The Newtown bee., 1906-02-23

praise.
 O. o. WRIGHT. Editor THE BEE: On March 6, 1905, the executive committee of the Bi- Centennial celebration was appointed. This celebration took place without reverses, and reached in every way far beyond the expectations of the com mittee. Their labors touching upon, and dealing with ethical, geographical, financial and culinary questions ceased on August 5. The work of the editors, James H. George, Allison P. Smith and Ezra L. Johnson, continued, and the result is now before us, in an edi- tion giving an account of the proceed ings on the 2OOth anniversary of the purchase from the Indians of the land of the town of Newtown. The work done impresses one favorably in all respects. To those who wish to see how Newtown Street with it's public buildings looks, also what kind of looking men the actors in this scene are, the result is satisfactory. Typo graphically the book is undoubtedly great success; the subject matter is not only interesting to-day, but will be valuable in the years to come. It is hard to see how even the critic can have anything but words of commen- dation for the work.
 CHARLES s. PLATT.
 
 Newtown's Bi-Centennial, 17O5- 1905, from the press of The Futile, More house S Taylor Co.,, New Haven, Conn.,, the volumes of which are now being distributed to subscribers, appears in a neat dress, mechanical makeup ex- cellent. with clear type and illustra- tions, and halftones of 8 high order. Edited by James Hardin George, Ali. son Parish Smith and Ezra Levan Johnson. The compiling of the work reflects much credit on the part of the editors. In the address of welcome, by Rev Otis w. Barker, the enthusiasm, wit and effervescent sparkle that per- vades sthe address is inspiring. D1 Hart s scholarly address on "The Col ony" leads us along untrodden paths in the early history of the Colonies from the old Newtown of 1885 to the new Newtown df the comparative re cent date of 1705." The interest ir the work naturally centers in the his torical address by Ezra Levan Johnson beginning with the early settlement o1 the town in 17O5 and extending to the close of the Revolution. That MI Johnson gave much thought and care in the preparation of the article is evidenced in the address. "Being o1 the fifth generation in direct line o1 descent from Ebinezer Johnson, one oI the first settlers of Newtown, and him self a native of Newtown" he speaks as one having authority. MT Johnson in his interesting account of the pur chase of the land from the Indians i1 the early settlement of the town squares Newtown with the world anc relieves us as town from the imputa tion of fraud and trickery only tot common at that period in white man'' dealing with the Indians. MT John son says in speaking of the purchase O the land for township "Although tn. price paid for the land when 1t wal sold looks contemptibly small ant mean, it was square deal and nt trouble came from the Indians after | "olu III ACSolu UO Cd0 OoA4C. MI Johnson's narrative is replete witt interest from start to finish and is valuable chronicle of events which w hope he will sometime weave into , complete history of Newtown.
 DAVID c. PECK.
 
 The town of Easton has met with , we'll nigh irreparable loss in the fire O Tuesday morning which resulted ir the death of Charles F. Silliman, ; citizen beloved for his usefulness ant probity of character. He fitted nicely into the affairs of the town, and VI are not surprised there is universa mourning over, his death. The loss ol property counts for little; that can bs replaced. But men of the stuff MI Silliman was made of are already tot uncommon. We could wish his usefu life had been prol onged, but an Over ruling Providence has decided differ ently.
 The annual report of Hon Hemau O. Averill, the capable state commisr