St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-09-14
OUR BOSTON LETTER.

come 10 the WdISuipS WplSh iotSiy
visited the Harbor. The quietest
citizen in the farthest up town build
ing could not fail to be aware OF
their arrival. The morning papers
stated that every one was privileged
to make all the noise he possibly
could that day, and it seemed as
though full advantage was taken OF
the suggestion, for from the mirute
the Massachusetts hove in sight till
all the ships were anchored there
was such a clamor as one seldom
hears. The siren whistles in the
harbor played up and down the scale
in most unmusical fashion, the fer
ries and tugs uttered their deep bel
low, and in the midst of it all one
could distinguish the ringing of bells
and booming Of cannon. From the
roof OF the City Hall, the Ames, the
Albion and other high buildings Il
reasonably good view could be OBJ
tanned, and all the afternoon they
were sought by those who could not
60 down the harbor to welcome the
fleet. From Saturday until Wednes-
day the ships were open to the pub
lie, and hundreds visited them, -es-
pecially the Massachusetts, every
day until Wednesday, when they left
the harbor. 1t seemed strange to
see the ships which last year were
dazzling in their whiteness, now
painted a dull gray. The hospital
ship, Solace, was here with the
others. On Saturday afternoon the
soldiers and sailors paraded through
the city and were enthusiastically
received all along the line of march.
The hospitals are caring, in tents
as well as in the regular wards, for
many sick and wounded soldiers and
they are receiving the best nursing.
For their sake the east breeze, one OF
the institutions Of Boston, was re-
ceived with even more rejoicing than
usual after the hot days of the past
weeks. 1t is also welcomed with JOY
by those who, after a cool summer
by the beach, must return to their
work and settle down to city life for
another winter.
Your correspondent was so fortu-
nate as to spend few days in Aug
ust in a picturesque little village in
New Hampshire which may be de.
scribed as a model town in some
respects. The village is approached
from two directions by a four mile
drive over excellent roads, shaded by
beautiful old trees and made fragrant
by delightful "woodsy" whiffs from
the forest growth by the roadside.
The little village retains many of the
customs and traditions Of the past
The ringing Of the church bell at six
O'Clock every morning except Sun
day is a preventive of laziness, for all
those who are not already up and at
work are reused and bestir them
selves at the warning, and begin the
daily routine. Soon after this, one
hears veritable old-fashioned-town
pump squeak from the sturdy lads
who visit the water supply in thu
center OF the village to quench thei
horses thirst, beautiful specimens
these horses are too, well repayint
the care that is taken of them.
The church bell rings again at min
o'clock in the evening, as reminde
that people who must rise early mus
retire early if they wish to keep vi
their daily round to good old age
This same bell. wonderful to relate
hangs in the bellry of the only churc
in town, and a still more wonderfr
fact is that the one minister in tn
J place has been the pastor Of the on
church for many years and is likel
to continue for years to come. |
the basement of the church is fin
! town library which is literally pa
I ronized by the towns people.
J 1t was with regret that left til
place early one morning, but the rid
through the woods was very invit
Grating with the flowers opening
the birds singing and the mists risin
from the mountains. At the static
+. where l took my train for the cit,
: the gentleman who drove our part
$ is also postmaster as well as ticke
1 passenger, baggage and expires
y agent, and it was a pleasure I
e watch his swift movements while
made ready for the train, alway
with smile and pleasant word ft
q those who approached him.
J. But now we are back again in Il