The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-12-28
Domestic.

THE worst fire in the history of Terre
Haute, Ind took place Sunday night week,
causing property loss of over $4,000, 900.
A live electric wire set fire to cotton used
in decorating Christmas show window
and before the flames could be extinguished
block in the business part Of the city was
in ruins.
WILLIAM STEELE, formerly cashier of the
wrecked Chestnut street bank of Philadel-
phia was last week sentenced in United
States court to six years and six months
imprisonment and to pay a $500 fine.
Steele was convicted of conspiracy with the
late William SINCERELY, president of the
bank, in making false entries to the comp
troller OF the currency and misappropria-
ton of the funds of the bank.
HYDEPARK Posi-, G. A. R, of Dubuque,
Ia, has unanimously endorsed President
McKtnley's Atlanta declaration that the
time has arrived when the Federal govern
ment should assist the southern states in
caring for the graves of the confederate
dead. A copy of the resolution was tele-
graphed the President at Augusta Ga
Hydepark Post is the first in the country to
act on the Presidents proposition, al.
though Stevens Post of Lancaster, Pa, was
only one day behind the Dubuque Post in
such endorsement.
CIRCUIT JUDGE WOODS of S.. Louis has re-
versed the ruling of the probate court in
regard TO the administration of the estate
the common law that gave the husband abb
solute right over the personal estate OF his
wife, has ceased to exist. In his decision
Judge Woods said, "The common law
theory of marriage has long ceased to exist;
especially in this state the law has long
since recognized the wife as having sepa-
rate existence and separate rights and sep
arate interests"
THERE are strong indications that the
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy and Chica-
go, Rock Island and Pacific railroads are
figuring on extending to the Pacific coast.
The absorption of Hawaii and the Philip
pine islands by this country is expected by
the owners Of these roads will open up an
immense trans-continental rail business by
both east and west bound roads. The re-
cent deal by which the Santa Fe will have
its own line into San Francisco in the spring
has awakened the officers of competing
Semi-trans continental roads.
The steamer Tacoma sailed last Thurs
day from San Francisco with one hundred
and eleven army mules on board. At Hon.
Olulu the mules will be turned out for few
weeks exercise and will then be reshipped
along with two hundred mules and horses
already in Honolulu and the whole lot will
be taken to Manila for the use Of the United
States troops stationed there. In addition
to the live stock the Tacoma carries in her
hold large assortment OF wagons, dump
carts, grading plows and other things nee.
essary for the work of improving the roads
in the Philippines.
The President has nominated Ethan A.
Hitchcock of Missouri to be Secretary of
the Interior. Mr.. Hitchcock is at present
Ambassador to Russia. He was appointed
Minister more than year ago, and when
the rank was raised to an embassy he was
reappointed, Mr.. Hitchcock is business
man OF st. Louis and was for some time an
extensive plate glass manufacturer. He is
a great-grandson OF Ethan Allen of Revolu-
tionary fame. His ancestors were from
Vermont, but his father moved South and
Mr.. Hitchcock was born at Mobile, Ala. He
is brother of Henry Hitchcock, lawyer
OF note.
Two fast express trains on the Pennsylva-
mia railroad were in collision near Railway,
N. j., last week. The early Washington
express, going at the rate Of forty miles an
hour, crashed into the rear end of the Pitts
burg flyer, a Chicago and New York
through train, tearing the rear Car into
kindling wood and killing two persons and
badly injurng the others. A heavy fog
prevailed at the time and the Pittsburg
flyer was going slowly, while the engine
driver was endeavoring to read the signals.
The engineer of the Washington express
supposed he had clear track.
COMMANDER MORT, who was at Seattle,
Wash, last week, on his way to San Fran
cisco to take charge of the new Japanese
cruiser Chilos is authority for the state.
ment that the policy OF expansion which
has been adopted by the United States re-
ceves the most cordial support of the Jap
anese from sentimental and commercial rea-
SONS. Commander Mort places Admiral
Dewey in the same class with Admirals Ito
and Nelson. He Is not only great naval
officer" said he, "but general and states
man" He did not know Admiral Dewey
personally but he saw the results OF his
work, having arrived at Manilain command
OF the cruiser Maniva to look out for the
Japanese interests there.
AT a meeting OF President McKinley's
cabinet held last Wednesday, 1t was decid-
ed that existing conditions justify further
reduction OF the military forces aud the Sec
Rotary Of War was instructed to arrange for
the Immediate muster out of 10000 volun-
teers. The details for the execution OF this
order have not yet been arranged and