davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24
The Machine In Education.

There is food for thought in the following
extract from an article by Professor E. L.
Youmans in the Popular Science Monthly
for February. 1t can be read to advantage
not by teachers alone, but by all persons
who by their votes, their interest or influence
are responsible for the standing of the
schools of town and collectively of the
state ave hear much of the bad effects
of machine politics, but it is questionable
if the evils of machine education are not
far worse. By machine education, we mean
the rigid, mechanical, law-established rou-
tine applied to great multitudes of children
of all conceivable sorts who are got together
in large establishments and submitted to
operations that go under the name of men,
tai cultivation. Machine education is of
the very lowest sort, and the best that can
be said of it is, that it is barely better
than nothing at all. The worst difficulty is,
that it is not capable of improvement The
method itself is radically false, SO that the
improvements of it but make it worse. AT
the same time it borrows influence from its
enormous extension and the authority by
which it is enforced. The education fac
tories run in series, each has a complete
grading, and the different institutions are
intimately belted with each other, and all
driven by the motive power of legislation
AS might be expected, the whole system is
run with view to popular effect, which is
necessarily fatal to the best results. In the
work of the school there are two modes Of
dealing with the brain it can be stored
with information, or strengthened in its
functional operations. True education con,
sists in the development of brain-power il
accordance with the laws of its activity, ant
is simply and always discipline in sponta
neous self-exertion. In the attainment o.
this object the engineer Of the educationa
machine has very little to do. The office Of
the teacher is important, but it consists il
encouraging, melting, and arousing tn,
pupil to put forth his own efforts, and whel
this is most effectually done the result i
not of that conspicuous kind that is sutabl
to make snowy impression at publ
parade. No method has yet been devise'
for exhibiting such results that is not ful
of rank injustice and that does not put
premium upon inferior work"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

NoRTHFIELD.-E H. Huntley has left his old
quarters and moved into his new block. The
humps are quite prevalent and there are quite a
number Of cases Of canker rash. Ben Armitage
who is teaching the school at East Jaffrey, N H.,
spent the Sabbath in town.. About twenty at
tended the play of Young Mrs. Winthrop at
Montpelier Monday evening. Frank Bates
was reelected general secretary OF the Good iem-
pars at their last meeting at Montpelier.
George Fisk has moved his office into the room
lately occupied rs the postofiice.. Conductor
Charlie Quimby had the tip of his finger cut of
and is now off duty go. A portion of the roof of
the old slate shop fell in recently owing to the
heavy weight of snow upon It,. Frank Parker,
now In the employ of the railroad at Bur ington,
was in town over Sunday. Ed Deering left
Monday for a short vacation at Boston. Mrs.
Porter, the lady who kept house for josiah Lane,
died at her home Friday evening George
Gallup leaves for his home at Farwell, Mich,
this week. Rev. William S. Hazen lectures this
evening at Howe's hall in the Lewis college lee
ture course. his subject being, Some perils OF
our republic" az O. Thurston has moved his
jewelry store from S. f. Judd's to L. II Huntley'
and now occupies the south window next to the
post-office +. Mss Olive Simons sister Of Mrs.
Joseph Gould, died last Saturday. The pupils
of the high school are to give reception Thurs
day evening Matters were quite interesting
In the vicinity of Kenyon & Soper's Monday at-
| ternoon when William Harpers team was seen
coming down Central street hill with load OF
wood and no driver, running at full speed. The
horses made plunge for Hazeltons market and
were successful in reaching 1t but not with, nj
making wood and glass fly pretty lively. The
| sled was rather demolished but the horses es
capped with only few bruises and scars. Mrs.
| Ida Taggard Arms left for home at East Dover
| Tuesday. "A party doubtless would have al
| tended festival at GAINESVILLE Friday evening
| and partaken of the bean porridge had tht
weather not been so inclement.. Considerable
| enthusiasm is manifested in the old folks concert
| which is to be at Howe's hall next Wednesday
evening. The conversational club dined at th'
| Avery hotel Monday evening. The foot bridge
| is in diapidated condition and part OF the rail
| ing has fallen off
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

WEST RANDOLPH Carl Bigelow is at work in
Noyes' bakery. Rev. V. NJ. Hardy and Rev.
Mr.. Peters exchanged on Sunday. james
Hutchinson has gone to Boston d. C. Wood
ward made a short stop in his new quarters and
has now moved to Stewards block The room he
lately occupied will be used by Mr.. Hardy for the
sale of gents furnishing goods etc, with Frank
McWhorter as clerk. e. The town treasurer was
at the bank on Monday to receive state and
county taxes Everett Pitkin and wife have
gone to Reading to spend the winter. Principal
A. W. Edison goes to Boston this week. Wilmot
Harwood has bought NJ L. Yarrington's saloon
A. W. Tewksbury is quite i'll. The Mechanics
band held their first levee on Tuesday evening
....A. p. Salisbury and Howard Gilbert were
badly injured last Wednesday morning by the
breaking of an elevator rope dropping them
about thirty feet Salisbury had leg broken
square off above the knee. He was insured in
the Vermont Accident Insurance company. Gil
bert was badly bruised about the face and head
but no broken bones have yet been discovered.
His face is badly swollen and he is unable to
open his mouth Both are quite comfortable
and speedy recovery is hoped for. Mont
gomery is closing out at cost. Mrs Deck Chat
field is quite sick. Frank Perrin is in town.
The officers of Beulah chapter will be in
stalled next Thursday evening, January 25th.
Address by II. l.. Sillson of Bennington.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

WARREN The repairs on the church at East
Warren are completed, for the present at least
and it is expected that services will again be held
there next Sunday. 1t Is now more than six months
since 1t has been regularly occupied e. Again we
have a new stage driver. This time 1t is Maurice
Sterling. Last Wednesday the roads were so
badly drifted that he was unable to cross the
mountain with the mail until afternoon. Judge
Riford and wife returned from Danvers, Mass,
last week. Three of Thomas Putnams sons
from Massachusetts are at home on visit. NJ.
f. Gleason is again at home. He has been pur-
suing the study OF medicine in Ftzwilliam, n. H.,
and will join his class in Vermont University at
Burlington next spring. Charles Ford and
James Miller, two promising young clerks, the
former at Bristol and the latter at Troy, Vt, are
taking vacation at home. James has Just taken
to himself partner and his genial looks indicate
that he feels bettered by more than half. Fred
Roys from Lebanon, n, II. il spending a few days
with his mother The recent cold weather was
improved by the gatherers OF the ice harvest.
The discussion in lyceum Of the question, " Re-
solued, That the town system of schools ought to
be adopted" proved to be very interesting and
the result was favorable to the affirmative. The
regular disputants we're: affirmative, II. II. New
comb and Nelson Bradley; negative. L. II Edger-
ton and G. A. Il, Bragg. New Years day wit
messed very pleasant gathering OF some OF
the friends and neghtors of Mr. and Mrs. Albert
Eldredge at o. G. Fassetts, The occasion was
the twelfth anniversary of their marriage. e.
Clark Ford was the loser of a horse recently. by
its getting kicked so badly that 1t became neces-
sary to kill it. Eaton Heath has sold his place
in the village to Frank Shaw for $3.50, possession
to be given April LIST. William Shepherd has
sold his farm to parties by the name of Bostwick,
from Sterksboro He receives $1,000 therefor
and is to remove to the village and occupy the
rooms above the old pOst-ofice. .. The members
of Bert Bisbee's school in district No. 2 recently
INDUCED in a social visit and oyster supper at the
house of Judge Riford. Another old citizen has
passed away in the person of James Blair. The
funeral services were held Sunday Rev. J. b.
Whitney officiating E, H. j. Pratt has to vacate
his place this spring. =. Charles Freeman and
wife of Ashton, Iowa, are visiting relatives in
town. They have been severely afflicted since
leaving their home, losing their three children by
diphtheria before arriving here. H. B. Cady
ready for business. 1t stands near the residence
of E. W. Miller. The Unversalists talk of at
tenn ting to secure the services of Rev. L l..
Greene of Plainfield the coming year. Dr. Z. W..
Slayton occupied the desk Sunday morning
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

wATsFEIp There will be chicken-pe fes.
tiyal at the vestry OF the Congregational church
on Thursday evening, January 20. Tickets foI
admission adults, thrty-fye cents children,
twenty cents. All are cordially invited and a
general good time is expected, The Odd Eel
lows lodge which was organized last week Ia Il
be called "Valley" Lodge, instead OF Mad
River" Lodge az appeared in the WAToHMAN
last week Mr. William NJ Strong was elected
master and Mr. o. NJ. Eaton secretary. The
lodge will meet In Eaton's block r. A. Du.
mas has a hen which Ia known TO be- twenty
years old, David Gleason has opened shol
smith shop =. Ella Kennedy is very sick with
cankerrash there are no other cases reported In
town. Cady has completed his new saloon
and is taking pictures at Warren. Captain
Wilder's pair OF colts ran from Fassett's grlst
mill in Moretown up to Alvin Pierce's last Mon
day, but were stopped without doing any serious
damage, Mrs Charles Neweomb ia quite slcl
and not expected TO recover, 1t IL expected
TINT the masonic lodge will remove It's headquar
ters to the new hall In IIastings block
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

CHELsEA-H. o. Bryant has gone to Manches-
ter, n H., where he expects to obtain employ
ment. Mrs. NJ NJ. Scales has sold her millinery
establishment to Miss A. A. Clement, who will
take possession soon, Luea Nation has given
up her school in District No. o, on account OF hei
mothers Illness, and her place il taken by Minnie
G. Beard, who has just finished an eight weeks
school in No. TO-, Sidney Allen, father OF w
A. Allen, has removed here from Bethel, and has
opened shoe shop over W, W, Cader's harness
shop. =. DR.. Frank II, Godfrey has left Boston
and has opened practice at Montpelier. job NJ
Slack and wife have returned to Waltham, Mass
Mrs. Stacks former home.....J f. Tucker ha.
recently obtained pension of four dollars q
month, and arrears amounting to about $3.50.
Mrs. BuTnam Martin has returned home. Rev
W. H. Davis was in town. last week. The band
gave promenade last Friday evening. David
Smith and wife celebrated their golden wedding
last Saturday by quiet gathering OF relatives
and friends. Rev. Mr.. llerrick and A. II
Powers were members Of the council which or
ganized Congregational church at East Brook
field last week Tuesday. John Thompson and
Charles Dickinson are making brief visits here
49,. An unusual degree of religious interest pre-
walls at both OF the village churches, and meet
ings are to be kept up during the present week
Rev. Jacob Evans OF Canaan has assisted Rev
Mr., Webster for a day or two, and Rev. Mr. Her
rick expects the assistance Of Rev v NJ. HARDY
of West Randolph this week Mary s BacOl
Ia very i'll with fever. The estate Of the lat
O. n, Andrus has passed through the probate
court and pays the creditors seyenty-eight cent
on the dollar.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

WOODBURY. The donation visit for the benefit
OF Rev, |. z, Chase will be at the parsonage
Tuesday afternoon aud evening OF next week.
All are cordially invited TO come and bring their
mite, The personal property OF the late Fred
eTick Ainsworth, deceased, was sold at auction last
Lyford has sold his farm above the Center to y
G, Ciey and take3 in exchange their home place
&C.. This is the season for every farmer to put IN
a good supply of Ice. II costs comparatively moth
ing and is OF great value when the THERMOMETERS
stands high.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

BARRE.-Last week Wednesday, as Ben Benja-
min, a German peddler well known in this vcn-
ity, was turning his team around near Mr.. Lind
SAYS at South Barre, his cart tipped over, he
falling under 1t. The horses ran some twelve or
fifteen rods, dragging the cart, with Mr. Benjamin
under 1t, when he was taken out and carried
into the house OF Mr. Sater. Mr.. Benjamin sus-
tanned very serious INJURIES having three ribs
broken and was badly bruised otherwise. He
was as comfortable ~ could be expected at last
accounts We are glad to see w. A. Wheaton
at home at his fathers again. lie is recovering
from his recent sickness very rapidly, Quite a
little ripple OF excitement last Saturday in the
street, L, W; Scott asked II Q. Camp for a tax
Mr. Camp did not Immediately respond to the
demand and Mr.. Scot called for assistance to
take Mr. Camp to jail, but there seemed TO be
ress lance and no assistance, and Herb Ia not yet
in "durance vile" but Scott says the end is not
vet. There was very large turnout last Fri
day evening 10 hear Josh Billings. Some four
hundred and fifty persons were present. The
funeral of Ambrose Rising of Willlamstown, for
merry OF Barre, was attended At the Methodist
church last Sunday afternoon. The deceased WAS
nearly eighty years old and left no near relatives,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

PLAINFIELD.-The elocutionary entertainment
given to our people last week on Monday even
ing by Mrs. Mary L. Purple Of Woodstock was
very fine and was thoroughly enjoyed by a good
audience. II she should come here again we be-
speak for her full house. On Friday evening"
the 26th instant, DIR. Hiram A. Cutting is to give
a lecture here; subject, The Microscope and
What it Reveals. Last fall Mr.. Charles Morse
of this town sent four kinds of potatoes to the
mechanics fair at Boston for exhibition, and has
received a premium Of SO and letter from the
managers requesting him to invite all others and
especially his brother farmers to send next year
to the fair anything they would like put on exh-
btion A good opportunity for farmers to ex-
hibit their best products. Mr.. Joseph Lane Is
very sick with pneumonia. The Methodsts are
to give their pastor, Rev. George Smith, dona-
ton visit at the parsonage. The ladies' aid So
clety of the Universaist society are to hold So
cable at Il V. Dukes on next Saturday evening.
-. Mrs Constance Parkes is severely sick with
inflammation in her stomach. SO. The ladies' aid
society of the Congregational church are to have
an entertainment at 1inkham's hall next Thurs
day evening, the GOTH consisting of singing,
songs, quartette and by ye old folks Of the tunes
of We olden times, with other exercises suita bic
for the occasion ; with a chicken pie supper in
the vestry Of the church. Tickets to supper,
twenty-five cents admission to the hall, ten
cents
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

CABOT Mrs. Abba Bickford of Seminary hill,
Montpelier, will speak on the subject of missions
next Sabbath evening at the Methodist church.
DIR. Wiswell and wife started for Iowa on
Monday, the fifteenth inst. having been sum
moned there by a telegram announcing the sud
den death of Mrs. Wiswell's brother, John Crosby
MIR. Crosby WAS formerly resident of this place
IAN educational meeting was held last
Wednesday evening in the Rogers schoolhouse.
The next will be held In the town hall, Thursday
evening, February LIST. All interested in educa-
tional matters are invited to attend. IT. A.
Town is stocking his home mill with about
800 900 feet of lumber and another mill which he
has hired with 200 900, making in all half mil
lion feet OF lumber which he expects to work in
his shop the coming year. w w Buchanan
has been in Boston the past week, his sons wife
and family returning home with him.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

MoRRIsvILLE. - Rev. Mr.. Fairbanks of the
preached at the Congregational church on Sunday
morning He with Messrs. Blodgett, Carpenter and
Wilder held Gospel meetings in the church Friday
night and through Saturday and Sunday, result
ing in an interest being manifested by large
number. IA general exodus OF MorISsville peo-
PIE was noticed on Friday evening of last week,
fourteen couples went to Stowe to attend the en-
tertainment OF the Stowe dramatic club. Twelve
couples went to Wolcott to attend the chicken pie
supper and entertainment by the ladies of the
Congregational church, and six couples attending
a marriage anniversary at John Hamers. An
excellent time was enjoyed by ALL. 80, NJ Wat
erman and Fred Merriam Of st. Johnsbury were
in town over Sunday
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

CoRINTH.- George Eaton, lately returned from
California is very sick with pneumonia 1t was
thought at one time that he could not recover.
Henry Richardson, a former resident, has sold
his place at Thetford and is moving back on to
his old farm near the meadow. E. Died. January
has been confined to his house for some weeks
with kidney trouble, is able to ride out. John
Fits has a large job saving wood for his brother
Abel in Vershlre.. Mrs. Oscar Hall thinking
the matrimonial yoke too heavy, has left for
parts unknown :. Rev II. A. Spencer is ex.
pected at the Corner January 9th and 2Sth,
The snow storm of last Wednesday with the
high wind Wednesday night and Thursday block
AIDED the roads badly
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

BRADFORD Water is becoming scarce article
in our village Many wells and cisterns are dry
and the springs are low. Miss Jeanette Howell
Of Boston gave a reading in the town hall Friday
evening under the auspices Of the Reform Club,
The hall was well filled. e, Miss NJ b Powers,
preceptress Of the academy, has been unable to
meet her classes for several days on account OF
serious trouble with the eyes, but is much better
80. Principal Cummings being III there was nc
school Friday. No holiday this week in conse-
quence. A Osborne Is able to be in his store
again. Others who have been sick are appearing
on the streets :. George W FAIR is still in Or
ford at work on his job for S, 5. lIoughton. lie
expect TO get through this week
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

The senate on Saturday passed the post
office appropriation bill containing the two
cent postage clause. President Arthur favors
this reduction, 80 that after January l, 1884
letter postage at two cents for each hall
ounce is assured.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

The rock on which all agrarianism and
socialism splits is very briefly indicated in
the remark which is made concerning Herr
Most, the German anarchist, and his morti-
flying failure in Milwaukee, to wit--that his
want of success was due to the fact that
most of the former socialists had become
property owners.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

HARpwIcK. Donations to Rev W. Robinson,
Methodist, and Rev j. NJ Nelson Baptist, oc-
CURED on the evening of the nth, the former at
the church and the latter at Mr., Nelson's resi-
dence in the west part Of this town. Both were
well attended considering the incement weather
then prevailing Net receipts for MIR. Robinson
S25, and Tor Mr.. Nelson, reported about $40.
There appears quite demand recently for mich
cows In this section Frank Rowe, recently de-
ceased, held life policy in the Pfenx company
for 81 900 Mrs. i. c. Hutchinson's millinery
goods, recently attached, advertised to be sold
by the constable February 3D.. Frederick Aims
worth's personal property was sold by the ad-
mlnistIator of the estate on Saturday last
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

NEwBURY Mr.. Ira Brainard who has been
sick for few weeks past is able to be out again.
Mr.. and Mrs. Eugene Cobleigh spent last
week in Lebanon, N. H.. John Goodwin is
about 10 open livery stable in town Profess
sor John Lsdd has returned south. Mr.. George
Swasey was married last week, The new saw
mill is nearly completed, Mrs. jefferson futile
died very suddenly last Wednesday and was
buried Friday. Mr.. Matt Avery lost valuable
horse last week 81. Mr.. Asa Kelley has become
insane again and has been taken to Bratteboro.
-. The services during the week OF prayer were
well attended -. There will be an examination
of classes and students exhibition at the close
Of the winter term Of school at Newbury Seminary,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

BRooKFIELD-The council called by the mem
bsrs Of the Congregational society Of East Brook
field met at the New church, the 10TH and organ
lied by electing Rev. c. S. Smith of Montpelier
chairman; Rev. Mr.. Mcmillan Of Barre secre-
tary Eight churches were represented. The
business was presented to the council by Deacon
A. G. Ilbbard in clear, earnest and impressive
manner. Remarks were made by Messrs. John
X Sprague, NJ Paine Gay, Newell, Reed, j..
Sprague, also Mrs j. X Sprague and Mrs. W. F.
Reed. The council saw fit to organize the Con-
gregational church of East Brookfeld, number
ing twenty-one members The deacons as
follows: A. G. Hibbard, +. II. Newell and w. II.
Richardson. The order OF exercises in the after
noon was as follows; Reading of the Scriptures
field sermon by Rev Z. Z Herrick, after which
the sacrament was administered. Anthems suit
able for the occasion were rendered by the choir.
The Help and Hone Society will meet with
Mrs. w. w. Dutton next Thursday.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-24

EAST RoxBuRY. Frank Il, Allen goes to Bos-
ton this week to finish his lessons in the tee-
graphic school. MIR. Clark OF CratsbuIy preach
ed last Sabbath at this place 1.-The severe
storm Saturday night made 1t necessary for the
highway surveyor to spend his time ON the road
nearly All day Sunday Report says that s A.
Braley is soon to bring his wife to his fathers,
Daniel Braley,. Under the pretence Of shooting
last Saturday by shooting OH the top of Mr.. II. r.
Abbotts chimney