News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1889-02-21
The Stowe Railroad.
,dftors Me,rs and Citizen =

Editors Net1s and Citizen -
While we highly appreciate the romantic
idea which the editor of the New York Posi-
entertains regarding our lovely little town,
vet wa are obliged to admit that very few peo-
pie are attracted to it by its "charm of seelu-
sion, and we are sure that were he Obliged to
ride in a stage coach at all times of year when
he wished to leave or return to town, he soon
would feel as the people of Stowe do. Did
you ever take a ride in our mud stage" dur
ing mud time, which delightful season lasted
from October to January last Year, 1t is
certainly antiquated enough to suit the most
fastidious. Just imagine eight or nine NOR
tai beings cooped up in this unprogressIve
vehicle with feet and bundles piled together
and shoulders compressed and you will in
stinetiYely think of cramps, corns and aching
back-bones.
.sJolted, thumped, distracted. rock'd and quite
forlorn,
50, cries one, what duties now are laid on corn,
Mad, disguised, angry, in towering rage.
sTis the very mischief riding in stage"
We took ride after this fashion last fall
and we make use of no hyperbole when we say
that the mud was up to the hub. Still on
ward was our watchword, and onward we
went at the rate of two miles an hour. 1t
was dark-piteh dark, and by common con-
sent re all became silent as the night. Our
blood would rush through Cur veins with in
creased force and our nerves tFemble as the
stage lurched from side to side, and rs our
side came down so near the mud and water IL
seemed like a hideous monster with jaws ex-
tended wide to take in stage and all. The
frightened children began to cry, and one lit
tie one asked piteously, "Shall we ever get on
the ground again, mammal" And one gentle
man was SO frightened that to use his own
words be ACTUALLY prayed" Imagine one in
these conditions admiring the beauty of ma
ture and you have one OF the finest illustra-
fions Of the triumph of mind over matter.
Then, too, we think our winter scenery is
grand beyond compare when every tree, bush
and shrub is covered with frost, and all the
landscape is covered with one continuous
sheet of white, with the thermometer Az be-
low zero You feel exhiiirated as you start
out. but you notice that before you have gone
many miles. your companions, at least, have
dwindled down to the pensive. And as you
at last arrive at the station, the driver re-
marks that your nose looks more ike the real
estate which you have been admiring than
like personal property. We feel sure dear ed
itor. that could you enjoy some OF these de-
Iightful experiences you would be willing to
step into q progressive vehicle, heated by
steam. and arrive at Waterbury in few min
utes, rather than in two hours. Or II the
drifts should happen to be three or four feet
deep it is much more uncertain when you VIII
arrive at your destination Our stage driver
who is always pleasant and accommodating,
and always makes his passengers as com
Portable as possible, has done his duty well,
but he has long been anxious to change his
occupation for one that does not require the
S'stuff of q martyr. Y. LUMBER.