davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09
Totals,

The total number of tickets, including reg
ular and excursion tickets, sold in the period
here included-one year and eleven days, 1t
will be seen, is 1881. The conductors of
the two trains have made careful estimate
of the number of fares collected by them and
believe 5000 is entirely within bounds. This
added to the total of ticket sales gives 20, O31
as the number of fares during the year. In
arriving at the number of passengers actually
carried, however, the item of "return" tickets
must be included-that is to say, of tickets
sold from stations up the line to come to
Brattleboro and return the same day. The
number of such tickets sold is 1886, and they
are included in the figures already given; but
each of these tickets represents two passen-
gers carried or one passenger carried each
way, and these tickets should therefore be
counted twice to give the actual number of
passengers carried. Add 1896 to the total
last given and we have "a, 6G7 as the number
of passengers carried from Nov. IS, 1880 to
Dec. l, 1881. The number of working days
here included is 1924 dividing 24,GG7 by 1924
we have &c and fraction as the average
number of passengers carried per day. The
number of excursion tickets from Jamaica,
West Dnmmerston and Brattleboro, it should
be said, is estimated, but the estimate is sub
stantially correct. We imagine these figures
will surprise even the warmest friends of the
new road, but whether they do or do not the
road, in the first year of its operation, has
surpassed by an average of ten passengers
per day, or over 5000 per year the most san
guine estimate ever made in our columns of
its probable passenger business. The figures
speak more iorcibly than words can do of the
need which existed for the roads construc-
ton, and of the extent to which its acoommo-
dation is appreciated by the people of the
West River valley. The past year has been
in many ways very trying one for the road
and its management, and it has en- joyed a re-
markable freedom from serious accidents.
The road-bed has been under constant i'm
provement and is now in excellent condition
throughout. We hope, in future issue, to
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

Comptroller Knox takes occasion in his an
nual report to emphasize the lessons taught
so painfully by the disasters to the SIechan-
les bank of Newark and the Pacific bank of
Boston. Such being the case the report has
q special interest for the latitude of Brattle-
boro. The Comptroller lays special stress
upon the responsibility of bank directors, and
is at considerable pains to excuse the short
comings of bank examiners. He especially
points out that, while the public learns once
in a while of great defalcation or misman-
agement which has been covered up, it does
not hear of the numerous instances in which
the examiners detect reprehensible practices
and have them set right. In many instances
the capital stock of bank has been found to
be impaired, and the deficiency has been
made good without the knowledge of the
general public. In other instances banks
have been obliged to pass their usual divi-
dends, using their earnings to liquidate all
bad and doubtful debts The examiner visits
the bank but once year, and can spend but
two or three days in investigating its affairs.
He has but limited knowledge of the habits
and character of the bank employees, ard may
not be able in his brief time for examination
to unravel a system of false entries or forged
papers which teller or cashier may have
been practicing for months. The directors,
however, know their officials they have full
power to appoint and to remove Them they
are on the ground and meet regularly and
by their oath of Office, and the bylaws of the
institution, they are bound to exercise watch
full care over its affairs. The Comptroller
says: "The duties of the board of directors
are plainly defined, and however innocent
they may be of any intention of wrong, they
are responsible for the safety of funds com.
mitted to their care. If it can be shown that
any of them had notice of illegal transactions,
it is a serious question whether they are not
legally bound to make good the loss which
may occur and it is question whether they
are not also liable for losses which may occur
from neglect of duty even without notice"
Such disasters as those which have recent
ly occurred, the Comptroller thinks, exhibit,
not the weakness of the national banking sys-
tenn, but rather the weakness and wickedness
of human nature. Private companies and in
dividuals are continuously suffering from en-
bezzlements and forgeries. 1t is scarcely to
be expected if a robber or forger is placed
in control of all of its assets that national
bank can be saved from disaster by the &C.
casional visits of an examiner. Some addi-
tional legislation will be required, but there
is not so much necessity for additional re-
strictions as there is for increased care upon
the part of examiners and increased diligence
on the part of the directors.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09
MINOR NOTES.

The contest over the position of delegate
from Utah is raging with great virulence
Cannon, the Mormon candidate, had large
majority of the votes and has been placed on
the rolls by the clerk. Campbell has the GER
tifcate of the governor and expects to be
seated.
II is said that large number of men have
been appointed to clerkships in Washington
on the ground that they are veterans of the
late war, who are impostors.
During November, the cost of the star mail
service was reduced gill, 155, making an ag-
gregate reduction of 1902, 419 since the be-
ginning of March.
A commemorative silver plate has been
placed upon the pew formerly occupied by
President Garfield in the Christian Church
at Washington. 1t is inscribed with his name
and the dates of his birth and death. Since
his death the pew has been draped in mourn
ing, and is to be kept thus draped as long as
the church stands.
President Arthur took possession of the
White House on Wednesday. The mansion
has been thoroughly and handsomely fitted
up. John Davis, a nephew Of Judge j. @.
Bancroft Davis, and librarian of the Depart
ment of State under Secretary Fish, is to be
the Presidents private secretary. It is init
mated that Mrs. Davis will be the mistress of
Tue Wnlto House.
The paper on which the Presidents mes
sage was written had heavy black border
and was fastened with black tape.
Jefferson Davis, with his wife and daugh-
ter, arrived in New York from Europe on
Wednesday.
1t is said that the neighbors of President
Garfield at Mentor who were chosen by To-
cal court to appraise his personal property
have found that including books, stocks and
bonds, cattle, life insurance, etc., it amounts
to about 100000
Gen. Joseph Warren Keifer, the new speak
err, was born in Clark county, o., in 1886 /;
was brought up on farm, graduated at An
tioch college and was admitted to the bar in
1858. He went into the army soon after the
first call for troops as major of the 30th Ohio
infantry and served with credit until the end
of the struggle, being wounded four times
and promoted from time to time until ne
reached the rank of major-general. At the
close of the war he reentered the practice of
his profession, but soon went into political
life. He held various local and state offices
and has been in Congress two terms. Gen.
Kefer is kindly remembered by the officers
of the Tenth Vermont which belonged to his
division of the Sixth corps and fought with
his brigade at Cedar Creek.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09
The Pre.iaent,. Nue.sars.

The message of President Arthur, which
we present to our readers to-day in the form
of a supplement, commands almost universal
approval as an able, careful and well-matured
state paper. The message opens with an
eloquent tribute to Gen. Garfield, and pro-
ceeds to q review of our foreign relations,
which are pronounced satisfactory. In the
consideration of our financial matters the
recommendations of the President concur
with those of Secretary Folger, which are
elsewhere summarized. The President urges
that immediate action be taken to build up
navy such as the safety and dignity of the ma
ton demand. He favors the postal-savings
recommendation of the Postmaster General
and declares in favor of prosecuting the star
route irregularities with the utmost rigor"
Upon the Indian question, President Arthur
is in full accord with the policy of civiliza-
ton, and speaks with feeling and force in its
favor. In regard to polygamy, he is abreast
the most intelligent and determined public
sentiment, and not content with the mere
rhetorical condemnation of this evil, he points
out the measures required for its radical treat
ment He finds in the result of the arrears
of pensions law an admonition to Congress
and the Executive to give serious attention to
similar projects in the future, and suggests
legislation for the prevention of fraud in the
prosecution of pension claims. The Presi-
dent urges upon Congress, with gravity and
emphasis which recent events in our history
fully justify, the need of a new law for ascer-
tanning and declaring the result of presiden-
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09
TRAGEDY AT GREENFIELD.

FATHER NC oARrY, PARISH PRIEST, SHOT AND
FATALLY WOUNDED CASE OF DOMESTIC
TRoUBLE-rHE MURDERER ARRESTED.
Father McCarty, parish priest at Greenfield,
Mass, was shot and MORALLY wounded last
Saturday evening, at the parochial residence,
by David McMellen, an employe in Boston of
the American express company McMellen's
wife left him several years ago because he
treated her badly, and has recently been act
ing as housekeeper at the priests house. He
visited her last week and urged her to live
with him, but she refused. Saturday night
he called upon her again, and she still refused
to go with him. He returned three times to
the priests house, ringing the bell violently
and kicking at the door Father McOarty f.
nally came to the door himself and McCarty
shot him twice and then ran away. Father
McCarty died Tuesday night. McOarty was
arrested at Boston, and is now in Greenfield
Jail. His story is that his family was broken
up because he is a Protestant that his wife
had promised to live with him, and that he
went to the priests house Saturday evening
to see why the promise was not fulhlled. He
says that he was refused admission, and that
Father McCarty pursued and attacked him,
and he (McMellen) shot him in self-defenoe.
McMellen is a favorite with the express com.
pany, and one of its best clerks,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

David Pomroy has sold his farm to Oscar
Dean for $1,000.
School began on Monday with Mr.. Bliss
of Wardsboro for teacher.
Edgar Bowen started for New York last
Tuesday TO go into the employ of H.
CushmAn, who is in the bakery business
Chas Kimball intends following suit on the
first of next March.
A. Goodell d Co. have their new engine
in running order and we expect soon to hear
the sonorous voice of the new whistle. One
could hardly have imagined one year ago the
industry that has been built up in the vicinity
of the depot, and we think Goodel q Co. de-
serve much credit for their enterprise
Quite little stir has been produced the
past week or so, occasione1 by the confession
of one Fred Wilder, aud Frank Tenny. for
unlawfully taking palmleaf hats from How.
ard & Fullerton, and but for their prompt set
Element they would have been arrested. But
still graver charges have been preferred
against them with one or two others from
Jamaica (but not az the correspondent for
the Reformer from Jamaica in his last weeks
item had it, any from Townshend) in confis
eating quite number of sheep from farmers
in different parts of Jamaica and to such an
extent that settlement only with the state will
give satisfaction. Whereupon, these facts
presumably coming to the ears of the young
men, they concluded to save the state farther
expense, as is supposed, by taking themselves
to parts unknown, and, as the case now
stands we have got TO await farther develop.
ments before finishing this chronicle. Z
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09


Several inches Of snow fell on the 4th
w. A. Brown is teaching school at sa-
dawga.
e PEBBLES is making an addition to bis
house.
r. s. Davis designs TO be permanently
engaged in the meat business.
-Stetson Bros. arc pressed with orders
for butter boxes and tubs.
Henry Lynde of Winchester, N. H., has
recently visited town.
Prof Storer of North Adams has been
tuning pianos.
"A goodly number of our citizens attend
ed the Mason meeting lately held at Whining
ton.
The organization Of lodge of knights
and ladies Of honor is in contemplation.
But two teachers appeared at the public
examination village schools opened with GO
scholars.
Quarterly meeting next Sunday; Rev.
H. A. Spencer. presiding elder, will preach
at the NJ. E. church at 81 o'clock, p. NJ.
The telephone line from here to North
Adams is completed and the one from here
TO Wilmington probably will be this week.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

The Congregational parsonage has re-
ceived coat Of paint this fall with the prom
Use Of another in the spring The village hall
has also been painted, the underpining right
ed up, etc.
You ought to see the Christmas filings
and general line OF holiday goods at both
stores. After looking at and pricing both
stocks, We are reminded of the old Dutch
justice" who, after hearing the evidence, de-
clared that it was clear case on both sides
Mrs. Sarah Newman has black raspber-
ry bush in her garden (of last summers
GROWTH which with its branches, fourteen in
number, measures one hundred feet in length,
all upon one stalk.
That meeting at Union Hall on Monday
evening, TO make arrangements for Christ
mas festival, was success.
M. c. Curtis goes to Washington this
week to enter the employ Of Uncle Sam.
We are sorry to lose him from our village.
He is one of those active young men who
always have their hands full minding their
own business
Funds have been raised and street lamps
will soon enlighten our darkness these cloudy
nights.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

The 10th anniversary of the marriage OF
MIR. Faxon l.. Bowen and Miss Armeda @.
Sherman occurred on the 2Sth of November,
and was duly celebrated by friends and rela-
tives to the number of a hundred or more. at
Mr. Bowens residence. Mr.. David Sherman
acted as master of ceremonies and made very
appropriate remarks. Rev. N. D. Sherman,
father OF Mrs. Bowen, spoke at length and
very effectively. Appropriate remarks were
offered by O. NJ. Russell of Wilmington, Mr..
Joshua Sherman, David Goodell Elijah Par
sons and Others. Mr.. Bowen responded in
hearty and eloquent terms. Numerous gifts
were made. Prof. Frank Bradford reoited
1.-The Vagabonds" in his inimitable manner
Mr.. and Mrs. Bowen have the best wishes of
all, and the hope that they may witness the
return of many wedding anniversaries
The Jacksonville and North Adams tele-
phone lines are now complete and the trans
mittors will be placed in the stations the
present week.
Over 80 witnesses have been summoned
to Bennington this week upon the murder
case OF M. Il. William. The remains of the
murdered man were exhumed last week and
subjected to careful medical examination by
DIR. A. W. Rice Nothing new was develop-
cd except the finding of one or two more shot
This was done at the suggestion and wish of
states Attorney Fem, who, with James X
Batohelder was here to look up testimony in
the case.
Mr.. O. M. Russell, who has SO success
fully and satisfactorily taught two terms of
school in this place, having declined to en-
gage for the winter term, Mr.. Fay of sadaw-
ga has been engaged for that position, and
Miss Addie A. Bowen has charge of the pri-
mary department.
Prof. Bradford and his elooution class
will give an entertainment at Jacksonville, In
Wiloox's hall, on Saturday, Dec. 10th. A
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

There will be a donation at the town
hall on Wednesday the 18th inst, for the
benefit of the Rev. N. ID. Parsons.
The people of Putney have contributed
and forwarded to the Michigan sufferers
$50, mostly in clothing, of which amount
the ladies of the Congregational society con-
tributed some $50
The ladies Of the Congregational society
will hold fair and festival at the town hall
on Friday evening, the 23d inst.
Prof. Alexander of Brattleboro teaches
singing in this place this winter His first
school was last Tuesday evening
-Messrs. Cole and Cough are increasing
the capacity of their paper. mill by putting
on an addition for another bleach. W.
The fair of the ladies of the Universal
list society proved everything that it prom
ised to be. Tho operetta of Grandma's
Birthday was fine affair admirably presen-
ted by the girls aud boys of the Sunday
school, but Mother Goose's grand court re-
ceptiOn proved the chief attraction of the
evening. Each character was in full costume
and was rendered in an admirable manner.
The hall was densely packed with people.
The fancy and supper tables were well pat
ronized, aud the net results will be about
S125 =
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

A fire at Minneapolis, Mimi, on Sunday
morning, destroyed four Touring mills, a
cotton mill and other property, valued in all
at over $500, and an explosion occurred
by which four persons were killed and 9TH
ers injured. 1t will be remembered that four
years ago two of the largest Touring mills in
Minneapolis were destroyed by fire. and by
explosions of mill-dust which attracted much
attention in the scientific world as a novel
form of calamity. 1t is now demonstrated
beyond a doubt that the fine dust floating in
the air of flour mill becomes under certain
conditions destructive agency as terrible as
gunpoWder.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

Six hundred million dollars, almost one
third as much as the public debt when it was
the largest, is the sum that by estimate will
be required to settle the claims made and to
be made under the Arrears of Pension act.
1t is safe to say that the act never would have
been passed at all in the form it took had not
members of Congress from both parties been
afraid to vote against it for fear of alternating
the soldier vote. 1t is believed that millions
of dollars are being drawn from the treasury
on false claims, and yet Congress, so far, has
declined to interpose to prevent. If the new
Congress wants to gain the approval of the
country it will devise without delay means to
stop this enormous leak and send knavish
claimants and their agents to the rear.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09


At the Republican caucus of representa-
tiyes at Washington, held last Saturday after
noon TO nominate officers of the House, Gen.
Kefer Of Ohio was nominated for Speaker on
the sixteenth ballot. Hiscock of New York
was defeated partly because it was thought
that New York already had its share of the
honors, and partly through the opposition of
Conkling, Plat and Cameron. Edward Nc
Pherson of Pennsylvania was nominated for
Clerk without much difficulty, New York GO
ing for him in retaliation for Cameron's oppo-
siton of Hscock. Mr.. Mop herson has serv-
ed as Clerk of the House twelve years, and
his experience from the time of Colfax and
Blaine makes him a very valuable officer
Col. Hooker was nominated on the first ballot
for Sergeant-at-Arms. For Doorkeeper, Col
Walter j. Brownlow of Tennessee, nephew
of the celebrated "Parson Brownlow." was
nominated on the first ballot. Henry Sher-
wood of Michigan was nominated for Post
master, and Rev. +. ID. Powers of Washing
ton, President GarReld's pastor, for Chaplain.
On Monday, at the opening of the first ses-
sion of the Forty-seventh Congress, the Re-
publicans effected the organization of the
House, by the election of their caucus nomi-
nees, without difficulty. Gen. Keifer received
14S votes for Speaker, comprising the whole
Republican strength and the two Virginia Re-
adjusters. The Greenbackers, some Of whom
were supposed to be willing to act with the
Republicans stood out by themselves and
gave eight votes to Mr.. Ford of Missouri. The
Democrats gave Mr.. Randall 100 votes Mr..
Keifer had five votes more than the number
necessary to elect, but if the four Democratic
absentees had been present he would have
gone in by one majority. After the election
and swearing-in of Gen. Keifer, objections
were raised to the swearing in of several men,
bers, including Chalmers of Mississippi and
Dibble of South Carolina; but all objections
were finally withdrawn or tabled and all were
allowed to qualify. The organization of the
House was then completed by the election of
the remaining Republican nominees. Speak
er Keifer, in his excellent address on taking
the chair, hoped the present Congress would
be marked peculiarly as business Congress :"
In the Senate, Mr.. Sherman of Ohio intro
duced three per cent funding bill. Bills af-
fecting the tariff and Chinese questions were
also introduced. The Presidents message
and the report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury were sent in on Tuesday.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-09

Wilmington eongratulates Col. Hooker.
Money is being raised for a singing school.
Mrs. Horace Crosier of Suitland, Nd, is
in town.
Three of our Sunday schools, at least are
making arrangements for Christmas enter
tAinments.
Mrs. W. b. Haskell, who has been out Of
health for some time, is now on the gain.
j L. Shaw has moved into @. NJ. Wares
house. south of the village
Our merchants have Frightened up their
stores with display of Christmas goods
B. H. Cushman of New York city lately
spent few days in town.
The Congregational people held very
enjoyable sociable at their vestry Wednesday
evening.
Presiding Elder Spencer will hold quar-
terly meeting at the Methodist church on Sat
urday and Sunday, with the following ar
rangement of services; Preaching on Satur-
day afternoon and Sunday morning; sacra-
ments of baptism aud the Lords Supper on
Sunday afternoon, and praise meeting and
love-feast in the evening.
The best load of pork we have seen for a
long time was drawn to the village by L. I.
Butterfeld the other day. The Judge evil
IDENTIFY believes in the old-time way of FARM
ing, at least so far as pig raising is concerned
He recently dressed seven pigs aggregating
100 lbs, and hog which had given birth to
26 pigs since last March, weighing nearly 500
lbs.
Ernest b. Pike commences attendance at
the Methodist conference seminary in Mont
pelier this week.
We are looking for the appearance of the
Jacksonville telephone line, now on the way
to this place, which, when completed will
connect Brattleboro and North Adams.
Editor Angel of the Hoosac Valley News,
North Adams, Mass, writes from Readsboro,
where Prof Frank Bradford has an elocution
class, in the following iattering terms Of Mr..
aud Mrs G. III. Russell of Wilmington, who
are pupils Of Prof. b.:
"Mr. Russell has many of the requisites necessary
10 make good public reader-a fine presence, deep
rich voice, and Withal he is 4 finished scholar, which
enables him TO grasp the most difficult pieces and
bring ont their true conception He recites 'The EX-
ecuon OF Montross" extra WE'LL and his gestures are
graceful and appropriate, and yet most Of this PROM
cheney has been attained within two months under
the tniton Of Prof. Bradford. Mrs. Russell also re-
We have always admired Joaquin Millers strange,
weird and dramatic poems, more especially this one,
viii Ii begins
Two gray hawks ride the rising blast;
Dark, cloYen clouds drive to and fro
By peaks pre-emnent in snow"
Mrs. Russels rendering Of the poem proved the pos
session of hisrionie talent rarely possessed by ANA
tours She looked and acted the parts almost perfect
y' Nature has done much for this lady, whose per
sonal charms only exceeded by her superior intel
leetual Development Her gestures we're exceedingly
graceful, and the expression brought out with
hne effect"