Norwich Bulletin Newspaper, January 16, 1909, Page 11

) FARMER S TALK T0 FARMERS. | The Opinionsof a Pessimist---He Shows Up the Decadence of Agricultgre as it Isn’t-—His Mistaken Notions-~-The Lot of the Farmer Greatly Improved the Past Half Century—-Work as it Used to be Done and as it is Done Now--Agriculture is Steadily Advancing---The Farmer is Having an Easier Time. [(Written specially for The Bulletin.- Some time last month one of the leading agricultural papers of .the country ¥ shed a page-long mter,] with enthuslastic editorial endorse- | ment, slang-whanging the government for giving away western lands as omesteads, and, also, for enlarging the ALultivable area of the country by irr ‘gation projects. To these two facts, to them only, the writer attributed alleged decadence of American ag- riculture. The argumsnt he made was, in brief, that men who have to pay for their farms, in the east, can't compete with men who have farms given them by government, in the west. Well, as to that there's much to be id on both sides. haven't any here and Though 1 f for either, and don't, 110w, Propose to argue either. 1 do feel moved to say that, éven if the #ald homesteading and irrigating in the | west were proven to be harmful to eastern farming, that verdict wouldn't carry with it the decision that they weré solely responsible for farming troubles. | My next door neighbor may have an iven him. That doesn’t n who gave it to him re- my horse sticking a shin- all in its foot. mobile g he But | do want to quote a few sen- tences from the chap's letter, intro- ductory to his main contention and d to set forth the present state ng and farmers, he v you all to see about you t you to read which a few farmers are all the time talking or thinking. There are ore than five hundred words of it in To wit, that is to say, as of thousands of acres of abandoned farms, and millions of acres that may be ealled semi-aban- doned? Why are the farming lands of the whole_of 2 England for sale? s Why are the majority of farmers’ wives obliged to siave and toil as no other class of women are obliged to do, the women and girls of | | our cit « » W sweat-shops not excepted? . of all the of agriculture declined from the high- letter 1 am referring to, but I'm | k oat about a hundred, just | are there in the eastern states | business enter- | prises in ‘the United States, has that | | life, my aspirations, even my common- place, everyday habits are, fortunately or unfortunately, of a character some- what different from those with whiéh the average bootblack would be apt | to_sympathize, | Let me admit that, if I were a boot- | black and you, dear Brother Hayseed, should mount my street throne and put on the foot rest your NO. 9 cowhide boots, stiff from repeated soakings in the dew-drenched fields, coated with the sticky mud that gath. ered on them behind the plow, and ask me to “Shine 'em up —if I were a_ bootblack and you should do that, 1 should laugh. So would anybody, ex- cept a wooden Indian. But it would be because you wanted them blacked, not because you wore them, They were made to wear in the wet and dirt; not to take a polish, Wearing them in your work is sensible; wearing a | pair of fine calf oxford ties while plow- {ing or hauling nure would not be sensible, even tHough the bootblack gave the latter his high approval. Nevertheless, if I had to go to town | i y field boots, I shouldn't dodge | in square and Main street, just | because a bootblack might see them | and Jaugh. There are enough unhappy things about farming, at its best, without trying to make a bad matter worse by exaggeration, It is hard work and | generally underpaid. I know it; theu you know it; they all know it. And we all wish the work was easier and { the pay better. But I can remember { two generations of farmers; family tradition gives me a clear insight into the condition of two more generations, preceding those I have personally wn. The average farmer and the | average farmer's wife work fewer | hours, nowadays, and get more for their work than the farmers and farm- | ers’ wives of previous genreations. Of course, there may be exceptions, but on the whole my statement is correct. Every man who has seen threescore years in the country knows it. These plaguey pessimists talk about fifty years ago as if then farming was fun and money-making a mere amuse- ment. I happen to remember fifty years ago. Every summer morning I was uted out of bed before it was fairly 1t, to drive to pasture the cows my A et e e Eh" | father and elder brother had already S8t fo the,Jomest. acale. In reapectaDII L milked. *Eaforethe, Wb Tise wh, wart 15 the concition of the hardest-worked | all in the fields and at work. We kept and most underpaid citizen, untll, as a | it up all day, taking no full hour at eiass he has become the laughing. | NOOM for our dinner, either, till it grew Stock of the store-clerks, peanui-ven- | t00 dark to see well. Then the chores ders and be d supper by candle light, and to bed, ot-blacks? There you have it, “right from the | bat.” Catch it, please, and hang on to it long enough to see what you think about it. ‘When did you advertise your farm< As “the farm lands of the whole of New England are for sale” of course yours must be—or else our friend has made & slight mistake. 1 read the other day of a New York | city family where the wife and all her three daughters worked every night on cheap shirts for the big department stores, at a price so low | that, after the rent was paid, they had Jess than 0 a week, on the average, to supply food and clothing. The ma jority of farmers’ wives are worse off | than this, our Jeremiah tells us. And it must be so—or else he had made another slight mistake. Farming has “declined from the bighest to the lowest scale in respect- abllity,” s he. Perhaps you, in your blatant self-conceit, may some- times have thought your occupation at least as respectable as that of rag- cking or cesspool cleaning or dive- eeping. But you see you were wrong —unless he has made another slight mistake. Now, however, comes the very worst of all; you have “become the laughing | #tock of—bootblacks!” ‘Will you please cringe, crouch, cower, ovel, crawl out to the barnyard and lde yourself? Apparently, our friend and mentor thinks that's about the proper thing. Or has he made still another mistake? { For one, | frankly confess that all | this sort of talk and writing “makes | e tired.” It's absurd; it's bilious; it's | untrue. The farming lands of “the| whole of New England” are not for| sale, The majority of farmers’' wives | do not “slave and toll” harder than the workers for sweat shops. Farm- ing has not sunk to “the lowest scale | of respectability.” ‘What's the sense of writing such manifest extravagan- eles of dyspeptic spleen? And as to that bootblack; well, if T were ruling my life with the one ob- fect In view of winning the admira- | tion and envy of the bootblack frater- | nity, probably I should take that as | a final knockout. But—shameful as the confession may seem, I really con- sider several other thinge as more im- rtant than the prevention of hilar- 'y among bootblacks. My ideals of till midnight | an, s e, sorry and tired. Despite this in- sant and back breaking labor money was so scarce that we all had to think twice before we bought a postage stamp. What we now consider the necessaries of life were then its lux- uries. Fresh meat was a thing almost unknown, except at “hog-killing time.” Tea and coffee were used only on state occasions. A single whole stick of candy was something for a boy to hope but which he Mostly farmers { for and@ dream about, | very seldom realized. lived on salt pork and potatoes and | beans and “rye 'nd injun.” My mother was long regarded as unduly “stuck up” because she once had wheat bread at a quilting bee. When | hear people talk about the decadence of agriculture in the past half century I'm never sure whether it's best to laugh or to get mad. One gets over It soonest if he laughs, and that's what ‘I'm inclined to do this time. Why. fifty yvears ago this very month T was helping my father “buck u ten cords of wood for the fuel supply. Tt had to be sawed, split and piled up. The wood was hard and knotty, the old saw was always dull; ! the days were short; we had to work in snow or slush; our feet were gen- erally raw_with “chilblains,” and our hands bleeding from numerous “callous cracks” and ‘“chaps.” Last week, my wood being drawn down from the mountain, I telephoned, one bright morning, to the wood saw- er. Down he came with his gasoline engine and buzz saw; in four hours of actual work the ten cords were sawed. Nobody had overworked; nobody was even tired; not a sore toe nor a chap- ped hand in the whole bunch. It cost me $6 to have the wood sawed, because had it cut three times instead of » to the stick. Fifty years ago “cow hay” was selling here at $4 a ton. Today it is worth, in my barn, $10 a ten. The increased price on a single ton of that hay paid for the whole wood sawing job which in those “golden times of old” kept the gover- nor and the boy lame, sore and tireu for more than two weeks. 1 tw Co | want to return to those “goodold times?” Not much. The present is bad enough, but they were worse. And the future is going to be better. Let's look alive, be cheerful, and—keep dig- ging. What if T have got a sore fin- ger? ‘There are seven others that aren’t sore. And that one is going to get well, by and by. THE FARMER. LIVE NEWS FROM THREE COUNTIES. ~ WINDHAM COUNTY. THOMPSON. Koocal Officers Attended Meeting of 8tate Grange—Informal Reception to * Rev. Arnold Huizinga. Miss Mada Phinney was the guest her mother at the Vernon Stiles ho- 1 last week. | The B. Y. P. U. meeting Sunday | evening was led by Bdward Brown. | Robert A. Dunning of Perryville was | In town over Sunaay. | The B Y. P. U. held a reception to | Eheir new officers in the town hall on | Friday evening. The newly-elected master and lec- turer of the local grange, Thomas Ry an, and Mrs. C. L. Knight and M Julia Ryan attended the meeting of | Sgo state grange in Hartford Tueday, | Wednesday and Thursday. Reception to New Pastor. The Ladies’ Ald society of-the Con- | gregational church held au informal reception to their new Rev. Arnold Huizinga, on Wedne v even- Rev. Samuel Thatcher of Oneco has been visiting schools in town the past aveek. Sunday School Officers Eiected fThe Congregational Sunday lected the following offi perintendent, R. A. Dunning st- | ant, E. 8. Backus; &cerelary and treas- | wrer, Miss H. R. Lewis: libririan, Miss | Wary J. Ross; superintendent of home | department, Miss §. A. Munyan; as- | . elstant, Miss M. M. Knight, | ) Death of Mrs. Seth Draper. | Mrs. Seth Draper died on Sunday | i | schooi | s Sund morning. She had a paralytic shock Saturday, fromi which she did not consciousness. She was nearly | || ber Present at Silver Wedding. | funeral of ninety years old and Is survived by a son, Henry Draper, and a daughter, Mrs, G. A. Thompson. The funeral was held at her recent home on Wed- nesday at 2 o'clock. 1 s S WG CH | WOODSTOCK VALLEY. Attended Funeral in Abington — Num- Mrs. Olive Hiscox attended the ss Ella Ingalls at Abing- ton on Friday of last week. Several from here attended the sil- ver wedding of Mr, and Mrs. Lorin Eosworth at West Woodstock on Sat- urday evening. The presents of silver trere numerous and costly. Dr. H R. Love of Putnam was in town on Tuesday. Mr. and Mre. Oliver Hiscox are in { Hartford this week. Albert Darling had the misfortune to lose his horse on Monday. It drop- ped dead on his way home from East- Cora Kenyon is on the si rances Brockway is also i An old-fashioned supper was served at th= Baotist church, West Waondstock, on Friday evening. ;'k list Miss Eiith Carpenter is spending the | week in Hartford. HAMPTON. Albert Mills was u visitor in Hart ford last . Mrs, Jessuy on Ernest | returned from Danbury, where they were the guests of relatives 1 Miss Ma Fitts, who is employed ir Willima was a4 week-end guest of local friends. Miner Burdick was a Thread éity visitor Tuesday. Albert Guild and Arthur B. Roberts were Taciai Hartford visitop knowest it; he knows it; we know it; { WESTMINSTER. ———— 3 Wonder Box Greatly Appreciated by Recipients — Delicate Operation on Deer by Mr. and Mrs. Dr. E. C. Greene. Miss Jennie Button has returned from a visit with her sister, Mrs. Allen in_Scotland. Dwight C. Lovett was called by tele- gram to Groton the first of the week on account of the serious illness of D. L. Lovett. Mr. and Mrs. Myron Allen of Scot- land were visitors at Merrill Button’s on Wednesday. Louis Degrenier met with an acci- a tree which he had ascended in order to_secure some squirrels. Dr. John O. Smith was a caller here ‘Wednesday. Harlan Wedge is still very feeble. Both Mr. Wedge and his sister, Miss Frances Wedge, wish to thank the many friends and neighbors who do- nated so generously to the “Wonder Box” which was presented to them this week. Mrs. Myron Allen and oth- ers solicited for the box, and nearly everyone asked to contribute respond- ed by giving some article of food, such as ham, vegetables, fruit, flour, jellies, beef, ples etc. Most of the packages were accompanied with a jolly message or a rhyme, together with the donor's name. Dr. Greene Sets Deer’s Leg. We are indebted to a Pontiac Mich,, paper for the following item: “By a skiiful surgical operation, performed by Dr. Edward L. Greene, it is be- lived that the life of Nellie, one of the pet deer at the Eastern Michigan asy- lum has been saved. The animal had sustained a broken leg recently. The fractured limb is set in splints and the delicate animal is now able to hobble about. It is doubtful if ever before Such an operation was performed on a eer." Dr. Biward C. Greene is a native of Canterbury, and more particularly of this parish. He Is the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Greene, long residents of this place, but now residing at Dan- jelson. Dr. Greene has been one of the staff of physicians for several years at the Fastern Michigan asylum and is now first assistant physiclan. He has a_ strong love for surgery. We are glad to note the rapid rise of this ‘Westminster boy. Personals. . The sermon at the Congregational church Sunday was by Rev. A. J. Het- rick and a good congregation was present, considering the weather. Miss Grace Rathbun had charge of the prayer meeting Sunday evening. Annual Business Meeting of Church The annual business meeting of the church was held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the church house. Deacon Bdmond presided at the meeting, The clerk and treasurer’s reports were re- ceived and accepted. Bdgar H. Park- hurst was appointed teller. Mrs. M. J. Rathbun was re-elected clerk and treasurer. The same organist was chosen for the ensuing year. Mrs. Thomas Colburn and Mrs. Chas. Coulter were In Moosup on Wednes- day. Several of the teachers in town and others Interested in education met at the Canterbury Plains church to at- tend the meeting which Secr: Hine of the state board arpointed for Jan, 9, 1909. As no speaker came, it was thought Mr. Hine must have been {ll, as he is generally on hand. ABINGTON. Parsonage Occupied Again—Lecture by Miss Osgood. Mrs, Will Gallup is teaching school in the western part of the state. School opened on Tuesday after the holiday vacation. Miss Ellen Osgood delivered an ad- dress on “Mercy Warner and Abigail Adams” before the Woman's club in Dedham, Mass., this week. All are glad to see the parsonage occupied once more. James W, Brown has moved to the Sumner house recently vacated by Thomas Shea. Arthur Grosvenor and Newton Vaughn have been in Hartford this week attending the legislature. Mrs. Willls Covell, Mrs. M. Hildrith and Mrs, Phoebe Sharpe spent Monday in Worcester. Mrs. N. A. Badger Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs, MoGorty have closed their house and gone away to spend the remainder of the winter. " WESTFORD. Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Wyatt of New York have moved here to the Taylor farm, owned by H, C, Barlow and son. Mr, Wyatt is to repair his house which he bought a year ago, and will move there as soon as it s ready. ‘William Brehant has bought of Earl Wright of Warrenville his fast trot- ting mare Kit. Peter Platt has also bought a fine horse of Raymond Chism. CLARK’S CORNERS. H. H. Brown of North Amherst vis. ited friends here this week. Capt. Robert Clark was in New Lon- don Tuesday. Mrs. L. H. Jewett and Mrs, W. N. Jewett attended the state grange in Hartford. Mrs, Marcus Pearl lebrated her 234 birthday the 3d instant. Miss Viola Jewett is visiting friends TOLLAND COUNTY. SOUTH COVENTRY. James Day’s Death—Sale of Marey Place—Congregational Society Meets. ts visiting in James Day, aged 64 died at his home near the Plains early Tuesday, after several weeks' illness. He is survived by a widow and five children, Mrs. Katherine Desrosiers of Three Rivers, Mags., Misses Mary, Annie and Celia Day and Michaei Day of this place. The funeral was held in St. Mary's church Thursday morning, with bur- | ial in the Plains cemetery 11l With Appendicitis. | Edward Avery of South street was taken to a private hospital in Willi- mantic Monday, following a sudden at- tack of appendicitis. It is hoped an operation may not be necessary. 2. W. Latimer has purchased the Mary house on Wall street. . J. F. Robertson is so far re- d from his recent illness as to able to conduct services at the M. church. Rev, Nestor Light gave an interest- : illustrated lecture at the Congre- gational church last Sunday evening on Home Mission Work Congregational Officers Reappointed. The annual meeting of the Congre- gational church society was held on Monday evening. All the officers, both | for church and Sunday school, were | reappointed, The isses Barlow of Westford were vistors at H. C. Barlow's over Sunday. Mr. and M Addison Kingsbury have been visiting in Boston and vi- cinity | 5 s | Willian Nswman delivered his crop 0 tot one day this week. < lvelyn Marks of this place is tuting as teacher in Suffeld, Miss iot, the regular, being sick with the quinsy. itheway Bros. sold their crop of o to Hartford people this week. | b Rooke is moving into the Morris tenement dent one day last week by falling from | & Church Activities—Eighty-third Birth- day of Mrs. Emily C. Carpenter. Sunday morning Rev. Austin Gard- ner, pastor of the Congregational church, preached a spiritual sermon from Col. iii:11; topic, “Christ Only.” At the Baptist church the pastor, Rev. Earle W. Darrow’s text was, “Keep thy heart with diligence for out of it are the issues of life.” An ex- cellent sermon was listened to with closest attention. In the absence of the assigned lead- er, Miss Dunning, the Endeavor meet- 1 v. Mr. Darrow. The clase for the study of Pilgrim’s Progress, on Friday evening at Maple corner was pieasant and instructive. On Tuesday eveningat 7.30 the mid- week prayer meeting was resumed in the Baptist church parlor. Several from here \ attended the benefit soclal for the relief of the earthquake sufferers, at the hall in South Willington, on Tuesday even- in, A hastily prepared programme =erved to show the abundance of avail- able talent in the community. Mrs. Emily Chaffer Carpenter's 834 birthday on the 10th brought her a shower of cards and other tokens from her many friends, that began on Sat- urday and still continues. The first suggestion of this expression of re- gard came from John Merrick, Min- neapolis, Minn. Visitors to the Pinnacle are not in- frequent. The views since the follage is gone from the trees are much finer than in summer time. Mrs. Darrow is an accomplished art- ist, the walls of the parsonage being adorned by the works of her pencil and brush, and she and her husband are both musiclans of. ability. Frederick Morrison, who died last week in Berlin, spent his boyhooa m this town and often visited his broth- ers here, the late Charles and Edward Morison. His twin sister, M'<« Fanny Morrison, is still living iIn Windsor. ~ COVENTRY. Officers of Baptist Church and Sun- day School—Teachers Appointed— Surprise Visit. At the first annual meeting of the Baptist church at Mansfield Depot, the following officers were chosen: Clerk, Robert G. Sherman; trustee and treas- urer, Asa T. Burdick; assistant treasurer, Mrs. Mary Durkee. To sup- ply the table, Mrs, Burdick and Mrs. Sherman. At the annual meeting of the Sun- day school, Mrs. Merritt Smith was chosen superintendent, Mrs. Kate Di- mock and Mrs. McCollum assistants; Mrs, Sherman, secretary and treasur- er; Lawrence Y. Sherman, librarian; Miss Nellie Lauren , corresponding secretary; Miss Edna Lewis, organ- ist, with Miss “Edna Rhodes assist- ant. Two new classes were formed, Mrs, McColloum being chosen teacher ; the young ladies’ eacher to be supplied. The oth- er classes retain the teachers of the past year, No. 1, Mrs. Willlam Cor- bit; No. 2, Mrs. George Stedman- No. 8, Mrs, Merritt Smith; No. 4, R. 8. Sherman. There has been a steady increase in enrollment and attendance and the outlook is very encouraging. Mrs. Bonny was in Hartford a part of last week, Surprise Party. A party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs, Clifford Ayer in Coven- try Friday evening, Jan. 8, being a surprise to Mr. Ayer. Twenty-eight friends and neighbors were present. Refreshments were served and all had a very enjoyable time. News in General, Herbert Poliard and Robert Branch of Willimantic were at Henry Pol- lerd’s on Saturday. Mrs. Don Brigham of Turnerville spent Thursday and Friday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willlam Corbit. Miss Mabel Thompson of Williman- tic visited last week with her cousin, Mrs, Charles Allen, .of South Willing- ton and her aunt, Mrs. J. D. Thomp- son, in Coventry. Will Wolfe, manager of Brook farm, was in Boston last week Wednesday and Thursday to purchase cattle, and bought nine fine cows, all registered stock. H. F. Willlam has fitted up a fine milk house at Brook farm. Mrs. Mitchell, who has been visit- ing her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Harris, has returned to Springfield. Eer little daughter Edith went with rer. Miss Maude Brigham visited her mother, Mrs. Don Brigham, in Tur- nerville, last week. Rev. R. S. Sherman, Merrit Smith and Asa Burdick were at Spring Hill Jan, 8. Osmer Reynolds, after spending & few weeks with nis mother, Mrs. Abbie Reynolds, has returned to New York. Mrs. Dyer and child have returned to West Bridgewater, Mass, after spending several weeks with Mrs. Dyer’'s mother, Mrs."Rhoaes, or Mer- TOW. A baked hean supper was served in the chapel Jan. 13. SOUTH WILLINGTON. Settling Hall Estate—Dog Tags to Be Riveted to Collar. Mrs. E, J. Holman returned Mon- day from Manchester, where she had been spending a few days with her son, Charles W. Holmes. Miss Mabel Thompson of Williman- tic was a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Allen, ‘The estate of Mrs. Nellie H. Hall i= in process of settlement. Edward Foster is the administrator and W. H. Hall and Walter A, Allen appraisers. Eggs are down to 30 cents per doz- en; a low price for this time of year. Dog tags for next season are to be arranged to permit riveting to the col- lar, so Commissioner Averill informs the town clerks. Joseph Kingsbury and family have moved into the “Grandma” Hall house, as his condition is such that the ad- vantage of rooms heated by steam will be highly beneficial. ~ BOLTON. Charles E. Carpenter has been in New Britain visiting his niece, Mrs. George Cadwell. Mr. and Mrs. Louls D, Eaton of New York were recent guests of the for- mer's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Eaton. Mrs, Kate Lee, who has been at St. Francis' hospital, Hartford, for care, | has been pronounced insane by the physicians, and is to be taken to the retreat in Middletown, Mrs. Eliza E. Daly, who has been ill for some time, is improving, Miss Elizabeth White was in Hart- ford and Windsor, vlsinn‘ friends and relatives, this week. Several {f the Bolton grange at- tended the meeting of the state grange in Hartford January 12, 13 and 14. Calvin Hutchinson, who has been ill, is able to be out again. ELLINGTOR. Miss Carrle Peck attended the gov- ernor’s ball in Hartford Wednesday evening. The third entertainment of the series under’ the auspices of the grange was given last Friday evening. Mrs. Mari- on Murless Chapin of Holycke sang and H. H. Larkum of Rockville gave recitatfons. Mrs. Katherine Geary is sick. George Edgerton of New Britain is home with his parents. A number are in Hartford this week atiending the state grenga. len' Fees Displease Voters—Li- brary Association’s Annual Meeting. ‘Mr. and Mrs, Willard B. Clarke re- cently returned from_two weeks’ visit with friends ir. New York, New Haven and Hamden. Trouble Grows Out of School Case. A refltlcn has been circulated among the legal voters of the town, asking them to call a town meeting to see if the town will vote to sue the en for the money paid out by the town treasurer on their orders in payment for lawyers' fees in the case of Mrs. Fthel Fox Berkeley vs. J. N. Clarke and Hubert P. Collias, members of the locdl school board. This case was re- cently tried before the superior court at Rockville, when the jury, by order of Judge Wheeler, redered a verdict in favor of Collins, but could not agree on a verdict regarding Clarke. It is said the case will be tried agaln at the April term. Attorneys Charles F. Clarke of New Haven and George E. Hinman of Willimantic were counsel for the cefendants. The selectmen re- cently gave town orders for the amount of their bills, over $200. Inasmuch as the town was not named as defendants in the case and had therefore employed no counsel, and the case against Clarke has not yet been decided, the actior of the X considerable comment. In response to the petition a town meeting has been called for next WMonday afternoon. There is every Indication that it will be a lvely one. Busy Year for Library, The Saxton B. Little Free Library association held its annual meeting last Monday evening and elected the fol- lowing officers: President, 8. B. West; vice president, Willlam J. Johnson; secretary, Willlam A. Coilins; treas- urer, Edward P. Lyman; {trustees, Alonzo Little, James P. Little, E. P. Lyman; members of library committe for three years, Mrs. Lilllan P. Ric L. E. Winter. The report of the trust- ees showed that the library association now has a pérmanent fund of nearly $5,000, invested in the savings banks of the state. The librarfan’'s report was as fol- lows: Number of volumes now In li- brary, 5,737; No. of volumes drawn during past year, 2,855, of which 2,763 were drawn by regular patrons of the library and 92 by school teachers for use In their respective schools; the number of volumes added during the past vear was 189, of which 48 were purchased by the library assoclation, 115 were received from the state grant, 70 were received from the estatp qf 8. B. Little of Meriden, and 4 by gift from individuals. At the close of the annual meeting the library committee met and organ- {zed for the ensuing year. Joseph [Hutchins was chosen chairman and Mrs. Lillian P. Rice clerk and librarian. The committee then adjourned two weeks, when they meet for the selec- tion of books and to attend to other business pertaining to the management of the 1lyuy. Other Local Inerests. Nathan Glotzman has sold his farm property lotated in Pine street to Hy- man Merker of New York. The new owner will take possession at once. The funeral of John G. Mitchell, deputy secretary of state, was held on Wednesday forenoon. A brief service, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Harris of the Columbia Congregational onal church, was held at his home in this place and was lar; body was taken to vices church. cemetery. BOLTON NOTCH. Church Split Over Buying an Organ— George M, Lombard on U, S. S, Wabash. Last summer the choir at the Quar- ryville M. E. church at Belknap held an entertainmeat and supper. The proceeds were to go towards buying a new organ to take the place of the old second-hanl one bought or given to the church two years ago. About $43 was realized. This not being enough. they voted to place the money in the bank until a future dete, when more entertairments could be held, more money added and a better organ se- cured. Lately one or two of the mem« bers, of the church have objected to the entertainments and have asked the minister, Rev. F. C. Parker, to have them omitted. Mr. Parker has not!- fied the choir to that cffect. Now these one or two members and the minister have gotten track of a second-hand or- gan in Boston and want the $43 that is in the bank to put towards it. The members of the choir object to their money being invested In another sec- ond-hand organ when a little mare added to what they already have would buy a new one. Three of the church board with the minister met Saturday and voted to dismiss the choir. The minister notified the mem- ‘bers to that effect over the telephone Saturday night. The members of the chcir are very Indignant over mat- ter and have left the church in a body. With the exception of one or two, the entire congregation is In ly‘mpal:'{ with the choir and it looks as_thou, Mr. Parker would be preaching to empty pews until things are settled. Taken to State Hospital. Tirst Selectman M. W. Howard was in Hartford and Miidletown Monday transferring Mrs. Kate Lee from St. Francls’ hospital to the insane asylum. General News. Mrs. E. A. Shaw's large St. Bernard dog Flora returned home Monday morning with one leg broken. George Barrows of Manchester is employed on the local section and will live in the Carver house for a while. The work train and a force of men ‘have been at work in the yard here the past week picking up ties. Mrs. E. A. Harley leaves today (Sat- urday) for Broad Rrook, where she is to be cook in a hotel. A letter has been recelved from George M. Lombard, who recently en- tisted in the navy. He is stationed on the U. S. S. Wabash at Charlestown. Ma: and likes it very well. Later he expects to be assizned to the New York. Miss chester ly attended. The 1llimantic and ser- were held at the Methodist Burfal was in Willimantic Tabel Foward was a Man- itor Wednesday. STAFFORDVILLE. Brewer Family Moves to Old Mystic— Recent Visitors Noted. H. G. Dunham of Hydeville is ill. Mrs. Helen O'Brien returned to her home in Springfield Monday, after a lengthy visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Giltrop. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Brewer and family moved last week to Old Mystic, where Mr. Brewer is employed in the mill. ‘The Epworth league will hold their prayer meeting in the M. E. church Sunday evening. Topic, How We Know the Father. Leader, Miss Nellie Dugcule. Mrs. Marchant, Misses Irene and Bessie Marchant were called to Water- bury last Saturday to attend the funer- al of Mrs. Charles Marchant. Mrs. Maggie Whitman of West Ea- ton, N. Y., is the guest of ber brother, Grant Hanner. Orlando Smith Mr. and Mrs. and Mrs. Elmer Belding and daughter, Beatrice, of Wales, Mass,, and Mrs. Henry Belding and son, Herbert, of State Line, were recent guests of Mrs. Mahlon West. Ne% London.—Lawrence MeGinley, son of Postmaster John McGinley,broke his collarbone on the right side, close to where it joins the ribs, whiie play- ing center on the Mohawks in the Mohawk-Segatchie basketball game at the Y. M. C. A. gymnasium Monday evening. = selectmen has caused ! oumin —Now Bread Gauses | PRESIDENT Stomach Distress YOU LIKE IT BUT DON'T DARE TO EAT IT NOW. REGULATE THE STOMACH Get Some Diapepsin Now and Nid Yourself of Stomach Trouble Which Is a Detriment to You in Many Ways. You can eat anything your stomach craves without fear of a case of 1nu:- gestion or Dyspepsia, or that your food will ferment or sour on your stomach if you will take Diapepsin after eating. Your meals will taste good, and anything you eat will be digested; nothing can ferment or turn into acid or poison or stomach gas, which causes Belching, Dizziness, a feeling of fullness after eating, Nausea, In- | digestion (like a lum'? of lead in stom- ach), Biliousness, eartburn, Water bri Pain in stomach and intestines or other symptoms, .Headaches from the stomach are absolutely unknown where this effec- tive remedy Is used. Diapepsin really does all the work of a healthy stom- ach. ‘1t digests your meals when your stomach can't. Each triangule will digest all the food you can eat and leave nothing to ferment or sour, Get a large B0-cent case of Pape's Diapepsin from your druggist and row you will actually brag about your healthy, strong Stomach, for you then can eat anything and everything you want without the slightest diecomfort or misery, and every particle of impurity ana Gas that Is in your stomach and intestines is to be carried away without the use of laxatives or any other as- sistance. EAST WILLINGTON. Many are suffering from celds. Miss Ide recently had a gift of a box of sweet potatoes from her niece in Florida. Mrs. A. G. Baldwin sent her son, who is a designer, a gfi made In New- comb's Wezver's ight, with filling from China. He wrote back: “T am de- lighted with it. Quite a designer, aren't you? Guess I shall have to take off my hat to you™ WASHINGTON COUNTY, R.I. HOPKINTGN. Town Council Meets—Probate Court Petitioned to Appoint Guardians for Aged Woman and Her Sen. A special meeting of the town coun- cil was held in Ashaway on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 7, to inspect the places where the Ashaway and Westerly rail- way crosses the highway, which were to be put in a condition satisfactory to the town council. No definite actlon was taken at the session to approve or regret the work. Rev. L. F. Randolph was in Wester- ly Thursday, Jan. 7th, and the next day was taken seriously fll with ca- tarrh of the stomach. Rev. B P. Mathewson preached for him Satur- day morning. His condition is some- what improved Roger W. Lewis conducted the meet- ing in the Seventh Day Baptist church Saturday evening. In the Probate Court. A special session of the court of - bate was held at the Town hall Nf:o. day morning. A petition of George B. Carpenter, oversear of the poor, pray- ing for the appointment of a guardlan over the person and estate of Mary Barber was referred to the regular l::rlan of the court, to be held Feb. 1st. The same dlsposition was made of a petition of Mr. Carpsnter for the ap- pointment of a guardian over the per- son and estate of Arnold B. Barber, son of saild Mary Barber, & person of full age, but incompetent to care Yor his estate. To Combat Insect Pests. At the same time the town council passed & resolution that the general assembly of Rhode Island be request- ed to take action on the matter of making a sufficlent appropriation to fight the tussock moth and elm tree beetle in this state. MUSIC AND DF.AMA. Lillan Russell s playing to record business at the Broadway theater, Brevklyn. “Ben-Hur" has been received with as much cordiality on the Pacific coast this seacon as it was on its first trop west. Maud Powell Is the greatest woman violinist in the world; at least the ablest musical critics accord her first place. In “Via Wireless” s about to visit the principal citles of the countries after a four months’ run at the Liberty theater, New York. Enblebert Humperdinck is expected to arrive In New York in Feburary. He has consented to conduct the first performance at the Metropolitan op~ era house of his new opera, “Die K nigskinder.” ‘Willlam Beach, who plays Martin Drury in James Forbes’ comedy, “The Traveling Salesman,” made his debut on the stage in 1878 with the late Kate Girard in the famous drama, “Soclety vs. The Stage.” By arrangement with Harrison Grey Fiske, the Messrs Shubert will present “The Vamplire” for the first time In New York at the Hackett theater on Monday afternoon, Jan. 18, following Mrs. Fiske's engagement In “Salvation Nell.” Fannie Ward, the clever American actress, who has been a London vogue for several years, has captured critics and audiences alike on her first ap- pearance in her own country in “The New Lady Bantock,” a comedy by Jerome K. Jerome. ‘The opening of Maxine Elliott's thea- ater, under the joint management of Maxine Fillott and the Messrs. Shu- bert, with Miss Elliott's first New York appearance In “The Chaperon,” the new international comedy by Mar- ion Fairfax, was an important theat- rical event. “Little Nemo” Is playing its last week at the New Amsterdam theater, New York. Klaw & Erlanger's big musical comedy has proved a worthy successor to “The Merry Widow.” It goes to Boston with the same come- dians, Joseph Cawthorn, Billy Van and Harry Kelly, who made the entertain- ment famous In New York. The largest bunch of violets ever made up in Boston was presented to Miss Lina Abrabanell, the Sonia of the Boston “Merry Widow” company at the closing performance last week. The bouquet measured exactly 32 inches across and contained 2400 separate violets and stems. It came from a well known Back Bay soclety woman. ‘ There & nnfly—lfim police In start taking today and by tomor-| AT MONOPOLY, Vetoes Grant of Private Rights ~ o Wato Pow, In Message to House He Declares Complete Control of Country's Streams Is Aimed At—Matter of Su- preme Importance to America Now That Other Natural Resources Ars Being Rapidly Exhausted. Washington, Jan. 15.—In returning today to the house of representatives without his approval a bill granting private rights in a navigable stream President Roosevelt says: I return herewith without my ap- proval house bill 17,707, to authorize William H. Standish to conmstruct a dam across James river in Stone coun- ty, Mo, and divert a portion of its ‘waters through a tunnel into the said river again to create electric power. The bill gives to the grantee a valu- able privilege, which by its very na- ture is monopolistic and does not con- tain the conditions essential to protect the public interest. Monopoly Threatened. The people of the country are threat- ened by a monopoly far more power- ful, because in far closer touch with their domestic and industrial life, than anything known to our experience. A single generation will see the exhaus- tion of our natural resources of ofl and gas and such a rise in the price of coal as will make the price of elec- trically transmitted water power a controlling factor in transportation, in manufacturing and in household light- ing and heating. To give away, with- out conditions, this, one of the great- est of our resources, would be an act of folly. Information collected by the bureau of corporations shows that it is prob- able that eleven corporations directly or indirectly control developed water power and advantageous power sites equal to more than a third of all the developed water power in the entire country, It is, in my opinion, relative- 1y unimportant for us to know whether or not the promoters of this particular project are afilliated with any of these great corporations. The time to attach conditions and prevent monopoly is when a grant is made. The great corporations are acting with foresight, singleness of purpose and vigor to control the water powers of the country. They are demanding legislation for unconditional grants in perpetuity of land. On the other hend, the administration proposes that authority be given to lssue power per- mits for a term not to exceed fifty years, irrevocable except for breach of condition. The suggestion of the senate commit- tee on commerce in their report on the present bill that many of the streams for the damming of which a federal license is sought are In fact unnaviga- ble is sufficlently answered In this case by the action of the house com- mittee on interstate and foreign com- merce upon this very measure. A bill to declare this river unnavigable was rejected by that committee. Government Pollcy Stated. I repeat the words with which I con- cluded my message vetoing the Rainy river bill: “In place of the present haphazard policy of permanently alienating valu- | able public property we should substi- tute a definite policy along the follow- ing lines: “First.—There should be a limited or carefully gunarded grant in the nature of an optlon or opportunity afforded within reasonable time for develop- ment of plans and for execution of the project. “Second.—Such a grant or concession should be accompanied in the act mak- ing the grant by a provision expressly | making it the duty of a designated ofi- clal to annul the grant if the work is not begun or plans are not carried out in accordance with the authority grant- ed. “Third.—It should also be the duty of some designated official to see to it that in approving the plans the max- imum development of the navigation and power is assured, or, at least, that in making the plans these may not be 80 developed as ultimately to interfere with the better utilization of the water or complete development of the power. “Fourth.—There should be a license | fee or charge which, though small or nominal at the outset, can in the fu- ture be adjusted so as to secure a con- trol in the interest of the public. “Fifth.—Provision should be made for the termination of the grant or privilege at a definite time, leaving to future generstions the power or au- thority to renew or extend the con- cession in accordance with the condi- tions which may prevail at that time.” Further reflection suggests a sixth eondition—viz: The license should be forfeited upon proof that the licensee has joined in any conspiracy or unlawful combina- tion in restraint of trade, as is provid- ed for grants of coal lands in Alaska by the act of May 28, 1008, I esteem it my duty to use every en- deavor to prevent this growing meo- nopoly, the most threatening which has ever appeared. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. The White House, Jan. 15, 1909. To Canada by Circle. In fact and in a practical way the relations between the United Statea and Canada are so intimate and involve s0 many questions of state that Cana. dians and Americans allke find it irk- some to have to do business by way ot London, and many an statesmen talk very freely of a time when shall either be completely independent S0 as to directly with other coun- tries about their own or that they will so e ntercourse as to have it quite as ’llflcwl were an esomnoawealth tn face,