Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1892-08-18
WORKING THE 0RoWLER.
Concerning Certain Local Matters Which
Have Aroused Public Disapproval.

|
Concerning Certain Local Matters Which
Have Aroused Public Disapproval.
THE TIMES has had no occasion to growl
about the conduct of local affairs for some
time. Things have gone fairly well in and
about the village for so long that little or no
adverse comment has been publicly made and
nothing worthy of criticism has been noted.
1t seems almost a pity to break the peaceful
| spell which it has obtained, but there is GER
tainly strong provocation for the vigorous
terms of disapproval which have been heard
on the street the past week.
Was it the best Judgment that prompted
the covering of the village streets with
quantities of mixed earth and stones (mOsty
stonesl? That portion of Westminster street
| leading up the hill from the square is covered
with Just such stuff. Cobbe and loose stones
form the perspective and prompt unhoy
eloquence of a positive order by those unfor-
tunates who own teams. Isn't it perfectly
well known by past experience that the first
| heavy rain will wash the earth down hill
leaving only those rolling stones for a road
way? Then there will be another job to cart
away what should never have been carted
on. Looks like fOolishness. Hadley street
from Henry to School is likewise given top
dressing of the same sort. There are no
| sidewalks and it makes uncomfortable walk
ing for all who are forced to go that way.
Out on SaXton's River road, in several
places, there is more of the same treatment
but it hasn't even been leveled down. The
largest stones have been thrown by the road
side and will be picked up and carted away,
the good Lord knows when. Now such
work as this is to the discomfort of travellers
and the disadvantage of the town. 1t is a
frittering away of the public money and the
people know it,
July 81, THE TIMES published the follow
ing:
"Workmen are tearing down the old wooden
bridge over the canal and getting ready to lay the
abutments over. In a few weeks there will be-, be
For the present all traffic to and from the depot
is by way of Bridge street,
That item was written honestly but it was
a mighty bad break and we apologize accord
ingly. After four weeks of fairly good
weather one side of the canal has been eXca-
waited to the old piling and commencement
has been made on the other side. AT the
present rate there won't be bridge there for
six months and 'from desc places" it looks
like more foolishness. Excavation, with
four men on derrick while a team with
four or five other men wait, is played out.
There is no economy in it and it is fairly
supposable that steam derricks are to be hired
for money. The fact should be appreciated
that every day Canal street is closed is at
public Inconvenience and damage. We need
| that bridge just as soon as we can have it and
the only way to make time is to take both
hands and go at it man fashion.
Last week a medicine man held up the
town to the tune of 800 or more by his own
statement. He had pair of white horses
and white COACH two ''musical mokes," a
coachman and a "capper." He sold medicine,
soap and novelties and sandwiched in tricks
| Of "a hon nd hns
principally business. Well, he caught the
crowd and "played on velvet here for five
nights. His work here was regular and he
had perfect right to do business under a
village license. The TIMES is told that he
paid 50 q night! Holy Smoke! How could
he stand it? That gentleman should have
paid not cent less than $25 per night for his
license and no fakir should occupy our square
for less than $40 per night. The village
doesn't need these smart Alexis. If they in
sist on coming they should be made to chip
i. literally to the village treasury.
| That's all.