davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
The Russian Plague.

Russia seems doomed TO scourgiDg, for no
sooner has the dark cloud of war passed
over than the still blacker one of pestilence
has enveloped her devoted cities. 1t is rap
idly approaching her capital, and is creating
the intensest excitement. Its origin is dis
puted, but probably the true theory is that
it is trophy brought back from the Turk
ish invasion. The first outbreak of the ter
rible disease was at Astrakhan, a Russian
town on the northern shore of the Caspian
Sea- 1t has rapidly advanced up the valley
of the Volga and is already alarmingly near
the trade centers of Russia. 1t has broken
out at acknowledgement, short distance
east of Moscow and in the region of heavy
population. The very rapid spread of the
disease is owing to lamentable lack of
sanitary precautions when it first appeared
at Astrakhan. The inhabitants were panic
stricken and took to flight, scattering the
germs of the contagion in all directions. In
the cases so far reported the mortality is
very heavy, rising in some places as high as
ninety per cent. of those attacked, In one
village out of one hundred and ninety-fve
cases one hundred and forty-three proved
fatal within a few days, and at Tsaratzyn
one-tenth of the population has been swept
off by it. As the plague is both contagious
and nfectious-being in these respects as
dreadful as small pox and yellow fever COM
bined-the utmost safeguards are impera-
lively demanded. 1t may float in the air,
or be communicated by clothing or touch.
There is ground for fearing the worst in
many of the towns of Russia along the line
of its ravages. Not only is there great
lack of skillful physicians in Russia, but
the people have been weakened by war, des-
titution and malignant typhoid fever until
they are in wretched condition. This adj
ditional infiction must, therefore, fall upon
them with great severity. Whether the
pestilence is really the scourge of the mid
die ages or some less appalling disease is
not yet fully settled though there appears
little doubt as to its being the fell destroyer
which in past centuries has claimed twenty
five millions of victims. The sanitary COM
mission will send out corps OF scientific
physicians TO study the disease and report
upon its progress from time to time. 1t is
more than thirty years since the plague has
afflicted Europe, the last visitation having
been in 1874. But from 1868, when it fell
upon London with such appalling effect,
down to 1920, it appeared at intervals with
blighting power. In 1920 it broke out in
the South Of France, and moved wide
swath Of death. Fifty years later it visited
Moscow with great severity. In 1920 il
broke out in the Russian army, then en-
gagged in invading Turkey, and but ter
thousand men out of a large and victorious
force were spared to recross the Danube
Though "a historic disease which has beer
dreaded and studied for centuries, its nature
and proper treatment are not well under
stood. There has as yet been no outbreal
of it which has not proved fearfully de
structive
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
The vexed Question.

The Massachusetts, Solons are struggling
with the same intricate problems of taxa
ton that so puzzled the brains Of our late
legislators, and probably with about as
much prospect of a successful issue. A
compromise bill has been proposed, taking
what is supposed to be middle ground be-
tween those who would abolish the tax on
mortgages and the party who propose to tax
the mortgagor only for his interest in piece
of property. 1t provides that mortgages
shall be exempt from taxation, and then
that property shall be taxed to the owner, but
he shall have the sanction of the law in de-
Quoting from his next payment of interest on
mortgage an amount equal to the tax upon
the sum for which the mortgage is given.
In other words, mortgages would be taxed,
but indirectly. Instead of the tax collector
calling upon the mortgage for the sum
assessed, he must get it from the mortgagor,
who in turn can collect it from the MORTGAGE
by deducting it from the amount of his in
terest. This measure would in some degree
relieve the mortgagor, and is therefore an
improvement on the present plan of taxing
property twice. 1t should be remembered,
however, that it is quite as easy to collect
money of the MORTGAGE as of the mortgagor,
and such law would only add to the list of
property sold to pay the taxes, while law
taxing the owner of mortgaged property
only for the amount not covered by the
mortgage would give instant and direct re-
lief TO the debtor class.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
Divorce.

The Independent gives the summary of
our divorce statistics and thinks "there
must be something wrong in state which
for eight years in succession furnished an
average of one divorce for every sixteen
marriages" 1t adds that "this subject is
worthy of the thoughtful consideration of
the legislature of every state in the Union"
This is well said, but the subject also de-
serves wise, yet vigorous treatment from
the press, that we may have this legislative
consideration. The religious press espe-
cially has duty to perform in this direction.
The notoriety of Vermont is not because
she is the worst of the New England states
but for the reason that she is sensible of
her condition and has gone to work to make
it better. Connecticut is much worse, and
some things we have seen incline us to the
opinion that Rhode Island is as bad as Yer
mont We learn from the same source that
South Carolina has just repealed all her
laws relating to divorce, thus leaving that
state where it has stood until very recently
This reminds us of remark made by one
of the ablest lawyers in Vermont, to the eff
feet that he believed our state would be bet
ter off without any law granting divorce for
any cause whatever than with our late sys
TEN. OF the two evils he thought no di-
vorce laws better than the corrupting influ-
ence of those we have had. 1t is our belief
that the negligence of Christians and 9TH
ers of our best citizens has had as much to
do with the laxity of the statutes as any
other single reason. The remedy is largely
in the hands of the church and better part
of the press. Let us reach the Legislature
through these instrumentalities.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05

NoRrHFIELD. On the 2Sth ult., Summit Grange
had n surprise party at the house OF Joseph Gould,
Worthy Master. The party consisted OF about
twenty-five, and the surprise was a perfect sue
cess. The afternoon was pleasant and the time
was spent in pleasant and social chat Oysters,
tea, pies and cakes OF various kinds were served
for refreshments This being over, the Worthy
Overseer made very excellent presentation
speech, aud presented the Worthy Master with an
elegant watch chain as token OF respect from
the Order. The Worthy Master responded thank
ing the friends very heartily for the gift also for
the respect shown him by the members Of the Or
der. Various persons were called upon for re-
marks with toasts and responses. The occasion
was enivened by an essay being read, which
rather proved joke on young lady pres
ent, but passed off with hearty laugh. Then
the choir was called upon for a song, a poem was
then read, music from the choir which was spen-
did, instrumental and vocal another poem being
read, the party INDUCED in pleasant chit-chat.
After spending the evening very pleasantly, the
exercises were brought to close by a prayer
from the Worthy Chaplain, and singing by the
choir-all returning home for good nights rest,
and happy dreams. ....A number OF prosecutions
OF liquor dealers have been made here during the
past week, and the end is not yet
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
Woman Suffrage in the Senate.

The report of the minority of the privi-
leges and elections committee of the United
States Senate on the resolution proposing
"woman suffrage amendment to the con-
stitution is signed by Senators Hoar,
Mitchell and Cameron of Wisconsin. The
report starts out with the propositions that
the constitution, the writings of jefferson,
the Virginia bill of rights, the Massachu-
sets bill of rights and others, all asserted
the equality of man, and that the experience
OF hundred years has strengthened the
hold of these principles upon the popular
conviction. Our fathers failed in three par
ticulars to carry out their principles to a
logical result-a property qualification for
the right TO vote was required, they kept
the negro in slavery and excluded women
from share in the government. The first
two errors have been remedied. The Amer
lean people are committed to the doctrine
of universal suffrage and must stand by it.
Popular suffrage is TO be tried not by COM
parison with ideal standards of excellence,
but by comparison with other forms OF gov
eminent, The crimes that have stained our
history have come chiefly from its denial,
not from its establishment. The misgov-
eminent and corruption of our great cities
have been largely due to men whose birth
and training have been under other sys-
TENS. The abuses attributed by political
hostility to negro governments at the South,
governments from which the intelligence
and education of the state held themselves
surlily aloof, do not equal those which ex-
listed under the English or French aristoc-
racies within the memory Of living men
There have been crimes, blunders, compli.
cations and follies in the history of our re
public, but few of these things have been
due to the extension of suffrage. 1t il
taken for granted that no person will deny
that the women of America are inspired
with a love of country equal to that which
animates their brothers and sons. A capac
ity TO Judge of character so sure and rapit
az TO be termed intutiye, is an especia
characteristic of women. The report ex
presses the belief that in the determining o
public policies by the collective judgment o
the state, which constitutes self-government
the contribution will be Of great Importance
and yalne. The conclusion, then, is tina
the American people must extend the RICH
of suffrage to women or abandon the ide
that suffrage is birthright The argu
ments Of the majority report (submitted b
the Senate last SESSION. are then taken a
and answered at considerable length by III
minority.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05

BARRE.-The festival at the Universalist vestry
last Wednesday evening was enjoyed by al
present. The entertainment was varied. Mother
Goose was present with part Of her family, and
the Art Gallery caused much sport. We under
stand that over a hundred dollars were realized
coat the lyceum last Friday evening, at Acad-
envy Hall, the question "Can we reasonably
hope for universal peace p was ably discussed
with Clark, 70, as leading dsputant on the af-
frnative, and Gordon, 70 on the negative. The
question was decided by weight OF argument in
the negative. The last lyceum of the term will
be held on Friday evening of this week The
lecture on China and its inhabitants" given
in the Unversalist church last Sabbath evening
was well attended. Thespeaker, Rev. W. +. Cope
land, Of Gaysville, presented many interesting
facts concerning this people, and by his simple
diction and affabe style OF delivery pleased all
present. regular meeting of the Knights of
Honor will be held next Monday evening AT
seven o'clock. A full attendance is desired
Persons lavshing praise upon the Minstrel Band
that paraded our streets last Friday, should bear
in mind that the Barre Cornet Band. assisted by
the Wiliiamstown Cornet Band and vocalists at
home and from abroad, are to have a grand mu-
steal concert the last of February, and save a lit
tie praise and something more for their benefit
on that occasion. Particulars hereafter.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05

WATsFIELD.-The epidemic influenza is having
great run in this vicinity There is scarcely a
family In which one or more members not pros
trated or are just recovering from it. The doc
tors are having good ride and plenty of work,
which can scarcely be said Of any other class.
On Wednesday of last week, as George Hastings
was chopping down tree in the woods, n limb
probably dead one-fel and struck him on the
head inhlcting severe scalp wound several
inches in length. 1t bled profusely, bat he sue
ceeded in getting to the house without assistance
The wound was dressed by DR.. E. G. Hooker but
it had To be done over three times before he sue
ceeded In staunching the blood, The ladies of
the Methodist society gave festival and oyster
supper at the vestry on Wednesday evening of
last week. The tables were loaded down with
delicate viands and the oysters were all right.
Everybody seemed to have good time, but owing
to much sickness in the vicinity the attendance
was not as large as 1t otherwise would have been
Ainsworth Post, Grand Army of the Republic,
present the popular drama of "The Loyal Mount
aineers," to the public in Waitsfied and Warren
next week. The boys will do it well, and their
object is worthy we hope the citizens will turn
out and give them u full house, The Washing
ton County Good Tempars' Union meets with
waitsfeld Lodge tomorrow Thursday, the 9th,
A good time is expected.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
Notes and Notions.

THE amount of four per cents disposed of
by Secretary Sherman in the month of Jan
uary rose TO the enormous total of BIAS, &c.,
900, enabling sl5O,0O0,00O of six per cents
to be called in.
augusta (Ga.) Chronicle; "Mr. Hill APP
pears to have produced sensation by his
recent speech in opposition to the payment
of war claims. What is better, he has done
a wise and timely thing"
atlanta (Ga) Constitution; ain this mat
ter of claims, Mr.. Hill has undoubtedly
struck the keynote of democratic policy.
Let them all, whether loyal or dsloyal, be
bundled up and burned, and by SO much do
we put the past behind u.s."
ACCORDING to bill proposed by the
House civil service committee, the United
States district attorneys for Maine, New
Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island are
to have $4,000 each per year, while the one
for Connecticut has $4,000, and the one in
Massachusetts, $4,000, and two assistants at
$4,000 each.
SENATOR CHRIsTIANCY, of Michigan, has
resigned his seat in the Senate and received
an appointment as minister to Peru, which
has been confirmed. 1t may not have been
move in favor of lack Chandler, but it
creates an opportunity for him all the same.
Worse men than Chandler have been in the
Sauata and ara thara nnu
TALLY one for President Hayes. The
Senate on Monday confirmed his nomina-
tions for custom house officers in New York.
The fight between the President and his
friends and Senator Conkling and his fol-
lowers has been very bitter one, and we
think the Senate has acted wisely in the
disposition they have made of the matter.
But there is evidently not much love lost
between the President and the Senator.
LEON LEWIS, a story writer for Bonner's
Ledger and other periodicals, lost his wife a
year ago, and this winter started paper at
Penn Yam, N. Y, called the Mystery II
was modelled after the Ledger, and in the
first number eulogized his wife and printed
the first chapter of story purporting to be
dictated by her spirit, with which the editor
claimed to be in constant companionship.
The second number of the Mystery never ap.
peared Lewis had in the meantime slipped
off to Europe with his dead wife's niece of
sixteen years, taking 100000 along, and
leaving his creditors $4,000 behind.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05

The MAINE BANK RoBBERY.-The story
comes from Maine that the late Cashier Bar
ron, widely eulogized as the hero who suf-
fered death rather than open the Dexter
bank safe to burglars, was really defaulter
and suicider. Detectives, failing to receive
any clue to the supposed robbers, advance
the new theory, which the Bangor CONNER
cial evidently accepts. 1t will be remem-
bered that on the evening of February %,
1878, Barron was found in the bank vault,
handcuffed and gagged, with the double
doors locked upon himself 1t is proved
that he could have accomplished all this in
less than five minutes, but the most deliber-
ate planning must have been required in
perfecting the details so as to secure the APP
pearance of an attack by burglars. The as
sumption of the detectives is certainly an
ingenious one, but, as the bank officials have
not yet proved the necessary deficiency in
Barron's accounts, the public will delay a
verdict against one whose supposed bravery
has been so fifty celebrated.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05

MARsHFIELD. One day last week Mrs Parker
spaiford slipped on the ice, and broke her arm
below the elbow. Owing to the fact that con
siderable timber WAS blown down by very strong
wind late in November last, the farmers are doing
quite au extensive lumber business this winter
Some have sold and are drawing To Plainfield
large quantities OF maple for the supply OF chair
manufactures. Mr. Martin l.. Pike who was
married New Years day under anything but
pleasant circumstances, he being unable. from an
attack Of bilious fever, to sit up more than few
minutes at time, has far recovered that he
and his happy bride have moved to and taken
charge Of their new home on the farm recently
owned by Jacob MeCrills The dramatic en-
tertainment by the uniyersalst young people of
this place on wednesday and Thursday evenings
Of last week, was In all respects a success. The
Little Brown jug Is "A very pretty play, and was
much enjoyed by two good houses. Hon c. W.
III Dwnell, we are glad 10 learn, is now slowly
recovering, after an aggravated and protracted
illness, 49,. The following resolutions were passed
by Lafayette Lodge, Independent Order OF Good
Tenplars, at recent meeting. Whercds, II has
pleased an al-wise Providence to remove from
earthly associations our worthy sister Alice N
shepard; Resolued That while we sadly miss her
presence at our meetings and most deeply regret
her early and sudden departure from earth we
pay cheerful tribute 10 her efficiency as n tenn
peranoe worker and her faithiulness as friend
aud would humbly bow 10 the will of him who
doeth all things well. ReSolred That we hereb,
tender our heartfelt sympathy ~ the parents and
other members Of the family of our deceased
sister, and that the secretary be instructed e.
furnish them copy of these resolutions, and ais,
70 furnish copy Tor publication in the VERMONT
WArCnhAH"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
EZRA " fhLioIf' Directors
i 4. :. r E k'lHr' Sunshine Mining Co


SUNSHINE COL, January ~, 1913
The undersigned, residents Of Sunshine, Boulder
county, Colorado, are well acquainted with the
location workings and general regulation OF the
"Juniata," Lafayette" and "Ohio" lode
claims, situated in Gold Hill Mining District, in
said county and state, and take pleasure In
stating First, they are all located within two
miles OF Sunshine. Second, the "Juniata has
one shaft ninety feet and one twenty-eght feet in
depth, also tunnel twenty-five feet in length on
the vein. The " Lafayette has one shaft sixty
feet, one twenty feet and one sixteen feet In
depth. The "Ohio" has one shaft twenty-five
feet and one ten feet in depth. Third, the gen.
eral reputation Of these claims is first class, and
we have no hesitancy in saying that, with proper
development, they will soon rank as among our
best paying mines, (sgned.) A. W. Kellogg,
Logan & Quincy Mining Company; c. W. Smith,
Aragain Mine; f. white, Warsaw Mine c, d.
Foster, Queen City Mine; f. P. Blanchard, Queen
City Mine; II. A. Barrows, Paymaster Mine; Tru-
man A. Stewart, Hercules & White Grow Mine; +.
J. Hall, Logan & Quincy Mining Company; X.
Linderman, San Antonio Mine; Thomas l.. Wood,
Superintendent Mountain Chief Mining Company;
John r. Wood, Mountain Chief Mining Company;
William Davidson, Young American Mining Com
pany; J. A. Thomerson, Mountain View Mine;
George W. Walton, Warsaw Mine.
As long as the directors of the Sunshine
Mining Company persist in keeping their case
before the public we shall, perhaps right
fully, give them hearing. There is not
one word which we have written in relation
to this company, or the desirabiity of our
raonla ;nvaetino in IL which wa yould ra
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
Religious Intelligence.

WEST MiLroS.-six persons united with the
Congregational church on the 26th ult
wAnRES.-There has been quitea revival Of re-
gon In this place, eighteen persons having re-
Gently been baptized and Joined the church.
West RASDoLrH.-Rev v. M. Hardy, whose
sickness was reported last week. Is much better,
and 1t is hoped he will be able to occupy his
pulpit in few weeks
BARRE-Owing to the absence Of the pastor,
Rev Mr.. Tenney, who attended funeral, the
afternoon services in the Congregational church
were omitted last Sabbath
EAST TowSsHEND.- George Porter, pastor
Of the Congregational church in this place, has
been made a Doctor Of Divinity by the University
Of the Grand Duchy Of Hesse in Germany.
PuTsEy-The mission circle connected with
Rev. Austin Dodge's church. gave an entertain
ment recently under the direction Of the pastors
wife, realizing forty dollars as the net proceeds.
MiDDLEBURy. Mrs. Hammond still continues
her labors in this place, with increasing interest
At the meeting held last Sunday evening one
hundred and eighty persons came forward for
prayers.
DANDY. The Sabbath-school has just added n
few new books to its library, but II is greatly in
need Of more. Any school about to lay aside It's
not too much worn books, and wishing ~ place
them where they will do the most good, is invited
to correspond.
DoRsEr.-The annual Congregational supper
and donation visit at the church in this place was
made on Thursday evening" January 23d There
was a full attendance, excellent entertainment,
and most cordial feeling prevailed. A purse Of
$50 was made up for the pastor.
MARsHFrELD.-The Methodist circle was held
last Friday evening in the vestry Of the new
church Though stormy, goodly number were
present, who appeared to enjoy themselves finely
Music, Rotations and reading, followed by a
candy pull and general good time, constituted the
programme. A similar entertainment will be
held at the same place in two weeks.
EAST ST. JoHNsBURY Rev. John r. Hnmph-
rey preached his farewell discourse on Sabbath
morning, January Goth, from Matthew iii; 3
Prepare we the way Of the Lord, make his paths
straight" The sermon embraced almost the en-
tirety Of pastoral duties and responsibilities Mr..
Humphreys ministry extends a little over eleven
years-the longest Of any in this church. There
have been two revivals OF religion during this
time, and one hundred and two persons have
united with the church-eighty-fiv by profession
Of faith, and seventeen by letter. OF this number
thirty have removed their relations elsewhere
seventeen have died and one has been excoin.
municated; leaving net gain OF iifty-four.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-05
The New Senate.

The members of the United States Senate
whose terms expire in 1879 number twenty
four, and are given below, with their sue
cesssors, all of whom have now been chosen
except in New Hampshire. The Repub-
licans are printed in Roman and the demo-
Gratis in italics, the first name being the
present Senator and the second his sue
cessor. 1t will be seen that the Repub
licans had sixteen of the twenty-four out
going members, and have, or will have, ten
of the new ones: