Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-04-30
Newsraper Chances,


1888. by Rufus Griswold, has been purchas-
ed of its late editor and proprietor, MIR.
Hiram c. johnson, by Mr.. George WilmarIh
of Addison. who has assumed the conduct of
the paper. The long continued ill health of Mr..
johnson is doubtless the chief reason for his
retirement He will leave the editorial fra
tcrnity with the kindest wishes of his brother
editors Mr. Wilmarth is a son-in-law of
Mr. johnson, and will doubtless prove
worthy successor of the retiring editor.
RUNoREp SALE OF THE ST. ALBANs MESSENGER.
Col Hopkins writes from Montpelier to
the Boston Jouradlas follows:
MONTPELIER, VT, April 20.
There is authenticated rumor afoat
here of an important newspaper transaction,
and one which. if true, is likely to have an
important bearing henceforth on the political
and social affairs Of Franklin county and the
northwestern section of the State. The story
is that the St. Adams Messenger, a Republi-
can paper, has been sold by its editor and
proprietor, Hon. Albert Clarke. to ex-Gov.
Smith, What gives this transaction interest
and significance, is the fact that for many
years the paper has been the open and bitter
enemy of the Governor and his friends. Its
hostility to him has oftentimes been so bitter
as to cause pain not only to the Governors
friends, but also to surprise the personal
friends of the editor. A long story might be
written illustrating the warmth and extent
of the personal and local feeling which has
entered into the long and painful war. Suf-
fee it, however, 10 say that if the rumored
sale is true, and all good and well-disposed
persons who have been observant of the facts
will hope and pray it may be, the people of
ST. Adams, of Franklin county, of Vermont
and New England will have reason to rejoice
at it.
OF the reasons which have led TO the
change in the ownership of the Messenger
am not advised Rumor has it, however,
that for considerations touching the needs of
his family, Col Clarke is anxious to leave
the State and find home henceforth in Col
orado. BE that as it may, there has been
for some months past an evidence of softer
feeling toward the Governor by the Messen-
GER Another reason for the change in
proprietorship of the paper is found in the
fact that in a certain contingency Governor
Smith is likely to become a prominent can
didate for the United States Senate, to sue
coed Senator Edmunds, in which event he
would not like to have the opposition of
strong paper in his own town. Other rumors
have il that there is to be q general break
ing up of all local feuds, that good many
hatcheis are to be buried and the people OF
Franklin county in the future are to ''dwell
together in unity" like the people of any
other community having common interests
and as a part of the general plan, it is said
that Hon. Bradley Barlow is not to be a can
didate for Congress this year and that clear
field is TO be left for Gen. Grout, who was
the regular Republican candidate in 1873,
this same St. Adams Messenger and other
papers. to whom Mr. Barlow furnished the
sinews of war.
There are, We think, some errors in the
above. The Messenger, We have excellent
authority for stating. had not been sold, up
to yesterday. 1t is q fact, however, that
Mrs Clarkes condition of health and some
other considerations have induced Colonel
Clarke to contemplate sale Of his paper;
and that negotiations to that end have been
in progress, if we are correctly informed, with
Mr.. S b. Pettingill late editor Of the Rut-
land Herald Till these negotiations come
to some conclusion, it is not necessary and
would hardly be proper TO comment on
what is thus far purely private transac-
ton.
THE St. Adams Messenger says: The Mes
senger has not been sold, we have no inten-
ton of transferring it to Gov. Smith, no
knowledge that he desires to own it, and we
have no plan to leave the State.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE-The fire at Hull p.
O., April 21st, was one Of the most de-
.tructive of recent date Fully half the city
is in ruins. The fire ragged with fierce in
tensity from 800 o'clock until O'Clock,
when the wind fortunately changed and it
was got under control Between 700 and
800 houses were destroyed. and over 1000
people are homeless. Several lives are
known 10 be lost, while reports are current
that at least dozen persisted. The area
of ground over which the fire travelled is
mile long by about 400 yards wide. In nu-
merous cases occupants saved their furniture,
which is now piled up in the public streets.
Horses, cows and pigs, as well as other do
nestle animals persisted. 1t is heavy blow
to the city, and will cause q great deal
of suffering to those rendered homeless.
/ The houses destroyed were mainly occu-
pied hy laborers who will be unable for some
time at least to rebuild There is very little
insurance, US the companies would not take
the risks. Steps have been taken to raise
subscriptions TO relieve distress. Handsome
contributions have already been made. The
Governor General has telegraphed the mayor
of Hull. signifying his willingness to assist
in any movement for the relief of the home
less. Thousands from Ottawa have visited
the fire. and the Governor General and Prin-
cess Louise and staff were among the first to
arrive, and remained some time. Forum
ately none of the great numbering mills were
destroyed.