davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

about one-fourth is returned to the beneficial
ries. Ono company admits paying the sum
of SCI, 600 for printing and stationery. In
the New York business Of 1873, as reported
by the companies themselves, SO, 900, 600 were
paid to agents, SO, 900, 600 moro went for sal
aries, medical fees, ETC., and lump Of So
600, 600 is reported under the heading, Gan
other expenditures" During FIVE years, 1867
IL the authorized companies Of New York
state paid $4,000, 900 to agents, and but
SIS, 900, 600 for losses and claims. The usual
practice has been to pay the agents 80 per
cent. of the first premium, and q per cent
on annual renewals. As the great majority Of
policies last less than seven years, the agent
receives at least 10 per cent of the whole
premium payments.
As to salaries In 1879, ten New York
companies paid for salaries and other COM
pensation to employees in their home offices
alone, 1858, 900, and a president of one Of
the companies admitted, at the state examina-
ton in 1877, that he had received 1926, 9O5.-
20 from the funds of his company during
eighteen years, in salaries and extra COM
pensation." Another president stated his
salary at $37, 500 per annum. By the erec-
ton of costly buildings, too, by bad invest
ments of various kinds, and by speculation,
vast sums of money have been squandered,
and many companies ruined.
The conclusion of the writer is that the
present system of life-insurance needs radi-
cal reform, or it will perish. The public has
entrusted to the companies a money interest
that is far too great for the honesty, ability
management. For the companies Of the fu-
ture, greatly decreased cost of insurance, a
greatly decreased cost of management, and
stronger legal safeguards, must be furnished.
The companies should be strictly mutual, and
should not be permitted to go outside Of their
legitimate business.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

In 1873 there were 1O,47S failures in this
country, with liabilities of 1924 1888, 1872
The resumption of specie payments reduced
the number more than .one-third in the first
year, and the liabilities nearly fve-elghths ;
in 1879 the failures were G, COS and the liabil-
tiles sos, 149, O53. The second year of spe-
Gle payments has done even better for the
country, for a further reduction both in num-
Der of failures and in liabilities appears in
the annual report of the leading mercantile
agency of the country. The failures in 1880
were only 4, 1856, and the liabilities only $685.
752, 900. We have to look back twelve years,
to 1868, to find year with liabilities so
small, although the number of firms in bust
ness and the volume of business transacted
have increased enormously within that peri
cd. To this great increase in the number of
firms of which reports are made is due the
fact that the number of commercial disasters
appears larger than in 1872, though much
smaller than in any later year. The ratio of
failures to the whole number of firms in
business was smaller in 1880 than it was in
1872 or 1870. In 1876 one out of sixty nine
of all the firms or persons in business was
forced to suspend, and in 1873 one out of
sixty-four. But the failures in 1880 were on
ly one in 1853.
By comparison of the exchanges and other
indications, it is made certain that the vol
ume of business was more than twice as great
in 1880 as in either of the years 1866, 1867 or
1868, but the lowest amount of liabilities of
firms failing in those years was $50, 1888, 600,
in 1866. Hence it is evident that the ratio
of losses to volume of business transacted
must have been smaller in 1880, By at least
forty per cent. than in any other year since
the war. There is similar con elusive evil
dence that the ratio of losses to business done
was at least double that of 1880 in either of
the years 1s57-1S6l inclusive. In short, 1880
was evidently the most prosperous year in
the history of the country.
The number Of the firms or individuals re-
ported in business increased from 1879 to
1880 over $4,000, or 64 per cent, but the
number of failures decreased 1928, or nearly
80 per cent, and the amount of liabilities
49,, 397, 053, or over 80 per cent. It is an
important fact, too, that the average of liza
bilities of firms failing is lower in 1880 than
in any other recent year, showing that the
greater proportion of failures were of small
dealers. 1t is worth noticing as a proof of
the great prosperity at the West, that the IA
ito of failures to firms in business, the
amount of liabilities, aud the average of liza
bilites to each failure, are lower in that sec
ton than ever before
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

"A very pleasant social event occurred at
the residence of Wyman Flint, Esq, Wednes-
OF this week, in the marriage of his daughter
Anna Laura, to Frank A. Mitchell. The GER
emony was performed at the house at one
p. NJ. by Rev. @. Il. Ogden, and was followed
10y reception and entertainment that did
great credit to the hospitable host. About
200 invited guests were present, and it made
as merry marriage party as is often seen
here.
-Robertson, Moore 4 Co. started their new
paper mill for the FIRST time last Saturday.
Locke, Goodnow X Co., rumor says
have sold out their meat business.
One day last week after the heavy snow
storm, n. b. Lucia, o. L. Perham and Geo.
Underwood were at work shovelling the snow
from the Methodist church, when a large
portion of it slid of, carrying with it Messrs.
Lucia and Perham. The church is 30 feet
from the caves to the ground, so it made a
serious fall. Mr.. Lucia was not badly injured
but Mr.. Perham broke one ankle and was
otherwise bruised. Mr.. Underwood hung on
the edge Of the remaining snow until help
came and threw him rope by which he was
drawn back. 1t was so high building that
1t was narrow escape from a more serious
accident, even with the snow that was on the
ground.
The Methodist church main building is
to be used for the first time and dedicatory
services will be held next Sunday. It has
been almost entirely built over during the
past two years, and is now one of the finest
churches in town.
The Catholic fair of the North walpole
church, which has been in session in Union
hall three days this week, has proved sue
cess in all ways. 1t closed last evening
(Thursday.)
The little daughter of c. II. Chase lived
only six hours after the painful accident men
toned last week.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

With sadness We record the death of an
other Of our citizens-Mr Bartlett Kendall.
He was not considered dangerously sick until
last Saturday night, but died about O'Clock
Sunday morning. His age was ca. His fune-
raj was largely attended at the church on
Tuesday afternoon.
We have only three mails a week now.
Mr.. E. L. Bolster goes to Jamaica Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays, returning the same
day.
Our donation for the benefit of Rev. H.
+. Reynolds passed of pleasantly, the pro-
ceeds amounting to $50.
The following officers of Mountain Home
Grange were installed at the annual meeting,
Jan. 4 Harry Kendall, master; Harrison
Barber, overseer George Burbee, steward /;
Frank Hosley, assistant steward Mrs Ger
shom Taylor, lady assistant steward Kidder
Burbank, chaplain Jerry Emery, lecturer /;
@. K. Williams, secretary VIM. Coleman,
treasureri Victoria Benson, Ceres; Mrs.
Henry Wheeler, Pomona; Mrs. Germen Eddy,
Flora James Tufts, gate-keeper; Geo. Bur
bee, agent.
The Good Templars celebrated their sec.
ond anniversary on Monday evening, Jan. 10.
with essays, debate, and good time gene.
rally. Several new members have been taken
in recently.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

Mr.. and Mrs. J. @. Snow were visited Dy
about GO relatives and friends, Nov. ~ looo,
IL being the 2jth anniversary OF their mar
riage, and also the I'd anniversary OF the Dirtn
of their twin boys The afternoon ana even
ing we're spent in social conversation, ennVen-
ed by vocal and instrumental music ana
defamation by NJ. p. Howe. The tables
were bountifully laden with eatables, DOM
afternoon and evening, and 1t was universal
remark that esquire Boyd knows Just now 10
cook oysters" The presents amounted 70
$780, and included $50 from Mrs. H. u; MI
ner, a sister of Mr.. Snow $50 in silver from
other friends a nice dress pattern from MT
and Mrs. Edward Howe clothing etc, 10
the amount of SIS, from Mr.. and Mrs i. ID.
Miner; a silver butter-dish and knife from
Hon. Farley Starr Of Brattleboro, and many
other nice and useful articles. A spicy pre-
sentaton speech was made by Deacon II. l.
Turner, to which Mr.. Snow feelingly respond
ed. It was a truly social and friendly gath,
ering, and will be long remembered by all
present.
Between Eve and six o'clock Sunday eve
ming, d. s. Prouty's lighthouse, situated near
his steam MILL was discovered TO be ON hre.
Several men were soon on the ground, but all
attempts at saving the building or contents
were unsuccessful. The loss is estimated al
SIS.
BY order of the post-ofice department,
the stage is to run from West Dover to VIII
Evansville depot daily, thus giving us daily
mail. H.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

OF oRANaE oEYrcrRs.

INSTALLATION OF GRANGE OFFICERS.
The installation of officers Of Grafton
Grange took place at Grange hall on the eve
ming of Friday, 14th inst. Worthy Master
Whitney Of Golden Rule Grange acting as in
stalling officer. The weather was somewhat
Indictment, but Notwithstanding this goodly
number, including several members of Golden
Rule Grange were present, not allowing their
zeal to be cooled by wind or weather. As a
rule, patrons gatherings are well supplied with
eatables. This occasion was no exception
Most members Of the order appreciate good
music. In this they were fully gratifed. Mr.
Herbert Thompson of Cambridgeport presid-
ed at the organ, assisted by r. Thrasher and
John Leland upon other instruments At the
conclusion of the ceremony of installation the
young people took charge of affairs and as
sisted by the older ones had good time. A"
There was no discord in the exercises and in
real enjoyment this meeting was the equal of
any which had preceded it, Thsre will be a
public meeting in Grange hall in Grafton, on
Friday, Jan. %, at o'clock p. NJ An ad-
dress will be delivered by Col. A. b. Frank
lin, Master Of the Vermont State Grange.
Other speakers are expected to be present
Members of the order and citizens generally
are cordially invited to attend - Times.
Rev. Mr. Burwell of Cambrideeport
preached at the Baptist church last Sunday
In the absence of the pastor, Rev. A. n.
Woodruff.
Our new tax collector did a very pener.
GUS thing last week in circulating the tax bills
already receipted.
There is to be Baptist social Tuesday
evening Feb. LIST, in the town hall. Mrs O.
Q. Sherwin, Mrs. N. r. Davis and Miss Hat
tie Dean are committee of arrangements. Prep
arations are being made to have "a Sea of
Troubles" and "a Drop Too Much" perform
ed on that occasion.
"A sleigh-ride of ten couples of young
people came from Bellows Falls Friday. and
took supper at F. and H. Phelpss hotel.
The suit of Virgins VS.. Gallup was tried
Monday before Sidney Holmes, Esq, and a
verdict rendered for the plaintiff to recover
$l3.45 and costs.
The fine shedding of this winter has been
aetiyely used in taking pulp and FIRE wood 10
market. One farm in Houghtonyille has fur
nished nearly 500 cords.
Little Frank Harrington died last Satur-
DAY from the effect of his serious scald of two
weeks ago. Mr.. and Mrs. Harrington wish 10
express their gratitude to friends who so kind
~ assisted them in their affection.
--Mpleolm Baldwin sells his real estate and
personal effects at auction Feb LIST. O.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

THE OLDEST PERSON IN TOW

-Wranslow Holton is 80 years old and il
the Oldest person living in Dummerston. He
was born IN this town, Jan. 18th, 1888. At
that time there were only thirteen states in
the Union, and not as many people as now
live IN the state of New York George Wash.
ington had not then been chosen President
OF the United States, and did not begin his
first term of office as President till April 30
1883, when Mr. Holton was more than a wear
old. Thomas Holton, his grandfather. came
from Mortified, Mass, with his family. and
settled in this town previous to the begin
ming OF the Revolutionary war, as the rec
ords show he was chosen seleotman in the
spring OF l116. His first journey in quest of
new home was made by following up the
Connecticut river till he reached Canoe
Drook' now called Murder Hollow brook :"
tnence westerly about two miles from the
river Where he selected 100 acres of good
land Tor farm. The site of the first house
built on the farm is northeast of the present
buildings, east of the brook at the foot Of tbe
hill and north side of the highway. The land
is now owned by Willard Dodge. tbonob IL
was once part of the hundred acres settled
by Thomas Holton. His son, Arad Holton
married about the year 1777 and settled west
OF the brook, taking one-half the farm and
MS father keeping the other half OF fftv
acres, now called the "Orvis LOT. j" owned nv
MI Dodge. Arad Holton lived on the farTo
from the time of settlement till his death 4,
the S9th year of his age Wranslow. his son
was born in the old house that stood sbor,
distance north of the dwelling In which ~
now lives and which was built since his ~
mbrance. -Four generations of the HoI-
ION family now live in the same house. Tba
great grandfather is well cared for by bis
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

The text of the two treaties with the Chinese
government negotiated by Minister Angel
and his associates, Messrs. Swift and Prescott,
is given to the public. Stripped of diplomat
ic yerbiage, the treaties make the following
provisions; The United States may repu-
diate, limit or suspend immigration or resi-
dence of Chinese laborers in its territory, but
not prohibit the same, and such restrictions
shall be reasonable, and apply only TO this
class of Cinnamon, other classes being exempt
from interference. But all Chinese subjects,
including laborers now in the United States,
are to be allowed to go and come at pleasure,
and are to be put on the same plane with cit
liens and subjects of the most favored nation.
In case of ll-treatment of Chinese subjects
the United States is TO use its protecting arm
to the extent of its power. These provisions,
however, are not to take effect until supple
mented by Congressional legislation to be
considered by the Chinese government, and,
inferentialy, approved. Commercial inter-
course between the two nations is deemed Of
mutual advantage, and is to be so treated.
The importation of opium into China is to be
absolutely prohibited. Tonnage charges and
import and export duties are to be arranged
upon equitable principles, 80 that citizens
and subjects of both nations shall enjoy all
advantages in the ports of each that are ex-
tended to traders of other nRtionalities. In
all controversies between citizens of the re-
spective governments, the right of appear
ance is guaranteed to the authorized official
of the nationality claiming to have been in
jured, with the right to protest, and the law
of administration is to be that of the nation
whose officers try the case.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

The reports of the board of congressional
visitors to West Point were sent to Congress
on Monday. The chief point of interest is
the colored cadet question, a majority of the
board taking the Democratic ground that col
ored young men should not be educated at
the military academy. Senator Edmunds, in
his minority report, asserts that they should
be so educated, and that they can be If the
institution is properly administered He
says that thus far colored cadets have been
isolated and ostracised, kept in solitary con-
fnement in the midst of their associates, and
so treated as to naturally develop all the evil
in their natures. The senator believes that
the action of the authorities in regard to the
Whitaker outrage was entirely unjust. All
other cadets were let off on their word of
honor, but the word of the colored boy was
not taken-thus establishing one standard of
honor for white boys and another for colored
boys. Mr.. Edmunds proceeds to show that
Whitaker was placed in false position by
the constitution of the court of inquiry; that,
instead of having authority to investigate the
event and bring all the cadets before it ON an
equal footing, it was so constituted as to put
the colored boy, who had suffered the injury,
on a quasi trial. while all the rest went free.
Mr.. Edmunds sees no insurmountable obsta-
cles to the correction of existing evils in the
institution. He thinks this correction might
be accomplished by the wise influence and
example of the officers and instructors but,
if different state of things carlot be brought
about, it is matter to BE- serio isly considered
as to whether the institution ought not to be
abolished.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

Tuesday was a day of senatorial elections
The contest in New York was settled by the
election of Thomas @. Plat. Mr.. Plat be-
longs to the ''stalwart'' wing of the party, and
there will be no quarreling between him and
Mr.. Conkling. The Massachusetts legislature
reelected Senator Dawes. Gen. Butler, the
Democratic candidate, received Al votes in
the House and three in the Senate. The
Maine legislature elected Hon. Eugene Hale
to succeed Senator Hamlin. Gen. Hawley
was elected by the Connecticut Legislature.
Senator Bayard was reelected by the Delaware
legislature. Senator Baldwin, who was APP
pointed by the governor in November, 10, at
the death of Senator Chandler, was elected
by the Michigan legislature to complete the
term which expires March 4, next, and Con-
gresham Conger was elected for the long
term. John Sherman secretary Of the treas
ury, was elected by the Ohio legislature and
Gen. Ben. Harrison by the Indiana legisla-
ture. The Missouri legislature reelected SEN
ator Coekrell and the Minnesota Legislature
reelected Senator Mcmillan. In the Pennsyl-
yania legislature one ballot was taken without
result, and there is no indication as to what
will be the end of the contest between the
Grow and Oliver men.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

According to Ayers almanac, Mars visit
ed Sagittarius week ago Sunday. If he tried
his skill at archery, we hope he had antipathy
against crabs, so that we may find less
number of them the next time we eat oysters.
Last Sunday, Jupiter went fishing. We
hope he didn't catch many, for two reasons.
First, because it was Sunday next, because
we wish for fish peddler TO come along.
Next Sunday, Saturn tries his hand at fishing,
and, In the language Of Pat, Faith and be
jabers, we hope the same luck to yees." 1t
Is said certain tribe of Indians believe that
when it rains there is poor, sick Indian up
In heaven, weeping. Wish one might feel
called upon to weep a little just now.
W: d. Harris of Deerfeld Mass, was in
town this week.
Mrs. S. W. Howard has returned home
from Massachusetts,, having been absent a
year,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

The commissioners to arrange for an in
tornRtional exposition of the arts and indus
tries of the world to be held in New York in
1888, last Tuesday elected Gen. Grant to the
presidency of the undertaking, and his &C
ceptance of the Office was promptly an
nounced. The appointment is wise one in
more ways than one. The name of the ex-
President will be of great help to the fair
abroad, and his acquaintance in foreign lands
will enable him to serve the commission as
no other American could do. Nor will Gen.
Grant be content to hold the Office as a sine
cure. He will put into it the energy and in
tensity of his character and do all in his pow
er to secure success. 1t is said that the
finance committee has already the 81, 900, 900
which is necessary to enable the commission
to avail itself of the benefits of the act of
Congress constituting it, and it is intended,
in addition to this amount, to raise SO, OOO,-
600 and to make no call on the general gov
eminent for an appropriation, whether as a
loan or otherwise. The outlook for the un-
dertaking is regarded as encouraging, and it
may be looked forward to with reasonable
confidence as among the approaching events
of 1888.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21

DIR. Ray, our rising young physician, is
in Massachusetts, for a short time.
The firm of Barnes q Young have dis
solved partnership in the meat business and
Mr.. Young will continue the business the
coming summer.
Mr.. Castle has just shipped his eighth car
load of poplar wood to parties in Massachu-
sets, and will ship as many more.
Since the opening of the Brattleboro d
Whitehall railroad the stage business has
been discontinued twice. and then continued.
and now it has been discontinued to Winhall
and George Waite the contractor has en-
ployed a man to bring the mail here and re-
turn, and he will run his stage no more.
The popular drama entitled Turn of the
Tide, or Wrecked il Port" was presented at
our ''opera hall" on Thursday evening Jan
uary 10, to a full house. Excellent music
was furnished for the occasion by Vale &
Parkers quadrille band of Londonderry. 1t
would hardly be proper to particularize when
all did so well, but We may say with proprie-
ty, however, that all the ladies did very fine
ly, especially Misses Lottie Reed, Minnie
johnson, and Mrs Kellogg. And among
the gentlemen, F. L. Sprague, C. W. Ray,
W. H. Holton and Philetus Kellogg might
be mentioned as carrying ont their parts fine
ly. After the play pleasing farce entitled
euu1 4AhCo o DOg was prOuuceu, WHICH
was heartily received. The entertainment
closed with a social dance in which nearly
80 couples participated. The club takes
this opportunity of thanking the public for
their liberal patronage.
John Howard will open a writing class
for the benefit of his school-mates at the
school-room on Monday evening
Della, daughter of H. j. Sage is pro-
nouneed dangerously i'll with scarlet fever.
In regard to the distllery found nearly
three years since, near the residence OF Isaac
Pike, in the seventh-day district, by United
States Deputy Marshall Sprague, Is of our
citizens were summoned on the case at Rut-
land last Wednesday.
The entertainment given last Friday eve
ming by Miss Alice Brown and Principal
Boynton at our Opera hall" was largely at
tended. Mr.. Boynton's remarks were inter-
esting and instructive and the readings by
Miss Brown were very fine.
Daniel Lyon, a much respected citizen
having sold his farm at West Jamaica to
Alonzo Olough, will soon remove his family
to New York city, where he will go into bus
mess. The community regret TO lose so act
i've and enterprising man just as we begin
to appreciate the benefits and convenience of
railroad.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-21
Local Intelligence.


Nearly the whole Of our subscription list has now
been put in type, and in mailing the papers each week
the name Of each subscriber is printed bis paper.
The date opposite the name shows TO what time the
paper paid. BY this means every subscriber knows
at glance how his account stands. when payments
are made the figures are changed, aud this change is
receipt for the money sent when remittances are
made subscribers should observe whether the figures
on their papers changed on the following week.
II the date is not changed within two weeks, notice
should be sent us by postal card that the may
be corrected.