The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1901-05-22
ABOUT TOWN.
Reflections and Observations.


ing on Monday evening with Mrs. g. L.
Smith at her home on Barre street, enjoyed
varied programme all OF whose numbers
treated more or less directly OF the speciality
they make theirs. This association, more
than any other local organization, unless 1t
be the Heaton hospital aid society, bring
together women OF varied interests and
nnite3 them in common patriotic cause.
Doubtless, since things are only relative,
there's az much satisfaction to be had from
tracing ones relationship ITO some victor
in border brswl," along the shores Of
Lake Champlain, as in that more ancient
and famous one Of Hastings.
From the New York side OF the border
comes the Information that the true version
Of the words of Ethan Allen, on the occa-
sion when he evicte1 the tenants of Fort
Ticonderoga were C)me out OF there,
you black ratsW Research ought to be
made into this with view to revising
State history, IL need be, and changing to a
more appropriate posture the statue in the
porch of our Capitol. We ought surely to
bo willing that the truth should be spoken
since, whatever words were said, the result
OF the attack remains indisputable fact,
even by New Yorkers.
-.
A Red Letter Day observed by the
Browning club came so late in the scarlet
alphabet of those social occasions that 1t
may fitly be named the q. Apart from the
literary and social enjoyment of the even
ing, II We to the members Of the society
time for congratulation that an undertaking
80 untried and dubious (by some considered)
had proved 80 successful as to insure its
continuance with added enthusiasm next
year. THE best Is yet to be-"
-
The slamming OF a hack door had an un-
pleasant suggestion for Thackeray, but the
rumble OF that vehicle through our streets
at night need not have for us that painful
association. On Wednesday evening, for
instance, 1t might bring to mind the sound
Ct the orchestra, the slide OF dancing feet,
the call Of the change for the kaleidoscope
figures OF the square dances, the rending
noise produced by the tearing draperies of
some unfortunate partner OF floor walker,
and prehaps even the echo o. courses not
loud, but deep" pronounced by the victim.
The May day dance was plee Jant affair,
cerefully planned and successfully execut-
ed in all its dainty details.
-
ANY observer Of children could have
forestalled Darwin's theory in regard to
our real ancestry, by watching a group OF
them fascinated by the brotherly antics Of he
monkey accompanying an organ grinder
There Is instant mutual recognition of the
tie OF blood that links them to the Ban
der Log"
To the Scotch ear music of the bagpipes
Is doubtless sweet, recalling either early
associations in the Highlands or the
tales OF a grandfather" wherein that in
strument plays an important part. But to
the unassoclated, the detached ear, the
penetrating shrek OF them down the street
is hideous, explanatory OF the effect upon
the enemy OF "The Pipes OF Lucknow"
The life OF strolling musician is not
without its advantages. One could accus'
tom ones self to his poor playing, as one
does to his shortcomings In whatever gen.
teel job he may be holding down-to use an
expression from "our latest English"
Even passing the hat need be no more a
trial to the Independent spirit than certain
requirements of his higher calling. And
along with 1t goes life in the open, a gypsy
like freedom from conventionality and good
clothes, and probably more chink day
than is earned by most perchers-to en-
ploy an pathological term-upon office
stools.
The attendance at the first band concert
Of the season proved anew, if that were
necessary, the extent OF the popular enjoy
| ment of these musical treats. Car loads
came in from Barre, the suburbanites drove
| in from all sides, and an orderly, appre-
ciative crowd assembled to listen to the
well-executed numbers of the concert pro
grsmme. And it all goes too-it is part o.
| the practical ucation we get in the
"word university here's good au
thority for the statement:
-.
"Ssinte Beure as he grew older, came tt
regard all experience as great single book
in which to study for few years before WI
| go hence; and it seemed all one to hin
whether you should read in Chapter XXX
which is the differential calculus, or il
Chapter XXXIX, which is hearing the ban(
play in the gardens"
-.
One is glad to read that school children
have been taken on picnic, recalling the
intense delight such an occasion affords II
the experience of child. Mr.. Foster
whose services to the town in more prsc
tical and tangible ways ara acknowledged
by all, is yet more gratefully canonized by
few, for his custom In earlier years, o
taking loads of children in his carry-all Il
haunts in the wildwood sought out by hi
woodsman's instincts. The recollection o
their trips, their kindly comradeship ant
the wood-lore taught by sure and uncon
scious methods, makes valued possession
to many a city-pent toiler today.