davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27
A View RsgIne OF War.

A trial OF dynamite shells, under the auspi-
ces of the Senate Military Committee, took
place March ~, on the banks of the Potomac,
about bali way between Georgetown and the
Chain Bridge, Washington. The District au-
thorities refused to permit the trials within
the corporation limits of Washington, on ac-
count Of the destructive conclusions which
were among the results of the preliminary
trial a few days before at the Navy Yard.
Four shots were fred with six inch shells, car
rying eleven pound bursting charges Of nitro
gelatine, which contains about ninety. five per
cent Of pure nitro gycerine. The range was
1000 yards, and the target was perpendicu-
lar ledge Of solid trap rock on the south bank
of the river. The first shell struck near the
eastern margin Of the ledge and exploded by
conclusion, shattering the face OF the rock
for the radius Of about thirty feet, and carry
ing away several tons OF debris, which were
hurled for hundreds of yards up and down the
stream. The second shell struck nearly in
the center OF the ledge, exploding as before
1t opened a cavity on the face of the ledge
about twenty five feet in diameter, and exca-
waited a pit or crater about six feet deep
Some Of the fragments OF rock from this ex.
plosion were hurled half q mile, one piece
weighing nearly twelve pounds, being thrown
clear across the canal, and lodging near q
farm house adjoining the Georgetown reger-
voir. The other shots were similar in their
effects.
A large ooncourse Of people assembled to
slew the trial. among them, in addition to
,everal officers of the army and navy, were
he military and naval attaches of the Ger
man, French and Italian legations, and the
Russian Minister in person. The trial was
regarded as a success in every respect, and as
a conclusive proof of the destructive powers
of the six inch shells The next test in the
series will be made in few days with eight
inch shells carrying thirty -fve pound charges
of nitro-gelatine. 1t is possible that in view
OF the effects of the six inch shells carrying
only eleven pound charges, the local authori-
ties may refuse permission to fire thirty-6ve
pound charges anywhere in the vicinity. II
30 the next trial will have to be made at For
tress Monroe or Sandy Hook According to
the Herald's correspondent, the members Of
the foreign legations present manifested great
interest in the trial, particularly the Russian
Minister and the German military attache,
who took copious notes OF the proceedings
Some Of the military and naval experts pres.
ent expressed the opinion that any one OF the
shells fred to-day would have completely
wrecked any unarmored ship ahoat, and seri-
ously racked the strongest iron clad. The
safety of the system OF firing seems to be as
sured by the two trials that have been made,
the shell leaving the gun in every instance as
safely as an ordinary powder charge shell
could do.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

tFrom the Boston Herald
How little the merits Of the war now going
on In the Soudan are understood is illustrated
by the frequent expressions OF sympathy for
the Mahdi which one hears from people who,
upon most subjects, are tolerably well inform
ed. There Is a common impression that the
Mahdi is the representative Of self.govern'
ment that what he wishes to do is 10 give 10
the Arabs of the Soudan an opportunity 70
develop their political affairs without inter
ference from foreign powers, and that In
sending an expedition for the purpose Of
"smasbing" him, as II is called, the English
are simply showing themselves the enemies
Of the bome-rulo theory. Now, opinions Of
this kind would have bad some weight had
they been formed concerning the policy of
Arab Pasha. That leader was unquesiiona-
bly, aotuated by the home-rule spirit. He be-
lieved In Egypt for the Egyptians, and his
efforts we're chiefly directed, both before and
after the outbreak Of the rebellion, toward
preventing foreign interference. With his
defeat and exile the chance Of the Egyptians
establishing themselves as an independent
people came TO an end-at least, for some
time TO come. The Mahdi, however, Is actu-
ated by entirely different motives. As his
name implies, he Is the messiah. and his
heaven-imposed mission is neither national
nor political, but strictly religious. 1t is his
hlIl, not Ouly u pObbthh tuo oouuhut Dut W
take supreme possession Of the world, as by
divine right. Either he is the spiritual lead
or of all mankind or he is nothing, for when
a man is specially sent by heaven TO save the
human race his duties are not crcumscribed
by geographical boundaries. He has repeat
eddy asserted In his proclamations that II is
his duty to exterminate all those who refuse
to recognize his sacred mission that, after
having proclaimed to the world, at the holy
city of Mecca, his DEGREES, he is forthwith to
proceed to punish by death those who refuse
to comply with them, his first victim being
the false caliph who nov figures under the
title Of the Sultan Of Turkey. Having done
this 1t will become his duty to bring into the
true Moslem faith, not only those Mohamme-
dan people who have been backsiders, but
also all other people, thus completing the
work which the prophet Mahomet only be-
gan. 1t will be seen from the above that ii
is hardly worth while to waste much sympa-
thy upon such n character. The world has
seen scores upon scores Of religious impos-
ters. Most Of these have met with speedy
and discreditsble failure, but a few have been
more fortunate, and the Mahdi has had sue
cess for two or three years which is in many
ways phenomenal. But, unless we are pre-
pared to admit that it ia desirable to have a
reformed Mohammedan religion spread over
the world at the point Of the sword, it will
hardly do to say that we sympathize with him
in bis efforts TO overthrow the English.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

There will be preaching at the ConRreRa.
tional church next Sunday. The committee
promise no failure this time.
There was large attendance at the corn
social held by the Baptist ladies at town hall
on Tuesday evening. The recitGtions and
songs by the children gave great pleasure to
an attentive audience.
Il. Streeter has sold his farm TO Joseph
Greenwood Of Saxtons River, who takes i'm
mediate possession.
The selectmen have appointed Miss Myra
OonRnt superintendent OF schools in place OF
Mrs. l. K. Phelps, who declined to serve-an
appointment which gives universal satisfac.
ton.
The past winter has been the gayest Graf
ton has known for many years. 1t is said
that only one evening in the past three months
has been unused, while many times two or
three plac's Of amusement have offered their
charms at the same time. Verify, we are
moviDg-up or down.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

March 18th and 18th mercury 22o below
zero, Andlfrom the 18th to gath inclusive (s
dAys) averaged lO0 below.
--Rsnel Willis, long q resident and much
respected citizen Of this place, died at Whate-
~, Mass, on the 18th inst. while visiting
with friends there. He was apparently re.
covering from sickness but died very sudden
ly. He was brought here for burial on the
18th.
IN. L. Stetson has sold his house near the
Univorsalist church, formerly owned by s.
Tyler, TO j. W. Stanelih for $3.50.
Lydia Stiekney has bought from the es-
tate Of the late T. O. Starr, the house near
the residence OF ]. O. Chase, formerly known
as the Flower hotel" Price 1926. Mrs. Car.
ley, now occupying it, moves into tenement
Of ]. @. Chase.
e j. Corkins bought at the late auction
Of 8. D. Faulkner what Is known as the "Can-
edy lot" S6-acre wood lot, for 500.
The Knights of Honor recently held
fine reception at their hall in Stetson's block.
W. P. Jones Is spending few weeks At
Brattleboro.
The young ladies have OrgAnizedA work
ing club"
IF. W. Chase and family arrived safe At
their new home In Nebraska.
The cold wave is carrying suRarins 10 A
late period.
Herbert H. Faulkner has opened a flour
meal and feed store at the. stand formerly oo'
cupied by Z. L. Roberts.
IN, L. Stetson has sold the Norcroaa Dlaca
to heTvin n. Brown for $225.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27
MINOR NOTEa.

The president has accepted the invitation
Of the veterans of the LIST and other CORDS 10
visit the battlefield of Gettysburg when they
make their historical visit there May and 8.
Lawyer e. d. Clarke OF VicksburR, Miss.
who was to have been Secretary Lamar's irst
assistant in the interior department, died from
an attack Of typho, pneumonia at Washington
Monday. His death is personal bereave.
ment to Secretary Lamar for Mr.. Clarke had
been student in his law Office, and In accept
ing the interior department the new secretary
counted on the assistance of his friend In dis
charging it's duties.
Senator Bridge Democratic member OF
the Illinois state senate, who suffered from a
stroke Of paralysis month ago, died at his
home near Oarrollton, ILL.,, last Friday. The
death of Mr. Bridges, following that of Rep
resentative Logan three weeks ago, leaves the
legislature once more tie on a joint ballot
and there is less prospect than ever of the
election of Senator to succeed Gen. Logan.
Gen. Grants physicians have consented to
let his family give him red clover tea, reme-
dy which has got q reputation among coun-
try people as a cancer specific. They say Il
can do no harm, but have no faith that 1t
will do good.
Two Of the men whose evidence helped con
vict the assassins OF Lord Frederick Oaven-
dish and Under Secretary Burke in Phoenix
park, Dublin, have had melancholy fates.
Smith, who pointed out Burke to the assassin
Carey, has just died after months of pitiable
fear Of such vengeance as was visited on Ca
rey and Michael Kavanagh, who drove the
car ON which the assassins escaped, is raw
ing mailman in an asylum. These persons,
siigmatizsd as ''informers" because they help.
ed bring to justice members of a murderous
conspiracy which they were deluded into
joining, are as truly murdered by the society
Of assassins a. Cavendish and Burke were.
Their fate simply illustrates the atrocity Of
such means of resenting an injustice.
Mr.. Phelps viii not 60 to England for some
weeks yet.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27
Pusney.
rHE BAPTIST CHURCH DED1cAT1oS.

THE BAfIlhI OhUhIh DEDICATION.
The dedication Of the new Baptist church
took place last evehing In the presence Of a.
audience which packed the audience room ID
every part. The order Of services INCLUDED
an anthem by the choir, invocation by Rev
F. z. Tower of Brattleboro, anthem, scrp.
ture lesson and prayer by Rev. John Shep
by the Rev. Mr.. Tower, anthem, address 10
the people by the Rsv. Mr.. Shepardsop.
hymn, remarks by the pastor Rev. Mr.. Par
cons, q collection, hymn by choir and congrt.
CATION, benediction by the pastor.
Mr.. Towers sermon was from Ezekisl
Xvii ~, his theme being the Influence Of
the Sanctuary. Mr.. Shepardson's addres,
was Of great practical force, frightened By
an undeTcurrent of bumor, emphasizing ths
duties which q church owes to Itself TO Il,
minister, and to the community. Mr.. Par
sons in bis remarks acknowledged the manv
acts Of helpfulness which the Putney sooiety
has received in its work Of building The
church. Ali the exercises were worthy ID,
occasion and were listened to with close a.,
tention.
The church is tasteful 10 design, is admin.
bly, adapted TO the wants Of the society and
does credit to all who have had part in il.
erection. The vestry is conveniently built
across the rear, giving the building a cruel.
form share. The audience room has seats foi
260 persons. 1t is frescoed in cheerful color
the windows are of cathedral glass, the seat
are Of chestnut, with crimson cushions bar
moniziDR with the carpet The baptistery il
located under the pulpit platform, and th,
niche for the choir is ct the right OF the pull
pit. The vestry is furnished With chairs, and
has kitchen and ladies' parlor. The church
Is an ornament to the village, and its compile
ton is source Of great and justihable salts
faction TO the society.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27
Some Foreign Appointment.

The surprise of the past week has been the
Presidents nomination of Hon. Edward ].
Phelps of Burlington to be Minister to Eng
land, which was sent to the Senate, with 9TH
er important diplomatic nominations, last
Monday. That the nomination was one in
every way ht to be made goes without saying
in Vermont. BY birth, by hereditary infiu.
ences, by his intellectual attainments, and by
his natural bent of mind and character, Mr..
Phelps is eminently fitted to adorn the high
position to which he has been appointed. He
is son of the late Senator Samuel s. Phelps
of Middlebury, who is known as one of the
strongest men, intellectually, whom Vermont
has ever produced, and whose ancestry dates
back by direct descent TO one of the early
families in our New England life.
Edward j. Phelps was educated as a law
yer, was admitted TO the bar at Middlebury in
1S43, and since that time, or soon after has
been settled in the practice of his profession
at Burlington, leading dgniAed. scholarly
life, removed to great degree from the ordi-
nary turmoil and excitement of the world.
President Fillmore made him Second Comm
troller of the United States treasury under his
administration, which is the only distinctively
public position that he has ever filed. He
has been president of the American Bar asso-
citation, and in 1880 was the candidate of his
party for governor OF Vermont. Numerous
public addresses which Mr.. Phelps has de.
ivered have been models of pure and forcible
English, coupled with rare grace of diction.
In his personal presence Mr.. Phelps is an
embodiment of gentlemanly polish and ele-
gance. Contrary to a somewhat general i'm.
preston, Mr.. Phelps is not a man Of large
wealth, but possesses only a moderate com
petence. For several years past he has filed
the chair Of Kent professor of law at Yale
college, and 1t was while delivering his annual
course of lectures there that he received a tel.
egram from Secretary Bayard on Friday last,
summoning him to Washington, where the
English mission was rendered him and It's &C.
Oeptanco urged. He finally yielded to the
wishes Of Mr.. Bayard and the President, and
on Monday his nomination was sent IN, as al.
ready stated.
Just how II all came about is an enigma.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27
Ca-,,,rtarenars.

The juvenile entertainment given by the
W. O. T. U. at the church Wednesday even.
ing Of last week was well attended and passed
Of very pleasantly. The program consisted
Of Rotations, readings, songs, etc, with in
stTumental music by the CambridgePort or
chestra.
w. @. Stevens took a trip to Worcester,
Mass, last week.
Peter Dorand has sold his meat route to
Barnes a Howe Of Saxtons River.
@. o. Dvinelle gives q social dance at
Wilder's hall this friday evening.
Robert Clements moves TO Athens soon,
going into the house with o. r. Edwards.
Chas Hawkes. moves to Walpole, N. H.,
April LIST.
John Wilder, who has occupied the otel
this winter, moves back 10 Bellows Falls next
week.
The death of Charles Smith Of SsKtons
River, which occurred at Washington, d. c.,
last Monday at l p. NJ, is deeply felt by IL
employees and friends in this place.
Prof. Kimball closes his singing school
here TO morrow evening. d.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

The death OF Mrs. Mary A. Hipeib,
which took place on the 18th inst, after
long and painful illness from consumplo,
removes an old resident whs was held 10 mi
versal respect. She was q devoted Christian
having been q member Of the Congregation,
church for many years. She leaves ibrs,
children 10 whom she had been a kind and n
dulgent mother-tvo sons who are engage,
in the dry goods trade in Taunton, Mass. Sb6
one daughter who is teacher.
The Plimpton farm, situated half VA,
between Fayetteville and Williamsville. (,
sold to Addison Carpenter OF Marlboro. Con.
siderstion said TO be $500. Repairs mad.
on the buildings by ]. w. Hosford hay,
made the place one OF the most attrao,iy.
looking farm houses in the vicinity. NJ,
Hosford has made repairs In the Gates mil
building with q view to occupying Il as ten.
ment, As we'll as carrying on the milling busI
ness.
1T Is understood that Rev. Wan. Marb,
has been engaged to supply the COngregs
tionalist church the remainder Of the YEA
II house can be rented. Tenements ar
scarce In the village
The dramatic entertainment last ve.I
netted about $50. which IL applied to repair
on the hall basement, will reduce the deb
10 something less than 800.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27
where President Cleveland Will AZ.
tend Church.

Boston Herald Despatch, March Q2.l
The decision of President Cleveland to at
tend the Rev. Byron Sunderland's Presbyte-
rian church became known to-day, and will
occasion quite as much talk in Washington as
any act OF the Administration. Several Pres
byteriRn churches have competed for the hon.
or and profit attached to the Presidents
church" at the capital, but no one ever thought
of suggesting that it was possible that DR..
Sunderland's church would be the choice OF
Democratic President. Its pastor has been
known for thirty years as radical Republi-
can. In the fierce agitation of the slavery
question thirty years ago he took such part
as to cause split in his congregation, which
took away the pro-slavery members and the
bulk OF wealth and responsibility OF the con.
gregation. His loyalty at the outbreak of the
war drove many others away, and the church
has never recovered from the loss of so many
good paying members, and has since been
feeble pecunisrily. Yesterday note from
Mr.. Lamont came to DIR. Sunderland, request
ing him to send to the President a diagram
of the church. with the pews aud their price,
which was sent. A pew was selected, q check
given for the rent for year, and this morn.
ing Miss Cleveland aud Mrs. Hoyt took their
seats in THE Presidents pew" much to the
surprise of the congregation, not one of whom
knew of the Presidents intention. Thirty
five years ago DIR. Sunderland was pastor Of a
Presbyterian church in Buffalo, and came
from that city to Washington. Among those
who attended his church there was Mrs. Oleve-
land, the Presidents mother, and in all prob.
ability the little boy Grover was often taken
to hear the man who will now preach to him
as President, DIR. Sunderland's church is sit
uated on Four-and-a-half street, in AN I'M
fashionable part Of the city, and the congre-
CATION is small. There has never been since
the war any distinction made in the church on
account of color in the reception of applicants
for membership, and there are several colored
members. 1t was the pastors act 10 inviting
Fred Douglass to speak from his pulpit TWEEN,
ty years ago that caused the withdrawal of
many Of its members.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

one stepped OF into deep snow throvineboa
down, when they we're secured with no az
age done. Very fortunate.
Parties from Massachusetts have spsn,
day or two this week looking over the sio.,
Of goods and premises Of Daniel Sherv,
Esq, with a view 70 purchase.
Parties that went from here 10 a..
bridge, N. Y, with oxen for sale two 10 NJ.
weeks ago, report very slow sales and bril-.
low.
A friend Of the bride sends the follovi,.
account Of the festivities attending the m,,
rage Of Miss Rose A. johnson Of this Nh.
and Mr.. Chaunoey Gale Of SaHtons River !,
the 9th inst;
The marriage took place at the brides grandma,
ers Rev o. q. Baker of11clatinR, about 70 reis,G.
aud friends being assembled At the place. After ~
remarks the company were Invited 10 the dsi,
room where a bountifui collation. was IN readnsss Y
the evening the couple rode 70 the brides father, y
compenled By some Of their friends; arriving ~.
they found many other friends and relatives Svsi,i
them. After having social time with music. ~.
ipg games, dancing and refreshments the brid. ~
groom returned 10 Mrs. Louisa Twitchells vber. M
bride had made Il her home for several yeara On ~
homo 10 6axtona River, accompanied by the brlS,
only sister. on arriving they found quite . ~,
waiting 10 receive them. Numerous presents ~,
laid on the table, including many valuable artlels,
use and ornament. After . social chat the comS,s
were called 70 q bountifrl supper, and at an ~.
bour the friends started for home, wishing Ire 49,
and groom a long and happy life.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

The grange viii hold an open meeting at
the veStry next Wednesday evening, and viii
discuss the tariff question.
Funeral services by Rev. E. W. Whitney
over the remains Of Miss Lena A. Crosby
took place at the residence Of her father,
George N Crosby, Saturday afternoon, March
2lst, attended by large number of relatives
and friends. 1t is but year ago she seemed
full Of life and health. but now lying In q
wreath Of flowers, q crown at her head, an
anchor at her feet, her hands folded peace
fully on her breast, silent in the sleep that
knows 90 waking, and so followed by the
prayers and tears OF those who knew and
loved her best, We laid her in the tomb, and
the Lesson taught by the sweet, patient life
that went out while yet it was morning will
be long remembered. Con-.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

The long .talked-of Woman's Relief Corps
has become q fact. The ladies Of this village
whose husbands, sons, brothers or fathers
served our country on land or sea In it's hour
Of peril, 75 Of whom we're granted charter
by the state department, met In Masonic bal
on Tuesday evening, and, after electing ON
GERS for the current term, were duly organic.
ed and Installed as ''E. H. StouRhton Relief
Corps, No. 8, Department Of Vermont" BY
the department president, Mrs. Col. @. W.
Hooker, and the department secretary, Mrs.
L. W. Howe, who came up from Brattleboro
for the purpose and we're Hospitality enter
tanned by Mrs. Col King, . member OF the
corps whose heart is in the good work.
Daniel verder, who was in business here
from 1897 to 1853, died on Saturday at Rut-
land, whittier he removed from here. He
leaves q wife, Clorinda W. Willard, whom be
married In Bellows Falls, Sept. 3, 1889, three
sons and four daughters.
A petition Is in circulation In North Wal
pole oondemning the liquor and beer shops,
and asking the seleotmen 10 enforce the laws
In relation TO the sale Of intoxicating bever-
ages 90 Times
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-27

The people of this parish are by no
means satisfied with the disposition made Of
the hTe-bug, Ooombs. The fellows native
shreWdness did not desert him; but, on the
contrary, stood him in good stead In securing
light sentence, and both the judges and the
lawyers seem to have been left ia doubt as
the Westminster people have so often been
where his weakness of intellect left OF aud
where his ely cunning began. Contrary to
the advice of bis counsel he insisted on going
into court and pleading guilty to setting one
nre, but asserting in the same breath that be
didn't set the Are, ali the same" When be
appeared In court, in reply to the usual ques.
ton he said, II plead guilty and throw my.
sell on the mercy Of the court" Judge
Walkers direct question whether he set ihs
nre ELECTED no reply except e repetition OF
the same words. II was pretty evident hat
the court was in box, but its anal sou
ton Of the enigma was q sentence of three
and one-half years in state prison-a sen.
tence which seems stTikingly inadequate, oou.
slderiDg the magnitude Of the offence, by the
side OF that for three years given the same
DAY TO young negro who had only stolen $50.
Ed. PHRSIX,