davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09
Our Tax Laws.

The gross injustice of our present system
of taxation is at last, we are glad to notice,
attracting that general attention which
promises at no distant day to work the re-
form 30 much needed. The commission sp-
pointed by the governor to examine into
the claims of towns for rebate Of state
taxes illegally assessed against railroad
corporations have made some very singular
discoveries as TO the manner in which the
grand lists of several towns in the state have
been made up, and it is proposed to have
very general aud very thorough investiga-
ton as to the whole matter. In studying
up this matter we ought to make use of
such lights as the experience of other states
affords us and we copy for this purpose the
principal provisions of the new tax-law of
Pennsylvania, which, it seems to us, con-
tains some valuable hints. This law compels
railroad and transportation companies be-
sides their dividend tax, to pay tax on gross
receipts, and companies mining coal to pay
a special tax on that. Home insurance COM
panies are taxed on their premiums; foreign
insurance companies, banks, and all corporate
and unincorporated fiscal agencies, on their
net earnings and fixed tax of four mills
on the dollar is levied on all evidences Of
debt, public and private. Corporations in
general are taxed three mills on the dollar
on the par value of their stock, If six per
cent dividend is declared aud less or more
@ the dividends are larger or smaller. A
tax of three mills on the dollar on that val
uation is levied If no dividends are declared,
all profits kept by the company being treated
as dividends. The tax on transportation
companies is eight-tenths of one per cent on
gross receipts. The specifications under
the tax of four mills on the dollar on the
evidences of debts, bonds, mortgages and
the like, cover every form under which the
debt is recorded, and are so drawn as to
continue the practice under which public
corporations, cities and towns deduct the
local tax from the coupons on their bonds
presented for payment by the owners outside
of the state Mortgages given in the pur-
chase of real estate are exempted from all
state taxation.
We shall have considerably more to say
on this subject hereafter.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09
An Expensive Job.

The Hoosac tunnel was built at cost Of
eighteen millions of dollars to the state Of
Massachusetts,, and, so far AZ leasing 1t to
any railroad corporation upon any fair basis
is concerned, 1t has proved TO be most mag
nificent and stupendous failure. The bare
interest on its cost, which the people Of the
state must pay by taxation, is greater than
the cost of transporting from Chicago all
the -four that is consumed in Massachusetts,.
The Fitchburg railroad company has been
operating the states forty miles Of road, in
Guiding the tunnel, on terms that seemed to
leave q small net income to the state but
this seeming was delusive, for there was al
ways demand for improvements, changes
in grade, new stations, extraordinary repairs,
etc., that more than exhausted the apparent
surplus. These terms the Fitchburg road
claimed were too onerous, and asked for re-
lief. After some hesitation the state offers
to make new arrangement by which the
Fitchburg company shall pay to the state
only the actual cost of keeping the road and
tunnel in repair, but these terms the corpora
ton is unwilling to accept. 1t cannot afford
to use the tunnel for nothing, but must be
allowed for car service. This is a melan-
choly outcome of the great expectations
founded upon the investment Of so many
millions. They have road through the
mountain, and instead Of finding people
eager to use it and willing to pay reason
ably for the privilege, they find that they
can perhaps be prevailed to travel on it If
the state will furnish the team and carry
them for nothing. It would be cheaper, of
course, to wall up the tunnel, and it would
be the saving of the Fitchburg road, too,
which is running itself by doing the tunnel
business for less than cost. Moral: The
less states and municipal corporations have
to do with building railroads the better for
all concerned
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

Coon NEws.-In spite of sectional preju.
dice or political luminosity, the whole North
will heartily congratulate the inhabitants of
our Southern states upon the assurance that
there is no probability of recurrence of the
yellow fever epidemic this year. New Or
leans seems free from the seeds of the terri
BILE infection, and other towns and cities
within the yellow fever belt are reported in
better sanitary condition than for years be-
fore. The whole exposed section of the
South should learn lesson from the ex-
periences of Galveston last year. Early in
the season that city inaugurated the most
thorough system Of cleansing and purifca-
ton, and when the epidemic was raging VIC
lently all along the lower Mississippi, Gal
weston was free from it. So remarkably
successful was that city in warding off the
destroyer by sanitary vigilance that scien
tifc and medical authority of Europe has
directed special attention to it.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

AGRICULTURAL DEPRESSION IN ENGLAND.
The agricultural depression in England is
agitating the House of Commons, and steps
are being taken to see whether legislation
has anything to do with it. The debate
shows that all sides agree in attributing the
depression largely to American competition.
But what are the English statesmen going
to do about it2 The inhabitants Of Great
Britain must be fed, and if the United
States can feed them better and cheaper
than they can feed themselves, what can
parliament do to prevent it? Would the
people of England stand a prohibitory tariff
against our expectations The United
States have not more than fairly begun the
work Of feeding other nations. We can
produce more for export than any other ma
ton on the globe, and the depression Of ag
riculture in other countries on account Of
it is one of the great problems those coun
tries are called upon to solve. And wher
our people shall learn to feed other nations
with beef, fatted here, instead Of the cereal.
themselves, it will be a happy day for both
parties in interest.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

THE SHIP CAsAL.-M. de Lesseps has
taken the first step toward digging his new
canal by signing treaty Saturday with the
United States of Columbia giving him a
concession" He is about to organize a
French company with a capital of sl2O. O00..
900. In an interview NJ. de Lesseps admits
the primary right of the United States to
control such an enterprise, but as his com
pany is to be organized under French law,
with French officers, by French capital, this
amounts TO little. lie disclaims any special
national character for his new company, but
in its past negotiations on this subject, our
government has insisted that the work
should be done by an American company,
and it already has treaties with the Central
American powers giving its citizens equal
rights OF passage in any future canal with
those enjoyed by the citizens OF the republic
through whose territory the canal is built.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

Secretary; Rev. J. w Knowles OF Springfield,
Mass, and other prominent men.
At Lyndonville Trotting Park, "Abbie p"
entered by John Utton OF Morrsville, won the
2.26 class. Time, asa purse Of $500. Ad-
Olson Lambert" entered by John Robbins Of
Wheeock, won in the $50 class. Time, 2 IA
purse Of $50. Frank H." entered by j. NJ.
Utton OF Worthwhile won the open-to-all. Time,
asa purse OF $3.50. "Lecta," entered by VIM.
M Pike Of Derby Line, won the running race.
Time, fifty-seven seconds-a purse OF si75.
A foot race "go-as-you-please, five hours, was
won by Mr.. Morse Of Newport; distance thirty
one miles and fve-eighths Capanean Of Littleton,
N. H.. second, thirty-one miles and a half Knoe
OF Plattsbugh, N. Y, third; Hartman and Nichols
Of New York withdrew. The race was interest
ing and exciting toward the close The crowd
present was estimated at ten thousand people.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09
Chicago Wheat Corner.

Last fall, it will be remembered, one Jim
Keene, somewhat noted Spectator, con-
ceived the plan of getting control of the
wheat market of Chicago and so effectually
did he carry out his plan that he became the
largest owner of breadstuffs upon the con.
tinent. Since that eventful day he has been
engaged in the interesting and exciting &C.
cupation known as waiting to see how his
corner is going to turn out. A correspondent
of the Philadelphia Ledger writes that the
principal topic of conversation just now in
financial circles in Chicago is the corner in
"number two" spring wheat, the price of
which has been put up ten cents bushel
since the beginning of June. He reports
that every granary in interior places has
been practically swept up" under the
stimulus Of high prices. About all the wheat
received goes into the hands of the combina-
ton of which Keene is the chief. Between
them they hold all the "number two" that
there is in Chicago market, together with
all that is stored in Milwaukee, and about
three million in addition which is stored in
sundry Eastern cities. As to the prospects
and movements of this gigantic pool the
correspondent reports a wide divergence of
opinion, but expresses the opinion that if
Keene wishes to do so he can carry the
corner all through July just as he has car
ried it through June, and with great deal
more ease, since he will not be obliged to
take 80 much cash wheat, owing to the
greatly reduced deliveries. The country has
nothing against Jim Keene, and, on general
principles, cannot too much admire the
pluck, nerve and sagacity which he displays
in the conduct of his business affairs. But
If he came to grief this time, and was COM
PEELED to sell his wheat at loss, the public
at large would be filled with satisfaction,
and would agree that he had been served
just right.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

THE AFRICAN WAR.-The prospects Of a
speedy peace in Zululand are not as bright
as they were. The English are making an
advance movement, and Cetewayo has forti-
fed his position and will be hard to dis
lodge. Lord Chelmsford is still at the head
of affairs. We notice, by the way, that the
noble lord is being sharply criticised for the
death of the Prince Imperial. An able COM
mander, it is said, would never have per-
mitted the prince to have gone into the ex.
posed position which led to his wanton
sacrifice. Lord Chelmsford will, however,
doubtless have another story Of the affair to
tell in his official report.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

FALLING OuT.-The Memphis Avalanche
insists, in recent article, upon two points ;
First, that the South is the boss Of the
party; and second, that the part of the party
which is bossed made all the trouble at the
extra session. These are its words " Twice
have the Northern democrats proved, not
only their lack of leadership but Of patriot
ism. The South controls in the caucus Of
each branch of congress-" Will the North
ern democracy stand that sort of talk II
will every time. II is used TO it. II Is in
the blood of the Northern democracy 10 be
subseryient to the South, and it can be
counted on with all confidence TO obey the
law Of it, being.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

The YELLOW FEvER.-The ingenious
plan TO prevent yellow fever within the
limits of the United States by pumping
frost into infected vessels that may be head
ing this way, looks very much like plan
for pumping 100000 out of the peoples
pockets. II congress could buy future ex-
emption from the pestilence by paying this,
or even much larger sum of money out of
the treasury few citizens would be disposed
to fluid fault with the investment. But it is
not the business of the federal government
10 pay for the experiments of sanguine In.
ventors and there does not appear be any
definite assurance that Professor Gamgee,
or any other claimant for share of the
congressional appropriation, can prevent the
approach Of the yellow fever.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

FoRTIFICATIoNs DEsTRoYED.-One of the
stipulations of San Stefano has just been
carried out in the destruction of the famous
fortresses of Widin, Silistria and Rustchuk
on the Danube aud Varna on the Black Sea
hundred or two miles farther south. The
walls have been broken down, aud the earth
works left for the action of the elements.
1t was one Of the articles of the treaty that
there shall be no more fortified towns on the
Danube, nor ships of war in the waters of
Roumania, Servia and Bulgaria, except such
light craft as may be needed for police ser.
vice. The removal of these works not only
RACES some Of the strongest Notifications in
the world, but destroys some of the most in
teresting landmarks of history. The Dam
ubian fortressess stood on the borders of
two entirely different civilizations, and in
region that has seen some of the most bit.
ter contests of race and religion. Their de.
struction by no means signifies triumph of
the cause of peace, as the dsbandment of a
standing army would it means merely
that Russia has proved herself powerful
enough to force the removal from her sight
OF strongholds Of Turkey that have been a
menace to northern Europe for many years.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09
AT MARsHfiKLD.


The firing OF cannon commenced soon after mid
night and was kept up at intervals until sunrise,
when the joyful ringing OF the church bells ush-
cred In the day we celebrate. People began 10
flock into town at an early hour; and by ten
o'clock, when the Hardwick band, seventeen
pieces, appeared and played through the streets,
there were more people In town than ever before
on such an occasion The day being thus auspi-
cously begun, all entered heartily into the festiv
tiles of the occasion, determined To make 1t
thoroughly enjoyable and profitable. The pro-
cession was Termed at the Methodist church under
the efficient direction OF A. r. Putnam, marshal
OF the day, headed by the band and followed by
a carriage with the orator, the Methodist Sunday
school, the Universalist Sunday school, citizens
ON foot and In carriages while the rear was
brought up by the horse company, This COM
pany, organized for the occasion, had taken great
pains In preparing uniforms and trimmings for
the horses, and was one Of the best features Of
the procession, although 1t did not occupy 80
prominent position As 1t ought. The route OF
the procession was down Main street, up Gilman
street and thence by the depot road to Gilman s
gro7e the usual place for picnics and other SINH
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-07-09

TUG hhu"Nh Soihet banu-ts husie hhu W
ssa,sd by body o. musician, as esen IN s1sea,Sa Of
by an Organic ton as geneany IN their association with
their fellows. and may they live long and prosper.
The and Stripes the red white and blue-May they
ever wave over the home OF the brave and true.
The American Eagle, the emblem OF liberty whose broad
In her altitude as beacon to the nations Of earth.
The Sunday -sehoo-The Corlss engine OF all moral
and religious Institutions.
This closed the exercises 10 the grove. The
procession reformed and marched back to the COM
mon-reaching the whole distance. There NJ
least two thousand people had gathered The
CREASED pig OF the occasion was not the fiery un-
tanned beast necessary to the full enjoyment Of
the frolc, aud was soon caught by young lad
whose name we did not learn. Then followed a
closely contested foot race between S. ii. Came
ron, Mike Fitzgerald and Bemis Cameron, the two
first coming GU, ahead.
The Antiques and Horrbes then held high car
nival, being preceded by Gideon's band in char
riot drawn by one Of the two horses which that
provident old gentleman, Mr.. Noah, took with
him on certain marine excursion. There can
not be particle OF doubt Ms to his identity, aud
the youthful Shem, Ham, or Japhet, AS the case
may be, has won many purse by him on the an.
tediluyian race courses. lie was truly high
stepping beast though some said II was because
he had the spring halt. but it was only those who
came to scoff. Vulcan's smithy WAS represented
by masked men hard at work with forge, ham
mer and anvil. heather Chinee laundry. sew
eral Acknowledged celestials doing the week.
washee" for Mclean man. small boy driving
goat, the Fat Woman OF Brentford and many
other grotesQue and humorous objects, made the
spectators wild with delight.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-02-12

the London papers have come to c0ncede the
TACT that America is absorbing the whole man.
ufacturing trade. The fact being recognized,
the papers are now discussing the reasons for
this condition OF affairs. England has techni-
ca schools to encourage invention and origin
Atty OF design, which are the conditions OF
cheap rOiuction, and upon which the success
of manufacl ures is based. But counterbal-
ancing discOul agement is found In the condi-
ton OF the EngliS patent laws. Ii is pointed
out that. as regards English w0fkmen they are
prohibitive II is urget that If instead OF charg-
ing nearly thousand dollars as a patent fee,
only twenty-five dollars were reQulfed, intense
activity OF thought and invention would follow,
and the country would no logger need 10 deplore
the want OF individuality ar..ong workmen With
an Ito C"lICVIni' lit evils, as drunkenness and
OIuIaA' The contrast between the encourage
...ent given TO inventors among worSingmen by
the systems of the United states and Great
Britain, respectively. Is wei brought ont in
communication to the London Times and the
implied confession of a lack OF wisdom on the
part OF the English authorities is the more
significant from the fact OF its publication in an
English paper. The writer says:
IAN American mechanic works cneerfuily
because ne feels that il he is Intelligent enough
he may be able TO invent new process or piece
of lab0r-SaviDg machinery which may make his
fortune. He sees no obstruction to this desired
end but himself. He Is encouraged by the gov
eminent, by the low price OF the fees, 10 take
ont patent He has, consequently. every
incentive 10 improve himself b. inCfe lSej study
on technical matters and increased thrift in
ordeTtO carry out the ideas he may have worked
out. There Is no such hope for British WORK
man: and. as rule, once workman, always a
workman; and il Is not so surprising that they
gradually sink in ignorance OF technical skill
aid devote their earnings to the beerShOp.'
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-02-12

Venezuela Is revolutionary, and the recent
death OF her president gave her full opportunity
TO show her capacities In that line. But some
OF the incidents OF the general upturning that
has followed give one favorable impression OF
the integrity Of her officials Gen. Guzman
Blanco had the presidential bee In his bonnet
and sent emissaries with large amounts OF
money TO buy the commandments at the differ
ent state capitals When the traitorous pro.
posal was made TO the commander at Yaraeui,
he shot the tempter dead. Ia Guyana the offer
was accepted, but the second in command, in
stead OF demanding share OF the bride, put
his superior officer in irons and took command
In Puerto Cabello the ambassador from Guz-
man was fired on but escaped. Altogether
these visiting statesmen representing prest-
Dental candidate found that they had been ap-
pointed TO positions Of danger, IL not OF honor
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-02-12

A GOODRICH. ArroRNEY-Ar-LAw, ia Dear.
~. hora ST, Chicago, Ill; IA years experience,
az rresoondenos confidential Advice free. fI2-2w'
GEORGE ID. CUMMINS. ID. D., First
~ Biz hop OF the Reformed Episcopal Church a
DR.. Cuthbert: 81 80. Goethe ami Schiller; Their
Lives and Works; by Boyesen: g. The Origin and
Growth Of Religion, by MAJ Muller $40 aerei.
ny. with Preindes on Current Events By Joseph
Cox $50 Bel Msrtory, Tale. by t. T. Ne sde
Il Ee Nov; by Rev Wm Patton, d. ID s125
Tor sale by VIM BALLANTYNE & S,IN
1epA<u 4SS Sh street.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-02-12


The clergy OF New York city were recently
invited to attend meeting for the purpose OF
hearing sermons by the lalty on tenement
house reform. The invitations were generally
accepted. The object Of the meeting was to
arouse the clergy to their duty In stimulating
their pariShioners to efforts against the evil OF
oyer-crowded tenement houses, and the drift of
the lay sermons was to the effect that preach
ing the gospel On Sundays or through mission
chapelS, or any similar evangelical work, could
accomplish little, when for the rest OF the
week the hearers were crowded into small IN
healthy rooms with both sexes and all ages
the mind and the body corrupted and
poisoned from the outset. The lay preachers
believe that the improvement OF the moral and
physical condition OF the poorer classes must
begin, like charity, at home. Whether this re-
form be OF primary or secondary importance IL
is necessary one, and this fact is coming to be
generally recognized. Premiums have been
offered for the best plans OF homes for working
men, homes that shall be both cheap aud
healthy. AT tn meeting to which reference
has been made. one OF the speakers. Brooklyn
merchant. said that he had now built three
large dwellings and some thirty or forty single
cottages, accommodating seven hundred per-
sons, for the use OF workingmen. They have all
the convenienceS desired by Sanitarians, are In
great demand, and in spite or the cheapnesS OF
the rents pay reasonable interest on the in
yeStment. This is practical success which
should encourage such attempts elsewhere
The subject OF healthy homes for the working
men is one Of universal interest, and successful
experiments In providing them for New York Oh
Brooklyn benefit all cities.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-02-12

We give Mr.. Isaac Cohen the place in print he
clamors for; and that he shall have no chance
20 say that he is misrepresented, and that the
public may see the character and degree OF in
telligence OF the man, his communication is
printed verbatim. IL is this windy. brainleSs
fgnoramus who sets up for a leader of the intel
ligent wOrklngmen of America. The Working
mems Assembly certainly did well in repudiat-
inc him
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-02-12

The Influence which the next state election in
ohio Is expected TO have Oh national affairs. as
indicating the tendency OF the state and as
making or unmaking Presidential candidates.
win insure great caution on the part of both pc
1itical parties In choosing representatives for
the gubeTnatOral race The discussion OF the
chances Of possible candidates on both sides Is
one or the absorbing topics of the day. and
the public is kept informed of ali the varying
shades or sentiment from reluctant consent to
peremptOry refusal exhibited by those whose
names are mentioned in connection with the
race. on the democratic side Thurman won't,
II he knows himself, and Bishop Will. GA the
republican side it Is thought that Sherman
would make the strongest candidate The
credit for resumption, and the feeling among
OhioanS that no action should be neglected
which tends to enable the state to retain its
grip on the presidential chair, work powerfully
In his favor. Garfield would make Il good race
Foster, it is thought, would fail to bring out the
radical wing OF the party. Judge Force, of
Cincinnati, who would receive effective support
from the soldier element OF the state is one of
the latest candidates for the nomination.