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liwlXEJOlOftl VOL. VIIC. NEW SERIES VOL. LXV. BURLINGTON, VERMONT, THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1919. NUMBER 27 I Tniiirn n MMiMil il riic Northern Pacific During Heavy Fog Runs Aground OIT Fire Island 2,480 SOLDIERS ABOARD mil in siiiu 10 ijc .in ,o j-nmirr miu Troop AVI 11 Probably Hp l.nmlcd Ti-ilnr It Wlml Shifts New York, Jan. 1. Helatlvos of men Inboard the United States transport North- Irrn Pacific, aground on a sand bar oft IFire Island, need have no fear for their IFnfety, according to a wireless message from Captain Connelly, commanding, re ceived to-night by the Associated Press. "Northern Pacific in no danger," said Icaptaln Connelly's message. "Holntlves let soldiers and ciew have no fear for She r safety. The soldiers In all proba- rv.ni ...nt tA ................ ...t. nir the winds shift to northward of Vest The naval authorities nre taking every precaution, however, to guard the lives of the 2,1W soldiers aboard the transport, nearly 1,700 of whom are side or wounded. A breeches buoy has been rigged front the Fhore to the vessel ready for use at any time If deemed best tn risk further Injury to tho stretcher cases by removing them Ifrom tho craft, while 13 destroyer and Jiaval tups are standing by to lend assist ance In emergency. Tho transport, which struck tho sand jhui iuuk wiiw ii'fuuiK mure e.usiiy ui- Xilght and was approaching an even Jteel although she had listed heavily earlier In the day, making progress difficult about her slippery deck, over which high seas were washing. She was a considerable distance off shore when she went aground but now has lieen driven to within less than 300 yards of the beach. Tho wind was still Mowing from the southwest to-nl;Tht but had abated pomewhat, although tho sea continued rough and there was a heavy fog off phore. Mariners predicted, however, that tho wind would shift to the north west before morning making condi tions favorable for transferring the troops aboard to destroyers. If this Is done the men w'l be brought direct to New York. The Oak Island coast guard crew, tinder command of Cap'.tln Joseph ruttle, went alongside In a small boat this afternoon after two attempts to fire a line across the transport's bow liad proved unsuccessful. From tho line which the coast guards carried red. Unless tho danger Increases, how ever, tho buoy will not be put to use, lint should the soldiers be landed on .Tire Island, a lleet of sinull craft, hail ing from points along tho shore, of tho great south bay, will be utilized to transfer them to Bay Shore, where the naval air station has been turned into n huge emergency hospital with medl tal and food supplies rushed from Now IVork by the Red Cross. A largo num ber of ambulances are nfsembled there ready to transfer the sick and wounded jTrom the boats to the hospitrl. When he returned after taking the life line aboard. Captain Tuttle report id that the transport had listed to Mich an extent that It was difficult for Jilm to keep his footing on the decks. Notwithstanding this fact, he said, sol fliers who wero able to bo about, lined lhe rails, cheering lustily any attempt to aid them. Breaking through tho fog which to night shrouded the Northern Pacific Were tho llglits of destroyers and tugs, while on tho shore burned great flares, lighted by coast guards. These guards Itood watch, prepared to put out tn trnall boats If any Immediate danger menaced tho transport. Thick weather and rain made observa tion difficult when the transport, which left B"it on Christmas day, went across o sand bar between Point o' Woods nnd Fire Isi, ml, Tho sea, roughening it dawn, prevents! nil efforts to remove the troops. Coast guards declared to-night that had tho vessel struck certain other bars In tho vicinity, she would have been Ftna-hed to pieces In a relatively short tine. The shore Is dotted with tho hulks nf other ships which ended their carrer 5 tho "Graveyard of the Atlantic." It vts near this point that the U. S. S. 'pin Diego was sunk last summer. A relief expedition of 150 medical off! T"ra, nurses nnd hoppital orderlies left nnbnrkatlon headquarters at Hoboken this afternoon for Fire Island. The party was commanded by Colonel Valentine, Inspector-general, and Colonel 11. S. Ker- On his rtturn to-night, Colonel Kerrirk reported to Major-Goneral Shanks, head of tho embarkation service, that "there Appears to bo no cause for undue alarm over the safety of tho troops and tbero Is absolutely no occasion for worry nt the present moment on tho part of rela tives or friends," THREE KILLED IN AIR Vermont fins (il,on Aldrlcli, Hamilton nnd Until Montpelier, Jan. 1. Vermont contrib uted more than her share to tho number uf killed In tho aero service of the nation In the war during tho year of 1018, there ' nih iwi'u iM.itJ ,u mi, l,,'l ilUIU rvlcc. Those killed from Vermont nrn: J.lout. Henry Aldrleh of Essex, killed Oc tober 29, a member of tho is."th aviation nqundron, IJout. I.loyd A. Hamilton of .liurllngton, of tho 17th squadron, killed August 26; Lieut. Jason Solon Hunt nt Johnson, a member of tho 27th noro iquadron, killed Aust 1, 1018. ORRIN PEER ALLEN. NATIVE VERMONTER, DIES I'nmmift An (ieni-nloKlHl -Wiin Horn In WiillliiKforil Palmer, Mnsa., Jan. 1, Orrln Peer Mien, genealogist, died Inst night nged Kl, Mr, Allen was born In Walling ford, Vt was educated at Chentor Acad emy mid becamo superintendent of public nehoolH nt Veinnn, Latin ho taught at Hiwkensnck, N, J., and caino to Palmer In IMS. Ho wan married twice, his InBt wife, formerly Luclnda II. Kuolt of Ver iion. A t.. liavlniT died recently. ODE mm AND EXPERTS FIND $2,755.85 "UNACCOUNTED FOR" IN GRAHAM ACCOUNTS Arthur Young & Co. of New York, Expert Accountants, Report on Examination of Books of Present Governor During His Terms as State Auditor Statement Says Mr. Graham's Accounts Show Cash Unaccounted for in Every Year of the 14 He Was in Office But One Report Also Declares He Paid Himself Fees Amounting to $619 for Outside Services, the Legality of which is Questioned Governor Graham Issues Statement Say ing: "I Neither Admit Nor Deny Anything at This Time" Cites Commendatory Com ments on His Manner of Keeping Books and Accounts While Auditor. Montpelier, Jan. 1. Tho chnrge that Governor Horace F. Graham during the 14 years that ho was State auditor, failed to account for f Ut,7.".R3 which he had drawn by orders on the State treas urer Is contained In a report of a firm of accountants, Arthur Young & Co., of New York, made public by the State Hoard of Control to-night. Governor Graham, who Is awaiting trial on Indict ments charging grand larceny and em bezzlement, gave out a .statement com menting on the report. In Which he called attention to commendation of his conduct of tho ofllee of auditor In re ports to the Legislature by the bank commissioner and the inspector of finance. "The first year he held office," the re port says, "the auditor failed to account for a portion of tho cash which he hnd drawn by orders on the State treasurer. Tho same condition prevailed in every year hut one of the 11-odd years he held office." Communications on the subject follow: MP.. GOODKLL'S STATEMENT The Hoard of Control was called to gether at a special meeting at Mont pelier August 23, 1018, at which the board unanimously voted to appoint a commit tee to employ a reputable, expert, certi fied accountant from outside the State to make a thorough examination of the books In the office of the auditor of ac counts. Will L. Davis of Rutland and John E. Weeks of Middlebury were ap pointed as this committee and they sub sequently employed for tho vik Arthur Young t Co., accountants and auditors, 71 liroadway, New York city. Their re ports were received by the committee at Ilutland December 2(1, 191S, and a special meeting of the Hoard of Control was called at Montpelier tho following day. Tho Hoard of Control directed tho ec retary to mall a. copy of the condensed report to every nowpaper In tho State on tho afternoon of Tuesday, December 31, 1916 and to keep at his office a detail ed report, open to public Inspection, llespectfully yours, If AHV11Y K. GOODHLL. Secretary of tho Hoard of Control, Montpelier, Veimont, Dec. 31, 1918. To tho Special committee- appointed by the Hoard of Control of the State of Ver mont, for tho purpose of having an In vestigation made of tho office of tho State Auditor of Accounts. Gentlemen: Wo have made a com prehensive audit from October 9, 1XC to January 3, 191", of tho accounts of the Statu Auditor with tho State of er mnnt, also the accounts of the deputy State Auditors, and of the staff employed for the same period, this being the term during which Mr. Horace Graham held tho position of State Auditor of Ac counts. We find: 1, That there Is a bnlanco unaccounted for by Mr. II. F. Graham. 2. That tho accounts of tho Deputy Auditors and of the staff during the per iod from October 9, 1002, to January 3, 1D17, are correct. STATE AUDITOR'S ACCOUNT Tho first year he held ofllco, tho Audit or of Accounts failed to account for a portion of the cnshywhlch he had drawn by orders on tho Stnte Treasurer. The same condition prevailed In every year but ono of the fourteen odd years he held office. The yearly amounts unnecounted for vary from J2U0 to over $1,000 as shown below: Horace F. Graham In account with the State of Vermont. Cash balance unaccounted for from October I), l02, to January 3, 1917, Oct. 0, 1002, to Juno 30, 1S03, $218.20. July 1, 1903, to Juno 30, 1904, $281. SO. July 1, 1904, to Juno 30, tso.l, nil. July 1, 190!i, to Juno 30, lflOC, $C00.0O. July 1, 1900, to June 30, 1907, $1,800.00. July 1, 1907, to Juno 30, 190S, $1,305.00. July 1, 190S, to Juno 30, 1909, $2,138,80. July 1, 1909, to Juno 30, 1910, $4,410,41. July 1, 1910, to June 30, 1911, $20.1,71. July 1, 1911, to June 30, 1912. $709. SB, July 1, 1912, to June 30, 1913, $l,fi.11,91. July 1, 1913, to June 30, 1914, $G9C.2fi. July 1, 1915, to Juno 3ft, 1915, $1,091.50, July 1, 1915, to Juno 30, 1910, $4,459,95, July 1, 1910, to Jan. 3 1917, $2,180,11, Total unaccounted for $24,75.1,8.1 In addition to tho above statement tho auditor paid himself fees for outsldo serv ices for acting ns printing commissioner, ns member of the board of nppeals, and im attorney for tho State and respondents, etc, The authority for tho payment of theso sumn Is nueHtloned nnd It Ih a matter of legal Interpretation of various net's of tho LfglMaturn nx to whnthur nn official receiving a salary from the Htuto Is en titled to charge for bin own ouhIiIh sorv Ichs, No. 181, Acts of 1908, declares that the auditor of accounts shall ulvii hl en tire time to the work of his olllce, The preiiumpllon from this Is that the audi tor can maUii no chargo, at least from Unit date, for Hervloe outsldo tlio scope of thu duties of ulti oftlco, Prior acts ure ullunt on the subject, From 1S.0 to 1908 tho amounts paid by the auditor to himself for these outside services totalled $C7. From 1903 to 1917 these outside fees came to $019. Tho aggregate of tho foregoing amounts Is as follows: Cash balances unaccounted for $21,755.63 Moneys paid by the auditor to himself for outside services, the legality of which Is questioned, from 1900 to 1917 $019.00 Making n total of J2.'.,371.G." It Is held that amounts paid for outside services between 1903 and 190S should be treated in the snJne manner as those from 1909 to 1917, the item of $C..7 for the former period will be required to be added to the total balance unaccounted for. Nothing has been added to this balance for Interest. If It Is believed that It Is proper for Interest to be taken Into account It will, of course. Increase the above total con siderably, depending on the rate per cent, used. Yours very truly, (Signed) ARTHUR YOUNG & CO. STATKMKNT BY GOVKRNOR Governor Horace Graham's htatement follows. "To the People of Vermont: "I have read the report of Arthur Young & Co. of the examination of the accounts of the auditor of accounts during my 14 years and three months tenure of office. "I had long ago decided to make no ctatement until my term of ojllce as Gov ernor had oxplred nnd I neither admit nor deny nnythlng at this time. How ever, I cannot permit this report to go to the public without :i word from nic. "I do not know any member of this firm nor any of their employes and have rever met any one of the gentlemen who conducted the examination, nor have I been asked by them to assist in any way or to make any explanation, "I nm first charged with having over drown my account every year but ono while I held the office of auditor of ac counts. "In tho fall of 1901 the late Frederick S. Piatt, Inspector of finance, examined the books nnd accounts of the olllce and made the following report to the Leg islature. "'Proper vouchers were exhibited by tho State treasurer and tho State audi tor and the books and accounts of both officers were found to be correct.' "In 190G Luther A. Cobb, Inspector of finance, examined the office and re ported as follows: " 'The books are well and correctly kept, and the accounts are properly vouehered.' "Again In 190S Mr. Cobb reported: " 'He has performed tho duties re quired of him by Section 398 relating to tho State treasurer and auditor of uccounts.' "In 1910 tho present bank commis sioner reported to tho Legislature as follows: " 'I examined tho auditor's accounts as required by law, and found them correct. The system of accounting la excellent, and full Information with re lation to all accounts required by law to bo kept by tho auditor In easily ob tainable.' "In 191G tho present bank commis sioner reported to the Legislature as follows: "'I have checked up tho vouchers In tho auditor's olllce and proved tho trial balances for each year and found them correct.' "Ho further goes on to say that tho business of the treasurer's office anil tho auditor's office has so greatly In creased that further asslstanco ought to bo afforded him for hla examina tion. "In 1914 the Committees on Claims of the House and the Senate, acting Jointly, examined the office nnd roportcd to tho respective houses, among other things: " 'Wo have checked with these books and examined carefully nil vouchers and papers, approximately one hundred thou, sand In numher, covering the past period and we find a receipt for each ordei drawn accordlngto law,' "They further say: " 'Thore has been a marked Improve, rrtont In tho system of filing vouchors beginning during the Incumbency of O. M. Hnrber nnd continuing until tho pres ent Bj'Btem of hookeoplng, originated somewhat by Mr. Harbor, und perfoctml by Mr. Ornhnm to the oxtent of u per sonal oxpoiiHu to himself, is nil thnt can ho expocted undor tho proaent npproprla- tlollH, "If my memory servos mo correctly this examination occupied u good Hhnro of the time of the HuhnIoii, "Again In 1900 tho Committees on Claims, noting Jointly, examined the nfllcH und reported, among other thlngH us followsi " 'Wn have examined report Hlieets. and vouchors anil wo find he line receipted vouchers for all bills Jinld us tho law directs', "They further reported 'Wo find thnt the books hiu kept lu u mom Intolllguni and up-to-date form and much credit Is (Continued nn I'ngir l'mir) OF E Testimony of Dep. Auditor Jos lyn Who Talked With Him About Graham Matter AUDITOR GATES ON STAND Says ComitilAiloner Wllllnmn Told Him He Hud Known of Hnlnneen Against Ornhnm Vor Year Montpelier, Jan. 1. State Auditor Benjamin Oaten, testifying to-day In tho trial of Hank Commissioner Frank C. Williams, charged with malfeasance In office, said that ho had conversed with Williams about tho balance against Horace F. Graham when tho latter was auditor nnd that Williams had told him ho lad known for several years that there had been balances against Mr. Grahem; that ho would have tho matter fixed up nnd that he had talk ed tn Graham' about the matter and had written him once on tho subject. Auditor Gntefc also testified that ho knew of no way In which vouchers can be furnished for tho two Items of $1,200 and $1,800 which wero chnrged to ad vances to the highway department. Ho said these are not vouehered nt the pres ent time and ho could see no way that they can be. Auditor Gates, J, E. Joslyn and John Wallace of the auditor's office were tho witnesses of tho day. Mr. Joslyn sprung a surprise when he testified that In 1912 Wllllnms talked over the Gra ham shortage with him and thnt ho told Joslyn ho would take tho matter up with Mr. Graham relative to straightening out the affairs. Tho case opens up tho alleged shortage In the charges against Mr. Graham and in fact most of tho evidence has to do with that subject. JOSLYN'S TESTIMONY Deputy Auditor J. K. Joslyn told the Jury that In 1912 he called Mr. Williams' attention to the balance against Mr. Gra ham and that ho wished it would be straightened up He said Mr. Williams replied that he would take It up with Mr. Graham. Tho witness further said that he had called the matter to Mr. Williams' attention probably five or six times between thnt time nnd June 30, 1910. The defense again In cross-examination tried to get before tho Jury the fact that Mr. Graham had done nothing out of the crdlnary in mnklng advances to depart ments, claiming It had been the custom for many years preceding Mr. Graham's tlmo and since then, but the State ob jected to this. Tho defense said that the State had shown n part of the sys tem in the nudltor's olllce. They wnnted to show tho whi.y system and that the custom of Making advances was a part of it. Joslyn further testified that changes were made In the record by him at Mr. Graham's orders after the latter had left tho office, but that Mr. Gates was not consulted In mnklng tho changes. He showed that the balancen were not car ried over from year to year excepting H.2U in June, 1915; $733 in 1911; and $3,39.1.91 In 1510. The defense contested the ad missibility of the ledger ns evidence showing tho changing of figures on tho ledger, contending that the witness was unable to tell when It was done or by whom or at what times. However, that portion of tho ledger that was then In court was admitted ns evidence, subject to the objections of tho defense. The system of filing tho Vouchers and receipts was explained, the witness going on to show that there Is a double receipt for all money exponded and that while tho receipt covers tho payment of the money, tho itemized account was purely to show distribution of the expenditure. Those pages of the ledger in which the auditor of accounts, personal expenditures were carrledo was tho subject of testi mony nil the morning. The shortage would not show in the receipts but would In the Items of expense. Tho witness tes tified there ws no concealment In the way the books were kept by the previous audi tor, ilu had no knowledge of his own ac count relative to tho red letter.. He tes tified that the $3,393.91 was the overdue bal.mce June 30, 1910, and that the $5,348.3.) voucbercame to theofllce later. Hetcstlfted that from 1910 to Jilno 30, 1910, tho total amount of over bnlanco due the State was $12,(10.1.47, which did net take Into consid eration tho $3,000 alleged to have gone to tho highway department. Tho defense asked tho witness relative to tho $3,393.11 shown on the books and had him Identify a paper upon which wero othor figures relative to tho same period and the attor ney for tho defenso came back smiling when he obtained tho admission of that pleco of evidence, without exception from the State. JOHN WALLACE'S TESTIMONY John Wallace, bookkeeper In tho office of the auditor both during Mr. Graham's and Mr. Gates' reign, testified during tho afternoon that ho was bookkeeper be ginning May 1913 until now. The ontrleB In tho disbursing ledger are In his hand writing, Ho also testified ns to tho method of keeping the books and tn all balances against Mr. Graham In differ ent years, some of whlcn wero carried forward. Ho explained a voucher for $987.47 that seemed to have been changed, Ho testified "that tho bnlanco Juno 30, 191G nmounted to $3,393.91. He testified he did not know what vouchors woro pre sented to Williams, for him to chock JIo testified that June SO, 1914 Mr, aruham over vouched $101.74 und Juno 30, 1915, $507,47. Ho explnlned that the distribu tion ledger Is made from tho flies and vouchers. When the State, tried to Introduce ovldonce to show how the day hook In kopt tho defense nhjecited, claiming tho book Is the best evidence, and the court iiustutned tho objection, Mr, Wallace testified thnt the total amount of un vouohered balance from July 1, 10ia, to June 30, HI 10, wits $3,393,91, AUDITOR QATKH Doiijamln Oaten ns auditor was re called and explained tho form of (hi) orders usod during tho years of 1908 tn 10111, T)io question as to any balance against Mr, Ornhain In 1909 was ob jected t" iy tho defento but Mr, Gates whs nllnwed tn answer Hit not as to how muclii bocauso the records are tho best ovldonce, Tho clofopBO objected to evldonce relatlvu to 1907 because It was n year WILLIAMS KNEW SHORTAG tl A. rrhjN 1 N Lra 1 6Xan-Bav - THE NEWS BY COUNTIES Addison County MIDDLEBURY Mrs. Emma Goodroo died at her homo In Rlpton Saturday morning nt tho ago of 51 years. Sho Is survived by her mother, Mrs. Elmlra LaFrnnce, and two slBtera, Mrs. O. A, Flynn of Albany, N, V nnd Mrs. G. A. Woodbury of Mount Holly, nnd three brothers, Albert LaFranco of Syracuse, N. Y John of Rutlnnd nnd George of Burlington. Tho funeral was hold nt St. Mary's Church In this village Mondny morning at nlno o'clock, nnd the burial was In tho Catholic Church cemetery. Mrs, P. H. Kcndrlck of PIttsford Is 111 nt the homo of her sister, Mrs. E. B. Ross, at East Middlebury with Influenza. Word has been received from the Fanny Allen hospital at Wlnooskl that C. L. Bradley Is doing nicely after an operation at that Institution December 23. Mr. Brad ley In Mrs. D. .S. Pease's father, of this village. Almon Lovett has returned from tho Mnry Fletcher hospital, where ho underwent nn operation. Fred C. Fnssctt, son of Mr. and Mrs. George W, Fassett, was discharged from the United States military servlco at Camp Upton, L. I., Friday nnd arrived In town Saturday, He Is to remain hero for tho present. Thomas F. Burns, 2nd, son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Burns of the Logan House, Middlebury, and Miss Mercedes NIsun daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank A NIsun of Brldport were married at St. Mary's Church here at eight o'clock Monday morning. Tho Rev. Father ,T. J. Leonard, rector of tho church, performed the cere mony in tho presence of many friends. Lucius NIsun, brother of the bride, was best man and Miss Grace Burns, sister of tho groom, was bridesmaid. Immedi ately after the ceremony the wedding party set out by nutomobllo for Brldport, where at tho home of the hrlde's peoplo an elaborate wedding feast was served j to tho members of both families. After a couple will take up their residence In Middlebury, and tho groom will bo the manager of tho Logan Hotel. The an nual meeting of Otter creek lodge. No. 35, Knights of Pythlaa, will bo held In their hall In tho Battell block on Friday eve ning. The Installation will take place at that meeting, P. C. C. Howard, L. A. Averlll will be the installing officer. Tho funeral of Mrs. Mary Emma Goodroe of Rlpton was held at St. Mnry'o Catholic Church Monday morning nt nlno o'clock. Father Leonard officiated and burial was In the Catholic cemetery- Tho bearers were John, Charges and Albert LaFrance, brothers, John LaFrance, Jr., a nephew, nad Georgo A. Woodbury. Mrs. Oscar Bicknell went Monday to Watcrbury to visit Mr. Bicknell, who Is under treatment there for mental trou ble nnd whose condition seems to be growing rerious. William A. Thomas of Newport News, Va., Is In town for some tlmo and has taken a position under Supt. McQllnchy of the street depart ment. Mrs. Emma Nash of Stcubcnvllle, Ohio, Is here to visit her sister, Mrs. and a half before the respondent be camo bank commissioner. In explanation Attorney-General Bar ber stated there was a large balance against Mr. Graham and that the State offered to show that Williams should have reported tho condition from 1902 to 1917 even though this Is before his term of office, not ns a basis of direct evidence, but as having a bonrlng upon the true condition. The defense claimed nothing had come to the respondent's attention pre ceding his term of office relative to irregularities. Tho Stnte was per mitted to submit the evidence If shown by the books or by other reliable evi dence. ALEX COCHRANE DIES Director if Cnrlnl '-vIih-n Hunk At Montpelier 27 Yenr Montpelier, Jan. 1, Word was received here to-day of the death at Wells River at 3:45 o'clock this morning of Alexander Cochrane, a director of tho Capital Sav ings Bank & Trust company, and a for mer resident of Groton, where he was for many years a member of the firm of Hall & Cochrane. Tho deceased would have been 81 years of age had ho lived until May 21, next. Death was due to old age. h having been falling for some tlmo and having been seriously 111 for a week. Mr. Cochrane was a director of the Cap ital Savings Bank & Trust company since its organization in 1891 nnd was for, a time ono of Its vice-presidents. He also was president of the Nntlonal bank at New bury and a director of the Merchants Na tional of St. Johnsbury. Mr. Cochrane was prominent In democratic uparty coun cils and hart been honored by nomina tions for Congress nnd for State office. Tho funeral will take place Friday aft ernoon at Wells River with burial Satur day morning In Groton. Mr. Cochrane 1 survived by three daughtoers, his wife having died several years ago. Tho surviving children are Josephine, widow of the latee D. F. Clark of Boston, Gertrude, wife of Mr. Fletcher of Boston, and Jean, wife of Horaco W. Armstrong of Washington, D, C. ITS 22ND EXHIBITION Vermont Stnte Poultry Aonoctntion Of fer Mirny Cup St. Albanu, Dec. 31, Tho 22nd exhibi tion of tho Vormont State Poultry as sociation, Inc., will bo hold In thlB city Jnnuary 21-24, 1910, Tho UHual num ber of breed cups for AVynndottes, Rhodo Island Reds Leghorns nnd Ply mouth Rocks, ns well ns the Wlrthmore Chnllongo and Memnijor cups are of fered for competition, The samo num ber of oups for best displays In differ ent varieties Is olflered ns In previous years, D. P. Shove of Fall River, Mass., a licensed Judge of the American Poul try association, will be assisted by an other judge of equal prominence If necessary, Arrangementn are under way for a aeries of free lectures, Among the cups offered ara tho fol lowing! Wlrthmore Challenge cup val ued at $75 donated by tho Ht, Albans Grain Go,, must ho won threo times by the samo exhibitor to ho hla final property, This cup ivas won in 1018 by V, W, Kault of thla city, Messenger Chnllengo cup, valuod nt 40, rUinated by the Ht. AllmnB MesBAin;or Co., fpp the best display of any pne varletj' n (he show, This also must he vo" UlFPa times Imfnra It hepnmes, tfl4 flFflllrty of tho exhibitor, J hat )ieeri Wfln. fey four different exhibitors, twice In 1818 and 1918 by Mr. Sau.lt.. The LeahflTfl N V tin Mnoo Frod C. Crane. Miss Faith E. Llnnley, a teacher In the Spauldlng high school of Unrre, Is In town for a few days nt tho homo of her parents, Mr, and Mrs. R. IX. Llnsley. Mondny, market day, eggs brought from 55 to 05 cents nnd butter, dairy, 5S to CO cents nnd creamery 09 cents. Miss Muldoon hns returned from Wnverly, N. Y., where she has passed n wcclc Mm, Ellen Hope has gone to Low ell, 'Mass. to pas3 somo time. Sorgt. Mllo K. Moore has gone to Boston, where ho ylil pass a few days. Frank Shea and ldster Mary of New Bedford, Mass., are guest of their mother, Mrs. E. M. Shen.i-Wai'er Brown of the V.JS. trans port Von Steuben, who hns been passing a tiM days with his parents, Mr, nnd Mrs. Adelbert Hrown, hns returned to his boat fn Brooklyn, N. Y. The Rev. nnd Mrs. X). It. Cu-kran of Fort Edward, N, Y., announce the engagement of their c'nughtr.r, Miss Harriet Leah Corkran, to Lieut Rexford Leland Van Alstyno. Lieut. Van Alstyno Is the son of tho Rev. R W. Van Alstyne nf Rock Island, 111., and was ono of the S. A. T. C. ln- ftructors at Middlebury College. After his relense from military duty, he will return tp Mlchlgnn University, where he i a siuaeni. in cue coui-ge ui medicine. Miss Corkran Is a student In Middlebury College. Miss Ruth H. Benedict heard Monday by letter from her brother, Corporal Georgo H. Bene dict, who at present Is with an automo bile repalj-Ing unit In France !n which ho Fays Ho does not cxpeot that he will be nblc tcl return home for a long while. Mrs. Himry Stlmctts, who has been paysing a, week here with Mrs. Grace Church, returned Monday to Hlghgate. The winter term of Middlebury school-i opened Mtmday morning and the next halt year i.erm at the comgo will begin Thun.dny. Albert Gordon returned to Burlington ' Sunday after several days with his nrpther, Mrs. Peter Gordon. Tuesday was the 82nd anniversary of tho birthday of Charles Westall, the Jeweler, haying been born In the Lam both district of London, England, on tho Inst da;' of tho last week of the last month of the yenr 183C, Saturday being tho last day of that year. Mr. Westall passed tho first half of his life In London nnd tho other half In Mid dlebury, where ho has been known to a largo number of peoplo and still has many customers, new and old, nt his trade. He Is nblo to bo at his place of business every day, and In many respects sejniH ns vigorous and young as most men of half his age. Enough snow fell here) during the day Tuesday to assure excellent sleighing for New Year's In the 'village. In the country surrounding fie roads have been so rough since thv last thaw that It will take quite a lot more snow to make good sleighing.1 Mr. nnd Mrs. James F.irroll and William W. Hope, who spent the Christmas season hero with Mr. nnd Mrs. Patrick F. McMahnn, have returned to Rut.land. Miss Altco Hal ptn, a teacher Jn the high school at PIttsford, Is 111 fc'lth the Influenza and Is nt tho home of her mother, Mrs. Patrick Halpln, on Shnnnon street. (Continued, on I'ngir Tiro) cup, valued at $50, donated by the di rectors of the Vermont State Poultry association for tho best display of Leg horns for threo years competition 1917 1919 Inclusive. It will bo awarded the exhibitor having the highest number of points In any one variety at the close of the 1919 show, points to bo fig urcd on competitive scale. Wyandotte cup, valued at $10, donated by the as sociation for tho bst display In three years' competition, 1918-1920 Inclusive. Plymouth Rock cuiJ, value $ 10, offered by the association In four years' com petition. Rhode Island Red cup for best display of Recli, cither comb, four years' competition, 1919-1923 inclusive. A largo number of regular nnd cash prizes Is offered. A. B. Wheeler, Is president of the association; M. D. Jai 'Is, secretary and C. L. Curtis, treasurer All threo aro St. Albans men. The vice-presidents are U. A. Woodbury, 2nd, nnd F. C. Evans of Burlington and S. O Brush of Milton. LODGE LOWE IN JAIL Chnrged With Attempting to KNcape An Officer Found lu Boston Montpelier, Dec. 31 Vt llbur O. Lowe was lodged In Jail this morning by Dep uty Sheriff Frank Eaton of Watcrbury on the charge of escaping an officer. Lowe was arrested last week nt Watcrbury on the chnrge of selling mortgaged prop erty and was being taken to Bar re city court, when he asked permission to go Into a ntoro. Permission was granted him and, according to tho officer ho went out the back door. Lowe wap found In Bos ton, whero the officer arrtated him and brought him back to Montpelier. As soon as tho State's attorney can tuke caro of the matter he will be given a hearing on escaping an officer. In the meantime tho charge mentioned above will be held over him, as well as another warrant against him, signed by an offi cer In Lamoille county. PRODUCES FLOUR FROM VERMONT GROWN WHEAT St, Albans, Dec. 31. As a rfsult of tho scarcity of wheat during the last 18 months, tho farmers during the last sea son raised largo crops of wheat In re sponse to the urgent request of the food administration and of tho State Depart ment of Agriculture. To moot the farm ers half way In their aucoeavtul respnnso to the government, the Bt. Albans Grain company hns InuUllod a flour mill In Its plant which la now In operation and Is producing flour from Vermont-grown wheat. The company la In horns that It can make a prloo on flour which will nt least bo no higher nnd perhapi a little cheaper than the best brands of western goods. Already some bread I'.as been linked from wheat grown around, Ht, Al lmnB and la of fine flavor and good color. VERMONT TOWNS WANT AIRPLANE MAIL SERVICE llrattlebnrn. Deo, Jl, Members of th Vermont delegation In Congress wets sent letters p-day by th nrat leboro Board pf Traii contalnlnp fli lorsc ment of the nwpoafirt Chmuite an Bell airway mall llu ffPm Bngton. peattla and. PurUwuli and. fciplutlan prglne ttlM Brtelirn nrt Bnnlnrtun Indued In tha rmitet flu waqlwtlpna xp.rnti tb,a' hoard pf tradu pallaf In tho, foaalhlhty qf alrplan mall anil characterize the u;auo. "HIPP ft ft HrHBnuslyo. step. AT . $150,000000 LOSS iDiiTercncc In 1918 Between What U. S. Pays Companies For Rental and Net Income AN UNPRECEDENTED YEAB ItecHptu nnd Expense Wore nig Tin Cnlcnliiled l,oi Docs Not Include I,nrgc Loans to Itoailx Washington, Jan, 1. The govornment'i loss in operating tho railroads In 1918 it calculated by railroad administration officials at less than $i;0,000.0r3. This represents the difference between the nggregate amount the government will ho compelled to ,pay railroad companies as rental for the! use of their properties the so-called guaranteed return and tho net Income which the government will receive from the railroad.-,. It will take, sit months moro oi re ceipts from the Increased freight ratet to permit the government to recoup Its losses, officials believe. If Congress does not approve tho proposed five year ex tension of federal control, nna an a con sequence President Wilson cnr-'e3 out his announced Intention of returning the roads to private management at an early date, tho government's loss win not do made up. This deficit does not Include the big sums between $130,000,000 and $200,000,00) which havo been loaned to railroads to help them pay for tho extensive program of Improvements and purchase of new cars nnd locomotives. These loans will bo repaid eventually. The government's loss cannot be stated exactly until tho compensation of each road Is finally determined, and until the Interstate Commerce Commission com piles figures on earnings nnd expenses for November and December. Officials believe, however, (that the nggregate of government compensation for all roAds will bo about $!C0,(iOO,C, and that the net Income from railroad operations, credited to the government, will bo a little more than $S0O.0O0,O00. For the 10 months up to November 1, the govern ment's net Income from the railroads, as reported by tho Interstate Commerce Commission was $003,000,000. Operating revenues for the entire year, officials calculate, probably amounted to $4,800,000,000 more than ovei before in railroad hl&tory, and operating c- p r -ea probably ran up to 53,Sm,Oi,0OO. '' ' ,o left $1,000,000,000 of net revenu, v'u. was cut down moro than $200,01 ' deductions for ordinary taxes, , e.i-.i'j for equipment not owned by railroad r mi pnnlcs and other Incidental losses. War taxes and expenses of malnfaiing financial r.nd other corporate otll e-, 'i -eluding salaries of olllcers not netra:!1 employed In physically Qperattnpr tho -,. ways, must be paid by tile ralirot panics out of tho &W,(m,V win. government .Varantees them. For the railroads, 191S was a year .. h broke all records of revenues a- 1 ex penses. Although receipts were nc ir'v 0 per cent, greater, expenses wen " more. It took 80 per cent of tho op tmg revenues to pay operating expenses, al thoiig'i only 70 per cent, was taken foi this purpose in 1917 Operating expenses, which istimntcd figures for tho past two months nmounted to $.1,Si",iiOO,O0'', wero a billion dollars more than in 1917. In creased wages aro estimated variously to have been responsible for between $300, OOO.OnO and $SW,000.000 of this billion. Eastern roads In tho ten months re ported l.SiS.OOO.OOu revenues and $1,SB1, 000,f3 expenses; western roads, $1,349,. 000,000 'revenues and $S90,(V),( expenses and southern roads $012,000,000 revenues! and $493,000,000 expenses. SCOTT SERIOUSLY ILL Stnte Treasurer In Threatened With Pnenmonln Scheduled for Williams' ITInl Montpelier, Jan. 1. Walter F. Scott, State treasurer, Is In a serious condition at the homo of C. W. Scott, his nophoV, deputy commissioner of weights nnd measures. Ho is threatened with pneu monia. Ho Is among thoso who were to have testified In the case of Rtat vs. Wllllnms, hut owing to his condition will bo unable to urless the case dragt along moro than It Khown Indications ol doing. Drops Dead At Hill Top Jorlcho, Pea, 31. Washburno W Smith dropped dead this morning Just ns he reached tho top of a hill on Mm woodlot noar tho village Ho started this momlnir about seven o'clock fc r tho woodlot which ho recently pur chased of C. 11 Stygles, apparently in hla usual health, with a number of men. A3 they reached tho top of the hill Mr. Smith fell dead. He had not been well for some tlmo ano was 67 years of age. He had lived here for two yenxa and a half, coming from Essex Junction, whero tho famllr had resided for 13 yoara, and hod also resided tn Eden and Jofforoonvlllo, whoro ho had i lumber business. He lenvoB a wlfoVnd two children. Oscar A. Bicknell Dies Mlddloburv. Jnn. 1. Oscnr A. 'ItMm.n a formor well known resident of this vll Inge and a prominent contractor, died thl morning at eleven o'clock at Waturbur. nged 80 years, He was born November 11, 1133. the son of John V. nnd Tttav A. Bicknell, He Is survived by his wife, Ida, Crane Bicknell. He was twice married, his first wife having been Charlotto Pow-. ers, who dlod December il, 18S1. Ho also loaves tWO IlIeeOR. Mrs. II H Hnnnill.t nf Middlebury nnd Mrs, F, 0, Cuahman of Oklahoma, and four nophowii, Tho body will bo brought hero and taken to the funeral pallors of A. .1, Blackmer, whora tho fune.Ml will ba held Friday morning at ten o'clock. No Arrests In Craig Case pt. Albans, Dec. 31, Dr. a F. Whit ney pf tho State .laboratory of hygiene, whq yeaterday performed aq autopsj! pn the body of William Crate of East Ulghgata hns returned to Burlington and win make a roport to Slatoa At ,ornei W. 11. McFoetors latoc. Cralc Ik-aa found fn' an unconscious condition tlBfllde. a cquntry road and died soon after. There havo boon no arrests unxdo (lip ease. liAILRQADS RUN