The Press., 1884-10-30
SUDDEN prArH or arosaE rnANo1s.

SUDDEN DEATH OF GEORGE FRANCIS
 This town was shocked yesterday morn ing by news of the sudden death of Geo. Francis, Adams express messenger on Saun- ders' train. He had seemed in his usual health, had descended from his room, talk en walk, and was awaiting the breakfast hour at Weeks Antique House, in Palmer. Sitting in chair in the reading room, talk ing and laughing in his usual happy way, with a shooting party just starting out, he died with scarcely a warning struggle.
 MT. Francis was native of Stafford and about 54 years of age. He has for IS years past been in service as express messenger on the N. l.. N. road, having previously filled like position on the N. x W. road, and had & wide circle of acquaintan ces whom his good qualities and generous na. ture had converted into warm friends His home was at State Line, where he has fo1 some time, owing to his fathers age and in6rmities, had much of the care of the homestead farm. The cause of his death was supposed to be the sudden obstruction of the hearts action by clot.
 On Tuesday, 18th inst, the board of trustees of the Hale Donation held its an nual meeting with Rev. J. P. Hawley of this village, who is one of its number. The fund was the gift of the widow of John Hale, said Hale being near relative of the celebrated Nathan Hale, and who resided at South Coventry. The original donation was five thousand dollars. The larger part of the income from this fund, in accordance with the stipulation of the will, has been used to aid young men in their preparation for the ministry. A small portion has been used annually in the oe1 1>oo1,o for l., 4hoo1orr ical and religious, for ministers and stu numbers something over 1000 volumes. A small share of the income goes for the increase of the fund, which now amounts to over eight thousand dollars. This be- nevolence has a history of about three quarters of a century, and but one loss by way of investment worthy of notice, if in- deed there has been any other, occurred some years since. Its affairs seem to have been managed with great care and singu- lar success. It is estimated that from fifteen to eighteen thousands of dollars have been paid from it for educational purposes.
 At a meeting of Harmony Temple of Honor, held Wednesday eveding Oct. 29th, the following officers were elected A. l.. Howard, W. c. T. Stephen Pease, W. V. T.. Horace Towne, W. R.. Henry M. Day, w. A. R. s. Main, W. T. R.. A. l.. Burdon, w. T. John Dean, W. c. /; c. D. Newell, w. U. D. Marsdale, A. w. U., Elmer Booth, W. G.; Robert Me Neil, W. s.
 The Congregational ladies' society re- organized for the year yesterday, choosing Mrs. J. V. Squier president, Mrs. W. H.. Cooley vice president, and Mrs. B. c. Den- his secretary and treasurer.
 The premises of c. P. Bradway were visited last Saturday night by chicken thieves, evidently somewhat experienced in the art. Mr. B. heard 8 slight noise about midnight, but paid little attention to it. Upon examination of his flock on Sunday he found sixteen had disappeared. Farmers and poultry raisers need to be prepared to receive such guests.
 STAFFORD HOLLOW.
 The ladies' sewing circle gave pleas ing and lucrative entertainment in their ceded by 16 cent supper. The circle reelection of the last years officers. It has been decided that from this year the elections shall be biennial.
 
 more common in this vicinity than it is the present year. The odor of its ''valua- ble medicinal powers" CWebster) are al- most nightly waited through some part of the village. One young man at the west end makes point of collecting their bod ies, valuing them at $1 25 each.
 The ''Busy Bees' hum of having a supper Wednesday evening, so the honey loving young gentlemen would do we'll to make preparations accordingly.
 The democratic rally, at which Sen ator Eaton was the speaker, called out a large but not very enthusiastic audience Tuesday evening. MT. Eaton spoke slow ly and forcibly, appealing to the thought rather than to the feelings of his auditors. The substance of his remarks was upon the tariff, arguing not for free trade but for the line of action in which MT. Eaton is leading counsellor, revision of existing duties. The meeting was held under the direction of the Cleveland and Hendricks club, and was presided over by Lieut.. Gov B. H. Hyde.
 -E. Emory Johnson of Johnsonville, Conn.,, will speak at the town hall on Fri day evening under the Blaine and Logan club of staffordville .~ POLAND
 trRoM ''RETsEL.'o
 We have only to hear from opponents of the greenback- labor party and the fe- male sufferage party, and we ought to be thoroughly posted how to vote. Last Sat urday evening John M. Hunter of Willi mantie and Charles M Ioslyn of HEaqr Hartford argued in faVor of the demoeratic candi dates, and Monday evening J. A. Lewis o1 Willimantic argued for the prohibition ones,
 Mir, A, J. Morton expects to sail from Boston, Thursday, for Florida, where ht will locate at Palatka as cashier of the - "a latka National Bank just organized. H, has our hessts wishes. May the same sue cess attend him in this new latitude tha has heretofore crowned hia strict attention to business, fidelity to his employers, ant sterling honesty, With only these trait for canital ha has risan &rona 4ho oo,oo,,, a,