The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-09-05
GENERAL NOTES,

A movement has been going on for
some months in England, the thinly-
concealed purpose of which is to attack
the long-settled free trade policy of that
country. The leaders of this movement
have adopted the name of "fair traders"
They do not yet dare, it seems, to call
themselves bluntly "protectionists." Yet
there is no room for doubt that II not in
name they are protectionIsts in spirit
and aim. The movement is by no means
an Insignificant one. Engaged in it are
men like James Lowther, formerly the
Irish Secretary, and the Duke of Rut-
land, formerly known as Lord John
Manners. 1t has the sympathies, open
or cover, of large body of Tory politi-
clans. The Marquis of Salisbury him
self has on more than one occasion
vaguely and cautiously expressed mod.
flied agreement with the objects of the
"fair trade" agitation. This, indeed,
only confirms the proof that free trade
in Englandis not-the unmixed blessing
claimed for it even to-day by its leading
apostles.
The Memphis and Charleston Road has
contracted for 400 white families to be
transferred from the Carolinas to Wood
ruff County, Ark, where they will go to
work on Oct. as day laborers. Next
season they will be renters or troopers
on shares, as they may choose. The
same road has also made arrangements
to bring 5000 negroes from the Carolinas
and Georgia to various points in the
Yazoo Delta. They will reach their des-
tination in time to assist in gathering
the cotton crop. Over 5000 negroes have
already been brought out.
1t was thought that there was not in
the United States any memorial of
Christopher Columbus. One, however,
has been found. The Consul General of
France at Baltimore in 1884 erected a
column, which bears the name of the
discoverer, He placed it in an obscure
place on his grounds, and when streets
were laid out it there remained, hidden
from sight by trees and shrubs. 1t was
almost forgotten till recently, when it
was brought to light. Time has dealt
harshly with the monument, but it can
be restored. .tg
In answer to an inquiry from the
Postmaster of Indianapolis, the Civil
Service Commission has replied that in
making appointments a soldier is not to
be given preference over civilians of
high grade in examinations unless he
was discharged from the service on &C
count of disability contracted during the
term of his enlistment. This is an i'm
portant ruling. t-.. -
Between 10000 and $4,000 London
dockmen are on strike for an increase
of their wages from five pence, or ten
cents an hour, to six pence, or twelve
cents an hour. II foreign commerce is
80 much more desirable than the reser
walton of the home market for home
products, why is this thus ? .#.I
"Deuced unpleasant typographical
error in those invitations to the we'd
ding" said young N. U, Bridegroom.
GLOW 30 ?" anxiously inquired the
bride. why, instead of Your presence
is requested the COMPOUNDED printer
made it read Your presents are re-
quested. .. Bog. ..s
1t may occur to Governor Hill OF New
York before long, as it has already &C.
CURED to others, that the political his
tory which he has been making during
the past two years will have to be re-
vised and heroically abridged to be Of
any service to his aspirations in 1899.
Mr.. Edison, the great American cleo
trician has been made count, and his
wife countess by King Hubert Of Italy.
The appointment is understood to be
merely decorative, and as carrying no
title with it.