of interest
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23
Financial and Business Outlook.

Secretary Sherman, among other prom
inent men, Speaker Randall included, re-
Gently paid an official visit to Delaware river
and harbor. Being called Oh to speak, he
responded with that readiness and point
which mark all his communications, whether
written or spoken. OF resumption, and the
business outlook generally, he had this among
other things to say;
1.-THE result has been happy and beneficial to
all classes Of interests and all industries and to
the rich and poor, those who labor as well ~
those who spend money-all are benefited by
stable currency such as we have to-day. ] am
very hopeful OF the future progress OF our coun-
try. We are happily situated, compared with
other countries we have broad, uncultvated
acres OF land that have never been broken up by
the pillow; we have mines compared with the
Peru were poor and scant. Two years ago labor
was suffering In the principal cities OF the coun.
try. Men were afraid that our institutions could
not stand the strain and that they would break
down, and that period Of depression greater
than that In England, France or Germany had
come. People were suffering and could not get
work, while discomfort regned supreme. Some
went to uncultivated lands In the West, others
went away, and migration equaled the demand
and supply Of labor, until now, In two years,
believe there Is not any part OF the United States
where honest labor cannot get an honest days
work and honest money TO pay for IL, There are
those who held that our currency could never be
maintained equal to coin with demand on the
United States OF $50 600 600 or 500 900 900 year
can say TO you now that we have the means.
SO rarely do they care for gold or silver for
money that only $1,000, 900 have been drawn for
notes and greenbacks. This Is the straDgest
thing about 1t; now that gold is 40 easy to get,
nobody cares to take the trouble TO carry II. IL Is
fact that in every month last year and year be.
fore and year before that there was more gold
paid from the treasury than has now been de-
manded from the LIST OF January of this year to
the present time for all purposes, and our notes,
instead Of being at ten or fifteen per cent below
par, now that we have gold and silver to pay
them, are actually at premium. The treasury
department Mt San Francisco wanted notes instead
OF gold and we refused to give them greenbacks
In New York and Philadelphia no one wants gold !;
when they couldn't get 1t, everybody wanted IT.;
when they can, nobody does Resumption is now
a fixed fact. but we have got to stand by and not
let demagogues and trcksters cheat us out OF
what we have accomplished"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

BUSINESS is business, even in the matrimonial
line. Squire Apologize Of Sharon, Pennsylvania
advertised in the country papers as follows; "No
license required. Parents consent not wanted
On the Fourth of July Squire Applegate will re-
main at home for the purpose of marrying all per-
sous from Ohio who may desire his services.
Strict secrecy maintained II required"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-23

Mn PLuMMER was thrown out OF his wagon
near Guelph, Canada, in the night His spine
and shoulder were broken, and he lay unconscious
in the road. Mr.. Grindle's dog barked at him
until Mr.. Grindle came out OF the house. Seeing
the dog run excitedly around object that in the
darkness looked like some wild beast, Mr.. Grindle
fired at 1t with gun In spite OF broken bones
and buckshot, Mr.. Plummer will recover