davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21

GLADsToNE's high character has saved
him from defeat at time when probably
any other living Englishman would have
been angrily driven out of the gov
eminent. The English people are in
tensely stirred by the danger to which
General Gordon, cooped up in Khartoum,
environed by hordes of murderous Arabs,
is exposed. The policy of the government
in Egyptian affairs, which has ended in
imminent danger to England's ideal hero,
has been the subject Of much outspoken
criticism. A motion of censure was made
in the house of commons last week, and
was supported by speeches in which the
ministry was bitterly denounced. The
current ran strongly against the old prime
minister, but he bravely and eloquently
breasted the tide, and saved himself and
his associates, by the narrow majority of
twenty-eight, in an extraordinarily full
house. The succor of General Gordon
had been previously determined upon.
The relieving force is yet to be dispatched
from England, but when it arrives on the
Nile the real difficulties of the expedition
have only begun. Many weeks must
elapse, under the most favorable circum-
stances, before the beleaguered general
can be reached. The natural hardships OF
the march, Invested of danger from bands
of hostile Arabs fired by fanaticism, are
alone of no ordinary character to Euro.
peans. 81 have duty" Mr.. Gladstone
said "to General Gordon and duty to
the country. Both will be performed
Despite the scoff of the honorable gentle
man at the climatic danger and difficulty,
it may be the duty of the government to
plant British force in that terrible
country, but the government declines to
be driven on without considering the
blood, the honor, and the treasure of En-
gland, and the government also declines
to enter upon a vast scheme of conquest
to please captious opposition"
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21

WITH the Morrison horizontal reduction
scheme for running the business of the
country out of the way, congress will
have time, during the remaining days of
the session, to devote its attention to such
matters of popular concern as the bank
rupt bill, the education bill, and others,
which are of national Importance. Some
of these measures have already passed the
senate and await the action of the house
There may not be as much political CAPT
tai in them as in tariff bill. They may
not yield as productivity of buncombe as
a free trade measure with its decisions
and sophistries, but they have quite as
direct bearing upon the welfare of the
nation. And there are such matters of
vital Importance as the regulation of the
succession to the presidential office in GER
tain cases, and the counting of the cleo
toral vote, bills relating to which are be-
fore congress and awaiting the disposition
of that body to take them up. The democ-
racy will find the surest road to ultimate
success through patriotic and states
maplike consideration of these great meas
ures. They powerfully affect the moral
and material welfare of the country, they
command the confidence and embody the
sense of the best citizens, and the perpe-
tuity of the government itself is involved
in them. The passage of these wise meas
ures by a democratic house would be
something to which the party could indeed
"point with PRIDE" and in no conven-
tional spirit.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21
Commenting upon this report the Inde
pendent says
Notes and Comments.

BROOKLYN UNION {" We counted but
fourteen Ednlunds delegates from New
York, but it is by no means improbable
that the number will be near twenty. AS
the Blaine aud Arthur men begin to
realize that they must drop their favorites,
Mr.. Edmunds is found to be the second
choice of an increasing proportion. 1t is
encouraging to find how little influence
the locality argument has. There appears
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21
General Grant.

Senator Edmunds' motion to place
General Grant on the retired list, with
the full pay of general of the army, and
its passage by the senate without dis
senting vote, is step towards an act of
simple justice and honor too long de-
ferred. Taken at time when circum-
stances would not have given it the SEM
blance of a charitable deed, it would
have been far more gracious'on the part
of the nation, and possibly more grateful
to the recipient. General Grants mill
tary services ara unsurpassed save, per-
haps, by those of Washington. In honor
unsullied, in modest simplicity, in gener-
GUS qualities, in unsefish devotion, and in
patriotic loyalty, he is the peer of any
character in history. His ability in the
command of million and more of men,
spread over theater of war that was
continental in its area, and his success in
conducting those vast military operations,
have perhaps given him higher rank
among the military critics of Europe than
even his own countrymen are willing to
concede to him. Lately he has given the
highest test of manliness and candor by
confessing that his judgment in the case
of fellow.officer was wrong, and by en-.
treating the legislative power of the ma
ton to restore his sword to the disgraced
general. Congress has voted to place
Fitz John Porter upon the retired list.
At the peoples call, not by the iron edict
of court martial, General Grant laid
down his military commission to serve
his country in a civil capacity. He re-
tired from the civil, as he had done from
the military, service of the nation poor in
treasure, but rich in honor. The resent
ments of partisan politics have denied to
the distinctive military hero and savior of
"the best government the sun shines
upon " the right and privilege of taking
up again the rank he had been asked to
lay aside, and of entering into that retire
ment to which his age entitled him-a
right and privilege which the law accords
to honorable service, and which have been
conferred upon one whom jury of his
peers and whom Lincoln branded as 9
traitor to the country. The disgracefu
treatment of the great commander anG
ex-president by the congress of the ma
ton he had saved, in suffering him to de
part from its service without an income
or the means of living in that dignity ant
suitably meeting those exactions which
the high military and civil positions hi
had held entailed upon him, was rebuket
by the munifcence of more appreciativ'
and more patriotic private citizens. L
the obligation of the country to Genera
Grant could be paid with money, I'm
stinted emoluments should be heapet
upon him. But to the old soldiers hear
there is something more grateful thar
gold. Without longer delay and withou
dissenting voice his name should b,
placed upon the rolls, in companionshiI
with Sherman and the long list of bril-
liant names who once held it an honor Il
obey his commands. None but thos
whose narrow souls are pinched up will
partisanhip will begrudge him this be
lated honor and its benefits.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21

THE chief interest of the state canvass
at present seems to be in the Office of Sec
rotary of State. The name of Deputy
Secretary G. w. Porter is more frequently
mentioned for this place than that of any
other gentleman, and invariably with
hearty words of acknowledgement of his
peculiar fitness for the position. DR..
Nichols has made q popular and eff
cient secretary. His deputy for seven
years past is thoroughly familiar with all
the technical and the practical require
ments of the Office. He has every qualifi-
cation that the secretary himself possesses,
and many which, it is no derogation to
say, the latter does not possess. Mr.. Por-
ter is lawyer of decided ability and of
profitable experience in his profession.
He has quick and correct executive habits.
He is clear, methodical and precise in
clerical work. His honor is bright and
sensitive and his independence as sturdy
as the most exacting could desire. He is
courteous and affable. He is gentleman
by instinct, and would fill the office with
dignity and represent the state with real
credit. No one who knows Mr.. Porter
will gainsay his superior qualifications
for this position and it is but just that
people to whom he may be stranger,
and whose votes in caucus or convention
will contribute to the selection Of this Off
cial, whoever may be chosen, should know
the facts concerning conspicuous candi-
date for the Office and be able to act intel
ligently, when the time for action comes.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21

THE last issue of the Richford Gazette
contains charges of the gravest character
against Hon. Homer E. Royce, chief judge
of the supreme court of this state. Not
by innuendo or insinuation, but in direct
and unqualified terms, the writer says
Judge Royce is guilty of gross immortality,
of receiving brides and of abuses of his
official position. Particular instances Of
his alleged misconduct, it is averred, are
reserved for the investigation of the legis-
lature. These things would seem to call
for some notice either from Judge Royce
himself or his friends. The allegations
are either true or not true. If they are
not true they should be denied and the
slanderer prosecuted. Judge Royce is the
highest judicial officer in the state and
the people have direct interest in mat
tiers affecting his personal honor and Off
cial integrity-an interest they would not
have if he were only private citizen. 1t
is unjust to him utterly to ignore this
assault, since silence may be injuriously
construed. The st. Adams Messenger is
published daily at the place OF the
Judges residence. We have looked In
vain in its columns for any notice OF the
charges either by way of denial, or by
asking suspension of public opinion til
the Judge can be heard in his own de
fence. The paper containing this at
tack has, we understand, been SEN
all over the state. A high public
officer should not be thus wantonl,
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21

WHEELER, who murdered Matthews on
election day last fall at Hazlehurst, Miss,
has been acquitted. No one will be sur
prised. The South will not punish the
instruments by which it is made and
maintained solid for the democracy.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21

assailed. We trust we shall yet see an ex-
plicit and conclusive denial, either by the
Judge himself or by some one competent
to speak for him.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-21

HOOPS SARsAPARILLA gives an appetite and
imparts new life and energy to all the func-
tons of the body. Try bottle and realize it,
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04
HOW DOTTIE KILLED THE ,GATOR.

Miss Dottie L Steck of Bellwood. Pa, who
is visiting relatives at Little Rock, Ark, il
the heroine of the day. For years q monster
alligator has INHABITED the swamrs near
fuckers lake, jefferson county. soaring peo-
pie for miles around Miss Steck determ med
to capture the monster. She set out with
two young ladies aud several gent emen.
The party soon struck the trail and tracked
the alligator to his den. hole in the sandy
bank indicated the location, and few min
utes' digging revealed the object of tie
search, and the cminous growls and furious
lashings that arose from the spot in
formed the adventures that the king of
reptiles was within. The egress from the
den to the lake having been securely stopped
escape cut Off, and rushed up and down it's
bed uttering wicked growls, furiously lash
ing the mud and scattered the water IN all
directions Pieces of timber and fence rails
were pushed into it's mouth, only to be
crushed and snapped of by its ponderous
was thrown over the brute's head.
Then he was suddenly jerked to the bank
The appearance of the monster in the
midst Of the venturesome party created
panic, and all save the heroine
beat hasty retreat selecting the. further
nde Of friendly oak as place of safety:
With gun in baud, the young lady stood
within few feet Of the now thoroughly en-
ragged beast, which was growing, struggling
and slashing its tail on the ground in a
frightful manner, and whec the opportunity
presented itsslf she fred both barrels il
rapid succession The atm did It's work The
alligator gave tremendous i1rches and
reared, and expired Both shots had entered
one u the few penerable places, al the base
Of tho Jaw. Il measured fraction over ten
feet In length. The hide was removed and
p y eh0Qoss Eslop of Ms Stock.
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.

SECRETARY TELLER's RECoMMENDATIoNs
OF the varied governmental concerns in
charge of the interior department, the re-
port of it's secretary presents an interesting
summary Among the topics deserving par
ticular attention refer you to his observa-
lions respecting our indian affairs. the pre-
emptiou and timber culture acts. the failure
of railroad companies to take title to lands
granted by the government and the opera
tions of the pension Office, the patent Office,
the census bureau and bureau of education.
Allusion has been made already to the cir
Indian tribes and as between the Indians and
the whites, the past year has been one OF
unb1 oxen peace In this circumstance the
president is glad to find justification for the
policy of the government in dealing with the
Indian question: and confirmation of views
which were fully expressed in his first COM
munication to the Forty -seventh congress.
The secretary urges new enactment Of a
statute for the punishment of crimes COM
mitted on Indian reservations, and recon-
mends the passage of the bill now pending
in the house of representatives. for the pur-
chase OF a district of $4,000 square miles
from the Sioux reservation. Both these
measures are worthy of approval l concur
with him also in advising The repeal of the
pre- emption law. the enactment of statutes
resolving the present legal complications
touching lapsed grants to railroads, and the
funding of the debt Of the several Pacific
railroads under such guarantee as shall in
sure its ultimate payment
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04

in the frst instance to a competent commits
sion. While fully recognizing the considera-
tions that may be urged against this course
am nevertheless OF the opinion that, on the
speedier or better results That portion of
the secretary's report which concerns
the condition OF our shipping interests can
not fail to command your attention He en-
phatically recommends that as an incentive
to the investment OF American capILal in
American steamships. the government shall,
by liberal payments for mail transportation
or otherwise. lend it's active assistance to in
dividual enterprise, and declares his belief
that unless that course be pursued, our
foreign carrying trade must remain as it to-
day, almost exclusively in the hands of
foreigners One phase of this subject is now
especially prominent, in view of the repeal
by the act Of June 26, 1884, of all statu-
tory provisions arbitrarily compelling Amerl-
can vessels to carry the mails to and
from the United States. AS 1t is
necessary to make provision to compensate
the owners of such vessels for performing
that service after April. 1885, it is hoped
that the whole subject will receive early con-
sideration that will lead to the enactment Of
such measures for the revival Of our mer-
chant marine as the wisdom Of congress may
devise. Three pei cent bonds Of the govern
ment to the amount of more than $780,
OOO, 900 have since my last annual message
been redeemed by the secretary. The bonds
of that issue still outstanding amount to
a little over $500. GOO, 900, about one-fourth
of which will be retired through the opera
tions Of the sinking fund during the coming
year AS these bonds still continue the chief
factor of the circulation of the national
banks, the question how to avert the con-
traction OF the currency caused by their re-
tirement is one of constantly increasing i'm
portance. 1t seems to be generally conceded
that the law governing this matter exacts
from the banks excessive security, and that
on their present bond deposits larger cir
>culation than is now allowed may be granted
with perfect safety l hope that the bill
which passed the senate at the last session,
permitting the issue of notes equal to the
face value of deposited bonds. will commend
itself to The approval Of the house of repre-
senratiyeS
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04
FOREIGN TRADE.
HOW To EXTEND TT

In the course of this communication refer
cnce has more than once been made to the
policy of this government as regards the ex-
tension Of our foreign trade. 1t seems
proper to declare the general principles that
should, in my opinion, underlie our nationi
efforts in this direction. The main conditions
Of the problem may be thus stated: We are
q people rich in mechanical pursuits and
fertile in invention; we cover avastextent of
territory, rich in agricultural products and in
nearly all the raw materials necessary fer
successful manufacture. We have a system
of productive establishments more than
sufficient to supply our demands The
wages of labor are nowhere so great
The scale OF living OF OR
artisan classes is such as tends to secure
their personal comfort and the development
of those higher moral and intellectual quail
tiles that go to the making of good citizens.
Our system of tax and tariff legislation is
yielding q revenue which Is In excess of the
are elements from which it is sought to de-
wise scheme by which, without unfavora-
bly, changing the condition Of workingmen,
our merchant marine shall be raised from It's
enfeebled condition and new markets pro-
vided for the sale, beyond our borders, Of the
manifold fruits of our industrial enterprise.
The problem is complex and can be solved
by no single measure Of Innovation or re-
form. The countries of the American CONT
nent and the adjacent islands are for the
United States the natural market Of supply
and demand. It is from them that we should
obtain what we do net produce, or do not
produce in sufflcieAcy, and 1t is to them that
surplus productions Of our fields, our mills,
and our workshops should flow, under
conditions that win equalize or favor them
in comparison with Foreign competition.
four paths Of policy seem to point to this
Snd. Fhsts tesof caprocal csaameroad
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04
The Discrimination of the Coinage of
Silver Dollars Most Earnestly
Recommended.
The Banks Compelled to Deposit an
Excessive Amount Of Security,
Thinks the President.
Methods for Extending the Foreign
Trade Suggested-Condition of the
War Department.
Restoration Of the Navy Urged-The
Civil Service lava Graceful
Valedictory.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

THE LATE ELECTION
To the Congress Of the United States
Since the close Of your last session the Amer
lean people, in the exercise Of their highest
right of suffrage, have chosen their chief
magistrate for the four years ensuing When
it is remembered that at no period in the
country's history has the long political con-
test which customarily precedes the day Of
the national election been waged with
greater fervor and intensity. it is a subject
of congratulation that after the controversy
at the polls was over, and while the slight
preponderance by which the issue had been
determined was as yet unascertained, the
public peace suffered no disturbance, but
the people everywhere patiently and quietly
awaited the result Nothing could more
strikingly illustrate the temper of the
American citizen. his love of order and his
loyalty to law. Nothing could more signally
demonstrate the strength and wisdom Of our
political institutions Eight years have
passed since a controversy concerning the
result of n national election sharply called
the attention of the congress to the neces-
sity of providing more precise and definite
regulations for counting the electoral vote
1t is of the greatest importance that this
question be solved before conflicting claims
to the presidency shall again distract the
country; and / am persuaded that, by the
people at large, any of the measures of re-
lief thus far proposed would be preferred to
continued inaction
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04

arauions for the expedition were promptly
made bv the secretary of the navy. with tn
active cooperation of the secretary Of war
Commander George w. Coffin was placed in
command of the Alert, and Lieut. W. II. En-
erv in command of the Bear. The Tibet
was intrusted to Commander Winfield S
Schley, to whom also was assigned the SUI
perintendence Of the entire expedition I'm
mediatelv upon its arrival at Upernayik,
the feet began the dangerous navigation of
Melville bay, and in spite OF every obstacle,
reached Littleton island on june ~.
fortnight earlier than any vessel had be-
fore attained that point On the same day it
crossed over to Cape Sabine. where
Lieut. Greeley and other survivors OF
his party were discovered. After taking on
board the living and the bodies Of the dead,
the relief ships sailed for St Johns, where
priately received ut Portsmouth, N. H.. on
Aug. I, and at New York on Aug g. One of
the bodies was landed at the former place.
The others were put on shore at Governors
island, and with the exception OF one.
which was inferred in the national cemetery,
were forwarded thence to the destination in
dicated by frienda The organization and
conduct of tho relief expedition reflects
great credit upon all who contributed to its
success In this, the last Of the state mes
sages that shall have the honor to transmit
to the congress of the United States. l can
not too strongly urge on it's attention the
duty of restoring our navy Of rapidly as pos
slbe to the high state OF efficiency which
formerly characterized it. Az the long peace
that has lulled us into a sense of fancied Sc
curity may at any time be disturbed. 1t Is
plain that the policy OF Strengthening
this arm of the service is dictated by cOnsd-
erations of use, economy, of just regard for
our future tranquility and OF true apprecia-
ton of the dignity and honor of this repub-
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04

The Armament Board appointed by
Congress to make tests of artillery has
made report. recommending that the
following-described guns be procured at
the earliest date practicable for the de-
tense of our harbors: One hundred
and twenty five eight-inc guns, to car
~ projectiles weighing 2S5 pounds; 226
ten-inch guns, to carry projectiles of
575 pounds; 306 twelve-inch guns, to
carry 894-pound projectiles; fifty six
teen inch guns, to carry projectiles Of
1851 pounds; 512 twelve-inch mortars,
to carry 61O-pcund projectiles. These
guns will have a penetrating force at
5000 yards through thickness Of
wrought-iron as follows: Eight-inch
caiber, 1899 inches; 1O-inch caliber,
1916 inches; 12-inch caliber, 1928
In ches; 16-inch caliber, %. 20 inches.
The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-12-04

The course of Gen Swain is very
singular one for any army officer of
high rank to pursue. When charged
with grave offenses in the first place he
declines to request Q court Of inquiry,
and it was ordered by the Secretary of
War. Then, when that tribunal re-
ported that the evidence established a
prima facie case against him, he refused
to ask for court-martial, and it was
ordered by the President. And now
that be has been put upon trial he en-
ters demurrer at every step of the
proceedings, and seems chiefly desir-
GUS not to vindicare his good name, but
to save his official head by pet5ifogging
and the suppression of the facts.