davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

Tuesdays town meeting resulted in giving
us board of officers comprising men Of ex-
cellent character who will undoubtedly give
us an efficient and economical administration.
There were certain features of the meeting,
however, which deser re sharp criticism, and
which the mass of substantial and self
respecting voters cannot afford to let pass
without notice. 1t cannot be called a gra-
cious act on the part of the town that a man
who was elected to do what d. S. Pratt was
chosen to do year ago, and who did his
work as faithfully as he did, was so summari-
ly passed by and left out in the cold without
SO much as q thank you" 1t is true that
Mr.. Pratt had said he was not candidate for
reelection as first selectman; and he was not
a candidate in the sense that he SCHgM a re-
election. But after he had done 800 days of
honest and thankless work for the town it
would have been an act of common decency
to have at least given him chance to decline
another election. One thing is sure. The
people are so well satisfied with Mr. Pratt's
work, that had he made known desire to
hold his office another year, he would have
been elected in spite of any and all opposi-
ton.
The plain fact is that our Tuesdays cleo
ton was a piece of ring" or machine"
work from beginning to end. In two cases
cog slipped, and Mr.. Waite was, in conse-
quence, reelected to the board of listers, and
Mr. Herrick was made collector. But the
wires had been carefully laid and, for the
most part the thing worked beautifully. The
work done was of piece with that begun in
the caucus, to which we referred week ago
The voters of the town may as well under
stand, first as last, that a well-laid plan is on
foot to fix" things in more ways than one
for our next September election. The tao
tics adopted have been transplanted here
from New York, and they are of precisely
the kind which the reform element in that
city is struggling against, and which Mr..
Dorman B. Eaton so eloquently exposed and
denounced in his recent lecture here. The
remedy for this sort of thing is in the hands
of the people. If they see fit to come out to
attend town meetings, caucuses, and the like,
in force, and stay till all the business is done,
acting and speaking with mind and will of
their own, they can then execute their will
and keep the power in their own hands.
Otherwise they must expect them to be man
aged" for them by self-seeking schemers who
have in view seat or seats in the Legisla-
ture, or the attainment of some other covet-
ed prize.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

The bluebirds put in an appearance last
week, and ahe farmers have begun to tap
their sugar orchards
Rev Mr.. and Mrs. Dodge have lately
been the recipients of cash and gifts amount
ing to SOP. from a social gathering of the
Congregational society.
Lyman Bagley, our e1prsssmAn, is slow
ly recovering from a severe attack of sick
ness.
J. X. Houghton has sold his farm to
Chas Brown. and will soon remove to Ohio,
where he has a son living.
The Congregational festival and enter
tainment of last Friday evening was a finan-
cial success, the gross receipts amounting to
fully $50. The drama, Better than Gold &"
was well received, and the different chsrac-
tiers well taken, calling out the hearty cheers
Of the audience.
Mark Ward has closed very successful
term Of select school at the town hall, and
will commence a spring term in few days.
Frederick Stewart, the colored lecturer.
lectured at the town hall on Tuesday evening
last, and will lecture again next Saturday
evening Subject, "Sherman's March to the
Sea" W.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05
New fame.

As there was no business of especial IN
terest to come before the annual March meet
ing the attendance was small and everything
passed of pleasantly until the reading Of the
auditors report had been completed, when
John A. Merrifeld the old anti railroad
lightning ing, tapped his wings and sailed
over the railroad commissioners TO light up
their darkened vision as to their duties as
commissioners, calling upon his friends to
follow his light and vote against adopting the
report, as that would be confirming the work
sof the commissioners, and right well did they
follow. The whole number of votes cast
l29-no, ca, yes Gj, and thus the report was
accepted and adopted. The election of Off
GERS now followed with its usual struggles
until the Office of town treasurer was reached,
when Merrifeld sailed out again, charging
F. o. Burditt the present incumbent with
being thief and defaulter aud attempting
TO show a deficit in his accounts from the
auditors report, when one of the auditors
stepped forward and completely vindicated
Mr.. Burditt and be was again handsomely re-
elected to the position. 1t is unfortunately
too true that many a town has suffered by
defaulting treasurer, but thus far no stain OF
dishonor has attached TO the Office in News
fame, and We believe the better -e,.ii..'s..a Of
the community would fully sustain Mr.. Bur
dit in applying legal cooler to this old DTe
heat should be see fit to do SO.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

One of our parsons, who lives five or six
miles out of the village, forgot his sermon
last Sunday when he left home, and the re-
suit was, to his audience, one of his very best
sermons delivered extemporaneously. But
few knew that this manner of delivery was
not from choice.
Our citizens were very sorry that the
Brattleboro opera company did not meet
with larger success here last Friday even
ing. All who did attend were greatly pleased
with all the parts and reported it as one of
the best entertainments given here this sea-
son.
Mrs, Z. II. Green and family, who have
been stopping at Towns hotel for the past
few months, left town this morning.
A son of Mrs. c. G. Cutler Il well known
resident of our place, arrived in New York
from Paris this week.
Quite little strife was had at our town
meeting over first selectman, resulting in the
election of L. G. Howard Chas. Smith and
M. r. Lawrence OF last years board were re
elected. much larger vote was polled at each
ballot during the day than is usually the case.
A committee was appointed to confer with
the owners of the Tucker toll bridge across
the Connecticut here, regarding its purchase
and being made free.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05
VERMONT PHOENIX, BRATTLEBoRO FRIDAY, MARCH 3, $780,


The result of the town meeting on Tues
day, so far as the railroad question is con-
cerned, was precisely what we anticipated,
and what we have repeatedly said in our col
umns would be the case. Mr.. c.. N. Daven-
port, as was expected worked himself up to
white heat on the subject, rehearsed his old
fallacious arguments % and made himself
ridiculous by frantic appeal to the voters to
delay, If only for little time. But, in spite
Of it all, the vote was squarely in favor of
paying the railroad obligations at once and
with no attempt at evasion or resort to legal
bubble. Mr.. Davenport made show Of de-
manding a division of the house, but the vote
by reclamation was unquestionably in the
affirmative, and the moderator was entirely
right in so declaring it, and going on with
other business. Whatever glory the Daven-
ports have got out Of their course in the rail
road matter up to this time they are certainly
welcome to.
One feature of Mr.. G. N. Davenports
course on Tuesday afternoon deserves, as it
has, in fact received, the severest reproba-
ton. The remarks of both Mr. Thompson
and Col Hooker were entirely germane to
the subject, respectful, and free from any
personal alluson. 1t was, therefore, not
only uncalled for but simply brutal and cow
ardly, when Mr.. Davenport in his futile an
ger. retorted by hinging BLACK Friday" in
Col. Hooker face, and 'twitted' Mr.. Thomp-
son with his recent business embarrassment.
Mr.. Thompson was enough for him in his
reply, while Col Hooker wisely forebore to
answer. He undoubtedly felt as every re-
spectacle listener did, that horsewhip was
the only legitimate weapon in such con-
test and he probably wouldn't care to soil
his hands by using it on such a subject.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05
The Railroad.

1t is doubtless well known 10 all our coun-
ty readers before this time that definite ar
rangements have been concluded for the COM
pletion of the Brattleboro and Whitehall rail
road. Full particulars in regard to the lease
to the New London Northern company are
given In our report of the stockholders
meeting We cannot deny that the outcome
of the matter is different from what we at
first hoped for. We believed it to be possible
for the stockholders of the new road to build
their road and operate it independently. We
still believe that such result was not only
possible, but was assured up TO the time of
the baseless and malignant attack which was
made on the managers and contractors of the
road last July. This attack was well-timed
to accomplish its purpose, and it resulted in
breaking up the iron contract and in entail
ing an extra cost of at least 500 900 for the
stances the original contractors could not full
fill their obligation, and it became the duty
of the management to make some other ar
rangement for the completion of the road,
aud to secure the stockholders against the
loss of their money already invested.
The only alternative was lease to either
the Connecticut River or the New London
Northern road. Our own first choice would
have been that the road should go into the
hands of the former company rather than the
latter; not from any feeling of hostility Il
the EeU London Northern interest, but be
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

C. w. Ola G, who has been for the p,s
year in the West. has lately returned 10 mi,
town.
The Band concert last Friday evepi,.
drew thin house, owing TO the bad trayI
ing.
Geo. W. Barnard, a farmer residing d,
Wiphall. three miles from this place. IAN
through a scuttle in his barn Monday NOR,
ing. breaking his arm twice above the elbow
A distressing casualty occurred in til.
family of David Aldrich, a farmer residbo
two miles out from the village, on Tuesia,
morning of last week. son Of Mr.. A., q
years old, drank a fatal dose Of corrosive sub
Innate. A physician was Immediately sun.
moned, but his skill proved unavailing, and
early Friday morning the little sufferer died
Moving is now the order, and from pres.
cut appearances many changes will be mad,
this spring. We note b. G. Babbitt moying
into the village, Frank Marden on to To.
Goddard farm, Frank Pierce to WinhalI and
S. L. Amsden to the Walker farm.
The high wind Sunday afternoon did
considerable damage in this vicinity al old
barn belonging to II. II. Collins was entirely
demolished, but fortunately several head Of
cattle in the barn at the time escaped with
but little injury. Another barn owned By
the same person was partially unroofed
The weather yane and small portion Of the
spire Of the NJ f. church was blown TO The
ground. Barn doors, loose boards and dilap.
idated sheds suffered more or less. g.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

At Auburn, Me-, last Saturday night, ex-
Gov. Garcelon made a speech at a political
rally in which he said that, if the voters of
that city believed he had 'fearlessly per-
formed" his duty under the law and constitu-
ton, he wanted them to vote the Democratic
ticket on Monday, but if they did not so be-
lieve, then vote the Republican ticket. The
voters of Auburn evidently didn't think he
had '1earlessly performed his duty, for the
Republican majority was 449, gain of 43s
over last years municipal election. The bet
ter class of Democrats throughout the State
voted with the Republicans, and Garcelon
and his fellow conspirators need be no longer
in doubt as to what the people of Maine
think of an attempt to reverse by fraud the
verdict of the legal voters at the polls.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

As there seems to have been no end of
query and surmise, in quarters not necessary
to mention, as to who furnished certain mat
ter, published in our last issue, of some
what personal and outspoken nature, and one
(supposed) gentleman having done us the
favor to accuse US, in exact terms, of having
said lust what S. NJ. Waite told us TO say,
perhaps it is only justice to ourselves to put
on record, as a reply in general, the reply
which we made to this individual in properly
resenting his gratuitous insult, Let us say,
then, that neither S. NJ. Waite nor any other
person, outside this Office, had any knowl-
edge whatever of what was to appear in The
PHOENIX of last week, nor did any person
make even a suggestion as TO what it would
be well to publish. What we said was nei-
ther more nor less than an expression of our
individual opinion on matter which was en-
tirely legitimate for public criticism, and be-
cause this opinion CHANGED to voice the senti-
ment of very great prePonderance of the
better element in this community, the fact is
not to be charged TO us as our fault nor is it,
perhaps to be set down TO our credit The
public. orany individual, has perfect right to
hold and express any opinion which it or he
may choose in regard to any of our editorial
| utterances 1t is even pleasure to us, rather
than otherwise, TO be told, upon occasion,
that we have done "a d dirty thing, but we
desire it to be distinctly understood that we do
not go outside our Office for editorial matter
or opinion, and when we reach that depth OF
pusillanimity that we cannot conduct this pa
per without looking to some ring or clique
leader, or to any other individual, for lin.
spiration,' we will step down and out of q
position which we cannot longer hold with,
out dsgraeing it. Please hold us response
bic, gentlemen, and not try 10 saddle any Of
| our misdeeds on our friends
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05
Statement Of che Progress AID Present
Condition OF the Road made 40 the
Stockholders az the Annual Meeting,
March list, 1850.


Stockholders az the Annual Meeting,
March list, 1850.
AT the annual meeting of the stockholders
in February, 1879, it was stated that the work
upon your road had been commenced, and
tina. about SO, 900 had at that time been e1-
pended, but little progress was made un-
til the frost was out of the ground, when, as
fast as possible laborers were put to work
along the whole length of the line, so that by
the first of August over $4,000 had been
expended upon the road, and by the first of
December there had been construction work.
completed amounting to Sl7l, 400. In addi-
ton to this sum there had been advanced up
on material furnished and upon the line of
the road, and for part payment of the equip
ment, the sum of So, 500, which was accord
ing TO the contract, and said material and
equipment became the property of the COM
pany, the total amount thus expended being
| Sl97, 200.
Previous to the 10Th of July nothing
had occurred to retard the progress of the
work, the substructure along the whole line
was being rapidly pushed forward, the
bridges, masonry, trestle and pileing, being
all under contract, We're rapidly approaching
completion, the iron rails were contracted for
| by Messrs Harris Bros a Co., and there
was every prospect that by Sept. LIST the lay
| ing of the track would be commenced, with
a reasonable certainty that by the 18th of
| November the road would be ready for use
At this time duly 25th) a public attack was
made upon the managers and contractors of
| al ,,.l,o IN, 10 S,Fo loA ,l.4a
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

The work of piercing Mount ST. Gothard,
between Switzerland and Italy, was complet-
ed on Sunday. This tunnel is one of the
worlds wonders. 1t is a little over nine and
quarter miles in length, and has cost S13,.
600, 600 the money furnished by Italy, Ger.
many and Switzerland The tunnel opens Q
new route from Germany to Italy, independ
ent of French control, beginning at Lake
Lucerno in Switzerland and ending at Lake
Maggiore in Italy, where it connects with the
Italian system of railways. 1t forms the short
est connection between the Rhine and the
Mediterranean, and will be the most impor.
tant through line on the continent of Europe
While its use in case of war has been one
of the motives for its construction, its effec
will be to make stronger the bonds of peace
in Europe.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

The AUSTRALIAN EXHIBITION cores
pondent at Sydney, New South Wales, reports
that the great industrial exhibition in prog
ress there greatly exceeds his expectations.
The average weekly attendance is 20, 600 and
the fair will continue for some months. The
exhibit from the United States is not what
one would expect from American enterprise
but the displays that are made are elegant
and attractive, and in many respects superb
or to others of the same classes. These in
clude Waltham watches, Chickering pianos,
Ames plOws and agricultural implements,
New England organs, Connecticut wares of
various descriptions billiard tables, printing
presses hardware, cooking stoves, and many
other articles of utility in which the United
States have heretofore taken the front rank.
An elevator from Boston mandatory, the
first one seen in that part of the world, at.
tracts great attention, and will be sent to the
Melbourne exhibition. The British exhibit
naturally occupies the largest space in the
exhibition, and is very imposing. The dis
| play made by the Australian colonies is de-
scribed as quite astonishing, displaying an
unexpected progress in that PARKWAY part OF
the world. These include manufactures OF
every variety from home materials, generally
Of fine finish and excellent quality, though to
an American eye, the machinery appears in
feriOr and more like the English than the
American products of the kind. The Au.
stralans have made great progress in canned
fruits and meats, and in this industry, they
are likely to beat the world Their superior
ity in this respect is already attracting very
wide attention. The writer says that Sydney
is very different from New England in the
style of living. Families do not make thei
own bread but depend upon the bakers
Meats are nice aud cheap and vegetables
plenty and good, but many of their culinary
products are inferior to those in this country
and the water is execrabe
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

The BRAZILIAN FAMINE.-The famine in
Brazil which began with the drouth of 1877
has become 80 severe that an appeal has been
made in New York for help. The Brazilian
government has lent its aid TO the extent of
$50, OOO, 900, in promoting public works, but
the treasury is about empty and little more
can be done. OF the 800, 900 inhabitants of
the province Of Ceara, 2OO 600 have died of
starvation and 800, 900 of pestilenoe, a state of
affairs, to which Ireland in its worst state,
can offer no parallel. A large portion of
those remaining are fed at the governments
expense, but unless outside help is received,
thousands more must perish. The drouth
still continues, and there appears to be no
remedy for continued suffering except gen
eral emigration, which is apparently imprac-
ticable.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

The concert by the singing class under
charge of W. E. King, on Monday evening
Feb. 21st, was well attended, and all seemed
to think themselves well paid. The quintette
wen have to mortgage the farm, " showed
up the present style of living, and was greet
ed with numerous rounds Of applause.
With the warm spring days come. the
fisherman, and the South pond is covered ev
cry day with seekers after the mottled trout
but with what success we are unable to Say
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

Mr.. j. Gleason who has been confined to
his bed for the past two weeks with slow
fever is recovering
The farmers are making preparations for
sugaring.
While some of the old weather prophets
of this section are prophesying great fall of
snow and the playing of the mercury around
zero, during the present month, some of the
younger and less experienced are of a differ
ent opinion, but which are correct remains yet
to be seen
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

The following is the resolution. prepared
by Hon. c. W. Willard of Montpelier, and
introduced by II. A. Huse, Esq, of the same
place. by the unanimous adoption of which
our Republican State convention, last week,
made known the grounds of its faith in Yer
mont's distinguished son, and candidate for
the presidency, Hon. Geo. F. Edmunds;
The Republicans of Vermont present to
the Republicans of the country George F.
Edmunds as a suitable person to be made the
candidate of the, Republican party for the
next President. We do this not wholly or
chiefly from our State pride in a man whose
public service has been so honorable to the
people whom he has represented, but because
his pure life, his eminent ability, his valua-
BILE public service and his unhinching Repub-
licanism have marked him by higher title
than the accident of birthplace or residence,
as a person fit to be the President of the
United States. Himself representative of
what the Republican party ought to hold as
its most precious possession, an unwavering
fidelity to the principles upon which the par
ty was built and has won its great reputation,
and of the intellectual power and moral sense
and courage through which alone it can pre-
serve what it has SO worthily achieved, his
candidacy would be of itself declaration of
principles and the sign of success"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

fleetwood Classical Seminary closed a
successful term March "a. The pupils in
music rendered several pieces under the lead
of their teacher, Miss Hattie Clark
We understand that the Ladies Benevo-
lent Society have arranged with Rev. c. H.
Merrill to deliver his lecture Work and
Workers" at the Congregational church in
this village, next Thursday evening, March
18th. The proceeds to go into the treasury
of the society. Rev. Lewis Grout has also
consented to deliver his lecture on Africa at
an early day, for the same cause. Lectures
to commence at half past seven o'clock. Tick
cts ten cents.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

"A few of our farmers have tapped their
sugar trees and made few pounds of sugar
The school in district No. II, taught by
Miss Maud Stowe closed Friday the 9TH inst,
with an exhibition in the-evening.
Miss Rena Barnard started for Nebraska
Monday morning with Rev, Mr. Morgan.
Mrs John Rudd received 800 FROM the
Town OF Bennington for damages received Co
the highway last September.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

The following real estate changes are re-
ported Fred l. Lane purchasing the New
comb farm in Putney price $1,000; NJ. ".
Davis the Oaks farm near Bellows Falls
price $500; Jacob wilkins the Willard hous
and lot on School street price $1,000, and
A A. Ward has bought of l. n Farr about
forty rods of land on School ST., upon which
he intends to erect a store building; price
$500.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

-Hoyt a Timson have sold their lat gal
ION OF apple jelly, The two jelly shops prt
not little money into the pockets of farm
ers' last fall, Some of the loads Of sppl5s
drawn were wonder for size.
Men are beginning to bear the sap yoke,
whose burden is not light, yet sweet.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05
WilliaInsViIIe.

We were the recipients the other day Of
package Of Spanish moss from Mississippi
peculiar kind which grows on trees in ths
southern states. Letters of the 22i ult
speak Of vegetables and lettuce, that they are
having for their tables there, while We a tie
north are still icebound