davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The recently published reports OF the state
listers of railroad property have given rise to
many criticisms. 1t is charged that the ma
jority report, because of the low rate Of val
uation, is necessarily erroneous, and the mi
nority, because of the high rate, is both con-
demned aud praised. The law creating this
board makes It encumbent upon them to val
NC the road-bed as other property is valued,
and then determine the value Of the road-bed
only. They can consider what it would sell
for, what they would appraise it for If attach
ed on debt, its location, etc., but in our view
of the law they are not authorized to consid-
er the earnings of the road for the purposes
of taxation, any more than can town listers
determine tho value of farm by what II
earns, horse and wagon by what it earns,
or house by what it rents. The minority
report goes entirely outside of the law and
fixes the value upon estimated receipts cred
iting one-half to the rolling-stock and the re-
mainder TO the road-bed saying nothing
about the law which permits personal prop
erty to be set off on account of debts owing,
while everybody knows that Vermont rail-
roads are in debt clear up to their ears. Mel
Their is reference made to the depots and
yards which are taxed in each town separate
ly, and without which q road could not do
business. The erroneous ideas prevailing
upon this subject are thus brought into re-
lief, for if the views of Dwinell of the mi
nority had prevailed with the entire board
not dollar of taxes could have been collect
ed, but all the railroads of this state would
have escaped paying dollar of taxes. We
do not think that Dwinell intended to play
into the hands of any set of men, but bis lille
gal course reveals the necessity for tho taxa
ton of all corporations by the state for state
purposes, and if the result of his course is to
hasten SO good an object it will have its value.
Formerly our savings banks escaped with
slight taxation. Now the state collects from
them about $4,000 annually, while our New
Hampshire neighbors get upwards of $500,
900, and Massachusetts,, since the enactment
of similar law in 1865, has collected nearly
500, 100000. Many states pay their entire
running expenses by tax on tho earnings OF
corporations. There are enough in this state,
If taxed according to the laws of Massachu.
sets, Pennsylvania, and other states, to pay
all of our expenses and leave local property
to be taxed for local purposes. There was @
bill introduced into the last legislature for
this purpose, but it failed to become law.
Wethinkit would receive fairer treatment now,
and with the experience of the last two years
before us, we ought to be able to get oul
taxes from those who are best able to pay
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The reception by Mr.. and Mrs. Oscar
Stevens at Mrs. Fanny Stevenss on the 18th
inst, was very happy aud enjoyable occa-
zion. Relatives, friends and neighbors to
the number of ninety or more, met to con-
graduate Mr.. and Mrs. Stevens on their re-
cent marriage and the bright prospects be-
fore them. Elegant, useful, and appropriate
presents to the value of 800 or more were
presented to the groom and bride.
The Union church, newly slated last fall
is being painted inside and out.
The bridge on Lower Salmon Brook, 4"
near the centre of the town, is being rebuilt
with railroad irou rails for stringers, covering
with large tagging stones from to inches
thick, from the quarry Of Tyler L. johnson,
where there is enough TO cover all the bridges
in the county. The stones are to be covered
with gravel.
Daniel Prescott has his bone pulverizer
in full operation at A. Whithed's mill
The ladies' circle will meet with Mrs. ].
E. Franklin next Wednesday afternoon.
Next Sunday at 2:3O P NJ, Rev. E. W.
Whitney will preach in Whithed's hall. All
are invited.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

One of the most brilliant and successful
events of its kind which ever took place in
Washington appears to have been the ladies'
reception and tea-party lately held in the ro-
tunda of the Capitol in aid of the Garfield
memorial hospital The vast space beneath
the dome was transformed into a scene of
rare beauty and attractiveness, and through
out the entire evening continuous stream of
humanity poured through the rotunda the
most distinguished people in civil, military,
naval and social life being present. The
President was in attendance for as long O
time as his official duties would permit, and
Cabinet members, Senators, Representatives,
Judges of the Supreme Court and Foreign
Ministers helped to swell the throng. The
several states had sales tables, either separate
ly or conformity, and these were arranged in
the most beautiful and elaborate manner.
The Vermont and New Hampshire table was
noticeable for its floral ornaments, having a
column supporting the centre of an arch
composed of white and purple lilaes. The
ladies In charge here were Mrs. Senator
Blair, Mrs. ]. NJ. Tyler, Mrs. Ray, Mrs. Tul-
lock, Mrs Hall, Miss Swami, and others. The
sales at this table we're only exceeded by
those at the New York table. 1t is estimated
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19
MINOR NOTES.

Gen. Grant has promised Gen. w. W.
Henry to be at the reunion at Burlington the
Sd and 4th of July, and later in the season is
going to the White Mountains, accompanied
by Mrs. Grant
Col Hooker was made a Past Grand Die
tator of the Knights of Honor for Vermont at
the session of the Supreme Lodge, at Balti-
more.
The Senate has passed the Davis bill for
the relief of the Supreme Court by the estab-
lishment of court of appeals in each of the
nine judicial circuits of the United States
The Garfield home for consumptives at
Brooklyn is, we believe, the first of the me-
MORALS of the President to get into working
order. This home has been opened, and has
ID inmates, whose needs are tenderly met
The bill enlarging the scope of the Depart
ment of Agriculture, which passed the House
of Representatives withoutserious opposition,
is said to be doomed to a long slumber on the
files of the Senate. The Senators are averse
to creating new department whose head
might become member of the Presidents
Cabinet.
Reports from various points along the low
or Connecticut valley show that the farmers
are busy with their planting but are a good
deal behind hand on account of the cold
weather and the recent rains. more liberal
use than usual of commercial fertilizers is re-
ported. The amount of land planted with
coru will not, probably, fall behind that of
other years, while the acreage of tobacco will
equal, if not exceed, the average of former
years.
The judicial career of Judge Westbrook Of
New York is being investigated and one of
the charges against him is thai he was paid
$4,000 by Judge Hilton or his attorney to in
auence his decision in the substitution of one
Ira Shafer for y. F. Kneeland as an attorney in
the case of Alexander Stewart of Proetors-
vile, this state, and who, it will be remem-
bered, contested A. T. Stewards will. claim.
ing TO be his cousin
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

Tho Congregational Sunday schoolbas made choice
ant; Hattie Fales, clerk and treasurer.
Miss Anna, daughter Of Rev. Moses Wells, for
minister 10 this town, Is visiting friends here.
She has been a teacher in South Africa for several
years. aud expects to return TO that country in June
Potatoes are retailing here for f.25, the highest
price ever heard Of 10 these parts il is hoped our
farmers will plant enough for good crop this season.
We have read with interes, the articles In your
paper in regard TO the proposed railroadfrom Brae
boro 10 Wilmington. We hope the people along the
contemplated route will keep up the interest, aud not
be satisfied till they hear the shr whistle echoing
among the hills Of their respective towns. II would
increase their population and keep the young men
men and women from deserting their old homes. II
would double the value Of their farms in many cases
Where the farmers have TO carry their produce 70
MARKET railroad would bring the markemen 10 their
very doors with the cash to pay for their products
Where wood the stump is not worth cent now, II
Il would be worth So or more with railroad. There
thousands Of acres Of heAvily-wooded land about
the foot Of the Green mountains that will never be OF
much account without railroad, but with one the
wood and timber will be better than gold mine. P.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19
TIE NEWS IN RRIEF.

--E1-Gov. G. C. washburn of Wisconsin died at Eu.
Eeka Springs, Ark, last week.
Within few days there have been received at New
York. from Europe, number Of packages Of electri-
city secured in strong vessels, not only for in
lighting the ship on the voyage but to apply to any
purpose in the way motive power where the volume
Of force required is not too great.
Nearly 1000 immigrants, tWo-thirds Of them Ger
mans, landed at New York on Monday. For the week
ending last Saturday the number was greater than
ever before known in single week.
The peach crop has been ruined more than usual
this year but the very latest report from Delaware ID
that 1t is all right and the trouble now is that the
able.
On Sunday night pleasure yacht went out from
!ll.I on Lake Calumet during severesorm,
Win eight persons on board The boat capszed about
half mile from shore, and all were drowned.
"A BOY was hit In the head by ball while playing
pau az boston last week Thursday and instantly kill
ed. The sad affair was purely accidental.
A shocking affair occurred at WilliamstowD Mass,
sunday when James Noble inflicted probably fatal In.
nrieg upon his sister, the wife OF Representative and
Dr.. Chas. ID. Belden. Noble, who is powerful man,
was left in bed for moment by his nurse. With a
madmans cunning he watched until the attendant was
gone, and then sprang up, seized a club, and went
about the house smashing the windows 1t is said
that Noble became suddenly insane last week. Two
enldren OF Dr. and Mrs Belden were playing in the
yard and the maniac ran toward them. Mr.. Belden
caught up one OF the children and his wife the other
and Noble made most savage assault on the mother
ne struck her upon the head with the club 81 as to
fracture her skull, broke her arm with another blow
aud bruised her shockingly before her husband coul
come 70 the rescue. Mrs Beden saved her child, but
sue mas oeen unconscious since the terrible affair and
fatal result is feared.
-orrin Fuller, brakeman on a New London North
head striking bridge.
Gen. Grant and President Arthur will take mart I'm
the Decoration-day services at New York.
Lieut.. Danenhower and three other survivors of
inc Jeanette expedition arrived at liverpool
DAY night, and sailed for New York on Thursday.
The frost in Northern Mississippi on Tuesday
hignt was severe enough to do considerable damage
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

A quite serious accident occurred Thurs
day morning Of last week. As Mr.. VIM. Har-
ris was driving near the buildings on the
Mack farm, his horse suddenly became fright
ened and overturned the buggy, throwing
Mr.. Harris upon his head and shoulders and
dislocating one Of the latter. Fortunately as
sstanoe was near, and as soon as the horse
was secured Mr.. Harris was conveyed to his
home. where he was obliged TO suffer with
the dislooation until late in the evening, for
medical assistance could not be obtained UNI
iii that time as DIR. Aver was away and those
telegraphed for at Chester could not come.
When DIR. Aver arrived however, he, with
the assistance Of Dr. Bixby, administered
ether and put the shoulder in place. The pa
tient was soon doing well.
On Thursday and Friday of last week
winter seemed 10 have returned, snow storms
prevailed and snow fell number Of inches
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

Hartley Hale has far recovered from his recent
illness 10 be removed to his house purchased
Of o. 4. Smith, which be will occupy with his father
Sumner Hale.
Mrs. Newell has returned 10 town after alb
Bence Of six months.
The Bernardston paper, called Helping Hand, pub
ished by Rev. Mr.. Ross, is gaining an extended crcu
latOn.
John s. States new house is fast approaching com
petion.
Pneumonia and hard colds are prevalent
The ladies' circle Of the Methodist church had
pleasant gathering Tuesday at the house Of Reuben
on wednesday at the parsonage. The Baptists have
recently organized society, With Mrs. Worthington
as president.
Baxter p. Barrows has just completed large new
barn upon his farm lately purchased. His friendi
from Vernon, Mortified and BernardstOn, 10 the
number Of about 800, unceremOniOusly called upon
him, Tuesday evening, congratulated him upon his
enterprise and spent short time in social enjoyment
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The telegraph Office will DO moved to
E. L. Walkers store.
The operators on the Green Mountain
telegraph limo met at Phelpss hotel on Tues
day.
Mr. Geo. M. Barrett, who has recently
sold his store, is II years old, and had been
In business in this town over so years.
"A. M. Wright, recently tuner at Estey's
organ works in Brattleboro, is now employed
IN the tuning department OF the Emerson
piano company, Boston.
Ed. L. Walker has bought G. NJ. Bar
retts stock of goods and rented his store,
where he will keep a general assortment of
goods Mr.. Walker is a worthy young man,
has had about three years experience in the
mercantile business, and his many friends
will wish him success in his new undertaking.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19
The Proposed New Railroad.

In communication which we publish this
week, Mr.. Edward Crosby makes a strong and
full statement of the case relative to the pro-
posed railroad to Nottingham and Whining
ton. In calling attention to the article, we
desire also to remind the friends of the enter
prise of the mass meeting to be held at Sa-
dawga next Tuesday, when it is hoped some
decisive steps may be taken. There should
be full attendance from all the interested
towns, and it is much to be hoped that ar
rangements will be made to have the meeting
open at one o'clock p. M, SO as to permit peo-
pie from the more distant towns, including
Brattleboro, to start for home at seasonable
hOur
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The snow has disappeared once more, but
the spring is cold and backward.
Merchants are home from market, and
are making display of full line of season.
able goods. Trade lively.
--Messrs. Morse & Eddy have completed
their job for the season. They have worked
up nearly 80, 900 feet of second growth ash
lumber into shafts and stock for baby car
riages, ETC.
Mr.. LOOMS and Mrs Jonas Dix have
been suffering with pneumonia the past week.
and NJ. Howe from fever.
The Sunday school Of the Congregational
church have organized and chosen the follow
ing officers for the year ensuing F. r. Smith,
superintendent P. G. Hubbard assistant
sup'ti N. M. Spencer, secretary and treasurer,
II. f. Barber, musical director Miss Katie
Dix assistant and organist.
%. II. JONES' son of Frank Jones of West
Dover has begun his year of olerkship for o.
o. Ware.
Charley Davidson and family of BROOKLYN.
N. Y, are here to spend the summer. They
are stopping at the home of the father of Mrs.
Davidson, S. B. Barnard.
Mrs. Hannah Harlan and Mrs Ella Win
chester, former residents of this place, have
come back 10 reside.
Frank stearns of Brooklyn, N. Y, is in
town on a visit
Railroad meeting at sadawga next Tues
day, May 23d.
Rev. II. r. Titus held a reception OF his
rooms on Wednesday evening, May 18th. It
was very enjoyable occasion, both old and
young participating TO the number of co or
more. Cake, ice cream and lemonade were
the order of the evening, Those present were
entertained by select reading by the pastor
and also by singing and instrumental music
The pastor isworking hard for the interests of
his people and winning his way to their con-
hdenee. May he be blessed with the reward
he wishes.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19
Deaths.

In Brattleboro 18th, Margaret NJ, wife of Frank
Adams, "a.
In West Brattleboro, 18th, Mrs. Benson Jones, 81.
In Horthhed, Mass, 18th, James s. Piokard. Fune'
raj BaluF day At p. n.
In Halifax, 18th, Olark Warren, TO-
In Jewett City, Conn, 18th, Ivory soule 80. ma
tive OF Hinsdale, N. H.
In Toledo, o. March "a, Mrs Edison Allen, rs.
Mass. papers please copy.
In Townshend, 9Th, James Franklin, SO. MayIOth,
Capt. Sharon Gray. ga
In Rawsonville, 9th Carrie j. Ray g. NAY IS HaT.
lie ID. LAndman, g.
In =. Dover, 9Th, Mrs. Mary A johnson, 90.
In Bellows Falls, 18th, Sanford Granger, so.
In CarabridgepOrt, nth, Jacob McQuaide.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

E. O. Skinner and T.. Ballard have com
menoed building houses ON Waterst.
-Wardwell & Flint's new engine arrived
last Friday, and the first fire was started in it
at $3.50 P. NJ, Monday. One log was sawed
that night, and 20 the next quick start
for a new mill.
The G. A. r. post have secured the SER
vices Of the Londonderry cornet band for Dec
Grafton day, and expect to have an address
from L. NJ. Read, Esq. A detail from the
post viii decorate the graves in Rawsonvillo
and the river district in the forenoon. The
line will form for services at the village at 2
O'Clock p. NJ, at the town hall. All old sol
diers are invited TO march with the post, and
all citizens to Join in the procession Contri-
buttons Of flowers are solicited.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The regular May term of the United States
Circuit and District courts opened at Wind
sor Tuesday afternoon, Mr.. Justice Batch-
ford of the United States Supreme Court and
Judge Wheeler of the District court presid-
ing. The case of Shurtleff vs. Stevens, suit
for libel was continued, on application of the
plaintiff. In the railroad case of f. A. Brooks
and others against the Vermont Central rail-
road company and others, after protracted
consideration a continuance to October was
granted. The hearing of the case of the
Steam Stone Cutter company vs.. Jones, Lam
son & Co., commenced Wednesday forenoon
Hon. j. L. Martin, Phineas Chamberlain and
Edward w. Bisbee have been admitted as at
torneys of the Circuit court.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

-Abbie M. Whitman teaches the village
school which began Monday, May LIST.
David Miller has completed the black
smith shop and tool house at the mountain
bred feet long.
Jerry Dodge has bought a timber lot in
Townshend and intends moving there the
first of June.
The cold storm Of last week proved fatal
to some of the shoared sheep in this vicinity.
William d. Aiken is building barn.
Those wishing to have their boots or shoes
mended can do so by calling on Peter Abbott
in Chas. Miners house.
William Coombs has moved into his new
house. r.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The Burlington Clipper copies our para
graph of last week on this subject and adds
this endorsement:
with clear conscience we can endorse
Col. Fuller for the position suggested. A state
ticket: John L. Barstow and Levi X. Fuller,
with Dubois for treasurer, would be one that
would receive the endorsement of the reason
able men of Vermont. The office of lieuten-
ant governor should be filled by gentleman
who has the confidence of the people, and
who, should he be called upon to discharge
the duties of chief executive, could assume
those duties untrammeled, and be in every
way worthy and qualified for the position,
and such man we take Col Fuller to be-"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The Boston Collectorship agony is over
On Monday Col. Roland Worthington, editor
of the Boston Traveller, was confirmed by a
vote of the Senate in executive session of 3s
to Il. Senators Hoar and Dawes of Massa-
chusetts opposed the confirmation, but with
out avail. The New York Times has this
pertinent comment:
''It will be observed that the courtesy of
the Senate for which Mr.. Conkling suffered
martyrdom and which Vice President Arthur
struggled hard to vindicRte, has received ia
tai blow at the hands of President Arthur
Senators Hoar and Dawes have been treated
with as scant consideration as were Messrs
Conkling and Plat, and for somewhat similar
reasons. But they are not likely to repeat the
blunder of the New York Senators, even if
the old defenders of the right of the repre-
sentatives of a state to dictate who shall hold
its Federal offices have given that fiction its
finishing stroke"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

jacob McQuaide, one of our oldest cti.
zens, died May II, after long Illness
The Sunday school was reorganized last
Sunday, when the following officers were
chosen Superintendent, Rev. W. r. Day.
enport assistant, Deacon Z. II. Howard ;
treasurer, Mrs. r. b. Thrasher.
Rev. Mr. Davenport preached his first
sermon since conference last Sunday. The
previous Sunday he was sick. and his pulpit
was supplied by Rev. o. Il. Edwards.
There was a school-meeting last Tuesday
to see if the district would vote TO raise mon.
ey to pay the Indebtedness incurred in the
school rebellion. tax of ten cents on the
dollar was voted
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

The Concord, Mass, Summer School of
Philosophy will meet this year. from July II
to August II. The leading lecturers will be
Prof. Wan. T.. Harris, A. Bronson Alcott,
Rev. DR.. Bartol, President Porter, President
Seelye, Miss Peabody, Mrs. Howe, Mrs.
Cheney, and others of corresponding note.
rival institution, the Summer School of
Christian Philosophy" projected by Rev. DIR.
Deems, has grown to considerable proper
tons in q very short time and will hold a ses-
sion of two weeks, which promises to be full
of interest, at Greenwood lake, near New
York in July.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

Some attention, it would seem, was paid to
cosmetics in the fourteenth century. Here's
genuine recipe of that date: "For to make
a woman's neke white and softe tax fresh
swynes grees molten, and hennes grees and
the white of egges half rosted, and do there
to little popyl mele, enoynt hir Herewith
Ofte."
In Norway woodpeekers damage telegraph
poles by boring through them, supposing
that the humming sound produced by the
wires is caused by insects upon which they
feed. Bears also remove the supports OF the
poles, instinct leading them to suspect that
the humming is produced by wild bees and
that the poles contain honey. Instinct, like
reason, is not infallible.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

Now that the Chinese prohibition bill has
become q law, there arises the question wheth-
er it will really prohibit. British and Mexican
seaports on the Pacific coast are still open to
Chinese immigrants. Once landed on Amer
lean shores, it will not be difficult thing for
them to Cross the border but should they re-
main in British Columbia or Mexico they will
still be able to compete with American labor
in many departments almost as successfully
as though in California or Oregon. There
are many difficulties in the way of enforcing
the law How to get rid of "Chinese cheap
labor" appears to be yet an unsolved prob
lem
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-05-19

7" - VIZ I11I7I ''"0VII11I"I1'I
After long trial of the town system of
schools, and its voluntary adoption by large
majority of the towns of the state Massachu-
sets has during the past week abolished the
district system and made the town system OBJ
ligatory throughout the commonwealth. There
il no doubt that the town system is gaining
in popular favor in Vermont, and during the
next ten years we look for its very general
voluntary adoption, if not, indeed, for the
abolition by legislative enactment of the dis
trict system. Under the narrowing tenden-
cies of the latter system, it is as impossible
for our public schools to grow and flourish as
for an acorn planted in flower-pot to become
O sturdy oak