Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-03-14
nld Times In Vermont.

~ Will D6 TDulcinDcIcu ph'' w mum
was admitted into the Union in 1871, and
that during the next fifteen or more years
after that period, its legislature had nc
permanent or fixed home, but wandered
about, holding its sessions at several
different places. There were plenty oil
places which desired the honor of being
made the permanent seat OF government
but every one of such places had It's
Jealous rivals in other PLACES, it being
feared that the fortunate place would take
on airs. magnify its Importance and
make exorbitant demands upon the state,
and also upon the members of the
legislature, one of whom once said, that il
the seat of government was established al
a certain place, its people would charge
him ST. so week for his board instead OF
$1.00, as now. Therefore, whenever it
was proposed to establish the seat Of
} government at certain place, it was
opposed by offering some other place
which was claimed to be better.
In 1905 fourteen years after the state
was organized) the legislature held its
regular annual session in the court house
of Danville. Therefore, the people OF
that place were somewhat elated by the
prospects offered in connection with the
expected coming of that important event,
and during the preceding summer were
actively engaged in making preparations
to give their distinguished guests a
generous and honorable reception and
entertainment, for the village contained
less than twenty dwelling houses.
All the members of the legislature
arrived in Danville on horseback or on
foot, there being no pleasure wheeled
carriages then in the region, nor any
four wheeled vehicle, until some years
later. This was large heavy wagon
drawn by several pair of oxen. and driven
by Mr.. Burgess to transport freight to
and from Boston, and required at least
one month to perform the round trip. sThe
tableware of that time would be a great
curiosity now. Some people ate from
wooden bowls, with wooden spoons, but
iron and pewter spoons were generally
used. Trenchers, or wooden plates, very
neatly turned from hard wood, and the
size and shape of earthern plates, were
much in use, and many people insisted
upon their use, because they did not dull
their knives, which custom required to be
very sharp. Our boarders had given II
few gentle hints that our knives were
below the standard in regard to sharpness,
and finally a more emphatic reminder
gave them keen cutting edge by means
of the grindstone. A table bedecked with
bright, shining pewter plates, platters,
basins, porringers mugs, teapots, etc., was
the highest ambition of many families.
The broad open fire place, with blocks of
stone, or wood, instead of head irons,
was the only means of warming our
houses, there being no stoves in that
country until some years later, when the
first one was placed in the court house,
and it was still many years later when the
first floor carpet made its appearance;
but our best floors were covered with
clean, white sand which was wrought
into many fancful and grotesque figures
by the action of the broom in the hand of
the expect artist.
In those early times the members of the
Legislature received such moderate
compensation for their services that there
was no inducement for prolonging their
sessions any longer than the welfare of
the public required. The Vermonters had
remarkably good natural endowments,
and were very intelligent. They were
plain and simple. but very practical in all
ANVIL Puo'iS anu pliNhlO anu
labored to secure the most needed and
useful results, while they abhorred shams
aud superhuties. Therefore, their laws
were few. useful, plain, and easily
understood, The criminal laws of YER
mont at that early period were by
necessity adapted to their existing
circumstances; therefore criminal did
not pay the penalty for violating the laws
by spending several years in state
prison, because that institution did not
exist in that state.
But gentlemen ola certain distinguished
order were not entirely forgotten and
neglected in those good old times, but
promptly and summarily received the lust
reward of their works in that good, old
fashioned and sensible way, by publicly
standing in the pillory and at the
whipping post. The pillory consisted of
a platform about five feet high, with an
upright post ia its centre, at the top OF
the post being horizontal plank having
holes through it to fit close about the NICK
and wrists, as the culprit stood erect with
arms extended. | have seen two men at
the same time, who were standing there
side by side, and giving free exhibition
to the surrounding crowd, which mani
tested its high appreciation of that novel
entertainment by jokes, jeers, SCOTS and
insults, while the small boys flor whom
there was no law were active in using
unsavory missiles. The time occupied by
the first act of that grand drama was Just
one hour, at the end of which time the
principal actors in that scene, accompanied
by their audience, repaired to the south
side of the public square, where the
second act was performed in very
satisfactory manner, as follows: There
was perpendicular post, on the top of
which was u cross bar extending each
way. and when the culprt's arms were
extended TO the right and left, his wrists
were firmly bound to the ends of the bar.
Then he received 80 strokes of the scat
'o-nlne tails" Tor lashes,) which were
honestly and vigorously applied to his
naked back. l have seen men pass through
that trying ordeal with much apparent
fortitude, and Jaw one man who, as
soon as he was released from his bonds,
to the ground completely exhausted, and
thus was borne away. In early times
some of the New England states practiced
branding with hot iron, and cropping of
the ears, but l never saw that done in
vermont. 1t must not be inferred from
this, that the above imperfectly depicted
scenes occurred very frequently. Nearly
all the offenders were horse thieves or
counterfeiters.
1t is not probable that this memorable
legislature of 1906 was characterized by |
long debates and needless speeches BY
the members, who were celebrated in
those times for the rapid manner in which
they transacted their business, which,
being completed, they went home with
clear conscience. Nothing at that time
made as deep lasting i'm preston on my
mind as the farewell address of one of its
members, because | was directly and
personally interested. That gentleman,
when about to lake his leave of our house,
said that, for, be cause, and in consideration
OF sundry obligng and acceptable services
performed by me, that Brother Bailey and
himself had succeeded in raising sum of
money which he had been delegated to
deliver to ME rs testimonial of their
high appreciation of my considerale
attentions to them; and then, o wondrous
delight! my hand received bright silver
coin OF the value of six and one fourth