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THE VERMONT PHOENIX, AND RECORD AND FARMER, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1884. CjjcfcrmoniJ (jam The President's Message. BUATTLEBOltOi F1UDAY, DEOEMBEK fi, 1884. To Hit Omfirea of Hit Vnllttl Slalrit: since tbe close of your lest ecaslou tbe American rwonle In the highest exercise of their suffrego bsve iboien tbelr Chief Magistrate for the four years ensu ing. nen 1- reuierourrru iu uy t" ' . Do Lessepa'a Panama canal stares had , country's history has the long polmc.1 contest which dlh.t iSo gov co.lom.rllj- prrde. bed.y , ri lb. ' ' ' SSVot r.m" I lK t a brer. ""M'"1" '.7- labllebed for the fabrlcalloo of gn subject of .ge here I congratulation i that alter the MO; torlal. No action bslltio been ta however, doe. not obviate the necessity of providing mrana for lb construction of guns of Ibe highest power, both for tbe purposes of coast defence .ltd for ibe armament of war vessels. THE PRODUCTION Of AllTlI.t.RRY. tti mv mMMBu of Marrh !M. IR.i. 1 nallfil ftltrlltlnu to tbe recommendation of the linn rouudry board Ib.l Ihe government should encourage the production of prlv.te fieri work, of the required material for government iscinurs, uavy, auoiuu ue rs- niia from such ma. tertal. No ictlon bstlug been taken Hip board wa I l I.. It,- llla Itnttt-nA TliearlAV. In fUI J". .1.. .n. ... .n.1 whIU 11,. allnl.t n7eq..o "i . viyfsss: ;srrd7.xaufcir?"f:ruoiv A.llml. message about a treaty for an Amcr- ! Zfiu M iiti&e a ic.n canal o, railway acrosgua. S3SSStt preMhWesy 5.1,1!:!. V,!.,S?r,fSi The Uut.and Herald hear,!.. B. Soialloy ftT S XX mentioned as likely to be Cleveland' post- l"n?'h "i ,'.".e,ed sFn tal?or tb. l.p.lMt a'd.nled tamo.i'.rn w.rhr. lent mmseii away irum uid .juhiu1"" life to Uke the place. When "IlrftiV Sinai Wy refuses a cabinet api-olutnum fte trust the Herald will let us know. Uolh the President and the Secretarj of the Treasury are anxious to have the foolish and reckless business of piling up 85 cent dollars blopped at once. Out of a total of over 1 82( 000,000 of these dollars, let than JHO,000,(X) are In circulation, and every attempt to force tbcm upon the public fails. The Burlington Free Press unkindly BayB of the legislature's work that, leaving out the billdtflnlug the property rights of matried women and the usual tax levy, "alt the rest of the legislation might as well bo dumped into Lake Champlain, anil the general inter ests of the people of the commonwealth would be just ftfl well off," In our legislative summary )at week wo inadvertently failed to mention tbo passage of the Important measure which requires the erection of a fence ibree feet high Around bear traps. Gentlemen of taste are expected to put ornamental Iron fences around their bear traps, with a concrete walk leading up to the front gate. The law does not require (bin, however. Oapt. David L. Payne, tbo Oblabotna fili buster, died in Kansas last week. Ha carried the western idea that Indians have no rights white men are bound to respect to Its logical conclusion, and had persuaded himself that it was not a sin, but a virtue, to rob the rid men of their lands. He had cost the govern ment some hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep his "expeditions" out of the Indian territory. The report of the PostmasterUeneral shows that the loss for the first year, cauced by the reduction of postage from three cents to two, is a little over six million dollars, or $2,750,000 less than was estimated when the change was made. The change caused a de crease in the use of postal cards amounting to over sixteen and a half millions. Presl dent Arthur unites with the Postmaster General In recommending an increase cf tLe letter weight to one ounce. Home details of the terrible plague whteh exists In the mountain districts of eastern Kentucky and western Virginia are given on our first page to-day. A staff correspondent of the Louisville Courier Journal, who Is in vestigating the malady on the spot, finds it reaching over a territory about bO miles long by 70 wide. The disease runs two days and U usually fatal. It Is probably duo to the drought, but is contagious, and its victims number at least 1000. Some of the oases, as where whole families have beeu carried off, with none left to bury the diad, are shocking beyond description. One hundred and thirty-seven of the lead ing citizens of St. Albans addressed ft letter to Chief Justice Itoyoe last week, congratu lating him on his late vindication, both by jury trial and by re election by the legislature, and inviting biin to a public dinner in bis honor at the Welden House. Judge Kojce replied, thanking his fellow-townsmen for their expression of confidence and good will, but declining the dinner because he chooses to avoid even tho appearance of evil by accept ing such a compliment from the people of his judicial district, whose cauhes he Is most like ly to be called upon to try. The opening of the second session of tho 48th Congress on Monday was as tame and uneventful as possible. Neither branch did more than to come to order and lihtui to the reading of the President's message. In the House on Tuesday Mr. Follett of Ohio intro duced a resolution impeaching the United States man-ha I In Cincinnati. This is a move ment Intended to ascertain whether there was proper management of the marshal's office at the October election, or whether its power was used to compel a Republican majority in Hamilton county. In the senate Mr. Edmunds is understood to be ready to push the business of compelling the Pacific railroad companies to fulfil their obligations to the government. An Investigation has shown that an ugly Democratic fraud was attempted in the sixth (Chicago) senatorial district iu Illinois. De velopments show that after the returns were all in and it was evident that the Democrats had lost the legislature, 200 fraudulent ballots were printed and the returns doctored with them to show the election of a Democrat from that District. Oov. Hamilton has de clared the Republican candidate elected and given him his certificate. A good many Dem ocratic politicians are mixed up in the job, and some of them will have to go to tho pen itentiary. The legifalature now stands on joint ballot, Republicans 102, Democrats 100, Independents 2, and there id a possibility, though a remote one, of Logan's reelection. nf tiroYlitlrjR more precise atui definite regulation for counting tbe Elector! toto. It nor me grtTepi i... ivi.tihi. niiMiiAn Iim mnlvni before con flicting cliims to th I'renidency shall Riln dlatrart the country, nd X m perMiidrd tbt by tbe people t Urge any of the meaiurea of relief thua far pro- OUR FOnEKlN RELATIONS. ITho rrcaiJfnt devote a considerable apace to dUcuMlorj of our relations with foreign rounlrlca, but the whole matter la bippily summed up lu bis cpeulnir sentence, "Our relations with all foreign powers continue to be amicable." lie state that the International Association of tbe Congo has been re organized aod tbat a commercial agent for tbe great Cougo basin, "which ought to be kept open to all na tions on equal icriiin, u cvu it"""' - President recommends that Congress take measures to aid In building tbe pedestal for the Dartholdi stat ue, so that a place for that "generous clft from the ticmiionf Frnrp"miv b readr on it arrival next rum i age, ane oi special nuerrPiu With the republic of Nicaragua a treaty has been nnf.i..i..i ttMMi niithnr1e thn construction bt the United States of a canal, railfjsy and telegraph Hue across the Nlcaraguao territory. By the terms of tbls tnaty 60 miles of the rlrer San Juan, as well as Lake Nicarspus, an Inland sea 40 miles In width, are in r-nnitunie hi rt of the tiroJertrd enterprise. This leaves for actual final construction 17 miles on tae Pacific side and 36 miles oo the Atlantic. To the tTuitrd States, whose rich territory on the Psclflc Is, for the ordinary purposes of commerce, practically cutoff from communication by water with the Atlan tic ports, the political and commercial advantage of such a treaty project can scarcely be overestimated. It Is believed that when tbe tresty is laid before yon the Justice and liberality oi its provisions win com mand universal attention at Lome and abroad. Th tntrntioDl Conference to decide upon a nrtmn meridian, latetv convened in Washington upon the Invitation of the government of tbe Uoltcd States was composed of representatives from 25 nations. The conference concluded its labor on the first of Kmcrnhpr. having nith substantial uuanimltj agreed upon tbe meridian of Greenwich as the starting point, whenca longitude Is to ne computet! tnrongn in .aortf.m pmtward and westward, and upon adop tion for all purposes for which it may ba found con venipnt, oi a universal uaj wuicu uu uvkiu t mm nicht on tbe initial meridian, whose horns shall be computed Irom rero up totwenty-fonr. THE NATIONAL FINANCES. The condition of our finances and tbe operations of tbe various branches of the public service which are connected with the treasury depaitment are very fnitu ,iih-pi1 In the report of the secretary. It ap pears that the ordinary revenue for the fiscal year ended June 3D. 1881, were: From customs 1193,067,489 76 Fromiutcrnat revenue 121,588,073 M From all other sources 31,866,307 65 Total ordinary revenues 3(8,519,869 W Tbe public expenditures during tbe same period were : itvU Mnnn 122.312.007 71 Foreign Intercourse. 1,260,766 37 LjuSi 6.475.999 29 Tension M.429,228 06 Tbe military establishment. Including river and harbor improvements and arseuals l ue nBir(iu9uuiruuiuiiii Jiuii vn- nels, machinery and iniproements at navy jard..... - Miscellaneous expenditures, including public buildings, lighthouses and collecting the revenue Expenditures on account of tbe Dis trict of Columbia Interest on tbe public debt Tbe slaking fuud.... Total ordinary expenditure Leaving a surplus of........ As compared with the previous year, there , was a net decrease oi over ni,uiu,wu in me aiuuuu vi r r.nrittir(.. Tho aforppitfl recefnts were less than those of the year previous by about $54,000,000. Tbe falling off of revenue from customs made up nearly t20,000,0i0 of this deficiency, and about $ 23,000,000 of tbe remainder was due to the diminished receipts from internal taxation. The secretary estlmatea.tbe total receipts for the fiscal year, which will end .Jnne 30. 1885, at 5'JO,000.000, and the total expenditures i-KW.r.Mi.-jM 16. in which is included tbe interest un the debt and on tbe amount payable to the sinking fund. Thi would leave a surplus for the entire year of about f39,UUU,WU. The value of exports from the United Statea to for lcm rniintrlp durinir the vear ending June 30, 1834, were as follows: Domestic merchandise, 5721,964,832; fnroifrti mprrhandi-p. ti5.B4S.757! total merchandise. 57,0,513,609; specie, 107,133,389; total exports of merchandise and specie, fwr,646,in. ine cotton and cotton manufactures Included in tbls statement were valued at f 208,9W,4is; tne nreaasiuns at ima, 644,715 ; the protlsionsat 3114,416,54 and tbe miner al oils at (41,102,348. rturinirtha name nerlod the Imoorts were as for Inua- Mprchandlae. lt667.497.C9a: cold and nilver. $37,426,262; total. 8705,123,955. More than 6i per cent, of the entire value of Imported mercbandie consisted or tbe following articles Sugar and molasses Wool and woolen manufactures, .. Silk and Us manufactures Coffee Iron and steel manufacture thereof Chemicals Flax, hemp, jute and like aubstance and manufactures thereof.,., Cotton and manufactures or cotton... Hides aud skins other than fur skin 39,429,603 36 17,292,001 44 4.1,939,710 00 3,407,049 62 Sl,67(,318 4 46,790,229 50 2J0.916.48J 8.1 doubt a to the feaslhllftv of the Plan being thus re moved, i renew my recommendation mai such ncumi be tiken by Congress as will enable tbe government to construct Its own ordnance upon Its own territory, and so to provide the armimcuts demanded by cn Rtderstlons of national safety and honor, TI1E NAVY. The reimrt nf the srerttsrv of the navv exhibits the Pronress which has been made on the nw steel cruisers authorized by the acts of August 5, 1882, and March 3, IBM. Of the four vessels under contract one, tbe Chicago, of 450(1 tons, is more than half fin ished. The Atlanta, of 8000 tons, has been launched, and ber machinery in now fitting; tbe Doston. also of 3000 tons, is ready for launching, and tbo Dolphin, a dispatch steamer of 1600 tons, Is ready for delivery. Certain adtcrse criticisms upon tbe designs of these cruisers are discussed by tbe secretary, who feslt inaiine correctness oi tne conclusion rracueu iy the Advisory board and by tho department has bren demonstrated by recent developments tu ship-build ingaoroau. ine machinery or tne uouuie-mrreieu monitors Puritan, Terror aud Ampbltrlte, contracted for under the act of March 3. 188.1. is in process uf construction. No wnibhas been done durlnn tho past year ou their annor for tack of the necessary sp propriatlons. A fourth monitor, the Monsduock, still remains unfinished at tbe navy jardin Califor nia. It Is rrcnmnipmlcil that earlv atins be taken to complete these vessel and to provide also an arma ment ior tne monitor Miantonomou. ine recom meudallons ofthe Naval Advisory board, approved by tbe department, eomprlso the construction of one steel cruiser or 3!W tr.us; one cruiser m iiotiuions; two heavily armed gunboats; one light cruliiDg gun boat 1 one dtsmtch vrsstt. armed with Uotcbklss can non, one armored ram and three torpedo boats. Tbe general designs, all or which are calcnlatid to meet tbe existing wants of the service, are now well ad vanced, ana tne construction or me vemeu can ne undertaken as awn hs yon shall grant the necessary authority. THE JKANETTK EXPEDITION. The act of Congress approved Aug. 7. 18-i2. author ized tbe removal to tbe United States ot the bodies of Lieutenant Commander George . DcLong and bis companions oi tuo Jeauneue expedition, 'inis re moval has been success ullv accomplished by Llentcn' ants llarber and Hchultz. The remains were taken from their grave in tbe Lena Delta in March, llkM, and were retained at Yakutsk until tbe followluc win ter, the season beiog too far advanced to aduiit oi tneir immediate transportation, Toey arrived at e lora l eu. 5wt issi, wuere they were receivm witu smtauie uonors. THE ORE ELY ItELlEK. approved Feb. 13. 184. a naval expedition wai fitted out for the rsllet or Lieutenant Greely, United State Army, and of the party who bad been engaged under nis command in scicntinc onservauons ui lAuy r rana tin Bay. Tbe fleet consisted of tbe it earn sealer lbc tls. Purchased in EniiUnd ! the 13iar. purchased at Ht. Johns, N. F., and tuo Alert, which was generously provided oy the uritisu government, rreparauous for the expedition were promptly made by the secre tary of the navy, with the active co operation ot tbo secretary oi war. twmmauaer ueo. vv, uoinu nan placed In command of tbe Alert, and Lieut. m. II, Emory In command of tbe Uear. Tbe Thetis was In trusted tu Commander v infield Schley, to whom also was assigned tne superintendence oi tue entire expe dition. Immediately unon Its arrival at Unernavlk the fleet began tbe dangerous navigation of Melville Hay, and in spite or ewry oustacie rescued locution Island on June 22, a fortnight earlier than any vessel had beforo attained that nolut. On the same day It crossed over to Cape Sabine, where Lieutenant Oree ly and the other survivors of bis party were discover ed. After taking on board tbe living and the bodies of the dead, tbe relief ship sailed for St. Johns, where they arrived July 17. They were appropriately received at l'ortsmoutu, 11., Aiu. J, and at rew York Aug. tf. uneor tue bodies was uudeu at tnt lormpr r are: tne others were nut on snore at uover nor'altUnd, and, with the exceptlou of one, which wa Interred In the national cemetery, were forward ed thence to the destinations indicated by friends. Tbe organization ana conduct ot this reuci expedi tion reflects great credit upon all who contributed to Its success. BEnUlLDlXCl THE NAVY. Iu this, the last of the stated messaacs I shall have the honor to transmit to the Congress of the United States, I cannot too strongly urge on Its attention tbe duty of restoring our navy a rvpldly as possible to tue nigh state oi emciency wntcu lormeriy coaracier tzedlt. As the loug peace that has lulled us Into a sense of fancied security may at any time be disturb ed, It i plain that tbe policy of strengthening this arm of the service is dictated ty consideration of wise economy, of Just regard for our future tranquility, and of true appreciation of the dignity and honor vt tne repnonc. THE TOSTAL SERVICE. .$103,881,274 . ru.542.292 . 4H.949 128 49,686,705 . 41.464.."1 38,461,965 33.4C3.399 30,454.476 22,H5n,(Kfl The Frra!l'itl, Tlrasuge. It has been well said that that uatiou is a happy one the annual summing up of whose affaire contains nothing more startling or ex citing than Is found in President Arthur's message which was delivered in tbe two houses of Congress on Monday. The mes sage makes no pretence to brilliancy of thought or argument, and is neither inoro nor less than a quiet, dignified and conserva tive statement regarding those things which most interest the country, and claim tbe at tention of Congress. Our relations with all foreign powers are harmonious, and in an extended statement regarding them only two points of special interest are developed. Oue of these relates to the commercial treaty which has beeu negotiated with Spain and the Spanish Antilles, and has especial refer ence to the sugar products of Cuba and Por to Kico. What this treaty contemplates In regard to tho reduction of the tax on sugar and molasses Imported from those Ulands the country will wait with Interest to learn. The other Horn of peculiar Interest h that regard ing the treaty with Nicaragua for tbe con struction of a canal, railway and telegraph line across Klcaraguan territory. The Nicar agua route w&? carefully surveyed several years ago by engineers commissioned by the United States, and declared this the most feasible of all possible interoceaulo canal routes across Central America. Since that time a company of American capitalists have been refused government aid to build such a canal, and It Is undoubtedly the case that this treaty contemplates tbe building of a ca nal by our government and not by private citizens. Efforts in this direction have un doubtedly been stimulated by reports of the almost insurmountable difficulties experienced by the French canal diggers, and by the pros pect that many years must elapse in any case before the completion of their enterprise. President Arthur renews his recommenda tion for "the abolition of all excise taxes ex cept those relating to distilled spirits," which means that he thinks the tax should be taken off tobacco and beer and left on whiskey alone. We doubt whether the Republicans in Congress will agree with tbe President In this matter. We ihould rather see the ex. periment of making sugar free tried in Ibe tint place. II r. Arthur has a he&tty good word to say lor tbe favorable results which have been re alized from tbe operation of tbe civil service law. Should President Cleveland fulfil the THE EIGHTY-FIVE CENT DOLLAR. I roncnr with the tecretarv of tbe treasury In rec ommending tbe Immediate suspension of tbe coinage or silver dollars anu oi ine issuance oi iintr i u rntM. This Is a matter to which in former com muni- rations I have mora than once Invoked the attention of the national legislature. It appears that annually for the pact six yesra there have been coined, In com pliance with the Act of February 23, 1878, more than OT.nfMi ivwi stiver dollar. The number now outstand ing Is reported by the secretary to be nearly $1 85,00 000, whoreor ont uttie more man iu,uuu,wj or than 22 per cent, are in actual circulation. Tbe mere existence of this fact Been to me to furnish of it self an argument fur tbe repeal or tbe statute which has made such a fact possible. Hut there arc other considerations thxt tend in the same direction. Tbe secretary avows that aniens this coinage and tbe issu n nf sliver certificate be snanended. silver is like ly, at no distant day, to become our sole metallic standard. Tbe commercial disturbance and the Im pairment of national credit that would be thus tcca- Bionea can scarcely ueofttwmuaitu. T horx that thn secretary's sucsestions rcspcclins tbe withdrawal from circulation of the one dollar and two dollar notes will receive your approval. It is Haflvthata considerable portion of the silver now Incumbering the vaalta of the treasury might find it way into tbe currency. Mhile trade dollar bave ceased, for the present, at least, to be an element of active disturbance in our currency system, some provision shoutd be made for tbelr surrender to the government. In view of tbo rlrrnmstancea under which they were coined and of the fact that they bave never had a legal tender qaal- Ity there anouiu ne onerea jor mem oniy a luigm au- uncr nvpr thtr hnllion Tlne. The secretary in tbe course of bis report considers tho rtrnnrletv of beautlfvlnz the desicn of our sub sidiary silver coins and of so increasing their weight that they may near tneir uue rauo oi vaiue iu iue standard uouar. ins couciusioo ia iu regru r cordially approved. IMPORTANT RKCOMMENDATIONS REGARDING EX CISE TAXES. In my annual message of 1882 I recomuended the abolition of all excise taxes, except those relating to distilled spirits. This recommendation la now re newed. In case these taxes shall be abolished the revenues that will still remain to tbe government will, in mr oninlon. not only suffice to meet it rea sonable expenditures, but will afford a surplus large enough to permit such tariff reduction as may eem to bo advisable, when the result of recent revenue laws and commercial treaties ahall have shown In what quarter these reductlonscan ne most judiciuns. ty enectea. OtJB SHIPriNQ INTER EATS. That nortion of tbe secretary report which con- cerna the condition of our shipping interests cannot fall to command your attention, lie emphatically recommend that as an Incentive to the Investment of American capital In American steamships tbe gov ernment anan ny noenw payments ior man irauspur tallnn or otherwise lend its active assistance to indi vidual enterprise, and declares his belief that unless that course he nuransd our carrying trade must re main as U is to-day almost exclusively in tbe hand of foreigner. One phase of this subject 1 now espe cially prominent In view of tbe repeal by the act of June 26, 1884, of all statutory provisions arbitrarily compelling American vessel to carry the mat la to and from tbe United State. As it is necessary to make provision to compensate the owners of such vessels for DerformlLir that service after April. 1885, His hoped tbal tbe whole subject will receive early consideration that will lead to the enactment of such measures for tbe revival of our merchant marine as tbe wisdom of Congress may devise. THE CURRENCY QUESTION, 1 The three per cent, bonds of the government to I tne amount oi more man iuu,uuu,uw nave since my last annual measaee been redeemed by' tbe treasury. The bonds of that Issue still outstanding amount to a ' little over $200,000,000, about one-fourth of which I will be retired throunh tbe Derations of the sinking fund during tbe coming year. A these bonds still constitute tbe chief basis for tbe circulation of tbe national banks, the aaestlon how to avert the con traction of tbe currency caused by their retirement is one of constantly increasing importance. It seems to be generally conceded that the law governing this matter exacts from tbe bank excessive security and that upon their present tona aeposits a larger circu lation than Is now allowed may be sraoted with safe ty, I hope that tbe bill which passed the Senate at tbe last session permitting the issue of notes euat to the lace value or deposited nonus, wm commena it self to tbe approval of the House of Representatives. THE WAn DEPARTMENT. lu the ei Dense of the war department the secret. ry reports a decrease of more than f9,000,000; of this reduction 15.600.000 was effected In the expenditures for rivers and harbor and 12,700,000 In tbe expendi tures for tbe quartermaster' department. Outside of that department tbe annual expense of all the array bureau proper (except possibly tbe ordnance bureau) are substantially fixed charges, which cannot be materially diminished without a change in tbe nu merical atrength of the army. The expenditures in tbe quartermaster' department can readily be sub jected to administrative discretion, aud It i reported by tbe secretary of war that as a result of exercising such discretion iu reducing tbe Dumber of draught and rack animal in the army, tbe annual coat of up- Tbe renort of the I'oHtmasterOeueral acquaints you with the present condition and ueed ot tbe postal strvlce. It discloses tbe gratifying fact that the lss of rereuue irom the rediution in the rate ot letter postage, as recommended in my message of Decem ber, 1882, and effected by tbe act of March 3, 18H3, ha been much less thu was generally anticipated. My recommendation of this reduction was based upon the belief that the actual falling off in receipt from let ter postage for the jear succeeding tue cuaoge oi rate would be 3,000,000. It has proved to be only $2,276,- 000. This is a trustworthy indication that the revenue will soon be restortd to Its former volume iy the in crease of Bealed corrtspondeuce. I confidently re peat, therefore, tbe recummendation of my last mes sage that tbe single rate of postage upon drop letters he reduced to one rem wnerever me raj men oi iwu cents is now required. Tbe double rate is only at offi ces where tbe carrier e.vsteui is tu operation, audit appears that at those omces where the carrier system la In operation the increase of the tax upon local let ter defrays the cost not only of Its own collection and delivery, but of tbe collet tion and delivery of all other mail matter. Tuis is an Inequality that oogbt no longer to exist. I approve tbe recommendation of tbe Postmaster General, that the unit of w eight In tbe rating of flrstcUss matter should be one ounce in stead of one-half ounce, as it now Is, Iu view of the statistics furnished by the department, it may well be doubted whether the change would result In auy lots of revenue. That it would greatly promote the con venience of tbe public is bejoud dispute. Tbe free delivery sjstem has been lutely applied to five cities, aud the total number cf offices lu which it is now In operation is 159, Experience shows that Its adoption uuder proper conditions is equally ansccom- mouauon to me lmuuc uu au uuttuu iu tue service. It Is more than Belf-snstalnlng, and for the reason urged iy the rostmaMer uenerai may properiy be extended. In the opinion cf that officer it i irop er to prov ide means w hereby exceptional drspaUb in dealing with Utter In free delivery offlce may be se cured by payment of extraordinary poatage. This scheme might be made effective by tbe employment OI a special stamp, wqopp cost suuuiu ue commrnau rate with tbe expense of the extra service. In some of tbe largo cities private express companies bave un dertaken to outstrip the government mail carrier by affording for tbe prompt trausmisfiou of letter bet ter facilities than have hitherto been at the command of the poat-oftice. It has lws)s been the policy of the government to discourage such enterprises, and in no better mode can that policy be maintained than In supplying tbe public with tbe moot efficient service that, WItU due rrgara to lis own ut-ev imerevir, cau ne furnUhed for it accommodation. TUE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The Attorney Qeneral renews the recommendation contained in bis report of last year touching the fees of witnesses and Jurors, lie favors radical changes In the fee bill, tbe adoption of a s)stem by which at torney and marshals of the United Mates shall be compensated solely by salaries, and the erection by the government of a penitentiary for the confinement of offender against Its laws. THE INDIAN QUESTION, Allusion has been made already to the circumstance that both as between the different Indian tribe and as between the Indian and the whites tbe past year has been one of unbroken peace. Iu this circum stance the President is ciad to nndiustincaiion oi tne policy of tbe government In it dealing with the In- atan question, anu connriamiuu ui iua iew wuivu were fully expressed in hi first communication to the 47th Congreas, The Hecretsry of the Interior urge anew the enactment of a statute for tbe punish ment OI crimes commiueu ou iue iluisu reerauuus. and recommends tbe passage of tbe bill now pending in tbe House of Representatives for tbe purchase of a tract of 18,000 square mile from tbe Hioux reserva tion. Beth these measure ato worthy of approval. RADICAL MEASURES AGAINST POLYGAMY. The report of tbe Utah commission will be read with luterest. It disclose tbe resnlta of recent legis lation looking to tbe preventiou and punishment of polygamy in tbat territory. 1 still believe that if tbls abominable practice can be suppressed by law, It can only be by tbe most radical legislation consistent w lib tbe restraints of tbe constitution. I again recom mend, therefore, that Congress assume absolute polit ical control or tne territory or man, ana provide ror the appointment of commissioners with such govern mental power In Its Judgmeut may wisely be put Into their bands. EXTENSION OF OUR FOREIGN TRADE. In the course of this communication reference ha been made to the policy of this government as regards tbe extension of our foreign trade. It seems proper to declare tbe general principle tbat should, tn my opinion, underlie our national effort in tbls direc tion, Ibe main conditions of tbe problem may be thus stated: We are a people active in mechanical pursuits and fertile in invention. Yto cover a vait extent of territory, rich in agricultural products and iu nearly au tne raw materials necessary ior success ful manufacture; we bave a system of productive e- wealth. This would require a monetary union of 1 America, whereby tbe ouwml of tbe bullion prodno- i log eountrle and tho circulation of those which yield mllher gold or silver could be adjusted In conformity with the population, wealth and commercial iieed of (-rii. ab man m inn rminirin mruinu un uiiuiuu to the common stock, the surplus production of our mine and mints might thus be utilized and a step I tskeo toward tbe general remonetlzatlon of silver. To tbe accomplishment of these ends, so far as they CRUte attained by separate treaties, tbe negotiations already concluded and now la progress have been di rected, and the favor with which tbl enlarged policy h thus far been received warrants the belief that It operation will ere long embrace all, or nearly all, the countries of tbls hemisphere. It In by no mean do lirabie. however. ihi the policy under consiuersuon should be applied to these countries alone. The hcRlthrul enlargement of our trade with Europe. Asia aud Africa should be Bought. Ity reducing tariff bur den on such of tbelr ware a we nor other American stales are fitted to produce, 'andj thus enabling our selves to obtsln In return better market for supplies of food, oi raw materials, and or me manuiacturra m which we excel, It seen to me that many of the em barrassing element In Iho great national conflict be tween protection and free trade may thus be turned to good account, tbat tbe revenue may be reduced so as to no longer overtax the people, that protective du ties may be retained without becoming burdensome, tbat our shipping Interest may be judiciously encour aged, tbe currency fixed on a firm basis, and above all sucu a unity oi luieresiesiaousneu mong iu tururs nf the Amnrlran svitem as will be of creat aud ever iucreaslug advantage to them all. AU treaties In tbe line of this policy which have been negotiated or are iu proceiB oi negomuou contain a provision, ueeineu to ne requisite tinder tho clause of the constitution limiting to the House of Representatives the sntborl ty to originate bill for raising revenue. THE CIVIL SERVICE. Ou the 29th of February last t transmitted to Con gress the first annual report of tbe civil service com mission, together with communication from tbe bead of the several executive departments of the Government. Respecting the practical workl tiers of the law under which the commission had been acting, the good results therein foreshadowed bare been more than realized. Tbe system has fully answered the ex pectations of its frleuds In securing competent and isnuiui puouo servants anu in protecting the appoint ing officers of tbe government from tbe pressure of personal importunity and from the labor of exam In Ins the claims and pretensions of rival candidate for public employment, The law ha had the unqualified support of the President and of the hrads of the sev eral departments, and the me rubers of the commission nave perrormed tneir dune with zeal and fidelity, Their report will shortly be submitted, and will be ac companied by stich recommendations for n1arglng tho scope of the existing statute as shall commend themselves to tbe executive aud tbe romrnlxsloner charged w Ith Its administration, THE IUNKRUrTCY QUESTION, In view of tbe general and persistent demand throughout the commercial community for a national bankrupt law, 1 hope that Ibe difference of sentiment which btve hitherto prevented Its enactment may not outlast tue present session, CHOLERA PREVENTION, The pestilence which for the past two years has been racing in the countries of tbe Kat recently made It appearance in Europian port with which wa are in constant communication. Tho then Hncretary of the Treasury, In pursuance of proclamation of tbe President, lesiied certain regulations restricting, and for a time prohibiting, the importation of rag and tbe admission of bagagnof immigrant and of travelers arriving from Infected quarters, Lest thiscoursemay bave been without strict warrant cf law, I approve tbe recommenaation oi ine present secretary th uon crcs take action iu tbe premises! and I also rewim mend tbe adoption of measures tbat will be likely to warn on toe ureaueu epiuemic, anu mate it less Be vere In case It should uu happily extend to our shore, TUE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The annual renort of the commissioners of the Dis trict of Columbia reviews tbe operation of tbe several departments of it municipal government, I ask your careful examination of its suggestions In respect to legislation, esveclally commending such as relate to a revision of tbe civil and criminal code, the perform ance of labor by persona sentenced to Imprisonment in tbe jail, the construction and occupation of wharves along the river front, and tbe erection of a suitable untitling tor tiistrict omces, A PENSION FOR GRANT 1 recommend that, In recognition of tbe eminent service of Ulysses H. Grant, late general of tbe armies oi tue united nines and twice rresideni or this na' Hon, tbe Congress confer upon blm a suitable pru sion, GENER Kh RECOMMENDATIONS RENEWED. Certain of tbe measures that seem to me necessary and expedient 1 bave now, tn obedience to tbe consti tution, recommended for your adoption. Aa respect others of no less Importance, 1 shall content myself with renewing the recommeudatloua already made to Congress, without restating tbe grounds upon which such recommendation a were baaed. Tbe preservation of forests on tbe public domain ; tbe irrautlog of gov ernment aid for popular education; the amendment of tbe federat constitution so ai to make effective the disapproval by the President of particular Items in ap proprlatlou bitla; tbe enactment of statutes in regard to nlline of vacauciea In tbe Presidential office, lu de termining of vexed questions respecting Presidential Inability are measure whUh may Justly receive your serious consideration. VALEDICTORY, As the time draws nlsh when t am to retire from the public service, f cannot refrain from expressing to the members of tbe national legislature with whom I have been brought into persons! and official Inter- coarse mv sincere appreciation of their nnfalllnn cour tesy sod of their harmonious co-operation with the Executive In so many measures calculated to promote tbe best Interest of tbe nationand to my fellow citi zens generally I acknowledge a deep sense of obliga tion for tbe support which tbey have accorded me in my administration uf tbe execntlve dcpartmetit of this government. i;iu.im; a. auhiui;. Washington, Dec. 1, 164. ...... I Local Intelligence Announcement. I A FirittH-CtHT Rorrm will tierrr! tt the D.p- tll tulrj nut Tbiiradny evening tl bilt'rt ! o'clock. A (loon Dnmfta Hons will be Hold to tti, blRhee-t bidder In front of tbe Aroeric.ii Itou.e on Mondiy, Dec, 8, t 1 o'clock p. M. Chenej A CLpp'i An. art (lift Hook. re eometMng wonderful. Tn Kent A Good Temmenl on t'b.ee Btreet. In quire of Fi W Knccb. Tbo old rolhbte Htrtford, New York. Peunejlnl nd foreign flrolnenrince comp.nlci represented by Cudworth S Cblld. Hord .beolnto protection. Th bc.tle the flafeet In tbo end, IlrMltlctHlro, (Use clones out bis oyster bunluoni this week. P. K. DnriowK ia opeuins a una of hand kerchiefs and other goods for the holiday trade. Ktiami. the halter. I. nettled In his new Rtore in Kylber'a black and makes a liind uome display of his goods. December and May are flirting (out-door) In unblushing fashion this week. Most peo ple hope they will keep it up. llecent Intel aenoe from (J. II. nice, of Talladeaa. Ala., indicates lilt condition to be Homowhat more favorable than last week. Chenev .t Olspp are discounting hard times with a larger stock of holiday good) than thoy havo offered iu any former season. The ltostou Musoum company, with Bol Smith ltusiell as "Nunky," will appear at the town hall on Friday evening, Deo. liltb. Armstrong, tbe plumber, whose excellent work In llrattleboro speaks for itself, now has bis abop iu Vlnton'K building iu operation, with a competent man in charge. ltev. Win Li. Jenkins, formerly pastor of tbo llrattleboro Unltaiian noddy, has aa- cepted n Ml months' engagement with I ho Unitarian society in ueruarasion. Next Bunday at 7 p.m. Uiv. E. W. Whitney will ime the first of a series of lectures to young people The subject will be "Looking Ahead." All are invited. Ii. N. Lawrence, for ten years past clerk wilh II. O. Willard, closes bis work at tbe ntoro this week, aud next seek will leave on a visit to bia sister in Hamilton, Mo. An Interesting announcement with re- card to an "openlne" of tbe new "Fuller. Model sowing nmculnx to ne given next weeK will bn found in our advertising columns. -Tbe ladles of the Unitarian society an nounre their aunual Christmas sale at the town ballon Wednesday evening, litn lost,, witli special attractions for the young people. Tbe mortaaeeta of Mr. i rink a gooda ai- nounce a holiday sale of desirable iti't arti cles at ureatly reduced prices. Attention ia calltd to their advertisement in anotner col Veruioiil'. Ollicial Figure, for INK. Vermont's official vote for Oovernor at the September election was ; Whole number, i.1,l!iS, of which Samuel K. l'logrt-e, Repub lican, had V-',.'il'l; Lyman v. Uediugto'i, Democrat, 111,80; Samuel Soule, Greenback er, l):J.'i; C. M. Stone, Independent, L'Od j and scattering, 1:1, nngreo'a majority, sl,BoO. lor 'residential 1. lector. Jo I). Hatch, Hiram Hariow, George T. Child and K. C. ltedingtou, Henublican. bad .1,111 each Democratic Electors, 17, .11'-'; 1'rohibition, 1B12, Greenback, 78.1, and Scattering, I maim s plurality, lS.cr.i. Court Aa.lirniii.ut. Following are the aulgnments for the county courts for the cooling year : Horn-, c. .1.. - Franklin and Otand Ik1 Knts, J., - L'jtrdonl i au I Orlcann. Powers, .1., - Wellington and Lamoille. Veazer. .1.. - - - Imtianil and AiiiiNun. T.ilt, .)., - - - t hliicnilen and Mndior. ifowtn, .1., - - - urange ani Essex, aikcr,.i., - iicnningion anu inunain, The supreme court alignments for Wind. ham county are lto", Powers, Vsaz-y aud Tart. Thft Toli.1 Voir. Approximately correct footings of tbls year's presidential vole shows a total vote for the whole country of lO.Otn.OTft, a gain of 827,8'.".' over 1880. Maine' total vote 1 l.8t7.W"i!. a Rain of ;!'., 'J 13 over that of Gar field. Cleveland's total vote is 1,U13,!I01, a gain of 4liS, II III over tbat of Hancock. Hut ler's vot.i was 1.1:1,880 aud St. John's i:,0,i;:!:i, against K08.578 for Wt-aver and 10,30.-) for Neal Dow in 188". Cleveland fell 218,2iil short of an absolute majority, while Garfield lacked IHI.OUO votes ot a majority. Uar- field'a plurality over Hancock on the total voto was H,4il. llril Mutl. My Couiplrllun Hot, uml lint II shall Ilr. Springfield Republican Deepatcb. Tbe furniture in the vice president's room at the capllol was newly supplied for Mr. Ar thur, and it was generally commended as one of tbe prettiest apartments in tbe Benate wing, The furniture had bad little w.ar, and it was expected to laat through until Mr. Hendricks selected a new outfit for his use. Senator Edmunds, however, on coming back said that he wantod the room done over. His obiac tion waa that as the room is uaed mainly in winter the green tints were not bccoming.and so within a few weeks it baa been turned into a flaming bower of red from ceiling to carpet in the most luxurious style. Mr. Edmunda ia much pleased, especially with a groat crimson eatln arm-cnair uoognt at ma auction of uen Butler's household gooda for the Vermont senator a sole use. ' ply and carrying for ancta animal, la now 11,108,085 90 1 letta tban It waa in lS8i. Tbe report, of military commander, show that the last year bia been notable ) for ita entire freedom from Indian outbreaks. , In deSanee of tbe President's proclamation of July 1, 1881, certain intruder! aongbt to make settlement. In tbe Indian Territory. Tbey were promptly re moved by a deticbmeot of troopa. UAEDOn DEFEKCES. Tb. secretary of war aubmits tbe report of tbe chief engineer, as to tbe practicability or protecting our important cities on the seaboard by fortification, and other defence, able to repel modern methods of aturk. Tbetlme has now come when sucb defences can be prepared with confidence tbat they will not prot e abortive, and when tbe possible result of delsy i iq making sncii preparation is seriously considered i delay seems Inexcusable. For tbe moat important cities, those whose destruction or cspture would be a national humiliation, adequate defences. Inclusive of expectations, and Ibe promises for him of his ' SO,ooo,ouo, a sum much leu tbsn a victorious ensmy varonnal friends Iit eLnwino- the aatii. anlrlt could levy as a contribution. An appropriation of personal iri.noa, t.y showing tne same spirit bont one-tenth of that amonnt is asked tobeginth. toward tula reform aa naa President Arthur, j work, and I concur with tb. secretary or war in urg be will bave done the first and most essential I !&&&ylt$Z&&EZ thlnif toward ensuring for himself the confi. I gone Into 8-lneh rifles by laying tbe former with . o i ubM of otgei or, 0, colIed wjouurd iron. Fifty deuce Of the country, (uas will be thus convsrted within Ibe yrsr, Tbls, The loss of registered letters last year amounted to only one out of every 2l,7'. Tbe public debt was Increased $741,121 last month, against a decrease of $8,:107,1!3 in October, making tbe reduction-since June 30, $32,113,2111. The debt, less cash in tbe treasury, is now lD,00C,J)8a, Francis D. Muulton, the "mutual friend" in the lleecher-Tillou case, died at his home in New York on Wednesday of paralysis of the heart. His age waa Springfield, Mass., n elected Mayor Martin tablishment more than sufficient to supply our own i on Tuesday and voted to return to the 11. great. The acsl. ot living of our artisan classes Is such as tends to secure tbelr personal comtort and the development of those higher moral aud intellec tual qualltiea that go to tbe making up of good citi zens. Our system of tai sud tariff legislation Is yielding a revenue which Is in excess of tbe present needs uf tbe government. These sre elements from which it is sought to devise a scheme by which, with out unfavorably chauRlug tbe condition of the work logman, onr merchant marine ahall be ralsfd from Its enfeebled condition and new marketa provided for tbe sale beyond our borders of tbe manifold fruits of our lndustrlsl enterprises. Tbe problem is complex, and can be aoled by no single measure of Innovation or reform. Tbe couutrlee of tbe Amerlcsn continent and tbe adjacent islands are for tbe United Statea the natural marts of supply and demand. It la from them tbat we should obtain what we do not produce, or do not produce In sufficiency, and it la to them tbat tbe surplus productions of our fields, onr mills aud our workshops should flow under conditions tbat will equan: compe this end: First, a aeries of reciprocal commercial trcatleawith tbe couutries of America, which shall foster between ua and tbeni an unhampered move ment of trade. The cooditloos of these treatlea abould be tbe free admission of such merchsndlse ss tbls country does not produce, In return for tbe ad mission, free or under a favored scheme of duties of our own products, the benefits of sucb exebsuge to apply ooly to gooda carried under the flag of the par ties to tbe contract; tbe removal on both sides, from the vessels so privileged, of all tonnage dues and na tional buporta, ao tbat their vessels msy plyuublu dered betweeu our ports and those of the other con tracting parties, though without infringing on tbe reserved borne coasting trade! tbe remoal or reduc tion of burdena on tbe exported producta of those countries coming within tbe benefits C tbe trestles, and tb. avoidance of the technical restrictions and fienaltlea by which onr tutercourae with those coun rles Is at present bsmpered, flecondly. Tbe establishment of tbe consular ser vice of the Uuited Statea on a aalaried footing, thus permltllog tbe relinquishment of consular fees, not only aa respecta vessela nnder tbe national flag, but aa respects vessels of the treaty catloua carrlug goods entitled to the beuent of tbe treaties. Thirdly. Tbe enactment of meaanrea to favor tbe construction and maintenance of a atcam carryiug marine under tbe flag ot the United Statea. Fourthly. Tbe establishment of au uniform cur rency basis for tbacountrlea of Amerlcs, so tbat the coined producta of onr ralnea may circulate oo equal terms throughout tbe whole system of common- cense system by a majority of IIGS List year Ibe vote was fcr no llctsso . 2!)4 ma jority. Holyoke rt elected ita Democratic mayor and voted for license, Northampton reelected Mayor uoou on a "citizens ticket, defeating bditor Ucre, and voted for license, two to one. Some hundreds of the Washington friends of General and Mrs. Logan met at their resi. dence aud welcomed them back to the cap! tal last Friday evening. Tnere were no speeches. Gen. Logan had Ibe good sense to say tnat tne political question was settled, ana It waa no use taiamg auout it. Henator Kiraunds lias bouxbt a lot oo Pennsylvania avenue at tbe corner ot 21st allze or favor them iu comparlaon with forelgu street, and will build a handsome residence ipetltlon. Four paths of policy seem to point to on it, He paid 14.310 for the lot. The Vermont presidential electors met at i Monlpelier Tuesday, accordiug to law, and organized by Inn cnoloe of Jo 1). Uatch chair man and Geo. T. Child secretary. An ad journment waa then bad to Wednesday, when the electoral vote of tbe state was formally casi ior james u. uiaine ana ionn A, Logan. Col. Cbllda was chosen messenger to carry i ine vote 10 wasutngion. 1 According to the latest interview with Dor. ! eey, Uol, lngergoll never asked bitii for a fee for his services in tbe Star route canes. The I two met one day after the second aanuittal. 1 and the colonel said be did not want a cent. "I asked him to walk a few t(ir.area with me, and we went to tbe safe deposit building. I , unlocked my box and took out a four per cent government bond for $100,000 and gave 1 It to bim. He put It in bis pocket and we , walked away, and have not referred to the , subject since." RKCF.rnON CIIAIBS for Holiday Olfts, received from Farla and Vleona,of beautiful designs at Tains'., u mil. E E. llolloway. formerly a tuner at Es- tey A Co.'h, ia now spmding some time in Denning A Co. a piano manufactory in .lew York to perfect himself In the science of pi ano tuning. I. I). Thorn, druggist in Steen s block, is puttiug in a find line of toilet sets, cDoiue perfumeries and other goods suitable for the Ubnstmas trade, rarncuiara in suveruse ment next week. While I. K. Allen was In Keene. Thurs day evening of last week, ou business, on his return to tbo depot no anppea ana leu wuuo crossing the railroad track, breaking hia right arm above tge elbow. The children of tbe Congregational Sun day nbool held a supper and "jug. breaking" at the chapel Wednesday evening, aooui $30 waa realized for the fuud of tbe "Chi! drcn's Mission Circle." -The Central Vermont railroad company reduces the wages of its employes from Dec, 1. The cut Includes tne narrow-cauge men, but tbe exact per cent, of the reduo'.ion bos not yet been announced. C. M. Colburn A Co.. at Thorn A Sjn old stand, bave thiir show windows filled with some of tho choicest fancy goods ever seen iu llrattleboro. Their diiplay is one of tbe haudsomfst on tbo street. Tbe Speedwell Brothers bad a good alzel audience to see tneir "triple acrouatio bicy cle" (eats at tbe skating rink lost evening Their performance waa tbe most novel anu wnoderlul yet given in tne riua series. - O wing to a disabling cold and sore throat, from which Mr. Crotbera suffers, there will be no service in the Unitarian church next Sunday. The Sunday sibool are requested to meet at the church promptly at 11 a. M, On Tuesday noon Tbos. I'entland wheel ed John Galvin from tbe town hall through Main street to ibe Elliot-street engine bouse, to settle an election bet. Ualvtu carried a flig and a fow mi all boya furnished the ac companiment. The St. Jobnsbury people bave been a good deal stirred up over tbe attendance o the school children on the skating rink, and the school board have filially settled tbe mat ter bv adosting a rule allowing the pupils to attend Saturday afternoons only, at which time all other visitors are to ba excluded. A large tract of timber land, estlmati d to contain between l.'.0(l and 2000 acres, lying in the town of Bomorait and formerly belonging to Into A Aspinwail of Jieir lork city, nas recenllv beeu sold bv their agent, Mr. Mal colm Moody, to F. D. Chase, who la supposed to have bought it in tbe interest of tbe .New ton llrotbera of lloiyoae, aiais. Miss Carrie Gilmoro and William E. Live sey, bolb roller-skating professionals who are well-known in llrattleboro, were married on Tuesday evening at the residence of Miss Gilmore's mother in Worcester, Mass. Next week tbey will start on a professional tour in company with J. 1. Canary, tne bicyclist. Prof. Mclntyre's illustrated " Voyage among the Moon and Stars," given at Crosby ball last evening, was well attended, aud bis bearers found tbe evening cie of real pleas ure and profit. The stereoptio views repre aenting the Dlanetarv movements were unua nallv due and were admirably managed, Mr, Mclntyre's second and last lecture, "A Trip to the Sun, will be given to-morrow evening. The Reformer has ex-candidate L. W, lledlngton ricked out to step into Col. lias- kins'a shoes as United States attorney for tbe district of Vermont. The editor of the He former has evidently overlooked one vital provision of the United Statea law reguiatini tbe appointment of attorneys. Tbe statute exnlieitlv sava tbat a man appointed to be a district attorney "ahall be a person Uarncd in tne htie .'" The attention of the editor of the Its former is called to the fact that Jite barrel containing torches 6tood in tbe rear o Crosbv block on tba night of the Democratic celebration, ajttr the probation teent up inrougii .nam crwt,noiwun8ianuiuii uis iooi Ish assertion that "tbe red plug hat brigade could not have torches because there were none for them." If he wants "proof" It is ready for bim. The Wilmington committee wblcu waa appointed to confer with tbe Newtons ou tbe aubject of extending their railroad to that nlaco from It"adiboro. bave made tbelr re port, and it is printed under lbs Wilmington head to-day. Same readera may bave over looked the fact, printed iu our legislative summary last wees, tnat a cnarter ror sucn s road was granted by the legidature just be fore Ita adjournment. O. 0. Miller.clerkat the American House, suielled gas iu tbe upper hallway late Wednesday evening, and on investigation found tbat a woman wb3 was stopping tbe re over night with a year-old baby bad blown out tbe gas on going to bed and bad left it pouring out of tbe burner at lull neaa. neun er mother nor child bad suffered serious harm, though a little time more must have been fa tal for both. Tbe Bohemian glass-blowers are to beat Crosby ball every evening next ween, oegm nine Mondav. Tbe First llegiment orchea tra will furnish mnsic every evening, and there will be various speoial attractions, among them a baby show, the handsomest child under four years old who attends to be awarded a case of fancy giasaware uy oauoi. Specimens of the work of tho blowers will be distributed among tne auatence eaca even lag. At tbe annual meeting of the llrattleboro rifle club tbe following officers were elected for tbe ensuing year ; K. 11. futnam, prest dent ; M. Lamb, vice president : A. Knight, secretary : A. 8. Niohols. treasurer range committee. H. C. French. F. I'. D, Bruce. T, Uauuon ; finance committee, W W. Walker, II M. Wood, A. W. Nichols, The day fpr shooting was changed from Tues day to Saturday, Hawlej's cloak department, with Ha stock of garments equaling la elegance and variety those to be found iu any city store, ia drawing customcra trum a wido territory. Several ladiea from Keene, N, II., bave made purcbaaes there during the paat week. Since Monday Mr. Hawley haa added to bia stock 200 cloaka bought iu New Y'ork at a decided reduction la prioes, and bia customera will bave the full benofit ot tbe bargains thus ob tained, On account of hU externa youth, aud by tbe consent of all tbe parties Interested, the little Mitchell boy, whom Just'.oe Newton sentenced to the reform school last week for being ooncerned In obstructing the track of tbe narrow-gauge railroad, baa bsen sent to Jamaica to be brought up on a farm, provid ed he manifests a disposition to do well. Tbe sentence still hangs over him, however, for (-locution In case he should prove unworthy of the leniency shown blui. Mr. Edward Clark has commodious nuar- (era for his piano and organ business In the north store iu llyther'a block, and baa some fine Instruments In stock to show his custom, prs, In recent years, aa la well known, Mr, Clark has built tip a prosperous trad i in Ills territory In Vermont and New Hampshire, and ttia now bia purpose to devote more at tentlon than heretofore to bia home field. He makes a point of personally selecting all Instruments sold by him, and bis customera can rely on faithful aud long-eiporleiiced ser vice at his bands. Mr. Jas. S. Morrill, son of Senator Mor rill, who spent last winter tn llrattleboro, has been appointed to bave charge of tbe treas ury department exhibit at the New Orleans exposition, aud left Washington on Monday to assume tbe duties ot the position. The Bos- ton lleratd a uespatcn says, Willi truiu, tnat "Mr. Morrill la a young gentleman of Intelli gence and energy who will prove himself effi cient In the Important placo to which be haa been assigned," According to some of the correspondents there Is ill feeling In Wash ington because young Morrill waa given the position over tne neads of old treaaury em ployes who wanted it. The "Midnight Marriage." at Crosby hall on Wednesday evening by tbeltadniund Harry company, waa one of the strongest dramatlo presentations ever witnessed in llrattleboro. The marked sucoesa aobleved by Mr. ltedmund and Mra. Darry In tbla piece ia won strictly by faithful, straightforward devotion to tbe principles of true dramatlo art, without once appealing to popular favor through stage tricks or clap-trap. Ia every particular tbelr presentation Is dignified, ar tistic in the true sense, and wholesome. The support Is good, and In two or throe instances ia notably excelleut. Tbe costuming Is ele gant and tbe setting of tbe play satisfactory In all respects. There waa only a moderate sized attend ance at the village meeting on Monday eve ning. The vote to adopt the charter amend ment changing tbe date of the annual meet- ng to tbe first Tuesday in May was carried by acclamation, without discussion and with out a voice In the negative. This having been done, all tbe other articles In the war rant were passed over excepting the one re lating to the pay of tbe firemen. Uuder this article it was voted to pay lbs members of tbe fire department one dollar each for tbelr past year a services, tbo same aa heretofore. Ibe meeting then adjourned. Aa stated last week tbe treasurer's annual ststement makes a very favorable showing of the financial condition of the village. It is estimated that not more than $500, in addition to tbe cash now on band, will bo required to meet all necessary payments until tbe aunual meeting in May, Ou Monday. 1st iust., 11. C. Willard completed tbe sale of bis drug store andbusi. nets to Mr. Henry A. Cbapln of New Y'ork, who haa since beeu iu possession, Mr. Cha rm ta a graduate of Ibe New loik scbool of pharmacy, where he took tbe first bonora In a class of 200, aud for Ibree years past has been first assistant in tbe well known Mew York house of Hazard, Caswell Sc. Co. He comes here with autb excellent recommend ations as a man and a druggist as entitle him to tbe confidence of our people. We learn that it Is Mr. Willard'. purpose to remain here for the next two months to settle his busii.ef affalra, aud that he cnntrmplates go ing to San Francisco about Feb, 1st with e view to taking a position with bis brother-ln .w, Henry K. Meld, who has a general agen cy for tbe New England Mutual Life Insur ance company on tbe racifio coast, air, Willard has been engaged lu tbe drug bun ness In llrattleboro for 21 yeara. During this time, brs'des serving tbe community ac ceptably in this direction, be has many times placed our people under obligation by intro ducing to them lyceum entertainments of a higher order tban moat country towns are lead pips bnalnees here, and tlina, 49 years ago, gave him his stsrt In Ufa in Ursltleboro. Mr, Stearns bad been falling In health for some ten years psst.and bad dons no active business for five or sit yesrs. He rsls ed a family of eight children, all of whom survive him, and one of whom, Mrs. Lesoder T bonus, Is a risldeut of thla village. lis was himself one of 13 children, of bom one sister Is now the only survivor. TUB OBD FELLOWS NEW APAIITMENTS. The Odd. Fellows occnoled their new aaartera In Hooker block for Ibe first time at tbelr regular meet ing on Monday evening. Tbelr apartments occupy the entire northern half of tbe third floor, and com prise a main ball 9 by 30 feet In size, a banquet ball la by 11 feet, an anle-room 21 by 17 feet, preparation rooms for the Lodge and Encampment, each 18 by 14 feet, a pantry and a fuel room making a suite of rooms complete in every psrtlculsr, both In arrange ment and accessories. The preparation rooma have handsome wsrdrobes forthe regalls, there are wide folding doors between the main ball and the banquet hall, and the arrangement Is snch Ibat all the rooma can be prscllcally thrown into one large apartment on any sperisi occasion, ids pieuorms anuiurniiurnoi tbe main ball are movable, so thst they can be taken out and tho carpet covered with canvaa for dancing on social and recentlon erenlnffs when tbe members choose to invite tbelr lady and other friends to share their bospltsllty. new csrpeta nave neen piacea on the ftoora of tbe main ball and ante-room, tbe furni ture and other appointments are handsome and sub stantial, and tbe de3oratlona are In excellent taste firings general effect which Is exceedingly sattsfac ory, especlslly by gaslight. Tbe Ursttteboro breth ren msy safely congratulate themselves on tbe posses sion or permanent quartern wnicn are tne nest arrang ed and amongtbemostcommodlonsof anylntbestate. the man eonooL iieatiko AppAnATta. A decided Improvement has been made In the operation of the heating apparatus in the new puniic acnooi nunuing since our allusion 10 ine matter two weeks ago. Last week during the Thanksgiving vacation Mr Alfred Hopkins nf uriugepori, conn., ine invenior, was ncre wun an assistant making some slight changes about the furnaces and pipes and to superintend the opera tion of the spparalus at tbe opening of Ibe new term. On Wednesday morning several citizens lalted the bu ding by Invitation of the commit tee to see the operation of the srstem. The out sldo temperature In the early morning was 16 above zero. Inside the building tbe various rooms showed a uniform temperature of from 65 lo 70 deg. The furnacca had been left full of coal over night with a alow draft and a small quantity bad been addid to each In the morning. The hot air was ueing ueuvcreu irom tne registers near me top ot the rooms at a temperature of ISO deg., and was going out of tho veutllators at the bottom at a temperature of 00 deg. Thermometers hung on the walls at various points In the larger rooms showed the temperature to bo very nearly uniform in an pans oi eacn room, i no air in ine nuiiuing was soft ai d agreeable and a teat wltn the hydrom eter showed tho moisture to be at attout the nor mal point. The number of cubic feet of air In tho building Is about Suo.000 and tbe four furnaces nave a capacity ior neaung su,vou teei ot air t-acn hour. Thla Indicates a change of air throughout the building once each hour, and a mechanical test made by Mr. Illnea showed that this was wbat was In reality taking place. The quantity nf coal now being used per day is from looo to 160) pounds. The estimated quantity for a year's supply is loo tons. To heat the old building 60 tons were re quired. For weather like the present the apparat us is working admirably, but the real lest will come someday when tbe mercury marks a below zerj temperature with a northweat wind blowing. When tbat kind of weather comes Mr. Hopkins win again come up to look niter nis mrnaces. privileged to enjoy, and often to bia own loss. If new business connections finally lake blm and his family from town, many friends will sincerely regret their departure. D is true that Charles's Grandmother Is growing old, and it may even be true that she Is growing a trifle foolish, but she is neither so old nor so foolish as to be caught by blm twice on tbe tame old trick. She has not forgotten bis braggart promise to pay "$100' four years ego, nor haa sho forgotten tbat he dodged and skulked for the whole summer afterward, and has never paid the mouey to this day, though all tbe "proof" be asked tor waa furnished blm with a suddenness which bad every appearance of "making bis head swim," After that little episode, which made blm tbe laughing-stock; of tne county, does be suppose tbat anybody would enter tain a proposition from him to pay money on the settlement of any disputed point ? If b. couldn't or wouldn't pay "$100" in 1880, there is small reason to believe tbat be would or could pay "$.100" in 1884. The atfl Javita were on our side four years ago. young man ; we furni.ht-d tbem without a day's delay, and ue ilitln t atk you w pay for them either. When you get ready to act like a man, pay off your old scores, and start square, we shall be ready to talk: wltb you about "reliable. tangible proof" that The I'hcrnlx didn't tell tbe literal troth about your Democratic pro cession and you will find tbe Old Lady do jual as Bbe agrees every time ! The failure of V. W. Frink, jeweler, waa announced last Monday. About a year ago Gen. E. Crowell and F. W. Child, be- came bis sureties on a bank note for $!00, taking a chattel mortgage ou all tbe goods iu bi store aa tbelr security. Da Monday Mr, Frink informed them that his market credit ors were pressing him for settlements which he could not make, and Mr. Cbilds therefore took possession of tbe store under the mort gage. On Wednesday afternoon J. G. Eddy, representing a Boston creditor, tried to oust Mr. Cbilds through a writ of attachment placed in Sheriff Starkey'a hands for service. and Mr. Starkey spent tbe afternoon in watch ing tbe store and Mr. Cbllda under tddy i orders, but tbe latter finally gave his job np as something that couldn t be done. Mr, Frink's liabilities are about $10,000, most of which is for money owed fcr gooda to jobneia and manntactnrera In lloaton and Mew lork and In two or three Connecticut towns. Ilia debts to Brattleboro parties are small. Whit ney A Co. of Boston are the largest credit ora, their claim being for about $2u00. Tbe aaaeta are represented to be between $1X100 and soooo. tbe gooda In tbe store represent ing nearly J.WOO in value. The probability is tbat Mr, Frink will go into Insolvency, tbat a compromise wilt be made with his creditors after tbe claim ot Crowell and Cbilds ia satisfied, and tbat be will then re aume businesa. Officers of Poet Sedgwick, G. A. II ,were elected on Wednesday evening as follows II. M.C'lay, commander; K. I!. Tut nam, S. V. C. I). II. uond, j. v, '.: tiios. llannon. u. SI.: I), Dearborn, aurgeon: A. V. Clayton, cbanlaln Henry streeter, O. IV, D ,E. Carpenter, O. o. Dele- Job Long; alternates, 8. 'wl Klcbanison, Henry Direeicr, uaim iiowuer. Officers of stiamer engine company, No, :i, were elected Tuesday evening as follows ; Foreman, W, I). Terry ; assistants, John Retting, 11., U. IIIUW'll , DOB, (1. IW, V.U.ICI , CIIKIUIIB, Beun Terry, Wallace Pratt; firemen, II. IVatt, L. ray Dunirr, ouseiuru, c. A. liner, , A. itcnuey, r, i uuie, o , epeur ; sicwaru, u, n. icuuey. The following la the list of letters remain log in tbe llrattleboro post-office, Dec. Ladles M A Colburn, Delia Kstabrooks, Kato Flemnilng, Mrs Mary Houghton, Helen B Laoe.Mrs Catherine Aiaruti, iira rnuetia need, Karati Sher man, Maggie Trendeli, LouUe W Thomas, Mrs E W liens irt-naurrr n j i u, alias n. t. unite, (lentleuien J K Ash wort b. A J liovdci. C 1) Con. nora, LA Cutler, Chaa.N Dutton, II W Davis, John ney Emery, Henry Fangant, Horace French.O Her bert Houghton, It Keller, C M l)we. O A L imb. N Richardson, C II 8holes, E W Sargent, Edward ninyue, u towns, vi uson ti i nomas, r jt wane. u a ii uifcer. Miscellaneous Small, Gould A Co, Hapgood Aldrlcn. M'f'g Daniels Cutters. Held for better direction Mr Eugene Morarlty, Jiu"tn. Held for postage Mrs K ToUii, 16 Groft-at.Swan- Bra, nuiiin ii men. "pnoor" by the diukel Londonderry Sifter Cor. The Reformer Is still much exercised over the refusal of the public to believe Its Muncbauaenlams about Ibe big Democratic parade here, and offers to go iuu on tne statement tnat it can prove by at. ui.iia iui tunc nnc uiura mail aw torcuea II line. etc. Verv llkelv : but. all the same. th num. ber of torches did not exceed 31?, aa can be proved by more than a score of wltneases who counted them at different points on tho line of march. Hut wbeu It cornea to affidavits the Reformer easily takes the cake. Conscious that Us veracity Is In constant need of support, it la said to keep a barrel full of tbem on band, all signed, sealed aud sworn to, ready for use In any possible emergency. We inercrorc wouldn't auviso anybody who relies sim ply on the truth to buck against the Reformer lu the affidavit business. TUE LATE JOHN .8TEABN8 OF HINSDALE, The death ot Uncle John Stearns of Hlnsdsle, which took plsce ou Tuesdsy, removes a man wbo, up to a very few yeara ago, was as well known to every body In Brattleboro aa though be had beeo a realdeot wiium tue vinsge limits, soa 01s acquaintance waa universal thronghont tbla county and that of Chesh ire, N, U, Ills business was tbat of a cattle buyer and dealer, with all sorts of odd Jobs of speculstlon thrown In In true Yankee etyle. During tbe war, In company with John Bay, be dealt largely tn boraea, furnishing many for th. government. At that time b. waa half owner with Mr. Ray of the American House, and It waa rf him tbat O. A. Boyden bought hie present in terest In tbat property, U. waa a man, bluff, hearty and vigorous, whose good quslltlrs were legion and who hid everybody's good will one of "nature's own noblemen,1' In short, sucb as w. are wont to tblnk be long only to an ag. tbat ta past. In driving down to tb. old msn's funeral yeaterday, with aeveral other Brattleboro men, Deacon Eatey recalled tb. fact that it waa "Uncle John" who gave a kind word and offer ed blm money when be "tan away" to Worcester at tb. ag. of 19, and tbat It waa "Unci. John" wbo.ssven rears later, without mortgage or security of any sort, f urnlshsd blm the money to set up iu tbf pump and bia new residence purchased ot Judge Wheel er, 0. W. Wytnan and wlte finally moving In with lilni Instead uf 11. A, Hlockwell as at first intimated. Henry Wee slatted Wednesday morning on bis return to Biltlmore, Md., going via Worcester, Mass,, to visit bis sister, wife of Policeman Wm. J. Ilowo. Henry Iloynton starts tbla week on bis return to hia Dakota home, after a brief visit to hia old home here. Msl Ilriatila-boro. -Israel Wood reports 4 4 Incheaof ralu and 11 incbea ot snow in Movember. Ciambrlda;.porl, Miss Mary A Barry of the Bellows Falls High schcol baa been spending ber vacation at borne. Miss Alii j Harwell returned with her cousin, Miss Babcock, to Crown Point, N. Y., wbere sbe will make a visit of several weeks, The first singiog-school was held at the cbapel luesday evening with Walter Hemen way of Urafton teacher. -John Wilder of Bellows Falls has moved into the bote). He will engage in tbe poplar business. -Tbe parlor meeting held recently by the w- u. 1. u. waa mucn enloyed by tnosepres- ent. Songs and eelect rtadinga were givtn by members of the Union. Tbe recointa of lbs evening will be used to purchase temper ance literature. Tbe village scbool will be postponed one week owing to tne sickness ot tbe teacbtr. L. II Eastman, who has been canvaa sing in Moss, for a couple of weeks, left last frlday for tbe west, tbla being bis second trip tbls fall. Among Ibe Visitors Tbankstiisiug week we noticed A. A. Hall, Iwl., of at. Albans, Henry Wytnan wltb bis bride from Proctors villo, Geo, M. Dimond of Palmer, Maes., and Arthur ii. Dimond ot Worcester, Mass. Miss Jennie Chapin. for 13 years a teach er in Pekin, China, is visiting ltev. Mr. Cba pln at bis home. Sunday, Nov. 2.1J, she re iated ber experience In place of the regular service. Mr. and Mrs. ItanBom Davis were pleas antly surprised at tbeir borne on Monday evening, fiov. lGtb, by a party of some neighbors aud friends who came to celebrate witb them tbe 1.1th anniversary of tbeir mar riage. Tbe visitors took possession, enter taining Mr. aud Mrs. Davis with a supper and music, anu presenting mem a nice easy cbair, an extension table and cbamber set. i .lewfane, -Charlra Booth's family moves to Putnev thla week, City Jetecllvta (a man and woman) were n town last week, laboring with Coombs, the prisoner from Westminster, wbo la supposed to havo had a band In setting several fires. The dramatic entertalnmont last week drew a full house and brought In additional funds for the basement room in union ball. Tbo grauge and Sons of Temperance will have a discussion next Monday eveulng con cerning the town system In public school management. James N. Piatt returns to Monson, Mass. Little llosa Mather, aftor a serloua re. lapse from spinal meningitis, Is recovering. Business is dull at the steam mill. Aouth Xfftwfurie. Sumner O. Shepard of (Lebanon. N, II.. baa moved bia family ou to tbe place lately purchased hero. Tbe ladies sewing circle hold tbelr first sociable and entertainment ot tbe season this, Friday, evening. -lltnrv Bailey began bis third successive term of school In WHIiamsville on Monday, Ansa Alice Miration also openea ner tuira suc cessive term at "Marlboro Branch." 8. II. Morse, another ot our best young men, baa lei t home and gone to seek hia for tune in the cily. He is to be employed at Harrison Aldrich a store In lloaton. Mrs. Heese and son and Miss Myers, all of Troy, N. Y., are visiting at Mason In gram a. Fulaey, Tbe Sunday temporance concert, ar- tanged by tbo W, C. T. U. for Dec. 7th, has been iudt finitely postponed. Xownabvncl, THE TOWNHItENU AND QRAFTON MAIL ROUTE A sTi'.oso n.Ei ron tub fbehent AnniNOE- MENT. 70 mitort 0 The l'litrnix : I noticed in tbe Issue of your psper of Nov. II an Item from Townsbend to tbe effect thst tbe Inbsbl tanta of Gralton and Townsbend are dlssstlsfied with tbe chsnge recently made In the mall aerilce betweeu these towns. Tbe chsnge Is an advantageous one, ss a brief conslderstion of the facta will show, The stsge formerly left Townsbend at 6 o'clock a. sc., by way of Orafton, for Bellowa Falls, sod upon tbe return trip lert Bellows Falla about 1 o'clock p. u. and arrived at Townsbend about 6 r. H, All mail left at Ibe Bellows Falls offlce for Townsbend snd Qrsf ton sfter tbe departure of the Townsbend stsge re mained at tbat office until tbe next day, unless for wsrded to Brsttleboro by tbe mail trsln having be tween 3 aDd 3 o'clock. All mall from New York and south of Brattleboro, alao all Boston mall reaching BrattUboro after 10:20 a. v., and tbe mall from Brst tleboro, Dummeraton, Willlsmsvllle, Fsyettevtlle sod Townsbend, for Orafton, after tbat time, remained at Townsbeod overnight. Tbe chsnge msde ensbles Orafton to receive all this msil tbe same evening, snd also gives to Orafton a dally mall to and from 2tew York. Under the present arrangement tbe mall facilities are much better for Townsbend and tbe towns west and aooth of Tosrnshend to commanicate with Oraf ton, which last-nsmed town bas retained all facilltlea between Itself snd Bellows Falls which it had before tbe change was msde. Tbe stsge now leaves Townshend for Orafton upon tbe arrival of tbe evening train over tbe narrow-gsugs road, and returns from Orafton in aeason to connect witb tbe mall train to Brattlenorotbe next mornlog. If tbe stsge between Orafton and Townsbend should be run and managed for tbe convenience of tbe pub lic, as It undoubtedly will be, the change, aside Irom tbe Increased mill facilities afforded, would alao fur nish greater conveniences to the public so far as trav el to and from Orsfton Is concerned. Tbe people of Orafton could go by public conre)ance to Bellows Falls each morning, arriving there about noon; or tbey could come to Townsbend, and arrive in Brat tUboro npon tbe morning train In season to take the first train from there to Boston or New York. If there Is any dlssslisfactlon on account of tbe change made, it is not becaote of the increased mall facilltlea or of tbe Increased convenience to tbe trav eling public, but because the proprletoia of the stsge lino between Orsfton and Bellows Fslls and tbe peo ple cf tbe Falla would be glad, so fsr as tbelr Interests sre concerned, to bsve the msll service continued ss before, so thst Orafton woold reap but btlle, If any, benefit from tbe narrow-gauge railroad. O.S.nOWABD. Iunaiii.rloH. We have recently seen a crayon portrait of tbe late Mrs. II. 11. Stoddard of tbla town. It is a very beautiful picture, two-thirds of life size. Ira G. French of thia town made the portrait. His residence at present is in Orange, Mass., wbsre he has worked as an artist for nearly a year and now baa orders for some twenty or more portraits. Services were held at tbe church Thanks giving day by ltev. M. II. Wells, who deliv ered a very interesting discourse. The sing ing also waa very fine and tbe anthems were well rendered. Rev. Mr. Wells exchanged last Sunday with ltev. C. II. Merrill. Many praised the sermon but condemned tbe actions ot those youug persona who remained iu the entry during tbe early part of the Sunday-school and disturbed tbe services very much by loud talking and laughing. m. West llnmmersloa. D. J. Bailey has ac ingenioua way of crossiog West lttver. He bas a wire guy stretched across tbe river witb a car or box witb a standard at each end, tbe guy running through tbe standards under two rollers about eight incbea iu diameter. The car will run about half-way across, then he takes hold of the guy and pulls across. There will be prayer meetings at tbe Baptist meellug bouse Sunday evenings at 7 o'clock. All are invited to attepd. Tbe Misses Allen are building a new house near tbelr old one. Orffss lltver. Question for the G. It. D. society : lie solved, tbat new unwashed flannels are a greater bane to the oommunlty tban medical college). Cidlirord. Tbe Baptist society will make a donation visit at the paroonags next Thursday after noon and evening, for the benefit of tbeir pastor, Iter, C. S. Sherman. All are cordial ly invited. eUullforsl Cnlrvi. Tbo ladies' circle meet In their rooms next Thursday, as early lu the day as conven ient. Gilbert Clark recently slaughtered a hog tbat weighed 071 lbs. Mr. and Mra. Augustus Wallcn go to Brockton, Mass., to spend tbe winter. Jacksonville, A liutterfield, Eq.,bas receutly built A a barn. Over two feet of snas fell In tbla sct!ou In November and tbe first of December it bad nearly ail disappeared. Our village schooiU commenced ou Monday the 1st Inst., tbe higher department taught by Mtaa Mary Ilougbtou of Marlboro, and thu lower by Miss Hilliuau of Colcraine, Mass., a former teacher. Thu aubuul in dis trict No. 3 commenced at the same time, taught by II. 11. Stone of thia village. A. C. Sbepardson has bought the old blacksmith shop and water power formerly owned by tbe Jill.ons, and will build a dam and put in machinery for mechanical purpos es In the spring. Tbere waa a very pleasant family gath ering Thanksgiving day at tbe residence uf J. B. Chase; also an interesting oue at Char lea II, Waste's at the south part of the town ; Mr, Waste bas recently much improved bis premises, making a fine situation. Jamaica. On Monday last one of llsneel Frost's twin boys, about eight yeara old, broke through tbe Ice on tbe pond at II. II. Felton'a mill, near bis father's residence, aud was un able to get out ot the water until a gentle man passing by reached to him a pole, by clinging to which he waa drawn out of the water and safely resoucd from bia iovolunta-ry-ice cold batb. Widow Bemla.wbo baa lived In the house of Aaron Bemla for some time, haa moved into Herbert W, Hinders' house for tbe win. ter, whilst Aaron Bemia ia stopping for the present at Widow Willard Muzzy'.. Emerson W, Smith baa moved into Aar. ron Bemis's house in the village, whilst Wil lard Smith, wbo lived with Emerson, has gone to live with bis other son Hereon W., wbo is postmaster at North Windham, Mrs. F. O, Perry haa added dress and cloak making to ber millinery business, and reports a brisk trade. Daniel Snerwln, on bia return from Montpelier, bas concluded to adopt the cash system In bis store trade, so that from and after Did. 1st no credit ia to be the rule at his ttora, Dr. Obaa. W. Uay baa just got settled lu YFe.t I.waibesd. nan and fatal accident. On the 29th ulL, while David Poinroy waa at work witb a circular saw getting out cbair stock, in A. A. Goodell & Co. 'a mill, a piece of wood waa thrown with euch force, etricking bim In tbe atomacb, aa to cause his death almost instantly. Mr. Poraroy waa 62 yeara of age, and had lived in thia town 17 years, coming here from Swanzey, N. II., in 18C7. Most of this time he bsd spent working around machinery. He was a man of good habits, always kind and obliging, and will be missed by a large circle of friends. A Democratic torchlight procession, witb speeches, etc., is set down for Thursday evening, followed by a supper and dance at Dr. Aytr's. There was a full house at tho lyoeum on Tuesday and an inttrestiug time ; udjonrned for two wetks. School began on Monday wilh about oO scholars, Miss Clougb teacher, Are glad to again see Hon. 0 11 Gar field oo uur street and looking ao finely. Elder J. Hemenway will preach in tbe chapel next Sunday at 10:30 A. M. and 1:30 P. M. The ladies' circle will meet with Mrs. A. Whithed next Weduetdsy sfternocn and even ing. A large number of relatives aud (ritnds assembled at the home ot Daniel Newton on Wednesday evening to witness tbe marriage of bia daugbter,Suie M.,to Francis Il.Wood ard. Tbe ceremony took place at about 7:30 p. m., and was performed by ltev. E. W. Whitney. After the usual congratulations refreshments were served, and a season of so ciability followed. The presents, including silver ware. glass and china, a handsome clock and banging lamp, were many and attractive. Tbe bridal party left town upon tbe 10 r. f. train for a short bridal tour. Tbey bave the best witbss of many friends. vTllmlaarson. THE COMMITTEE'S BETOBT ON TBE REAPS TJORO EAILBOAD QUESTION. To the Cillzentc Wilmington and all inlirttttd In lit railroad enttrpritt ,- At tbe town meeting recently held It was voted lo rescind tbe vote bonding the town In aid of lb. road projected from Brattleboro. Vthether that was a wise and Judicious measure may baa matter of discussion. Messrs. Russell, Smith and Barnard were elected a committee to confer with Mr. Newton and gather snch f sets aa he felt disposed to stste In relation to the con tinuation of his line of rosd from Readsboro, tbe present terminus, to this place. Agreeably to such Instruction, we waited upon Mr. Newton, and here with briefly glte the result of each cenference: 1st. Wesre authorized toatatethat Mr. Newton de sires tbe road, and tbat he will stsnd ready to aid lib erally lo ita construction ; tbst he bss alwaya expected and designed to have tbe rosd extend above Heads boro, and thai be would not have constructed tbe rosd to tbst point bad he not had each Intention. Thia aettlea the point that has been raised by aome, tbat Mr. Newton would oppose tbe project. 2d. Mr. Newton does not propose to build the rosd without aid from the Interested towns especlslly Wilmington and Wbltlngbam. He feels tbst tba towns ought to raise or gusraotee (8000 to tho mile, or lo round numbera about f 90,000. Tbls Is comput ing the dlatance aa a trifle over 11 Biles. Alter the raising of this amount he stsnds resdy to complete and equip in aood order. As to tbe control and man agement of the road, he would be wtlbng lo lease his Interest to tbe towns or to tskea lease of tbe towna of their interest in the line, ss might be determined. 3d. As to freight rates, be ststed tbst 10 cents per hundred would be tbe probable rate from Hoossc tun nel to Wilmington, and pasaenger ratea about 6 cents per mile. .tb. Mr. Newton thinks the cost of bulMiog npon tbe east aids of the river would be a trifle more tban upon tbe west aide. In other words, be tbloka tbe cost of bulldlog on tbe weat aide, piua tbe cost of two bridges, woold Jnst about equal the cost of building on Ibe esst side. Ssdiwga and Jacksonville would be better convenlenced by tbe letter route, and on tbls accoout It is probable it would be adopted. Of course It Is unnecesssry to spesk of tbe fesllbll Ity of tbe road aa regarda grade. Tbe grade from Hoosao Tunnel to Readsboro Is about 65 feet to tbe mile, and from Readsboro to Wilmington It would be less. It Is not for your commute, to express tbeir personal opinions, but we would suggest lost a town meeting be called to consider and discuss this ques tion. Respectfully submitted, C. M. RUSSELL, Chairman. At the annual meeting ot tbe Uuiverealist society, held Dec. 1, these t Ulcers were chos en : Moderator, II. L. Fox ; clerk, Clark Chandler; trustees, II. Mann, jr., Edw. Titus, E. A. Willard. jr.; collector. F, E. Titus ', usbera, II, L. Fox and Will McLellan. Lawyer 0. E. Butlerfield ta at court In Bennington. Mrs. Hopkins and child, wbo have been at S. B, Barnard's for several weeks, bave re turned to their home in Nebraska. The Universalist ladiea held a 10-cent oyster supper at tbeir rooms laat evening. Social Lodge, No. 33, F. A A. M held a public installation ot officers, followed by a supper, on Wednesday evening of last week. F, E. Hay ia on the gain. The funeral of Mrs. G. E. Dennison waa bold at tbe Congregational church last Bun day afternoon. Fay Hawker and son, Mr, and Mrs. Wm, MoQregory, and many others from abroad, spent Thanksgiving In town. Leslie Hicks haa gone to Indian Orchard, Mass. J. H. Corbett recently lost a yalnable mare. Haynea & Kidder shipped to New Or leans, La., tbla week, a nice case to be used