davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

LIGHT AHEAD.-The triumph of the re.
form element in the Philadelphia election
last week is very significant. 1t is warn
ing to all rings, bosses and machines that
there is point beyond which they cannot
go with immunity. They must keep at
least within decent bounds. Last fall there
were $4,000 independent votes cast in the
state of Pennsylvania because that number
of republican electors were unwilling TO be
annually snubbed by the " machine" mas
ter Of the state. And now over 10000
independent votes were cast in the single
city of Philadelphia because the people
thought it was high time that the "ring "
thieves were superseded by honest men.
From all of which the inference is legiti-
mate that party ties are not as strong as
they used to be, and that political leaders
must handle their forces decently or the
rank and file will turn and rend them.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

FRAUDS ExPosED.-The inquiry of the
senate relative to the general nature of the
frauds perpetrated upon the pension bureau
is answered by report of Commissioner
Dudley, which shows that since July /,
1876, there have been investigated 9,6OS
cases, out of which the names of 2,1SS pen
sioners were dropped from the rolls and
1875 pending claims were rejected. There
grew out Of these Investigations 5Sl Grim
inal prosecutions, which resulted in 206 in
dictments and 1850 convictions. In this pc.
riod 295 attorneys were suspended from prac-
tice before the department, "a debarred, ll3
disbarred and 1850 dropped. Taking up 500
cases in which the evidence OF fraud seemed
strongest, 232 being cases of invalids and
26S of widows or dependent relatives, it is
shown that in these cases 1888 false aifida-
Wits were made by civilians, 1852 by com.
rades and $50 by officers. In these cases
there were ll3 forgeries.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

THE decision of the supreme court of this
state which protects the streams against the
OF mill owners has attracted wide attention
and received hearty commentator from pa
pers like the New York Herald and Boston
advertiser. The streams of the state are
its arteries and the laws should defend them
from contamination, not alone for the benefit
of owners of property along their banks but
for the broader and higher rights OF health.
Sawdust is by no means the only noxious
substance cast into the streams. The con-
tents of tannery watts not only befoul the
waters but poison the fishes which inhabit
them. 1t is not necessary to explain what
happens when the liquor which has served
the purpose of the tanner is discharged into
brook or river. Any one who has seen the
dead fish floating by knows why the streams
below tanneries become quickly depopulated.
A supreme court decision abating this abuse
of the water ways would be hailed with
delight.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

AFTER quoting the WATcHMAN of last
week on the course of Messrs. Tyler and
Joyce on the apportionment bill, the St. AL
bans Messenger asks, " Does the Watchmdn
mean that the way for congressman to get
reelection in Vermont is not to act as
statesman 2" From the fact that Charles
Fl. Joyce has had two reflections, it would
seem so, although that is not precisely the
point we tried to make. There is differ
ence of opinion as to whether small or large
legislative bodies are desirable; but as a
matter of good policy it would seem that,
when it was inevitable that the Vermont del
egation would be reduced to two members,
our congressman should try to make the
whole number of members as small as pos
sible, and so increase the relative proper
ton of Vermont. But Mr.. Joyce, in a
speech which out-pogramed Elijah Pogram
in his palmiest days-so full of fap-doodle
was it-advocated the initiation of the house
to three hundred sixty-fve members,-a
measure which would not hold water a min
ute. If the Messenger desires such men in
congress it may as well pull off its coat and
work for Joyce, as he will hereafter be in
that district, but he will be found veri.
table old man of the sea-"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

BRADFoRD.-A social assembly will be held
at the Trotter House hall on Wednesday even
ing March LIST Music by Whitcomb's or
chestra.. e.. II. p. Wheatley, who has recently
been in company with DR.. ]. IL Jones of this
place, has dissolved partnership with Jones and
has gone to Pennington, New Hampshire, where
he will continue to practice medicine. -. The
sociable held by the NJ. L. church at Mr. George
Gafield's was attended by good company
there being present about one hundred and fifty
persons The exercises were recitations, tableaux
declarations, and comb band. -. Mr.. Prescott
Davis left on Monday morning for Grand Forks
Dakota, where he has decided to locate. Il. A.
Toby, of Warren, New Hampshire, formerly OF
this place, was in town on Tuesday last, having
been called In council with DIR. Abbott :. Miss
Laura Farnham OF Boston is stopping a few weeks
with Governor Farnham.. The select reading
at the village hall by A. p. Parker member OF
the senior class Of Dartmouth college, given I'M
der the auspices of the Reform Club, was attended
by a large audience. Mr.. Parker is a very fine
reader, indeed he is fully equal to one half the
professional readers, although he is only an
amateur. j. b. Hays two coops OF Hamburgs
took first premium at the Passumpsic Valley
Poultry Associations exhibition held at St. Johns
bury last week.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01
Orange County.

The Good Templars Of Orange county convened
at this place on Thursday the 23d Of February,
for basket picnic reunion, which proved to be
very interesting and enjoyable occasion not
only for the members Of the order but for all
those who awaited themselves of the privilege of
attending the public exercises Of the afternoon
and evening. The exercises of the afternoon
commenced by singing followed by prayer offered
by Rev. Mr.. Bartlett Of Barre, after which there
was recitation by Miss May Rice OF Brookfield
and an essay by Miss Minnie Ripley of West
Randolph both very excellent. The address Of
the afternoon was delivered by Rev. Mr.. Bartlett.
lie faithfully portrayed intemperance as the giant
Of evils, not only In its immediate consequences
upon the drunkard himself, but in being the
fruitful cause OF so large a per cent of crimes
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

STRAFFoRD-The school in District No. o closed
Friday, Truman o, Harlow teacher. Julia Il.
Scribner, Cora Il. Adams and David g. Adams
were not absent day during the term. Julia f.
Scribner did not have a mark during the term.
It was her sixth term, and not mark and had
a mile to go. Lizzie 4, Chapman, eldest daugh-
ter OF b. +. Chapman, was badly seaded with
boiling water this week while her mother wa
washing, but is now doing well. -. Lewis Hall
was badly hurt in the left eye while drawing
logs, coming In contact with the binder, but Is
convalescent now. David p. Benson Is very
low in the last stages OF Brights disease of the
kidneys. -. DR.. b ID. Bckford has moved to
West Hartford and gone into practice there.
There have been two accidents at the mines on
Copperas Hill the last week-Mr. Scott Clough
by a premature explosion, and Mr. John Hazelton
by falling debris from overhead. Mr. Clough is
out again, but 1t is thought Mr.. Hazelton is in
jured for life Justin Slack is about to move
from Ely 10 Royal A. Hatch's Baldwin place for
one year.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

Mr. Editor Il wish to emphasize a remark
that you made editorially two weeks ago: The
selection of town superintendent OF schools is
duty, the gravity OF whose Importance is not ap-
preciated, or, II appreciated, is not needed"
Without question this is the most important Of
flee to be filled at our March meeting. 1t means
something more than dollars and cents. And yet
but little attention is given to this Office Any old
fogy or young school boy who is anxious for some
recognition in politics is pacifed by an election
to the office OF superintendent. This is all wrong.
The very best material in town should be utilized
here. There are persons in every town well quail
flied to exercise careful supervision Of our
schools. The last legislature passed law allow
ing women to be elected and hold the office OF
superintendent and some OF our best qualified
and wideawake supervisors are women As
women have more time than men to visit schools
and keep themselves posted in educational mat
tiers, are not as likely to be influenced by political
considerations, and as a rule are much keener in
detecting frauds, it would be well for our schools
IL more of them were superintendent. There are
enough suitable persons to act rs superintendents,
but they do not care enough for the office to curry
favor for votes, to work for the place, and 80 we
get what we do. II those interested In the well
fare Of our schools would only make an effort,
would insist upon the best qualified person in
town being elected to the office, we should soon
see our schools lifted to higher plane. Gentlemen,
voters in Vermont, are you not willing to make
an effort next Tuesday to do this II you have
good wide-awake superintendent already, retain
him; II not, insist upon change. L. L.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

POSTAL SAVINGS BANKs.--It seems that
the plan now before congress, providing for
savings repositories in connection with the
post-ofice, originated with Hon. George b.
Burrows, leading state senator in Wisoon-
sin, and sonin-law of the late Hon. Daniel
p. Thompson of Montpelier. After receiv-
ing the endorsement OF both President Ar
thur and Unconstitutional James, the
measure was sanctioned by the house COM
mittee on postoffices, and bill reported TO
carry it into effect. A very able speech,
covering the whole ground, was lately de-
livered by Senator Burrows, from which we
desired to make liberal extracts, but the eu-
logy of Senator Blaine has prevented.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

BULLS AND BEARs.-Roscoe Conkling
and james G. Blaine have long stood before
the American people as the incarnation of
intense personal politics. Each is a volcano
of political rivalries and animosities, and
their eruptions have disturbed the nation
more or less for many years. Each has bat
tied for political preferment, and personal
ambition has not always been held in sub
lection to the public veal. Each has pushed
his personal ambitions before the people,
and each, in the course of his later expert
ence, might truthfully echo the sentiment OF
Woolseys remorseful reflection,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01
Had but served my God with half the zeal
served my king, he would not in mine age

Each has had his day, and the people have
passed upon their claims for preferment. Let
them retire from the lists and make way
for new men, whose appearance in the polit-
ical arena is not like flaming banner
Haunted in the face of mad bull. The
times are peaceful. On no public question
in congress have party lines been stretched,
and all the elements of partisan discord
should be consigned with southern bour-
bonism to a common political limbo. They
are out of harmony with the new era which
is coming in to replace the old reign of war,
hate and sectionalism.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

INDICATING PREFERENcEs.-Any person
who has read the little organs" in this
state during the past few weeks will see the
force OF the following from the Springfield
Republican:
"When the little organs in remote parts Of the
state begin TO bob up, one after another, and go
through the performan % which they call "ndi-
eating preference for this man, 1t looks as IL
some strings were being pulled, and, when an APP
proving smile Is seen to go around among the
political high priests the belief is warranted that
Candidate Barstow Is being led over the secret
and not always straight course travelled by most
successful candidates before him. Furthermore,
we have 1t upon excellent authority that Barstow
candidacy WAS decided upon and the next gov
five months ago. and that T. W Park before that
made secret canvass for himself, and only
abandoned 1t when he found that Smith could not
be got TO favor him."
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

Recommendation G. Williams, who has been
clerking for L. T. Jacobs for the two years past,
leaves next month for Minneapolis, MINI. where
he finds employment In s |. Towers boot and
shoe store DR.. t. A. Greene has recovered
from his bruises that he is out visiting patients
..As s. @. Norton OF Huntington was coming
down Bryant hill last Monday with a load Of
cheese, the neckyoke 10 his wagon broke, letting
the load upon his horses. He succeeded in stop
ping them, however, without injury 10 himself
or team. :. Farmers faces were exceedingly
broad, Monday, and inquiry regarding 1t ELECTED
the fact that butter at the market was bringing
from forty TO forty-two cents per pound. The
pleasant days have caused what little ing
we had TO leave, and wheeled vehicles are again
the order Of the day.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

Consul RKsroRED.-The day before
General Garfield was shot, General ID. b.
Warner of Ohio, for long time consul OF
the United States at st. John, N. b., was
removed at the urgent request of Mr.. Blaine,
and the Hon. s. G. Fessenden of Maine was
appointed in his place. General Warner is
one of the best officers in the consular SER
vice, and nearly all American and English
active part in a movement to retain him in
the interests of that port. But as Mr.. Fessen-
denis son had led the break for Mr.. Blaine in
the Connecticut delegation at Chicago, the
merchants failed, and Mr.. Fessenden was
appointed. President Arthur, upon asoer-
tanning the facts, ordered the reinstatement
of General Warner, and he resumed his du-
ties as consul on Monday OF last week,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01
County Good Templars' Unions.
Washington County.

The Good Templars' Union OF Washington
county was held in the Church Of the Messiah,
Wednesday, February 22d The morning session
was devoted to the private business Of the order.
The address Of welcome was delivered by f. +. II.
Gary Of Montpelier, and responded to by Rev. j.
X. Bartlett OF Barre The report showed the va
rious lodges to be in fourisbing condition, es-
pecially those Of Worcester and Waterbury. The
afternoon session was opened to the public at two
o'clock, and the meeting was called to order by
Mr.. ]. d. Clough, In the chair. The first exercise
was music by Moscow lodge. This was followed
with well written poem by gentleman from
Waitsfed music by Messrs. Pratt and Batchel-
der and Misses Gill and Daley Of Montpelier. Dr.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

CoLoRI.Ess AND CoLD-A young girl deeply
regretted that she was no coorless and cold. Her
face was too white and her hands and feet felt
as though the blood did not circulate. After one
bottle OF Hop Bitters had been taken she was the
rosiest and heathiest girl in the town, with VI
yscity and cheerfulneas Of mind gratifying To her
riends.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

Mr. Editor During last few years, my mind
has been undergoing change with regard to the
treatment OF insane murderers II seems to me
that our laws are not, In all respects, what they
ought 10 be on this subject. | have been hoping
that the legislatures of our several states would
soon see their way clear to abolish capital pun
ishment in most cases-excepting only cases
where inmates OF the penitentiary kill some one
while in prison, or for second offenses. would
imprison murderers during their natural lives,
and limit the pardoning power Of the executive
to those cases where it might appear clearly that
the prisoner in the penitentiary was wrongfully
convicted, or, in another words was really limo
cent OF the crime OF murder. But, as the penalty
for murder In most of the states is death, and
also according to the laws OF the United States,
| am decidedly in favor Of having the laws exc
cuted as they now are; and as long as capital
punishment is In the statute books let 1t be in
lcted impartially on every murderer. II the law
this any other subject is not right or best
let 1t be changed and made right 30 AZ to afford
the best protection to the lives and rights OF our
citizens. Let the liquor law, the law against per-
jury and subornation Of perjury, and against
murder, be executed faithfully and impartally
ON the high and the low, on the rich, as well rs
the poor. am Disguised, however, almost be-
yond measure, with the frequency with which,
insanity is pleaded in this country rs an entire
justification for crime, asking and demanding
an entire acquittal, and exemption from con-
finement, and from suffering any penalty what
everl | think our laws ought not TO allow the
plea Of insanity to be entered at all In any OF our
courts, asking that the prisoner shall be fully ac-
quilted and set at liberty, so that he may repeat
his crime and kill another victim But, IL the
act OF killing be proved, the insanity OF the pris-
oner might be properly urged before the court,
in order to modify the penalty, would have the
court, rather than the jury, try and decide the
question OF insanity; and II the jury finds that
the prisoner committed the act Of killing. as
charged in the indictment, and the court believes
that the prisoner was insane at the time OF the
homicide us not to know that he was doing
wrong, let the court sentence him to the insane
asylum for life, and lot him be kept there long
as he liyes-kept safely, bat treated according to
his circumstances and a. humanely as may be
thought desirable. But, II the court believes that
the accused Is only partly insane, but not so in
sane as to be morally Irresponsible. but is able to
] perform manual labor, lot him bs sentenced "a
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

THE Troy New York; Times tells an exceed
ingly Improbable story OF an aged tramp who ap-
piled for lodging in that city and gave his name
rs William ii. Livingstone. He claimed to be a
brother OF DIR. Livingstone the explorer, and said
his native place WAS St Johnsbury, VI. lie said
he fought In the Seminole war As lieutenant OF
the Seventh Infantry under Captain Robert r.
Lee, afterward general Of the Confederate army
that he was "A surgeon In the Union army during
the rebellion; after the war practiced In Ann Ar
Dor, Michigan went 70 London and ventured on
an exploring expedition; returned 10 London aud
sailed for Key West, Florida, last month and ar
rived in New York last week Tuesday that he
was robbed there OF $3.50, and started penness for
St Johnsbury, The Troy police forwarded him
to his alleged home
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

HUMAN BLOOD On the purity and vitality of
the blood depend the ygor and health OF the
whole system. Disease OF various kinds Is often
only the sign that nature IL trying to remove the
disturbing cause, A remedy that gives life and
yigor to the blood, Graduates scrofula and other
impurities from IT, as Hoods Sarsaparia undoubt-
eddy does, must be the means OF preventing many
diseases that would occur without It's use Sold
by dealers.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

The nomination Of Mr.. Conkling may be looked
at from various points of view. OF his ability as
"a lawyer there is no question, and II he has never
occupied seat on any bench, he has nevertheless
developed qualities during his public life which
give good promise that he would make an excel
lent judge, and prove a substantial addition to
our highest court. . Both these
nominations are to be classed HI "stalwart" No
matter. II the president only intends
to recommend "stalwartism " by showing TO the
country how many prominent and able men there
are who belong 10 that wing OF the party, his
policy bids fair To be successful
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01
Press Comments.

From Judge Gray to Mr.. Conkng is a long step
downward, and 1t will be strange II this latest
respect which the president had gained by his
first judicial selection, The most friendly sum
ming up of his qualities would have to admit
that, whatever else he may be, he is not by ma
exercise OF judicial functions in the court OF high
est jurisdiction and ultimate resort In this nation
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

Asa lawyer, Mr., Conkngs abilities are respec-
table, and his eninence in the senate, had his
talents not been exercised 80 many years To mag
nifty himself, would have raised him to the rank
OF men from whom the justices OF the supreme
court are selected. In these respects, however
he would not compare with Justice Gray OF Sena-
tor Edmunds, and certainly would not rise above
many OF the great lawyers and iurlsts OF New
York. Ills character for personal integrity is
high. But It Is the absence of the judicial p0ise,
the tremendous element which bias and self-inter-
est make In his character, which detracts fatally
from his fitness for judicial life.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-01

Under it all he was calm and strong, and conf
dent; never lost his sef-possession, did no unwise
act spoke no hasty or i-consdered word In
deed, nothing in his whole life IL more remark
able or more creditable than his bearing through
those five full months Of vituperation-a pro-
longed agony Of trial to a sensitive man, con-
slant and cruel draft upon the powers of moral
endurance The great mass OF these unjust i'm
putatons passed unnotced, and with the general
debris OF the campaign fell into oblivion But In
few instances the iron entered his soul and he
died with the Injury unforgotten II not unfor-
given.
One aspect OF Garfeld's candidacy was unpre-
cedented. Never before in the history OF partisan
contests In this country had a successful presi-
dental candidate spoken freely on passing events
and current issues. To attempt anything OF the
kind seemed novel, rash and even desperate.
The older class Of voters recalled the unfortunate
Alabama letter, in which Mr.. Clay was supposed
to have signed his political death warrant They
remembered also the hot-tempered eff usion by
which General Scott lost large share Of his pop
ularity before his nomination, and the unfortun-
ate speeches which rapidly consumed the re-
mainder The young voters had seen Mr. Gree
ley, in series OF vigorous and original addresses
preparing the pathway for his own defeat. I'm
mindful of these warnings, unheeding the advice
OF friends, Garfield spoke to large crowds as he
journeyed to and from New York in August, to a
great multitude in that city, to delegations and
Populations Of every kind that called at Mentor
during the summer and autumn. With innumer-
able critics, watchful and eager to catch phrase
that might be turned into odium or ridicule, or a
sentence that might be distorted to his own OF
his party's injury, Garfield did not trip or halt in
any of his seventy speeches. This seems all the
more remarkable when 1t Ia remembered that he
did not write what he said, and yet spoke with
such logical consecutiveness Of thought and such
admirable precision of phrase as to defy the acct
dent Of misreport and the malignity Of misrepre-
sentation,