davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

The newspapers by some means got hold
OF a curipusly perverted account of Sheriff
J. W. Melendys adventure in taking Sidney
Holt to the Brattleboro asylum. The facts
are, in brief, that Holt, who was an inmate
Of the asylum eight years ago. and has been
more or less insane ever since, Is a charge on
the town OF Landgrove, while his wife and
six children live 10 Andover, aud Holt has
spent more or less time in the latter town.
Hollis family have long been afraid Of him,
az have other citizens, and some time ago the
Andover authorities notified the Landgrove
authorities that they must take care of him.
The Landgrove officials asked Mr.. Melendy
IL be would undertake to carry Holt TO the
asylum, and Nc Melendy replied that be
would and was given the necessary papers
for his commitment He accordingly drove
to Hollis fathers at Weston, eight miles dis
taui, aud on bis arrival there Sidney, not sus-
pecting the object of bis visit, asked il be
could ride With him back to South London
derry. Mr. Mslendy said yes, and in due
time tbs two started, Holt talking most of
the way about the time when be was in .hs
asylum before, and declaring he would never
go there again. On arriving at the hotel
Holt began to suspect what was Ia the wind,
aud while Mr.. Mslendy was taking care Of
his horse be went through the bridge and up
to Mr.. Bslden's Mr. Melendy followed him
there and plainly told him what be was 60
ing to do with him. Holt finally said be
would Ego a piece" with him and started,
but when the two got to the crotch OF the
roads and Mr.. Melendy insisted that be should
go TO the railroad station Holt resisted aud
put his hand in his pocket and drew a loaded
revolver Mr.. Melendy was on the lookout
for this and instantly closed around him, the
revolver landing several feet away. e. W.
Melendy, followed by others, came to his
brothers assistance, and 10 a very short time
the handouts we're on Holt aud he was taken
into the car and started for Brattleboro Civ
ing no further trouble. Mr.. Melendy not
only was not thrown down, but the tussle
WAS not a serious one, and. knowing that
Holt had a pistol and had made threats
against the life Of any one who attempted 10
NEEDLE with him, Mr.. Melendy wss on the
lookout for all his movements. The lob
was one that less experienced and cool
beaded officer would not have cared to at
tempt single handed.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
The Unhappy Demoeraey.

lbohNou 5ouihdl utspalcDs lctu lnst.l
1t ia charged by Democratic members Of
Congress that the administration is a close cor.
poration, doing every thing secretly, and that
few men are running things TO suit them
selves. The most prominent Democratic
Senators are as rigidly stricken from the con-
tidenoe of the administration as they ever
were under Republican rule. They are pleas
antly received by the President aud their ad-
vice attentively listened to, and then the very
thing they do not advise is done. Il is a
common thing for Democratic Senators when
asked about something relating to the admin
istration DRIFTS purposes, 10 say frankly that
they have no more knowledge of what is CO.
ing on or Intended than they had under the
last administration. Unless the President
very soon turns his attention to some of the
Democratic states, like Missouri, Indiana and
Virginia, he will probably hear some plain
talk from the leaders. Some of the latter are
saying that they will not remain quiet aud
see their party destroyed; and that an open
rupture now is better than to let the under
mining process go on quietly for four years.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

Dog owners will save q dollar by comply.
ing with the Law and getting their dogs licsns-
cd on or before April lst.
An event that is of great interest to sew
eral OF our townspeople Is that the late Mrs.
RosanuA NJ. Williams, wife of the late VIM
H. Williams of Wlllsmsvills, has by de-
cree In her will, bequesthed 800 to each of
her nieces and nephews aud those that rep.
resent them, 81 in all, as follows: One in
Putney, one in Rockingham, two in Brattle-
boro, nine In DummeTston, two in Towns
bend, one in Somerville Mass, one in Bllti
more, Nd, one in California, nine in Ohio,
one in New London, Conn, Two in Des
Moines, Iowa, and one in Kansas. She also
gives her books 20 those who we're named for
her. To her grandson, john H. Merriheld,
she bequeaths the home of WIN. II. Viii.
liams's family. She endows the Methodist
Episcopal church in WilliamsViile, the in.
come to be devoted TO the support of the
church. She appointed John Il. Merriheld
and Mrs. Lovipa Sproul executor and execu.
trix OF her will. Il is dated Oct II, 1882.
and written by her own hand at the age of
SO years. This is indeed very liberal, be-
nehcent and impartial endowment, and IN
precedented in the history of our county, if
not in the state. She lived to be 30 years OF
age and attended to the management of her
household and business affairs up to the time
OF her death. She was n remarkable woman
for executive ability and displayed superior
qualities OF mind IN her great trial of defend
ing In court her husbands will few years
ago. The people OF Newfane and Dummer-
ston, old and young, will miss her in her Wis
Its and at her home, where she gave all. rich
aud poor, a cordial welcome aud a generous
hospitality. Il. A. KNIGHT.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
Local Intelligence.
Announcement.

The ladies' Of the Baptist society will supper
in the church vestry Thursday evening next at $3.50
O'Clock precisely. This being the last supper Of the
season. those having charge Of the arrangements have
decided to invest II with some novel features IN the
character and serving Of the refreshments An enter
tanng literary and musical program will be presen-
ted, and special effort put forth to make this soca
BILE and enJ oyAbe occasion. Admission to the vestry
including supper aud entertainment, IS cents gem
eral invitation is extended to all. sEoRErARY.
WV. Newcomb lie the busy man-and who won
ders7 He Is selling watches for almost nothing. See
what he says about bankrupt stockh aud low prices
HOUSE, REST FREE to a small family, or viii hire
a man and woman to work small farm aud care for
elderly couple. Half mile from oentrevllle Ad-
dress P. o. Box 791, BrOttleboro, VT
TENEMENT TO RENT in Granite Block, Main street.
Inquire Of o. J. Pratt.
PICTURE FRAMES are cheap at Cheney h oiapps.
The old reliable Hartford, New York, Pennsylvania
and foreign ere Insurance companies represented by
Cudworth Childs afford absolute protection. The
bestis the safest in the end.
Two elderly persons want company, for which they
will give houserent near Csntrevllle. Address p o.
BOX 79i, Braitleboro, Monday next
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

BAPTIST CHURCH pRpIoATIol


The new Baptist church will be formally
dedicated next Thursday evening, the exer-
cises beginning at 1915. Rev Mr.. Tower OF
Brattleboro will preach the sermon, and Rev
Mr.. Shepardson OF Greenfield will give an
address, Miss Matte l. Carpenter OF Hart
ford, Conn, will assist in the musical pro.
gram. All are invited.
Prof. j. H. Ketcham, one of the directors
OF the Leslie concert company which was here
a few weeks ago, gave such satisfaction to the
citizens of this place that they have Invited
hun to again come and form a class for lnu.
steal instruction. He has consented to come
next week, provided be has So tficient encour.
agement.
"Wednesday morning tho mercury was
22o below zero
The house of Luke Sherwin. near Il W.
Coughs reeiience, was discovered to be ON
IRE early Thursday morning. having caught
In the garrett from defective chimney. The
flames were first seen bursting through the
roof about O'Clock. The hre was easily
subdued. Loss perhaps $50; insured.
Landlord ID. II. Kendrick and Herbert
Eveleih were summoned to appear at New.
fame Thursday for alleged liquof-selliue. W.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

Central Am erica is in commotion over the
attempt Of Gen. Barrios president Of Qua
temala, to seize the republics OF Nicaragua,
Honduras, Costa RIGA and San Salvador, and
unite them in nation Of states with himself
at the head. Barrios is a ull-blooded Indian
of remarkably strong and aggressive oharac.
ter, under whose lead the people Of Gaute.
mala have rapidly risen from state OF ma
tive Incidence and standardization to hold
the leading place among the Central Amer
lean republics Unless foreign help comes
to the rescue of the weaker republics his ann
bition to make himself dictator is likely to
be realized. Secretary Bayard has written a
letter to the chairman Of the Senate commit
tee on Foreign Relations in regard to Cen
trail American affairs, in which he strongly
disapproves the action of Barrios, and indi-
Gates that the administration is prepared to
act in the matter with the irmness for which
the occasion calls.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

Grant il very solicitous that he should arouse
TO mental activity on the subject. He does
not apparently bother himself In the least
about the life hereafter, " says ore Trustworthy
informant, ''seoming willing to take his chance
with the millions who have gone before him
in the same frame Of mind" The only cer-
gyman with whom he was ever intimate was
DIR. Newman, and their relations we're conhn'
ed mainly to sociability. When Newman un-
dertook the ultimately disastrous job Of gath
ering popular congregation In the big church
in which Hepworth had failed, Grant took a
pew, made liberal subscription, and attend
ed the services with considerable regularity
but when offered deaoonate in the church,
which was Congregational, though the pastor
was a Methodist, he abruptly declined. When
the eighty less spiritual Office OF trustee was
suggested, he refused that, too, and avowed
his moderate degree Of infdelity. II remaios
to be seen whether Newman will now be able
10 shake his Indifferent position. The trial Ia
bound TO be made
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

S. E. Baird and family LETT Thursday Af-
ternoon for their new home in Illinois.
DIR. o. W. Phelps has been confined to
the house for the past ten days with measles,
while his little son has suffered a severe at
tack Of Group.
Prank p. H4dley, who lost leg last
week, has suffered much, but his case has ap-
parently taken q favorable turn aud be is do.
ing as well as could be expected.
Last fall A. A Halliday sold ami ship-
ped to party 10 Indiana q trio of L4ngshans
for $75. The Indiana man sent them to the
exposition at New Orleans where they have
nov taken the hrst prizs and also the special
priEs.
w. H. Griswold met with serious acct
dent to his knee on Wednesday of last week
He was going to Boston With car load OF
apples, riding in caboose car which he sup
posed was going through, but at South Ash
burnhRm it was set on n side track, on discov-
ering which Mr. Grisvold started for his
train and fell into a cattle guard, striking his
knee on track tie and severely injaring it,
and has been confined to his home since his
return Times
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
South NeWfane.

Mr.. aud Mrs. Geo. B. White returned
from their bridal tour last Friday, after an
absence of over six weeks visiting meantime
in Boston, Rochester, Cleveland and Detroit
e. NJ. Ingram. who has been stopping
through the winter with his father, Macon
Ingram, left yesterday to look after his land
interests in Kansas and Nebraska, cts
Mrs. Mason Ingram has been visiting
friends in Troy, N. Y. for the past three weeks.
Mrs. Jones and little daughter Of Spring
field Mess, are at her fathers, L. d Llm-
sons. Mrs Lamson is quite i'll again.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
Gen. Grant.

The daily dispatches relative to General
Grants condition represent him as suffering
chiefly from sleeplessness aud weakness, the
disturbance of his nervous system being such
that he often losses nearly the whole night,
getting little or no rest. The dRease in his
throat makes steady progress, though be may
live for many months yet. All of his family
except his daughter, Mrs. Sartoris, are with
him, and she is supposed to be nov on her
snce of hired nurse, and such services as
he is willing to have done for him are per-
formed by Mrs. Grant and the wife of his
son Fred, whom he long ago nieknamed
"Sunshine," and Of whom he Is very fond
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
the possibility and the question is whether
Mr.. Cleveland IL the man TO grasp IL.
The Pre.lisn,. Vomlna,I.n..


Mr.. Cleveland proceeds very slowly in the
matter Of making choice Of men to all the
leading appointive positions under his admin
istration, and very few nominations have been
sent to the Senate as yet. A batch Of seven
went in on Wednesday, the three most impor-
tant being those Of Malcolm Hay OF Pennsyl-
vsnis to be FIRST assistant postm aster general,
Milton J. Durham of Kentucky to be first
controller Of the currency, and Martin v.
Montgomery of Michigan to be commissioner
Of patents. The nominations we're bomb
shell to the Democracy, for they were made
either without consultation with the party
leaders or in direct opposition to their known
wishes. The murmur Of dissatisfaction with
Cleveaud's methods is plainly audible since
these nominations went in
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
"Mha, Do You ThInk CIR,

president Cleveland to 1.-TWO Leading Minnesota
Democrats
The situation for Democrats is "a choice be-
tween rushing in and taking all the patron
age now az soon as they can get it, and wait
ing and gradually filling the offices as they
become vacant by natural and due course of
time and circumstances. II we pursue the
former course we may be elected out of pow
er in 1888. II we take the latter, We will give
the country not only good, business like ad
ministration, but deserve to be retained in
power. say this for the party, not for my
self. Now, think shall practice civil SER
vice reform, pure and simple, and with that
determination, want my Democratic friends
to help me by standing between the admins.
tration and Office seekers to keep them of as
far as possible. That is the sum and sub
stance of my policy. What do you think of
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

Genuine counterfeit" half dollars are re-
ported to be in circulation in considerable
numbers at the business centres. They are
80 named because they correspond in size,
weight and value with those from the gov
eminent mints and can only be detected
when there is some flaw or imperfection in
the process of coming. 1t is not surprising
that sharpers should have taken up this work
on account of the large profit which it pays.
The bullion value of one dollar in subsidiary
silver coin is II cents, leaving 23 cents for
profit less the cost of coming. It is believed
that most of the metal used is from remelted
trade dollars. One hundred of these dollars
can now be bought for Ssi and they will
yield 2l7 standard half dollars, giving a mar
gin of $24.5O.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

The Republican managers Of New York
city have not only refused to admit the Mug
wumps of 1884 TO membership, but have tH-
cluded as we'll all members Of the Republican
organization who decline to tell for whom
they voted for President in November last,
among the gentlemen thus shut out being eX-
Governor Cornell, Mr.. William Dowd, the
partys candidate for mayor against Mr..
Grace in 1880, John /. Davenport, Thomas
@. Acton, Nathaniel T. Hubbard and others
Of only less prominence. 1t is well known
that the three gentlemen first named voted
for Blaine but, party veterans as they are,
they refused TO compromise their dignity by
telling the ward bosses for whom they voted.
The New York Republicans are making a
mistake by such tactics and are apparently
planning to reduce their vote in the next
election. In Vermont all men who call them
selves Republicans are wanted to vote with
the party in SO and 'SS.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

President Cleveland had his first decision
between sharply opposing interests to make
in choosing man for commissioner of inter
nal revenue. The Kentucky Democrats, with
ex-Speaker Carlisle at their head, were bound
to have ex.Congressman Phil" Thompson
of that state given the place, and the Demo.
Gratis Of the Southwest generally favored
Thompson. On the other hand Mr.. Randall
of Pennsylvania was bitterly opposed to
Thompson and favored ]. s. Miller of West
Virginia. Mr.. Miller was given the place,
and the free traders see in his triumph sign
that the President is with the protect ionists
of his party. Mr. Cleveland's real reason
for not appointing Thompson is said to have
been that he thought the office should not 90
to a state so largely interested in the whiskey
business as is Kentucky.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

AN INTERESTING COLLECTION OF PREsIDEN-
TIAL AUTOGRAPH DOCUMENTS. In the execu-
tive office OF the Senate there are preserved
all the executive messages Of the Presidents
from the foundation of the government
Though not often referred to, some Of these
documents are becoming worn, and recently
Gen. McOook, secretary of the Senate, caused
selections TO be made from the files, with q
view to preserving some Of the interesting au-
tographs in cabinet by themselves. In some
cases, the first message Of each administration
was taken, and where this was Of more i'm
portance, the FIRST conspicuous one, generally,
that making the nominations for cabinet posi-.
tons, wac taken. They form an interesting
collection of historic mementos and one OF
the most valuable autograph collections in
the land. None Of the American Presidents
with the exception Of Washington and Jeffer.
son, would be marked above 80 for penman-
ship by a civil service commission.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

w. E L Walker has three dollar till
issued in l775, with this inscription This
Bill entities the Bearer to receive Three Span
ish millei Dollars or the value thereof in Gold
or Silver, according to r solution of Con.
gEess passed at Philadelphia November 30,
l775."
-Rollin Watson has moved to the Millikep
farm aud Henry Willard has taken possession
of the Spring place." K.
-Owing to the illness of the preacher
there was no service at tho Congregational
church last Sunday. The pulpit viii Le sup
Piled next Sunday by Rsv. Nc. d ckinson.
The remains of Mrs. Martin DtgA Of
Futney we're brought to this place for inter
ment Tuesday.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
Mr. Eaten on the civil service Outlook

Mr.. EATON on the Ctvu service OuthOok.
Mr.. Dorman B. Eaton, OF the civil service
commission, In response to an inquiry AZ to
the enforcement OF the civil service rules by
the new administration said Vacancies are
being regularly filed under tho rules. There
ia not the least sign Of the examinations be-
ing arrested or OF the rules being disregard.
ed. When Congress at the session Just closed
made an increased appropriation for carrying
on the work Of the commission from July l,
1885, TO July l, 1866, it knew the policy of
the incoming President, and must have eT-
pected the work Of the commission to go on.
That work does go on regularly, and l feel
sure that II will 20 on. Very many Of the
Office seekers, who fingered here some time
after the 4th Of March, seem to have reached
the same conclusion and have returned home.
Since that date examinations have been held
at Cincinnati, Nashville, Memphis, Brooklyn,
New York and Washington. Applicants have
been given notice of examinations soon to be
held in the southern and western states. Ex.
aminations and appointments go on ~ here
tofore in the customs service and for clerical
positions in the post offices. Excessive mum.
bers are applying to be examined, especially
for service at Washington, under the belief
that arbitrary aud partisan removals are be-
ing made or are soon to be made. have
heard OF no case Of such removals and do
not believe that any such removals will be
made. There will doubtless be some remov.
ais for good cause, but not enough to give
places to half Of those seeking to be exam
ined. The old-time partisan prescription is
not, in my opinion, to be renewed. Our
politics are now more civilized, and sound
public opinion is more formidable. Within
the last 10 days the commission has made
certihcation for filing II vacancies in the de-
partments at Washington, which is about the
usual rate, and Eve promotions and four Rp-
pointments after probation have been made
from among those selections under the rules.
Several OF these cases were in the treasury
department"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
Gen. Grans's Religion. Ideas.


New York, March 10, 1885. Rev. DR.. j.
with view to his acting as a spiritual advis
to Grant, but this was not done at Grants in
stance. II he were religious man he would
be Methodist or Presbyterian, but he says
frankly that be had no special theological
training in his youth, and has not studied the
subject in later years sufficiently to form any
opinion as to what he does or does not be-
lieve. He holds that there is God and a
hereafter, but he is not prepared to accept
the extreme position taken by most Protest
ants that the unoonverted and the Indifferent
will be eternally tormented. II Grants atti-
tude with reference to religion could be ex.
aetly defined, it might be expressed as having
all along been one OF unconeern, and there is
no reason TO suppose that the near approach
Of death has made any change, though Mrs
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20
Les she Mugwumps Ponder and Per.
nAnn.
from the N. Y. SUM-

l. Vel
The Hon. George +. Edmunds has been a
Senator in Congress for nearly twenty years,
and has had ample opportunity to study the
mornings and the outgoings of admiuistra.
tions and oticeholders and TO lay up political
wisdom. Moreover, his ratiooinations are as
cool as a cucumber. There are no febrile
symptoms about his intellect, and at present
there is no necessity for him to pretend to be
excited. Consequently we commend to the
Mugwamps, who loved him once, a thought.
full consideration of his deliberate opinion
about the administration and tho offices. Ac-
cording to the Philadelphia Times, Mr.. Ed
munds gives but cold comfort 10 the discon-
ISOLATE Republican otfioeholders, and tells
them they will have to go. They may stand
upon the order of their going for a few
weeks or months, but ultimately the offices
will be in the hands of the Democratic par
ty." st. Jerome's logical skull tells him that
"this is according to the inexorabe logic of
necessity, weightier than any which attends
the intentions of Mr. Cleveland or any one,
sincere aud deliberate as they unquestlona,
bly, are" Let the Mugwumps ponder and
peTpend Mr.. Edmundss propheoy
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

"A hne entertainment was given by the
Westminster cornet band at tue town hail
wednesday evening. The proceeds amount.
ed TO $25.
--Chas Wood aud Arthur Jennison. who
were engaged to work at Concord, II ,ss'. not
nndlng things as expected have returned.
Rev. A. B. Dascomb has returned from,
Florida much improved in health.
The selectnen are making arraug. m.nts
for thorough working of the high wsys early
IN the season when IL will do the mo't good
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-03-20

Dana Canedy has mov,d on to bis IA h.
ers farm In Halifax.
The eclipse Of the sun on Monday the
10th inst, was Witnessed with interest by
many OF our citizens.
Laundering for some time past has been
very active, and mill. ards are Allied with logs.
S. d. Faulkner has moved TO Brsttleboro
much to the regret Of the people universally,
az the community loseS one Of It's most highly
respected. esteemed and valuable members.
There was promenade concert al Villsge
hall on Tuesday evening, the 18th inst.