davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
Too ssn.a,lonal for a No,.I.

1t would be daring, and we fear, not an
altogether skilful novelist who should put in
his plot such a bare, realistic, unsentmental
piece of villainy as is disclosed in the story
of the robbery of the national bank of Gin
ton, Mass, printed in our columns to-day.
The story in short Is that of bank presi-
dent who gets involved in speculation, and
when he discovers that the comptroller of
the currency is on his track commands the
willing service of two or three willing TOOLS
with one of whom he goes to the bank at
night, pulls down the curtains, opens the
vaults, stuffs all the valuables into two vaises,
and takes a train for Canada, putting his con-
federate off at Rutland to hide the swag in a
desolate spot among the rocks ten miles away,
while he himself disappears" leaving his
underlings to be speedily scared into confess
ing the crime and telling where the vsluables
were hidden.
There is little to add to the story as given
on our first page, except that Dr. Nelson il
now out of Jail on ball. and that the "myste.
rious package" referred to was found to con.
tain $ll4 900 of additional securities, among
them good deal OF stock in various wildcat
enterprises in which Mcneil WAS interested
| 1t is claimed that even McNeil's wife, tc
whom he was devotedly attached, does moi
know his whereabouts, and the detectives
have theory that he must be dead-eithei
by suicide or by murder by his confederates
1t is said that the bank will not be seriously
crippled by what has happened, but will b,
| able to continue business on a safe basis
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

Saturday evening William and Nathan
Howard, one a graduate from Windsor and
the other from the reform school at YER
gennes, were brought before Justice NJ. @.
Skinner by Deputy Sheriff ]. Q Shumway,
charged with the burglary at the Butler store
at East Jamaica on New Years night Both
waived examination and for want of bail on
Sunday last committed to jail at Newfaue to
await their trial. William gives his age at 2G,
Nathan as 81. They were arrested at Ben
nington on Friday by Sheriff Mccall, who tel
egrsphed Deputy Sheriff Shumwsy, who held
the warrant for their arrest.
Sunday evening about O'Clock a fire
broke out in the wing of the Jamaica House,
which for short time seemed likely to cause
the destruction of the hotel and surrounding
buildings but by prompt and persevering Of
forts it was controlled before reaching the
main building. Insured in the Vermont
! Mutual.
"A. d. Flagg was brought from Greenfield
Mass, last Monday evening by Officer Shum
way, the three men who had furnished hi
team going down with the officer aud taking
an attorney with them. On Tuesday he waiv
ed examination on the charge of larceny, anC
gave bail in the sum of $500 for his appear
ance when called for at court.
The temperature of 2Oo below zero oil
Wednesday and Thursday mornings froze III
our post-ofice, and on Thursday a stove wa
set up--for which our postmaster has tn,
thanks OF all obliged to call at his office.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
WILMINGTON.

C. @. Haynes exhibited the working Of a
new road machine for breaking roads in the
winter, this week 1t consisted of cylin-
der which rolls the snow down instead of
throwing it out of the road. The weight of
the machine is $500 lbs.
The mercury stood from 20 to 80 below
zero Tuesday morning and did not get high
er than s. below all day in some places. The
etsge drivers report very bad roads, entirely
bare in some places and in others drifted with
snow.
The annual fair and festival of the Con.
Rregational society ia to be held at the vestry
Friday evening, Jan. %. There will be ex-
ercises, sale of fancy articles, etc and an
oyster supper. All are cordially invited to
attend and have good time.
1t is understood that A. NJ johnson is to
occupy the rooms in the Russell building as
dental and jewelers. office room.
-Chas. r. Spring has closed his labors at
the creamery for the present and returned
home.
The Brattleboro stage driver lost the
mail bag last Thursday night and had to drive
back about half a mile before he found il,
causing some delay.
The funeral of Stephen Boyd was held
at the house last Sunday afternoon.
"A pleasant evening was passed at the
Congregational vestry by the ladies of the So
ciety last Wednesday evening.
Rev. Mr.. Arms OBLIGATED at the funeral
OF Mr.. Cook last Saturday.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

Washington despatch 18th inst.l
The head of departments having in many
cases declined to send to the Senate the
charges upon which suspended Republican
officials have been removed from office, the
Senate is believed to have asked the Presi-
dent to furnish this information. The Pres-
dent can ouly be asked, and if he refuses
the matter ends there. But up to this time
no President has ever refused such request,
because it has been held that the Senate has
a right to this information in order to be able
to Judge correctly whether the charges we're
sufficient to warrant the suspension. 1t is
not known what the President proposes to do,
but he was advised by the cabinet Yesterday
that he was not bound to furnish this infor-
nation to the Senate, aud would be in the
best position il be declines to send the pa
pers and treating the tenure of Office law as
absolute, leave it to the Senate to determine
whether his nominees are fit for the place,
and so confirm or reject them. II the Presi
dent and Senate take this position the issue
will be at once plain and distinct for both
sides OF the Senate, regardless of party, will
insist upon its moral right to have all the pa
pers bearing on suspension cases laid before
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
nmnnnnnnnnnn

The young people are to have a social
dance 10 the new hall next Friday evening
Music by Knspp's band.
VIM. Wheeler, who has been quite III, is
improving.
Preparations are being made for q con-
cert by Prof Markham and his singing class.
Minnie, daughter Of Austin Laughton, is
teaching the unfinished term Of school OF
Morton Davis in the Dodge district, where the
shooting of Frank Dodge occurred. X.
Rev. o. s. Morris, whose death at the
age Of 90 years is mentioned in a late num-
Der of the Boston Journal, will be remem-
bered by the people Of Newfsne. He was a
Methodist preacher in Williamsville about 80
years ago where he also taught school for a
time. The writer attended the village school
in Walpole, N. H, during the winter Of
1854 o, OF which Mr.. Morris was teacher
He Was also preaching for the Methodist 30
oety at that place the same winter. He re-
moved from Williamsville to Wapole. Sew.
eral years ago he preached one Sunday a
sharp srrmon in the Congregational church
Of this place on the subject Of "Backbit-
ing"
-Des. Adm A. Dutton Of this town can
| appreciate the following advertisement which
| appeared recently in New York journal
III the party who took fancy 10 my over
coat was Influenced by the inclemency OF the
weather, all right but il by commercial
considerations, l am ready to negotiate for it,
return" 1t may not be generally known
that Dea. Dutton had an overcost that disap-
peared somewhat mysteriousy last fall while
he was in Brattleboro on business. d. L. NJ.
Frank Dodge, who was shot recently by
Morton Davis at the school house Is recover
ing. The ball was found to be located neal
the backbone, and last week Drs. Foster o
Pntney and Hoton Of Brattleboro took i
out. A second hearing in the case is appoint
ed at Putney the 18th inst.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

The first annual meeting of the Connect
icut River poultry and pet stock association
opened here Tuesday evening. Owing to the
intensely cold weather the attendance was
rather light, but the exhibition was pronouno-
ed one of the best ever held in the state Birds
were entered from southern Canada, all parts
of Vermont and New Hampshire, and many
from Massachusetts, and New York. Many
leading poultry men we're present from differ
ent parts of New England. There were 100
entries, representing over 500 birds; Lang.
shans, Wyandottes aud Light Brshmas being
most numerous. The regular premium !
were made up from 80 per cent of the entry
fees, and aggregated nearly $500, while the
special premiums amounted to over $500.
Able Stevens of Wellesley, Mass, acted as
Judge. Among the premiums awarded were
the following; Silver-spangled Handbags,
s. o. Miner OF Brattleboro first premium on
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

In the House Of Representatives last Mon
day Mr.. Boutele OF Maine introduced a reso-
luton calling on the Secretary of the Navy
for information concerning the truth or falsi-
ty of certain statements which have appeared
in the public press, "a follows:
First, that the coir mandant Of the United
States navy. yard at Norfolk, Va, has caused
the honorable inscription heretofore borne on
the cannon captured by the United States ma.
val forces to be obliterAted.
Second, that he caused to be removed from
the dry dock tablet placed there at the time
it WAS reconstructed aud bearing the inscrip-
ton Destroyed by the rebels in 1862 re-
built by the United States government in
1868"
Third, that because Of his protest against
the removal of those inscriptions, the super
intendent in charge of the work of rebuilding
! has been removed from his position, and a
person who engaged in military service against
the government appointed in his place
Fourth, that in disregard of grateful roc
| ognition OF the services, sacrifices and suffer
| ings of persons honorAbly discharged f. ON
the military or naval service Of the country,
aBumber of such persons have been dismissed
| from employment in the Norfolk navy-yard,
and their places filled by men who fought
against the government during the rebellion.
! II these allegations are found to be true
the Secretary of the Navy il directed to in
form the House upon whose order and upon
what authority and in pursuance OF what pub
lie policy, II any, such inscriptions were OBJ
liberated and such persons dismissed from the
I serVca
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

Under Speaker Carlises assignment of the
House committees, Mr.. Stewart of Vermont
has place, as before, on the judiciary com
mittee, aud Gen. Grout is placed on the com
mittees on the District of Columbia aud i'm
provements of the Mississippi river
George W. Grendey, jr., agent of the Port
Henry IN. Y. iron ore company, who disap-
peared about two weeks ago, is found to be
several hundred dollars short in his accounts
He had drawn from the bank all the money
belonging to the company on the morning he
left, and taken it with him. The young man
is son of George W. Grandey of Yergennes,
and has a wife and child.
In the Ohio House of Representatives on
Tuesday the committee on elections reported
resolution to unseat the nine Democratic
members from Hamilton county. The reso-
luton was adopted under the previous ques-
ton, and the seats were then declared vacant
amid the greatest confusion. The nine Re
publican members came forward and were
sworn in. They we're oheered by the Repub
lcans and jeered at by the Democrats. The
speaker ordered the unseated Democratic
members to turn over the keys OF their desks
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15


Tuesday and Wednesday mornings the
mercury ranged from 80 to % below zero in
this place, while last week Wednesday your
correspondent picked several nice pansies in
his garden.
w. II. Greenwood post G.. A. r., will
hold meeting for the installation of officers
next Tuesday evening at Masonic hall.
The new steam whistle was blown for the
first time Wednesday at O'Clock p. NJ.
The Rev. Mr.. Handy of Wilamsvile
preached from the Baptist pulpit last Sunday
in exchange with Rev. N. d. Parsons. On
Monday evening he delivered fine temper
ance lecture at the town hall under the aus
pieces Of the W. Q. 7. U.
The Library Association held their an
nual meeting for choice Of officers on Tues
day evening G.. A. Houghton was elected
PRECEDENT; J. W. Stowell, vice president; G..
| w. Kimball secretary and treasurer. g. NJ.
| Resell was present and favored them with
some choice readings.
The Knights OF Honor gave a ball at Ma
sonic hall Friday night Among distinguished
| guests present from out of town were Col.
Hooker and II. E. Taylor Of Brattleboro.
"A good interest is maintained in religious
matters.
The remains of Mrs. W. w. Ware, who
died of consumption last Saturday morning,
were taken to Townshend for interment.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

In one item this week our esteemed cotem-
porary, Mr.. Hiram Atkins, speaks of us as
that goody -goody newspaper at Brattleboro
known as The Phoenix, and in the very same
column he affeotionately mentions US as one
of several Brattleboro people" who are af-
hicted with "phobia' or virus which throws
its victims Into spasm Of lying that causes
even the devil to laugh" We really wish we
knew which way to take our neighbor. We
can distinctly recall several cases when the
devil has "had the laugh" ON us, and we are
therefore bound to believe that Mr.. Atkins
looks upon US as wicked rather than goody
goody. We hope so, at any rate. In this
connection we feel obliged to remind him that
we have never raised a question as to the ex-
cellence or desirability of the appointment of
MIR. James A. Lillis as deputy collector Of in
ternAl revenue at this place The way in
which the appointment came about furnished
good deal of quiet amusement to those who
knew the inside history of the business-bui
this was all. Mr.. Lilis is a competent young
man, and we have every reason to believe
that he administers his office in a satisfactory
manner. The fact that Mr.. j. w. Hobart
general manager of the Central Vermont rail
road, wrote letter to Mr. Spear, warmly en-
dorsing Mr.. Lillis and personally urging hi
appointment, led US to make the remark las
week which seems to have so upset the equa
nimity of the Argus. There were those anon
our local Democrats who, at the time, felt AM
said that the outcome of the contest shove
that the little finger of the Central Vernon
management WAS thicker than the loins of
good many Brattleboro Democrats.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
Halifax.

In d strict No. l the scholars took their
books home on Thursday just as though the
school had closed for good. A person who
is well acquainted with the town system Of
schools remarked on the occasion that sin
the town system a central committee knew all
about the schools and how to arrange the
teachers for the best results" One would
suppose that young and inexperienced teach
ers would be benefited by the town system.
-Persons who have been soliciting aid for
the burned out people, F. NJ. Thompson's fam
lily of Coleraine, generally met with hearty
response in clothing and provisions, besides
some money. They are well deserving peo-
Pile aud deeply feel their loss, aud will be
grateful to friends that aid them. The nat
ural characteristics of persons will manifest
themselves to those who solicit aid, which
often are interesting as a lyceum.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
south Windham

-Rausley Harrington has been appointed
postmaster in place Of Asa Smith, and the
office has been removed to Harrington's house
The Times correspondent thinks ''the change
must have been brought about by some out
side influence, or in a corner with the cur
tains down. The petition must have been
still born, for no announcement of its birth
life or death was ever made in the communi-
ty. 1t is reported that Mr.. Harrington did
not care for the office himself, but as he is
the only man of the prevailing party in this
section of the town, it looks as though he
was pressed into the service. II such is the
case he will have the sympathy of the peo-
pie, as he is an old man, besides being dis
abled by an injury received in his mill. We
feel to express our pity that any one should
necessarily be so closely confined for so tri-
fling remuneration-about one shilling a
day on an average and more especially one
so extremely deaf and hardly able to write
on account Of other infrmities We have no
misgivings, however, but he will do every
thing promptly and honestly to the best OF
his ability"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

There was genuine surprise at Willis
Browns Tuesday evening, Jan 9th, and con-
sidering the bad condition of the roads there
was a large attendance. After the excitement
caused by the surprise had some what abated,
Mr.. Brown and his wife we're informed that
il was the fifth anniversary Of their marriage.
Supper was served, and although it was nee.
essary to reset the table several times the food
like the widows meal failed not and its quail
ity would have tempted the most fasiidious
elicure. ID. s. Worden having been chosen
speaker by the donors then presented to the
recipients in a few we'll chosen humorous re-
marks, the numerous gifts brought for the
occasion and was replied to by Mr.. Brown,
who thanked bis friends for their kind re-
CARDS. Dancing was then in order and was
INDUCED in by both young and old until the
wee small hours Of morning, to music by our
local talent Messrs. Gates and Stone. II
WAS thought by many present to be one of
the most enjoyable parties Of the season.
ONE VINO WAS THERE.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

On Monday the new board of civil-servce
commissioners was confirmed by the Senate.
When the nomination of Mr.. Eaton came up
Senator Logan made the point that he was
"mugwump' and that the spirit of the civil
service law required that one of the COM
missioners should be a Republican. SEN
ators Evarts, Hoar and one or two others
vouched for his Republicanism. There are
said to have been II votes cast against him,
half of which were those of Republicans.
Mr.. Eaton was helped by the fact that he has
promised to resign as soon after February
as the President can find a man to take his
place. Mr.. Cleveland wants to get New
York or New England Republican, pro
nounced party man, to go on the commits
sion, but up to this time he has not been Sc
lected
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
II Nni. WHY Nnni

If Mr.. McGettrick of st. Adams is a worthy
and honorable gentleman, and his appoint
ment to the Office of postmaster of that place
a wise act on the part of those who asked for
it, why does it become necessary for Mr.. At
kns to use so much space each week in en-
deavoring to vindicate McGettrick's personal
character, and to justify his appo utrlent
If he is worthy young man, why so much
opposition to him among his party associates,
especially in his own county II McGettrlck
was Republican wouldn't the Argus aud
Patriot insist that there must be a good deal
of fire where there was so much smoke Is
Atkins ready to admit that his endorsement
and support of MeGettrick are prompted by
the fact that the latter has for years past
bolted his own party nominations, and given
in his support, and that Of as many other
Democrats as he could control, to the candi-
dates OF ex-Gov. Smith When, and by
whom, was Mr.. Atkins employed to defend
the Central Vermont railroad company and
its management? An annual pass can hardly
pay for so much editorial advertising from
week to week. Why 80 fearful that the hand
of the Central Vermont railroad management
will be detected in the matter OF securing GER
tain Federal appointments under the present
administration For years the Central Yer.
mont railroad, and its management, has been
the "red rag" of the Argus and Patriot, and
has caused it to foam, below and toss high
its horns Why all this?
Again, why should Mr.. Atkins think OF
comparing the appointment of McGettrick
with that of F. W. Childs for postmaster al
this place? One can discover no signs OF
past or present indulgence in intemperanoe
or vice in the face of Mr.. Childs. He is q
perfectly clean, reputable young man, aud de
servedy popular with men of all parties, and
every body comedies the eminent fitness of hil
appointment. Even those who favored othe
candidates, and fought him the hardest, wer,
prompt in sending him their congratulations
when his appointment became known. Can
as much be said for MoGettrick ? And il not
why not
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

stall their officers elect this evening, follow
ING with camp ere. II is expected that
members from neighboring posts will be
present
Mrs. Daniel Batohelder, one Of our most
esteemed citizens, died at her residence with
pneumonia on Friday, Jan. g. She was for
many years a resident Of this>town and was
an earnest Christian woman. A husband and
four daughters survive her
The NJ. T.. society have their donation
and oyster supper next Wednesday, goth, at
the town hall.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
WIIItamsVtIIa,

Howard Brothers have removed their
machinery from the card mill here to New
port, n H. Most of their help go With them
to continue in their employ. Mr.. Welcome,
ID. G. and L. j. Snow and the Simonds broth
eTs have removed also.
Wednesday afternoon, while Martin Bal
ley was cutting ice on Timson's mill pond, a
heavy pair OF cattle, went through into the
water where it was - feet deep. Some / !
men worked with will, and by means of
ropes extricated them in an hour without ma
terial injury.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
C,yI service Reform In Ma..aehu.-,,.

IFr0m The Boston Evening Record.I
The report of the civil-serviee commission
ers gives an interesting denomination Of the
fact that this reform has achieved full sue
cess in Massachusetts,, as far as it has gone
1t shows how more than 5000 positions have
been changed from rewards of favoritism to
prizes for competency, and how the back of
the spoils system has been broken, all with
out disturbance to the operation OF the pub
lie service, but with real and grateful relief
to the officials having the appointing power.
This work has been accomplished in eight
months, and it is already evident that civil
service reform has come to stay.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15

John Sherman was on Wednesday reelected
United States Senator by the Ohio Senate and
House in joint session. 1t required "A votes
to elect, and Mr.. Sherman received "a against
90 for Allen G. Thurman, the Democratic
candidate. Senator Shermsn's It election de-
feats the main object of the ballot-box con-
spiracy at Cincinnati in last falls election, OF
which Gov. Foraker justly said in his late
message to the Legislature that mo such bold,
barefaced villainy has ever been known in
the history of our elections as confessedly was
then practiced."
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-01-15
GuIIford Centre.

The ladies' circle meet in their rooms
next Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Mary W. Jacobs has gone to New
ton, Mass, to spend a few weeks with her
daughter, Mrs. Cbas. Ogden.
The question for discussion at the lyce um
to be held Jan 22d is Resolved, That the
West offers greater inducements TO a young
man than the East" Disputants Affirmative,
+. Z. Ward, g. Clark, S. A. Richmond; neg
alive, d. A. Henry, Edwin Stevens, II. A.
Hicks, NJ. d. There will be select reading,
music a paper and declam stions.
Next Wednesday at p. M, Rev. E. w.
Whitney will give lecture upon Persist
ence" in the Universalist church.