davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
Vermont Fires.

l.. =. Hayes's Interesting TabuIatiOn and
summary of Fires, Fire Losses, Causes,
Etc, for the Years 1898 and 1890.
L. S. Hayes of Bellows Falls, the insur-
ance expert who has already done so much
valuable work of this kind, has now com
pleted compilation of statistics of fires
and fire losses in Vermont in 1896 in com
parison with 1895. From these figures it
appears that the total property loss and the
losses paid by insurance companies in 1896
were less than one-half the amount of the
same losses in 1895. The amounts are:
iso5-Property loss, sl,26525l; insurance paid,
SsO5 72S.
1896 Property loss s621,O7l; insurance paid,
1867, GS9.
The number of fires in 1895 is given at
345 and in 1896 at 329. That the differ
ence is apparently in favor of 1896 is due,
however, to the fact that in 1895 all fires
were included in the record, while in 1896
only those were listed in which the loss
reached nearly or quite 500. The large
difference in the amount of losses for the
two years was due mainly to the losses in
the great fires in Burlington and st. Adams
in 1895, and in two other fires-in Swanton
and West Pawlet-w which are given the rank
Of "con1agrations." This tabulat.on of the
losses by counties for two years is of inter-
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
The Rate of saving. Banks Interest.

A correspondent who writes in criticism
of the action of the legislature in passing
an act at its last session forbidding savings
banks to pay more than per cent inter-
est, says:
"wh some one of our wise Solons inform your
readers why this meddng with savings banks;
Did they suppose the officers Of the banks incom.
prtent. that they did not know what interest they
could pay Why make an iron bedstead and
make every bank To tit ii; one bank may be
able to pay ~ per cent, while another may be
able to pay but per cent Is this new law made
in the interest of the latter ia order TO keep peo.
pie in their locality from deppsJiug in the for
mert or was il the work Of the banks who here
tufore have paid ~ per cent, hut who having
made poor investments can now pay but per
cent and not having the courage TO face their de-
pusltors ask the state to shield ihemt'
Perhaps some of our legislative Solons
might answer this query more intelligently
than The Phoenix can, but our own under
standing Of the matter is that this law was
passed in behalf of the general safety and
well being Of the savings banks of the
state. Probably some Of the large banks
might still continue to pay Il per cent in
terest, but many OF the smaller banks
could not do So The temptation would
be for these smaller banks to overstrain
their resources so as to hold their depositors,
and the tendency would be to injure the
smaller banks at the expense of the few
larger ones. Another point is that the
tendency for the past three years has been
TO reduce greatly the interest rate on near
ly all sound investment funds, and with
the rate OF 4! per cent maintained or al
lowed all the banks would be tempted or
compelled to seek investments less desira-
bic in point of security, but which yielded
a higher rate of interest. If we are cor
rectly informed the larger banks welcome
the new law because it allows them to con-
fine their investments to the very best class
of securities. The first and essential
point in savings banks management is not
high rate of interest, but the absolute
security Of the funds committed to their
keeping. When one looks at the dsas-
trous record of the New Hampshire saw
ings banks for the past three years he finds
no cause to criticise adversely the prudent
and conservative course taken by the state
of Vermont toward its savings banks.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

345 81 ,265, ,254 329 s62l,Ous867 ,6s9

A record is given of the fires and losses
for the two years in several of the cities
and villages which have fire departments.
For instance, Rutland had - alarms in
1895, with property loss of So, ,256 and
insurance paid S21 ,902; in 1896 there were
35 alarms, property loss S45, 900, insurance
paid $1,000; assessed valuation of the
city SS,56S, ,352. In 1895 St. Johnsbury
had ii alarms, with property loss of SAL, -
374, insurance paid S31, ,462; in 1896 -
alarms, property loss S53,931, insurance
paid Sl9,93l; assessed valuation $780,
927. In 1895 Bellows Falls had alarms,
property loss S23OO, insurance paid S2S00; /;
in 1896 0 alarms, loss S4502, insurance
S3SSS; assessed valuation S3,0OO,0O0. In
1895 Montpelier had alarms, loss $409,
insurance 1850; in 1896 alarms, loss
$1273, insurance $1273, assessed valuation n
SO, 10000. In 1895 Bennington had IA
alarms, loss $500, insurance $500; in 1896
IA alarms, loss S7OO, insurance 500; as
sessed valuation 100000.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
Mr. Reed Standing Guard.

Speaker Thomas b. Reed still continues
to insist that the House of Representatives
shall attend to the public business and not
recklessly or needlessly appropriate money
while the treasury is struggling with big
monthly deficit. At the last session of
Congress many a member had bitter
grievance against Mr.. Reed because he
for new public buildings taken and con-
sidered. Last Tuesday a committee of
prominent members waited upon the
speaker and presented petition of POS
members of the House asking that time be
given for consideration of - bills on the
House calendar providing for public build
ings in various parts of the country. This
committee pointed out the necessity of
these buildings and said it was evident
that majority of the House desired their
consideration. Speaker Reed asked them
if they were aware that the government
was running behind in the matter of rev.
enue at the rate of SOS, ,000,0 600 year. The
committee replied that the bills did not ap-
proprate dollar; that they simply fixed the
maximum of cost of the buildings, and ap-
propriations were left in the hands of the
future Congresses by the appropriations
committee The speakers answer to this
was that he did not approve of this method
of mortgaging the governments revenues.
On another day this week a delegation
of prominent New Workers went home
from Washington greatly exercised in this
minds because Mr.. Reed would not consent
to the introduction and consideration of a
bill for converting the Palisades of the
Hudson into government park to prevent
their further destruction by quarry COM
panies'w who are converting them into paw
ing stones.
All this illustrates over again Mr.. Reeds
firmness and fearlessness. 1t also shows
how complete is the coutrol which the
speaker holds over the course of business
in the House under the conditions which
have grown up in that body.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

Although it would appear by the Madrid
dispatches to this country that all the news
sent to Spain from Cuba is in Weyler's in
terest, it seems that even he cannot make
a showing sufficiently good to satisfy the
Spanish populace, for the popular impa-
thence with his failure to suppress the re-
bellion is increasing constantly. In spite
of his reported victories and his claims to
have practically exterminated the insur-
gents, the proofs that the insurrection is
still in active progress are patent even to
the masses who neither read nor think.
The frequent drafts of troops for Cuba are
enough to tell them the truth, and if any
further evidence is needed, the government
loans and increased taxes tell story which
there is no mistaking. Thus the Cuban
struggle is creating crisis in Spain which
may react in favor of Cuban liberty.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
DEATH OF MRS. F.. w. BROOKS.

Mrs. Matilda c. Brooks, widow of the
late Francis w. Brooks of this village,
died in New York city last Monday, after
short illness from pneumonia. Mrs.
Brooks came on from California, where
she had lived since 1889, last October and
had since been with her daughter, Mrs.
Ullery, in Holyoke, Mass. Two weeks
ago she went to New York on a visit and
her illness developed within few days af-
ter her arrival there. Mrs. Brooks was
born in New York in 1881 and was the
daughter of Floyd and Catherine Ritter
Smith. Her fathers and also her mothers
family were closely identified with the lead
ing financial interests of New York of
their day. The marriage of Miss Smith to
Francis Wyckoff Brooks took place in New
York June 20, 1855. Mr.. Brooks was
then in business in San Francisco and
their home was in that city for the next
ten years. In 1865 they returned to the
East and made their home in Brattleboro,
living first in the Chaplin homestead on
Linden street, now owned by A. w.
Childs, and removing afterward to the
well-known estate on the common, where
Mr.. Brooks died in February, 1885. OF
eight children who were born to Mr.. and
Mrs. Brooks four now survive-Mrs. j. G.
Ullery of HolyOke, and Mrs. Matilda Ryan,
Miss Alice, and Mrs. Mabel Hoy, all now
resident in Santa Monica, Calf. Three
sisters also survive Mrs. Brooks-Mrs.
Judah of San Francisco, Mrs. George
Shea, and Mrs. MendOn. Mrs. Brooks
was woman of marked amiability of tenn
per and when she removed from Brattle-
boro she left here wide circle of friends.
The body of Mrs. Brooks was brought to
BrattleborO and placed in the Episcopal
church on Wednesday. The funeral will
be held in the church upon the arrival of
Miss Alice Brooks from California. Miss
Brooks left for the East as soon as she re-
ceived news of the serious illness of her
mother, but she has been delayed by floods
on the line of the Pacific roads.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

The contest for the collectorship of the
port Of Burlington is generally understood
to be between Col G. G. Benedict and ex-
Lieut.. Gov. Mansur. The Burlington
News says that if the Republican party of
Vermont is limited to these two men in its
choice for collector it is in bad way, and
The PhUniX takes exactly the same view.
Both are men of good character and Of
good standing in their respective commu-
mites, but politically they are old FOUNDERS
who have fed at the public crib large
part of the time since the civil war. Col.
Benedict was BuIlington's postmaster
eight years, collector of the port four years,
and served the state several years as mill
tary historian. The News figures out his
total receipts from his public offices at up
wards Of 100000. Col. Mansur was for Is
years postmaster at Island Pond, and has
also had term as deputy collector Of Gus
toms
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
BARGAINS

We've taken advantage of few quiet days sort out and
arrange the odd pairs the OpwO and the remaining pairs of
lines that is thought advisable to close out because not to
date.inIstye and marked them at quick moving prices.
Costs have not been considered in the prcngs though
qualities are up original values Money saving will find
here an opportunity to buy shoes of excellent qualities but
fraction of regular cost.
At these prices there will be shoes sold credit
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
Gbe Dermunt d9BGntT.
BRATTLEBORO:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1897.

If the newspaper reports are true Maj.
Mckinley is finding his most difficult task
that of securing the right man for secretary
of the treasury. Senator Allison of Iowa
and eX-GOv. Morgan and Cornelius N.
turn declined an offer of the treasury port
folio
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

The bubonic plague, which is literally
depopuating large section of India, is a
very malignant kind of contagious fever.
1t is supposed to be started by microbes
from a peculiarly laden atmosphere. The
plague began in Bombay after heavy rains,
followed by an intensely bot spell The
disease, however, is greatly forwarded by
dirt and bad or insufficient food. The dis
tinctive features of the disease, which gives
the plague the bubonc name, are developed
about the second or third day when buboes,
or glandular swellings, form, usually in
the neck, arm pits or groins. They are
intensely painful and generally break,
leading to prolonged suppuration. Nor
tality from the disease among clcanly, we'll
fed people is small.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

Senator John Sherman authorized the
announcement to be made last Saturday
that he had accepted from President
elect Mckinley the portfolio of state.
From some sources in Washington the SEN
atOr's selection for the leading place in the
new cabinet is criticised on the ground of
his advanced years CA, and because 1t is
alleged that he has shown vacillation in
his views on foreign questions. The fact
remains, however, that Senator John Sher-
man is easily the foremost man of the
country today in actual official life. He
has seen the various departments of the
government grow up and develop into their
present proportions, and no man living
knows more of their working methods
There is probably no one who has partici-
pated in the construction of so many trea-
ties and diplomatic conventions as he, and
there is no one in public life who has
known so large a number of foreign minis
ters and other diplomatic representatives.
He has made frequent visits to Europe,
and has been great traveller in this coun-
try, acquainting himself thoroughly with
all our needs and resources.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

Seven persons who had been killed acci-
dentally by Illuminating gas were found in
Boston in the "a hours ending Monday
noon. Three of the victims were children,
and the other four were men who entered
rooms while under the influence of liquor
and were careless about turning out the
gas. Within a year there have been AZ fa-
talities in Boston from the same cause.
The call for an investigation has brought
out a statement from Medical Examiner
Draper, who says it is a question of choos-
ing between cheap gas that is very poison
Gus or paying more and taking less risk.
Dollar gas means water gas, he says, and
that is far more dangerous than the old
form of Illuminating gas made entirely
from coal. The gas now distributed in
Boston contains 80 per cent of carbonic
oxide, while the camel coal gas, such as
was formerly distributed, contained only
per cent. The old form of gas could as
phyxiate, but its strong odor usually be-
trayed its presence before fatal results en-
sued. The slight odor of the water gas
does not warn the victim in time to save
him from the poisonous effects, which
cause death before there has been time for
asphyxiation. 1t poisons the blood.
n l. II. l..
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
This detailed summary is given of the
,auses of fires for the two years:
CInssIfcatIon of FIres.

Probably the most interesting and valu-
able feature of Mr., Hayes's record is that
in which he classifies the kinds of property
destroyed during the two years;
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

Gen. Grout succeeded in carrying the
oleomargarine bill through the House by
strong vote last week, though in the face of
stout opposition. After calling up the bill
on Thursday Gen. Grout had it read by
sections to permit amendments to be pro-
posed The only amendments carried were
one providing that oleomargarne when in
transit through a state shall not be subject
to the police power Of the state, and one
providing that the sale of oeonargarine
under its true name and nature shall not
be interfered with. The bill was finally
ordered to a third reading 126 to g6, and it
was then passed without division. The
purpose Of the bill is to make oleomargar-
inc and all other imitation dairy products
subject to the laws of the state or territory
into which they are transported.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

IAN ounce of prevention is worth a pound Of
cure" DR.. Woods Norway Pine Syrup prevents
consumption by curing colds and all similar lung
troubles.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
FELT FOOTWEAR
At HALF PRICE.

Made by a company now sold out
to a rival manufacturer. As some
sizes are missing and we can get no
more, and the demand being now for
goods Of lower cost at n time when
the season Is well advanced is the
reason for sacrificing u half of their
value. They are by far the most du-
rable as well as the easiest felt foot.
wear ever made, wearing as long as
three or four pair of the ordinary
sorts. Made of one piece of felt
without seams, leaving no possible
chance TO hurt tender feet.
There are now % pair in the lot,
mostly slippers and OK Ords /; in chill.
dren's, misses, wOmen's and mems
sizes.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

Hoods Pills cure liver Ills, biliousnesA
gestion, headache. A pleasant laxative.
druggists.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
w. F.. RICHARDSON'S FUNERAL.

The funeral of William f. Richardson
was held at his late residence on High
street at o'clock Monday afternoon. DR..
ii. ID. Holton acted as conductor A large
company of the business men of Brattle-
boro and several from other towns in this
county were present. The choir of the
Congregational church sang the hymn
GLOW firm foundation" which was fol-
lowed by the reading of Scripture by Rev.
c. O. Day. The choir then sang "Rock
of ages" After short prayer, Mr.. Day
paid loving tribute to the lfework and
character of Mr.. Richardson and the ser
vices closed with the singing of the hymn
"Heaven is my home" The bearers were
Mr.. Richardson's four sons--Lucius H.,
Cassius NJ. c., Fred NJ, and Edward b.
Richardson-his son-in-law, o. O. Ware of
Wilmington and his grandson, Charles w.
Richardson. The burial was in Prospect
Hill cemetery.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
Misses Shoes,

Sizes, II to =.
0I Pair Sixteen pair fine
kid lace and button, patent leather
tips, spring neels, that were $1.75,
and five pair that were $3.50, now
at s .23.
IL Pair Seven pair that
were $1.5O and five pair that were
$1.25; kid button shoes, spring
heels, plain toes, at 81 cents.
IL Pair "Wayerly School
Shoes" No better wearing quality
can be bought at any price. Best
grain leather and up to the highest
standard of excellence of this cele-
brated make. Comfort giving shapes
but broader toes than are in demand
now. Regular price, 1866; now
90 cents.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
25 Extra Fine Fur Capes

OF the shape very full sweep popular lengths
inches long, that has been
sold by any city fur house $25 bargain price $69 very
finest electric seal with finest collar and trimming down the
'front.' before sold under $65 bargain price, $39 Eight
French seal with elegant collar real
value $751; sale price $685. Six finest plain electric seal cape 80 and SO
inches long value $9 o$ sale 29 Seven finest quality wool
SEAL arachan and electric 81 inches long, worth
$38 $40, sale $24 Also few odd from
double present price Mus price
balan Of stock
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
Bargain Price, $2.75
Bargain Price; 4.69
Bargain Price, $50
Bargain Price, 859
Bargain Price, 9,49
$500 Jackets,
750 Jackets,
10 90 Jackets,
IL 90 Jackets,
1900 Jackets,

Also about carried from the three
elegant quality but the latest styles sold from
Closing price ST. SIS. ladies' and
Just the thing for choo stormy weather also have
about
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

Thomas C. Plat is serenely ION top" in
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

gains at IA third their quality value.
IA pair Fine Kid button,
square toes, some with patent tips,
some plain toes welied shoes that
sold at $3.50 and 50; sizes, 1-2
to 4 1-2 with smaller sizes in widths
A to + at S1.0S.
- pair Fine dOngOla Kid,
button, Wclted, medium toes with
patent tips, $3.50 quality. These
are stylish shoes, a few pair trifle
shOpwOrn but not impaired in quail
ity. As there are small sizes only
they are marked at $2.2O.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
A Big Cut In Prices In All Other Departments.

Dress goods linen damasks, Napkins towels heng Aann
pets mangs, oil cloths blankets hosiery ladies' mems and chill
den under fanne Hamburg edgngs, ces Wrappers
mus underwear silk waists,
Come early if you want the best bargains.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
WOnen'S
Shoes.
"a Pair vi

Kid button shoes that sold at So and
$3.50, medium toes without tips,
medium and common sense heels.
Sizes, , 1.2 TO 1.2 Mt 0S cents.
Not pair that is not perfect and
of good quality, but the excess Of
small sizes aud the demand for shoes
with tips places them in the bar
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22
O. J. PRATT.
Cloak and Fur Department.
Grand Mark Down
for the Season.
Every garment at from Id to IA off the
regular price.

Every garment stock be closed Id B
regular price
The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-08-28
JEFFERSON CLUB MEETS.

The Jefferson Club held an important
meeting last night in its pleasant club
rooms on Palisade avenue near Franklin
street. The following officers were nomi-.
mated and will be elected at the next
meeting, which will be held on Friday
evening, September 3:-George T. Mckay,
President; William Lee. First Vice Presi-
dent; Robert Usher. Second Vice Presi=
dent; E. Kohl, Treasurer; Otto Fisher,
Recording Secretary, and H. Burk, Ser
geant-at-Arms. The office of Financial
Secretary was left open and the candidate
will be named at the next meeting.
hi following committee was appointed
to make necessary arrangements for a
stag, which will be held in the clubrooms
on Saturday evening, September 1S:-
Robert Usher, chairman; Otto Lehman,
E. ;. Kohl and N. Krantz. Excellent per-
formers will be engaged and the affair
promises to equal if it does not excel the
clu's last successful affair of this kind.
It was resolved to attend in a body the
festival of the original Damrosch Musical
Union, which will be held at krobe1's
Boulevard Park on August 90
The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-08-28
a. A. u. Chamn;on.hips.

The championship meeting today at
Manhattan Field promises to be the most
sensational and interesting tournament
ever held under the auspices of the A. A.
u. Heretofore the Eastern athletes
have usually had a clear field. This year,
however, there will be a change, as the
West has aroused itself to action. The
result is that the Chicago A. A. has sent
on a team of their athletes to try for ma
tional honors Waybury and Rush are
both famous %sprinters, but they will be
called upon to run their best when they
meet Wefers in the 100 and go yards
runs. All the entries are high class.
Each n every event has filed very
nicely and up to the expectation of the
committee. The phenomenal work of the
Chicago team at Travers Island has
aroused great interest. The Western
heavyweight performer, Henneman, looks
as though he might win the shot event.
The Montreal and Pittsburgh contin-
gents arrived yesterday. There are two
crack runners In the Canadian party,
Stephen and Brodie. Brodie is the Can
adam champion for the mile, and many
expect he will win that event today.
stephen will try in the quarter and half.
Caldwell, another Canadian, who will
compete in the Sprints, has been training
quietly the past ten days at Manhattan
Field, and many are of the opinion that
ne will be Q dark horse. The committee
has completed arrangements fer what
they expect will be a model meeting. Few
officials have been selected, and it is the
intention of the committee to keep all
outsiders and ~intruGers from the inner
field. The games will start promptly at
two P. M. The first event will be the
100 yards dash.