davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

The air is thick with rumors of new rail
road war which threatens to involve a dozen
roads, more or less, in this State, New Hamp-
shire and Massachusetts, The Central Yer.
mont road has Withdrawn all its through
Western freight for Boston from the North
ern road at White River Junction, and is
bringing it down the Sullivan to Bellows
Falls and sending it thence to Boston via
the Cheshire road The Central Vermont is
pushing forward locating survey for its
projected Forrest line from Windsor to
Greenfield n. H., and the roads directly in
terested beginning with the Northern, are
closely watching to see whether the company
really mean to build the line. The Central
Vermont management are entitled to three
months notice of the expiration of their lease
Of the Sullivan road, and whenever this no
tice is given they are said to be ready to i'm
mediately begin the construction of road on
the Vermont side from Windsor to Bellows
Falls. 1t is very possible, evidently, that an
other season may show some lively develop
ments in railroad matters north and south of
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Our village schools are in successful op
Grafton under the tuition of Mr.. W. A. Brown
and Miss 5. M. Stetson both of this village
The annual meeting of the Jacksonville
Library Association, which was to have been
held on the 22d inst, was adjourned to
Wednesday evening Jan. 9TH at village hall
full attendance is desired.
The union Christmas celebration at the
Universalist church, on the evening of the
Path inst, was fine success. The services
were under the supervision of Il. d. Brown
and were unusually interesting, consisting Of
destinations, Rotations, singing by the
children, etc. Those participating in the e1-
ercises performed their several parts with
much credit TO themselves and satisfaction to
the large audience. There was a celebration
at Sadawga on the evening of the 25th also
very interesting one in school district No.
D, There were also many Christmas trees in
different families, thus adding much to do
nestle interest and enjoyment The diyersi-
fed exercises at Jacksonville were peculiarly
interesting and an unusually large number of
gifts were distributed, afordiug great salts
faction TO the younger if not the older part
of the audience.
The following officers for the Vermont
Lodge $40 Knights of Honor, were elected
for the ensuing six months at meeting held
SATURDAY evening, the 10Th inst IL. ID.
Brown, D.. G. f. Barker, v D.; L. NJ.
suekney, A. d. N. L, Stetson, Treas A.
Z. stetson, Fin. Rep. E. II. Stetson, Rep. :;
S. G. EastOn, Guide F. W. Chase chan.
lain A. j. Faulkner, On. o. c. Fairbanks,
Sen. M. W. ThAyer, Rep. to Grand Lodge.
Miss Hannah OoTse, after lingering H.
ness of many months, during which she en-
dured much suffering died on the 25th inst.
She was formerly resident of Wilmington,
but for many years had resided in the family
OF Ruel Willis Of this place. She was an ell
DERBY and estimable maiden lady, possessing
many excellent traits of character. She had
much sympathy for the suffering and was
kind and generous to the needy, and will be
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31
A HAIRY New YEAR


While we have no occasion to stand as an
apologist for the shortcomings, whatever
they may have been, of the Legislature which
closed its session last week we certainly have
no disposition to join in the carping criticism
of everything which the body did or failed to
do, which is just now the fashion. The Mont
pelier Waterman and journal remarks with
great pertinence that if the foresight of the
members of this general assembly had been
half as brilliant as the luminous hindsight of
II any of their hippant critics, session of
few days would have suficed to produce that
hich, after weeks of discussion and elabora-
ton of details, has at length crystalized in
certain changes in the laws of the state. A"
Time alone will test the real quality of the
work accomplished 1t is true that this SEES
sion was twelve days longer than that of 1873,
and it is also true that at least seven days of
this extra time were.s spent in the considera-
ton of the vital subject of taxation in answer
to the general demand of the people of the
State for some new and more efficient law,
The result was the perfection and passage of
general tax bill, the main features of
which are elsewhere outlined A large num-
Der of leaks in court expenses, as well as in
other directions, were stopped, and the saw
ing to the State by this means will amount, it
is estimated TO not less than S75, 900 per
year One thing, at least, the people can all
appreciate. The rate Of State taxation was
reduced to 20 cents for 1881 aud : cents for so,
and the sum thus raised, it is believed, will be
ample to cover the expenses of the state for
the period named. We do not believe that
the legislature of 1880 was, to a man, body
of Solons, or that all its actions were born in
supreme wisdom but we do believe that time
will show that it performed an average amount
of well-considered and painstaking work,
which, in the main, will operate for the good
of all the people of the state.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

SUCCESS OF THE SANDY RIVER (SlE.) Two-Yoo1
GAUGE ROAD

SUCCESS OF THE SANDY RIVER (ME. Two-TooT
GAUGE ROAD.
As matter Of encouragement to the
friends Of narrow gauge railroads, we report
from an official source, that the Sandy River
Railroad III Maine, "a inch gauge, sis grand
success and doing splendIdiy.' The Billerica
Bedford narrow gauge, which Aiilon David
sou, Esq, has ''immortalized' in song was
too short a line, 90 miles, to pay financially ;
but It served an important purpose in the de
velopment Of that system Of railroads. The
Sandy River Railroad is Is miles long, and
its protector, g. L. Mansfield, having got the
road into successful operation, is now busy in
working up a new one in California, TO be
100 miles long A. one much interested in
the success of narrow gauge railroads, We are
happy TO learn OF tina prosperity attending
the railroad up the West River valley.
Winter presides in the chair with much
ability If we may be permitted TO use q par
hamentary expression, aud we have n little
more Winter and Frost than most sections OF
the State. Mr.. Winter who married a Miss
Frost, resides IL the west part OF this town.
Wednesday evening. Dec. ed, was made
the occasion for gathering of some eighty
or more persons in order TO celebrate the
wooden wedding Of Mr.. and Mrs j. T. Dodge
at their place Of residence. Several presents,
including large extension table and set Of
silver teaspoons. were made to the married
couple a. al expression Of good will by the
company. The Putney brass band furnished
excellent music for the party. A good sup
per with oysters, good dancing, and gener-
al good time for all. filled up the measure Of
enjoyment FOR the evenings entertainment.
j.. l. NJ.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Old Santa Claus got belated this year and
did not reach US until the 25th inst But his
saddle bags were just as full as ever aud he
soon filed two trees il Union hall with q
fruit that made children's eyes shine and old
hearts warm. The people turned out en-
masse to greet the merry old Christmas gen
tleman, filling every nook and corner OF the
hall, and the children sang songs ana gave
Rotations until their little heads were un-
loaded. The Rev. DR.. Porter entertained
them with series Of instructive and mirth.
stirring remarks closing with few fitting and
well chosen words for the fathers and moth
ers. q
E. NJ. Roel will lecture in District No. 4
on Friday evening Jan. :.
Rev. DR.. Porter OF Townshend will dis
course to the people of this village and vicin.
ity next Sunday at O'Clock p n. The invi-
tation is to all TO be present
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

They had pleasant and enjoyable time
at the UniversRlist church on Christmas
night, consisting of singing, speaking, reeita-
tons, etc. also Christmas tree loaded with
presents for young and old, Santa Claus be-
ing present il person.
The school in district No. 10 taught by
Herbert ii. Hicks, closed II successful term
Dec. nth. Scholars neither absent nor tar
dy were Frank W. Jillson, Wesley Jillson,
Halle H. AlRrd, Newton S. Jillson.
-Burdette Allard has been building and
repairing his barns, thus improving his place
very much.
Schools in districts No ., II, and u
are now in session under the instruction of
Herbert Il. Hicks, a. c. Millington and VIM.
H. Hicks, respectively.
School in district No, II closed a success
full term Dec. 18th, under the instruction of
VIM. H. Hicks.
The funeral services of Mrs. Abraham
Fairbanks were attended at the house on Sun
day, 26th inst, Rev. F. T. Lovett officiating.
The burial was in the north part of Heath,
Mass.
The goth wedding anniversary of Mr..
and Mrs. Aonzo Bliss WAS celebrated in
very happy manner last week,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

1t is amusing to see how bravely the de-
JdD'er boy whistles to keep his courage up as
the ''stop-my-paper' musketry begins to rat
tie about his ears at the close of the year
We can tell him first as well as last that his
talk about unprecedentedly large additions to
his list in the past few weeks wont help his
case bit, or cause any of his (former) Re
publican subscribers to forget the color and
texture Of his political skin. Since the cleo.
ton was over, he has fairly turned himself
wrong side out in attempting to get back on
TO an Independent basis but his subscrib-
ers have had their eye-teeth cut during the
past summer, and they realize only too well
to what lengths his malignant bourbon parti-
sanship is sure to carry him on the first occa-
sion which calls it out just now the boy is
solacing himself by sending sample copies Of
his sheet to the old Record subscribers, and
using this as basis on which to boast Of
enormous gains in his subscription list
Does the simple minded youth imagine that
dyed-in-the-wool Republicans, or sensible
men of any sort, are to be wheedled with such
taffyy
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

PROGRAMME FOR THE WEEK OF PRAYER -
January 2d-Theme Christ the only hope
of a lost world"
Monday, 3d--Thanksgiving for the bless
ings, temporal and spiritual, of the past year
and praying for their continuance.
Tuesday, 4th-Humiliation and confession
on account of individual, social, and national
sins.
Wednesday, 5th-Prayer for the Church of
Christ, its unity and purity, its ministry, and
for revivals of religion.
Thursday, 6th-Christian education, prayer
for the family, Sunday Schools and all educa-
tiOnal institutions, for Young Mems Chris
tian Associations and for the press.
Friday, 7th-Prayer for the prevalence of
justice, humanity and peace among nations
for the suppression of intemperance and Sab
bath Dissertation.
Saturday, 5th-Prayer for Christian mis-
sions and the conversion of the world TO
Christ.
Sunday, 9th-Theme ION the Ministra-
ton of the Holy Spirit"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Christmas Eve, although slightly stormy
without, was pleasant in the Baptist church
Rev II. V. Baker pastor, where appropriate
Christmas exercises were participated IL by
the Bible school and enjoyed by quite full
house Following these exercises there vas
"A donation supper in the chapel, after which
the two Christmas trees which had been ar
ranged in good taste and with much care,
were stripped Of their varied fruits, some Of
which were passed to each person in the
house. The pastors wife was the recipient
Of nice cashmere dress, for which, with the
other gifts at donation, amounting in value
to nearly $50, the pastor and his wife wish
to express their sincere thanks to the kind
people Of Dover, and vicinity and hope that
the donors may be the happy recipients Of
rich temporal and spiritual gifts
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

There are few persons who, in bidding
adieu to the Old Year to-day, will have occa-
sion to think of it other than kindly. Cases
Of individual hardship there must inevitably
have been, and now, as always, it is only too
true that every heart "knoweth its own bitter
ness :" but in general sense the year has
been one of prosperity and happiness. Hon
est labor has found ready and remunerative
employment, the farmers fields have brought
forth ebundantly, and wise and prudent bust
ness men have met with reasonable gains.
Better than all, temporarily speaking, the
ountry has come safely and satisfactorily
through hard thought political contest, and
safe and stable government is assured for four
years to come. The promise for New
Year was never brighter than now. The con
tinuance of the favorable conditions which
have marked the year just closing is as well
assured as any future event can be, and he
must indeed be hopeless prey to melancholy
foreboding who can look forward to the year
1881 without something of buoyant hope and
cheerfulness. The PHGNIx assures its read
ers that it never had greater cause than now
to anticipate a year of usefulness, prosperity
and successful work in the interest of all its
eaders 1t wishes its patrons, one and all,
sincerely and heartily,
Happy NV YFAp'
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Frank Worden has been appointed JUS
tice of the peace in place OF Geo. L. Clark,
resigned.
Tile Library Association, at their annual
meeting, made choice of the following OH
GERS President, Geo. L. Clark secretary,
I. I. Miner treasurer and librarian, Oscar
Howe. An assessment of 90 cents per share
was voted for purchasing new books.
The annual meeting of the Halifax Agri-
cultural Society will be held at the hall over
the school room, in this village. Saturday,
Jan. LIST, at o'clock P. NJ A good attend
ance is desired.
-ChAs. Hatch has bought the n Clark
farm Of A. ]. Tucker and Martin Scott.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

The school in district No .. Dummers-
ton West, taught by Miss Alice Adams of
Dover, closed successful term of - weeks
with an exhibition Friday evening. Music,
tabeauI, defamation, dialogues. etc. were
the features Of the pleasant occasion. Among
the actors, we noticed Miss Adams and the
Misses Ada Stockwell Emma Cooper. Ella
Thayer, Masters Walter Stockwell, Melvin
and Darwin Cooper George and Maurice
ChRmberin, Pascal Morse, Frank Washer,
Wilbur Whitaker, assisted by Messrs Dens-
low Stockwell, Betterly, Herrick and others.
Miss Adams wins universal credit as d wide
awake, energetic teacher
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

We were wrong in stating last week that
the House bill for parallel line of rail
road from So. Vernon TO Brattleboro, and
from Brattleboro to Bellows Falls, was refus-
ed third reading in the Senate-tLe fact be-
ing that the President of the Senate ruled
against the consideration of the House bill a.
he did against that originally introduced in
the Senate. The howl that it was the Central
Vermont interest which killed the move
ment is eminently interesting to those who
know the inside of the whole matter, as
explained by US last week
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31
important Notice.

We are Obliged 10 remind delinquent subscribers
that on accoun; Of business details connected with
our purchase OF the VERMONT RECORD AND FARMEH
property and accounts all subscriptions due up TO
the beginning of the year 1850 must be
paid at once. This announcement couerS Grreara1es
fan both The PHGS1x ami the RECORD AND FARMRR.
Our engagements with the executor Of the late A.
Chandler, and the necessity for an immediate settle
ment Of all matters pertaining to Mr. Chambers
tate, give alternative but to insist the strict
letter Of this demand. Settlement of all such bills
must be had on or before the 10Th day of J an
uary next. FRENCH 4 sTEDMAN.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Judge Kelly evidently does not mean to sit
down quietly under defeat at present nor
does he intend to carry the imputation Of
causing the defeat of Gen. Hancock for the
presidency if scapegoat can be found upon
whom that sin against Democracy can be
fixed. Mr. Kelley now declares, and backs
up his statement by elaborate tables of fig
ures, that it is not himself but Samuel j.
Tilden, who is responsible for the loss of
New York state to the Democrats in the late
election. Mr.. Kelley undertakes to show
that New York city and county gave Han
cock a vote Of per cent. larger than the
great vote of 1876 for Tilden, while in 40
out of 60 counties in the state, the party ma
chinery in which is controlled by Tilden
Gen. Hancock WAS stabbed. Mr.. Kelly ayows
his determination to continue the fight
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

remembered with affection and gratitude bv
friends and acquaintance who have shared
in her favorable regard aud kindly ofBces
For many years she was worthy AND e1ero
plary member Of the Congregational church
in Wilmington. The funeral services were
attended at the residence Of Mr.. Willis Inv
Rev. Mr.. Hamilton Of Wilmington on Mon.
day, the 9th inst, and the remains inferred
in the cemetery near the residence Of James
NJ Roberts.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

The annual donation party for the beno-
fit OF the pastor Of the NJ. T. church, Rev.
Thos Mackie, will be held at the house Of II.
s. wheelock Wednesday afternoon and even
ing, Jan. .. Everybody invited.
On Christmas day lively party Of six
couples took a sleighrde to Townsheud via
Grafton After a nice supper at the West
River house the gentlemany proprietor o.
f. Coombs, conveyed the party to the depot
to see the narrow gauge evening train roll in.
They enjoyed themselves in various amuse-
ments until the time Of departure, oil feeling
well paid for their visit
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Late last week our attention was for the
first time called to the statement of the Bel
lows Falls Times that its editor had become
satisfied that his charge that the silver
tongued' Col. Waddell of North Carolina
was Ku-Klux leader was without founda-
ton in fact. We oheerfully throw this sugar
plum to the DJdner boy, while We beg to
remind him that this momentous "retraction"
does not wipe out the ''wretched' fact that
his party got enough Of rebel brigadiers from
their experience of them in the Vermont
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Clifford H. Smith, son of s. G. Smith Of
this town, and student at Yale theological
seminary, preached at the Congregational
church last Sunday morning
Rev. W. II. Collins delivered his lecture
on The Great Pyramid" at the Congrega-
tional chapel last evening, to an appreciative
audience
Mrs. b. +. Stockwell has sold her farm
TO William WiDslow of Hopkinton, n. H,
formerly of Marlboro, VT. Price $1,000.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

Ssow AND CoLD WEATHER AT THE South
AND WEST Another example Of the curious
reversal of meteorological conditions is furn-
ished in the fact that early this week Mary
land and Virginia were enjoying an old fash
Toned New England winter while central
New England got of with moderate Virginia
weather. The storm which began Saturday
extended along the coast from Maine to Vir-
ginia, and was the most disagreeable of the
season. Snow fell all along the line, but
heaviest in Maryland and Virginia. At Bal
timore on Sunday morning, the rain turned
to snow, which fell to the deDth of foot
the heaviest fall III three years. At Wash
ington the snow was followed 10y rain on
Sunday, which made the foot travel so disa
greeRble that the special Christmas services
announced in some Of the churches were Civ
en- up. IL Virginia the country roads wer,
badly biockaded by snow and ice, trains were
delayed and travel generally impeded. Along
the Delaware coast the gale was very severe,
and some marine disasters are reported. IL
New jersey the snow drifted badly on tn,
railroads, and the fall was nine inches on the
level. A cold wave struck Chicago and the
Northwest, the mercury standing 10 degrees
below zero at Chicago, Monday night Mon
day morning 1t dropped to 40 below at Man
itoba, lG below at st. Paul MINI, p below
y
falls Of snow are reported from the Canadian
provinces.
The snow storm and succeed ding cold wave
which made its appearance in this vicinity
on Wednesday morning. began at the West
Tuesday, extending from the lakes TO the
Gulf and being accompanied 10y cold of the
greatest intensity. The Ohio river was froz-
en- over at Louisville, the mercury dropped to
seven degrees below zero at Sherman. Texas.
Vicksburg, Miss, had an inch and a half Of
snow, and snow1akes fell at New Orleans
and Galveston A; Columbus Ga. and
Greensboro, n. c.. the snow fall was the
heaviest on record. Baltimore had its cold.
est weather for years, snow falling continu-
ously for ~ hours Teams crossed the Mis-
sour river on the ice at Atkinson, Kan. and
the weather was 80 GOLD that even the ice
men stopped work, the thermometer ranging
from Is 10 90 degrees below zero.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-12-31

On Friday afternoon NJ. NJ. Whitney
made a misstep by which he fell some seven
feet into the basement of his store, striking
on the back of his head, and injuring him
considerably on other parts of his body,
though he fortunately escaped permanent in
jury.
Charles Brown, engineer on the morning
freight train down on the Vermont Valley
railroad, suffered an attack of paralysis on
Thursday of last week, while on his engine
at Putney. He is now improving