Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1908-05-04
STATE NEWS.
Richmond's Fire Loss 100000.

NICHINOnQ 5 TIRE LOSS Q1OO,OOO.
The village of Richmond suffered a
disastrous fire last Thursday night
with an estimated loss of 100000,
partly covered by insurance aggre-
eating about S66, 600. The fire origi-
mated in the Masonic building about
1880 o'clock, but in just what portion
ofthe building is not definitely known.
Several persons say they noticed the
flames first from the basement of
Freeman's drug store, while two fell
lows gave ramb ing account of no
ticing flames in the basement of Su
darsky's clothing store. The Bur-
lington fire department was called on
for aid and responded by sending
Chief Niles with steamer, hose cart
and eight fremen. The run of fifteen
miles with an engine and two fat cars
was made in thirty minutes. When
the engine arrived at the scene of the
fire it was found there was not suffi-
cient hose to operate it. The fire was
finally extinguished by the use of
buckets of water. The village has no
fire protection. 1t is expected that
the burned stores will be rebuilt.
Mildred Brewster Free.
At special sitting of Washington
county court held at Montpelier
Thursday Judge Alfred A. Hall or
dered that Mildred Brewster, who, ten
years ago was acquitted of the MUIR
der of Anna Wheeler on the ground
of insanity and since confined in the
state hospital for the Insane at Wa
terbury, be releas d from that insti-
tuition and placed in the custody OF
Mrs. W. J. Ross of Hardwick until
further orders were issued by the
court. Miss Brewster was visibly at
rected and tears came to her eyes
Judge Hall addressed Miss Brewster
at some length, referring to her trial
IN March, 1898, saying that although
she was eccentric and at times erratic,
he believed she was now and for some
time had been sane. During the morn
ing session DR.. @. M. Ferrin of Essex,
former state supervisor for the in
sane, testified Mr.. and Mrs. w. J..
Ross of Hardwick also were On the
stand and announced that they were
ready to take Miss Brewster into their
home. Miss Ross is 80 years old and
has known her since childhood.
State and District Conventions.
At the Republican state convention
at Burlington Wednesday the follow
ing were elected as Vermont's "Big
Four" delegates to the Chicago con-
vention: -Senator w. P. Dillingham;,
Governor Fletcher D. Proctor, Editor
Frank L. Greene of St. Adams and
Hon. A. M. Fletcher of Cavendish.
Col. Estey of Brattleboro decided to
make no contest for fourth place and
all the elections were by reclamation.
A warm fight developed over the
question of instructions in favor of
Taft, and the committee on resolu-
tons finally reported without any ref
erence to any presidential candidate.
On the floor, Mr.. Hapgood of Peru
attempted to get an endorsement of
Roosevelt or "those in full sympathy
! with him" His motion was table,
and the resolutions as reported adopt
ed. The delegates chosen by the two
district conventions held at Burling-
ton and Montpelier Tuesday were:-
First district, r. w. Hulburd of Hyde
Park and Thad M. Chapman of Mid
dlebury; Second district, N. G. Will
liams of Bellows Falls and G. M. Camp
bell of Lyndonville. There were nc
instructions or preferences expressed
at the district conventions.