davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-21
Critical State of Affairs at sa;gon

SAIGON, Dec. 20.-AccordIns to advices from
Hue of the 14th, VOC Due has been proclaimed
King of AMMAN The natives are greatly ex-
cited, and an attack upon the French legation
was feared, and the firm attitude of Champeaux
the French Resident. alone prevented an at
tack. One hundred and fifty reinforcements
have been sent to Hue from FGrt ThuanaB. It
is considered urgently necessary TO occupy Hue
with sufficient force to Withstand any attack
upon the French No resistance, however, is ex-
pected ON the part of the natives.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-21
Contradiotnrv Ronnrts Ahnnt Nero

Contradictory Reports About Negotiations.
PARIS, Dec 20.-It is understood that Marunis
Tseng proposes to France the following fresh
basis for a settlement of the Tonquin question:
The delta of Red river. with the city of sontay,
TO belong to France; the delta of the Song Cau
river and Bacninh to belong to China; the north
ern and western provinces of Touquin to remain
neutral China to renounce her suzerainty over
the kingdom of AMMAN.
The Temps reports that at the weekly recep-
tion of the foreign ministers to-day MARQUIS
Tseng ana the Prime Minister had long and
friendly conversation. The Temps asserts that
the compromise mentioned by the Figaro as
having been proposed by the French has not
been impaired to the French government, and
doubts whether such compromise has been
mOOted,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-21

The ensuing outline sketch all give at this time
in type You the to appreciate its enhrang
attractions Dropping metaphor ask the gentle reader to
peruse aenve the exhibit given below to calmly consider
the enormously reduced prices at which these goods
offered the bargains they actually and then
ddy say whether this opportunity is not altogether unpr
dantnd
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02
PHGNIX FRIDAY. FEBRUARY q 1888

ONE OF THE MOST FASCINATING BOOKS ever
written was the Able Huc's travels in China
and Thibet On readers Of 30 years ago this
volume has left most lasting impression
There was a certain sweet simplicity about
the AbbG Hue which had its charm, for il may
be remembered that whenever in his wonder
full journey he came across something which
he did not exactly understand, he attributed
whatever was marvellous to the working Of
his satanic majesty. Among the most won
derfu Of things described in this book of
travels was the account Of that sacred tree in
Thibet called Kun Bum. 1t grew near IA Sc
red temple and on each of the leaves was a
well-formed Thibeian letter. "Our first i'm
preston" writes Abbc, Twas suspicion Of
fraud on the part Of the Lamas, but after mi.
mute examination Of every detail we could not
discover the least deception" The tree 81 en-
ed to be Of extreme age, and when the bark
wasromoved the outlines Of the Thibetan char
acters were still to be seen. The late Bayard
Taylor related, in his explanation Of this won
derful tree, that II was believed to be an ever
green, and, as the temple had thousands Of
priests it was their habit to watch every
budding leaf on this tree and to secretly prick
a letter on IT, OF late some English scientific
people have been endeavoring to solve the
mysteries Of the Kun Bum. They have
made up their minds that it was a species of
fuchsa, and that the leaves bore a natural
marking, which the imagination of the pious
Thibetans, and even OF the honest Able Hue,
assimlated to the sacred characters. II is
even believed that in the neighborhood Of
Thibetan temples certain old trees have been
preserved which are the relics Of a former
vegetation. No matter what may be the ex-
plantations given in regard to the Kum-Bum,
the mystery remains quite as impervious to
research as ever.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02
a Word from and TO she Nottingham
HbPODIe,

4 town meeting is to be held next Tues
day, Feb. 9th, at Jacksonville, at l o'clock,
=. NJ to see il Nottingham will aid in build
ing the Brattleboro ~ Bennington railroad,
and if so, to what extent. Perhaps no sub
iect has ever been submitted to the legal
voters Of this town so important and so deep
ly affecting all our interests for the present
and future as this. 4 railroad is now within
our reach aud we are to say whether We will
have it or not. II built it would develop re-
sources, invite capitalists, increase the value
Of property, especially real estate, add to ag-
rcultural, mechanical and other interests
bring to us a ready market for all surplus
products and bestow incalculable benefits up
on the town. Wilmington has spoken nohly
in reference to this road, and VIC might fol-
low her example and make like honorable
record. For "a century citizens of this sec
ton have been compelled to travel over these
hills to do county and other business, and
without railroad their descendants would
be doomed to like disadvantages; but with
one our county seat and business centres
would be easy of access, and enterprise
would be awakened all along the line. We
think our citizens generally believe that the
road would benefit the town, but the main
objection to aiding on the part of some is the
bonding of the town, as though thereby
some Injustice might be done Perhaps this
point is not well understood. We make high
ways for our own convenience aud the pub.
lie good and pay the expense by town tax.
railroad is au improved highway aud
aid is given in the same way by a tax, which
may be paid at once or divided and extended
over many years and bonding only obligates
the town to meet the annual instalments,
which are usually comparatively light. Some
think it wrong to entail tax on posterity,
but the road would carry along from year to
year benefits that would exceed in value the
yearly instalments. Would there be any in
iustce in this? Indeed would it not be more
Just for the son, who is sharing equal bene-
fits, to pay part, than the father to pay the
whole, which he could do if he preferred to.
Where, then, could there be any injustice
We are not asked to make sacrifice to pay
out money that will bring back no returns.
The returns will come, perhaps many fold,
in ways and to an extent unforeseen and
unthought of, andinstead of imposing bur
den on posterity it would be like transferring
to them a rich nheritance-li leaving be-
quest of untold worth to future generations
So rare au opportunity for advancement is
seldom offered to any community, and shall
it not be improved? The time for action
has come, and it is no time for personal pref
erences or sectional feelings to have any part
in what we do The sole object should be TO
benefit the whole town and promote the gen.
eral good. Thoughtful and considerate men
will reflect, feel the responsibility and act &C
cordingly. Aud let what we do, at least, be
expressive of wish to keep step with the
onward march of enterprise in this progress
sive age. CITIZENS.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02

the Taylor dog getting the worst Of Il, young
Mr.. Taylor struck the Brown dog, from
which there resulted "hot words There.
upon Mr.. Taylor, senior, appeared on the
scene with an axe, and he and his son assail-
ed Mr.. Brown with vigor. Mr.. Brown for a
while defended himself successfully against
the axe with an textbook, but a reinforcement
arriving to the Taylors in the shape of an.
other son with heavy revolver, the fortunes
Of the day were soon decided. The uuhap-
Ply Brown received three shots in the lower
back and died on the field. His little daugh-
ter was present during this pleasing scene,
but was not hurt. II hardly need be said that
Mr. Brown was "a popular and brave man"
and that his fate is much deplored in the
neighborhood.
Some workmen searching for n leak in
the pipes of the Mutual gaslight company,
at Nassau and Fulton streets, N. Y city, last
Friday tested the joints with burning tarred
rope with great success. The gas ignited
and train of fire ran quickly through the
loose soil to the manhole Of the American
heat and power company, at the southeast
corner of Fulton and Nassau streets, gniting
the gas accumulated there, and throwing the
iron manhole box, which is about four feet
square, with the heavy granite crosswalk
pavement blocks bricks and Belgian paving
stones, in shower over the street. The
manhole cover was broken in two or three
pieces the heavy cast-iron frame or box sur
rounding the manhole was also broken, and
two of the heavy crosswalk stones, which
are of granite and about six inches thick
we're snapped like sticks Of wood Several
persons were struck and hurt with paving
stones and others were lifted in the air or
thrown across the street.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02
Rernnrhntnn. NInnn.

About thirty of Greenfelds business
men. with ladies', improved the sleighing and
took supper with mine host Allen last Friday
evening.
The reading club meets with Mrs. Paul
Allen next Saturday evening.
L. NJ. Weatherhead offers his circular
saw mill for sale
1t is expected that Bernardston will be
connected with the telephone exchange next
summer.
The chap who would not give the priest
$50 for marrying him, as he considered that
more than his girl was worth; made a COM
promise and was married last Sunday.
Misses Rosa and Efiie Bowker assisted in
a musical concert at Turner's Falls last Friday
evening.
The aid society of the Methodist church
met with Mrs. f. S. Stacey last Wednesday
afternoon and evening.
The singing school is prospecting under
the tuition of j. +. Griswold aud it now
meets on Monday and Thursday evenings
The commissioners of the estate Of
Emory Slate, declared insolvent, met last
Tuesday and will meet again July 80.
S. b. Hoyt will sell at auction, Feb. o a
heifer which came into his enclosure last
May.
The Christian workers of the three evan
gelical societies have formed themselves into
prayer union and will meet next Tuesday
evening in the Baptist vestry.
An auxiliary branch of the wonan's for
oign missionary Society has been established
in the Methodist church with the following
officers: President Mrs. l. Ct. Ross vice
president, Mrs. jackson; treasurer, Mrs. F..
Il. Park secretaries, Misses Fannie Bardwell
and Estella Newcomb.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02

A RENABRADLE MAINE GmL.-In the plan
tation Of Oakfeld, Aroostook county, Me-,
there is girl who possesses the faculty Of
spelling difficult words backward without hes
itation. Her name is Hattie NJ. Drew her
ago is ~ years, and she resides with her par
ents, who are people of moderate education,
living upon farm in a rural community
Hattie is as bright and smart as the average
Of her mates, but never attracted particular
attention until a little over year ago, it was
accidentally discovered that she possessed the
singular gift of spelling any word familiar to
her backward and without hesitation At a
spelling match recently held in the school
which she attends without any warning she
stood before an audience for some ten minutes
and spelled words selected at random, some
fer their difficulty of combination, rapidly
and correctly, except one or two, which she
could not spell in the proper way, but when
prompted in the correct way she would i'm
mediately reverse it. Among the words spell
ed by her were: Galaxy, syzygy astronomy,
robin, photography, difficulty, attendance,
indiyisible, and many words equally long and
difficult All were spelled as rapidly as the
eye could follow, without single misplace
ment of a letter. The girl says she can see
the words in her mind and knows no reason
why she should not read the letters backwards
as well as in the usual way
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02
GnIhen Wedding.

The golden wedding of Mr.. and Mrs. Jo-
seph Hall of North Leverett, Mass, was eel
ebrated on Wednesday evening, Jan. "a,
children, grandchildren and friends being
present to the number of 60 or more. Mr..
Hall and wife were both natives of Halifax.
They were married January 2ith, 1888, by
Rev. Thomas H. Wood Mr. Hall is now in
his SD year, hale and strong for man OF his
age. Mrs Hall is in her 18th year, in COM
Portable health. They have been industrious,
provident people, and if "to fortune and fame
unknown" they have always had a compe-
tency, enjoyed the love of their friends aud
the esteem of all who knew them. Since
their marriage they have lived in the towns
of Stamford, Brattleboro, Wardsboro and Do
Yer, Vt, and for the last seventeen years in
Leverett. They have had three children
Mary Luautha, (relict of the late j. D. Bout
WELD, Oryil Sidney, who died at the age of
10, aud LeOnora A., wife of Sheldon Whippe.
They have had eleven grandchildren, all but
one of whom are living, and nine of them
were present at tue wedding. There were but
two persons present who were present at the
original wedding fifty years ago-Mrs, ID. II.
Ripley and Mrs. @. j. Sherwood, sisters of
the bride. Presents in money and other val
uables to the amount of $50 or so were re-
oeived Mr.. S. II. Sherman of Brattleboro
made the presentation in happy speech,
giving a brief epitome of the life and char
acter of the worthy pair, which was respond
ed to by Rev. b. Newton in behalf of Mr.. and
Mrs. Hall. A selected poem was read by Mrs,
NJ. L. Newton, after which interesting re-
marks were made by Mr.. l.. III. Gould of Ber-
nardston, d. II. Ripley of Montague and
others. A bountiful collation. was served.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02


The educational meeting held here on
Monday and Tuesday was a large and enthu-
siastic gathering. The town hall was filled
to its utmost capacity. The lecture by Prof.
Ohas. Northend of Connecticut on what has
been accomplished in fifty years, interspers-
ed with anecdotes of early school life IN this
country, should forever silence the man OF
fearful forbodings concerning the modern
style of teaching or mode of government
Discussion upon the past and present OF our
schools by Prof. II. ID. Rider Of Bellows
Falls. Prof. b. +. Bingham of Brattleboro,
and others, was Of great interest. "Sug-
gestions and hints to teachers by Prof.
Northend, coral Work by Rev. @. II. Mer-
rill of West Brattleboro, and English Litera-
ture in Schools" by c. f. Eddy of Bellows
Falls were all full of thought and instruction.
The paper on "School Supervision by Prof.
w. Ii. Sanderson had the true ring. Com
mon matters of School Law" was plainly set
forth by Geo. A. Brown, ESQ, Of Bellows
Falls. "Methods Of Teaching" by DIR. W.
l.. Hoisington, was handled in n sharp, crisp
manner, with telling effect The question,
"What does the state expect Of the teacher p
was answered in such n mastery manner by
Prof II. II. Shaw of West Brattleboro that
every teacher who heard him must feel the
responsibility of the trust placed in his or her
hands. Prof. Bngham's Question Box
unraveled many knotty points and produced
much merriment The State Superintendent,
Hon. Justus Dart, was present during both
days, and by his general management of the
meetings won the confidence and esteem Of
all. The arrangements in detail were assign
ed to the town superintendent, John b.
Morse who put in much hard work Sing
ing by the Congregational choir was inter
spersed at various points during both days.
The people of Westminster have been richly
paid for all their labor and expense in open
ing their doors for the cordial entertainment
of those from abroad. A detailed report of
this meeting will be printed in the next issue
of TUE PHOENIX.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02

H. F. Horton has sold his farm on Brat
tleboro street.
Mr.. Ducy has sold the Drake place on
Western avenue.
Porter a. Barber have sold their double
house on Main street to Frank jackson. Mr.
Barber goes West, but Mr.. Porter will prob.
ably remain in the house till spring.
The ladies' who went from this place to
Brattleboro for a ride Monday, had a very
nice time, with the exception of o little acct
dent that occurred in the bridge on their re-
turn. Tho bridge was not lighted, and was as
dark as the north side of the colored mans
bureau; it was showed close to one side and
in the effort to keep on the snow the top of
the sleigh struck the bridge and was broken,
coming down upon the ladies' heads All
were scared, but none injured. If the corpo-
ration cannot afford to light the bridge so as
to enable travellers to cross in safety, we
think it is about time to free it, The ladies
were well pleased with their supper and only
regretted that Mr.. Matthews would not take
enough for their entertainment to pay for his
trouble. That gentleman understands how to
entertain his guests so that they will come
again. p.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02
Wilmington.

S H. Andrews is in Boston and will
make short stay at his fathers in New Sa-
lem, Mass, before his return.
-Elbridge Haynes and wife are visiting
friends in Boston.
The Congrogationalists will hold services
in the town hall as usual Sunday. Subject
of sermon, 1.-THE Jordan of Human Life
Last Friday morning was the coolest of
the season. In some localities the mercury
reached point lower than ever known be
fore in this vicinity 1t ranged from 10 de-
grees below on the hills to 3S in the valleys.
This week up to time of writing is very mild.
Rev. Mrs. Hamilton is suffering from an
attack of pleura. pneumonia. Chauncey Cush-
man also has been suffering from light at
tack of pneumonia.
The ladies of the Methodist society met
with Mrs. Albert Palmeter on Wednesday of
this week.
The stage route from this place to Brat
tloboro has been purchased by Henry Bray
man of Woodford. Possession given imme-
diately.
DR.. Holton was summoned to council
with DIR. Hoon on Wednesday, the patient
being Mrs. II. Il. Stanley, who is very low.
The ladies' of the Congregational society
are to serve up an oyster supper in their best
style at the town hall on Friday evening,
Feb. 9TH. A cordial invitation is extended to
ALL The proceeds are to be used in the pur-
chase of a library
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02

The bones of John Howard Payne, which
have lain IN his far away grave at Tunis for
more than 30 years were taken up Jan. 9TH
and are now on a vessel bound for this coun-
try. John WorthiugtJu our counsel at Malta,
who was the only American present at the
opening of the grave, writes an account Of it
to the chief clerk of the state department A lit
tie company Of 20 PERSONS among them two
whoatteudedP ayne's funeral, gathered around
the grave AT noon, and the coffin, which was
badly decayed, was soon laid bareland lifted
ont. Little was left within it, save the black
eued skeleton, a faw buttons and some gold
nce that had oruamented the colonels uni
form in which Payne was buried. These re-
mains placed in a lead casket inclosed in a
hard wood box, rested over night in the little
Protestant church, where simple service was
held and Payne's one famous song which has
lived because it appealed to a universal senti-
men', was sung.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02

A FIRE EscAPE.-Dr. G. b. Hawley of
Hartford, Conn, makes this suggestion for a
fire escape Procure a stout piece of rope
capable of sustaining 800 pounds quarter
inch hemp rope is strong enough, but have it
well tested, so you can place confidence in it..
piece 80 feet long will reach twice as far
as is ever likely to be required. Have one end
made into a slip-noose. Garry this rope with
you whenever you travel. 1t is cheap, and
will take little room in valise or trunk II
you should ever need to use it, first lock the
door Of your room to prevent interference
from the outside take the rope from your
valise; draw the bed up to the window: wrap
yourself in blanket and fasten the moose
securely under the rmpts passing the other
end Of the rope under the side.piece of the
bedstead and through the moose, turning up.
ward. This will enable you to lower yourself
gradually and without any strain on the hands,
to check your descent instantly, and also to
suspend yourself without any effort One
can lower himself slowly and with perfect
safety. The blanket serves as protection
from the flames, and also to prevent the rope
from hurting the body. If man has his
wife with him, it is an easy matter to let her
down first, then draw the rope up and make
his own escape
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-02

OF LOrne.
The Marquis Of Lone Governor. General
of Canada) was entertained at state dinner
in the White House on Saturday evening by
President Arthur The entertainment sur
passed in elegance all previous affairs Of its
kind in the Executive Mansion. The suite of
state apartments was handsomely decorated,
groups of palms, ferns, and tropical plants
having been placed in all the recesses and an
giles. The chandeliers were wreathed in
smilax, and the mantel-pieces banked with
flowers and foliage plants. The table in the
state diningroom was laid with 3G covers,
and in the decoration Canadian subjects were
chosen for all the set pieces. The mirror laid
down the centre of the table was bordered
with Gala lilies and roses, and at its centre
was placed a Canadian canoe, FIVE feet long,
made of red and white carnations, with pad
dies of pink aud white carnations. The
thwarts were represented by white roses, and
the canoe was filed with Jacqueminot roses
and their leaves. AT each side Of the canoe
were small Canadian toboggans in red and
white carnations and red tulips. Tall gilt
epergnes, overlooking with long .stemmed
roses hanked these pieces. At one end of
the board was laid pair of lacrosse bats
made of red and white carnations, and at the
other pair of snow-shoes in white oarna-
tons and red tulips Candelabra Of shaded
wax lights and an array of fine crystal com
pletod the decorations Of the board. Bouton-
niers were laid at the plates Of the gentlemen,
and flat corsage bouquets of choice roses or
lilies of the valley were provided for the Ia
dies. The President led the way to dinner
with Mrs. Frelinghuysen and was followed by
the Marquis with Mrs. McElroy, sister Of the
President