21985. First National Bank (Brattleboro, VT)

View Charter #470 on SPMC

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
470
Charter Number
470
Start Date
June 16, 1880
Location
Brattleboro, Vermont (42.851, -72.558)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
a5ed2b39

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
100.0%
Date receivership started
1880-06-19
Date receivership terminated
1885-10-12
OCC cause of failure
Fraud
Share of assets assessed as good
14.6%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
85.4%

Description

Multiple June 1880 dispatches report the First National Bank of Brattleboro insolvent due to extensive forgeries and embezzlement by president Silas M. Waite; a federal bank examiner/receiver was appointed and the bank was placed in receivership. No contemporaneous article describes depositor runs or reopening — the bank is characterized as 'ruined' and assessments were levied on stockholders; Waite was later arrested and tried. Classified as suspension_closure (suspension followed by permanent closure/receivership).

Events (6)
1. June 30, 1864 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. June 16, 1880 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Large-scale forgeries and embezzlement by bank president Silas M. (S. M.) Waite uncovered; significant fictitious paper and missing funds led to insolvency and suspension.
Newspaper Excerpt
The rumors regarding the insolvency of the First National Bank of Brattleboro were more than realized ... the loss will reach upward of $250,000 through the forgeries of the president, S. M. Waite ... Bank Examiner Hendee, who will act as receiver for the present.
Source
newspapers
3. June 19, 1880 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
4. June 21, 1880 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Mr. Linus M. Price arrived from Washington, D. C., to-day to take the temporary receivership of the First National bank. He expects to conclude his business in three months, when a permanent receiver will be appointed.
Source
newspapers
5. August 13, 1880 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The Receiver of the First National Bank, Brattleboro, Vt., ruined by Treasurer Waite, has made assessments of $25 per share. The full amount of the liabilities, it is believed, will reach $110,000 outside of the capital stock.
Source
newspapers
6. September 21, 1880 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The arrest of Silas M. Waite ... He was arrested at the house of his brother-in-law ... Waite was brought to Brattleboro ... to await further action.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (18)
1. June 17, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, June 17, 1880

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A GREAT BANK ROBBERY. PRESIDENT WAITE A FUGITIVE. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BRATILEBORO PLUNDERED TO THE EXTENT OF $250,000-FRAUDS DATING BACK MANY YEARS BROUGHT TO LIGHT. BRATTLEBORO, Vt., June 16.-The rumors regarding the insolvency of the First National Bank of Brattleboro were more than realized this morning, Enough is already known to warrant the statement that the !038 will reach upward of $250,000 through the forgeries of the president, S. M. Waite, who has undoubtedly left the country, and, as the directors believe. taken with him a large sum of money. A long, searching investigation will be begun on the arrival of Bank Examiner Hendee, who will act as receiver for the present. The forged paper includes that of the Connecticut River Railroad Company for about $50,000; Frederick Billings, $20,000; Trenor W. Park, of New-York, $20,000; Lyon & Healy. of Chicago, $20,000; the Taunton Locomotive Works, about $12,000; C. J. Amidon, Hinsdale, $15,000; Vermilye & Co., NewYork, about $75,000, and others whose names will be made public as the investigation proceeds. Rumore say that Springfield and Boston banks have been defrauded. The First National bank was chartered in 1852 by the name of the Windham County Bank, and began businessa year later. with N. B. Willeston as president and Silas M. Waite, the present defaulter, as cashier. The bank was run under the State charter for about ten years. It was the first in the county to change to a National bank. It had the public confidence until 1872,when it was said to have been robbed of a large amount of Government bonds belonging monthy to special depositors. Suspicion was felt concerning the manner of the robbery, which was in mid-day, since which time countidenee has been more or less shaken until the stock was finding a forced sale at 85, although numerous state. ments made it patent that the stock should bring more than par. At a special invesligation April 23. the loans and discounts were placed at $361.149. capital stock $300.000, surplus $57,000, undivided profits $7,111 and individual deposits $61,112. It appears that of the latter the Vermont Savings Bank owned between $30,000 and $40,000. This statement was sent to the stockholders, and, being attested by the directors, suspicion was temporarily removed. Since January, 1878, Mr. Waite has been president of the bank. Efforts have been made to have a cashier appointed, but he mulsted that none was needed; and the directors allowed him to have his own way. He has practically controlled the institution, changes having taken place among the directors until President Waite had found a set of men who had not time or disposition to unearth corruption. It is believed that the frauds date back for more than ten years to the time when a brother of Preside nt Waite got into financial trouble in it Chicago bank or insurance company, and it 18 said the losses were settled by the payment of $70,000, the funds coming from the Brattleboro Bank. President Waite's practice was, it seems. 10 place these fraudulent notes before the direct TH (all the notes except one bearing the name of one of the directors, who at the time was not present). and base his claim as to the solvency of the bank on these forgeries. The directors. not being particularly a8 conversant with banking. accepted them proof that all was right, and not until two or three weeks Ago did they attempt to acquaint themselves with the worth of these securities. About this time Examiner Hemitee, while making his unital tour of inspection, discovered a discrepancy In the check fund in New-York. This red to inquiries, and one work ago Hendee returned to this place. and, It 14 supposed. informed Waite of his discoveries. Waite WHA heard to ask Hendee if he could be allowed one week to make up the defleit, and it 18 supposed that this was granted, as Wate on the following morning rose at 3 c'clock. bade his wife good-bye, and, 111 allswer to her query, replied that he was going to New. York on bank business. The next tidings were from Portland, whenee he wrote: "Shall quit the country." A telegram received from detectives last night says: Think we are on the right track; probably self-destruc# tion." Certificates of stock have been issued for which as yet there has been no record found, and a double issue will undoubtedly be discovered. The present Board of Directors consists of Messrs. 8. M. Waite, J. M. Tyler (at present member of Congress from this district). T. A. Nash, W. F. Richardson, 11. C. Willard, of Brattleboro, Warren Parker, of Putney. Ad. dison Whitehead, of Vernon. W. P. Richardson, of Chester, and C.J. Amidon, of Hinadale Several stockholders are known to have lost all their property by this collapse. It IN believed that some of the I directors are also financially runned, and that another county bank Buffers by the loss.

2. June 17, 1880 The Silver State Unionville, Winnemucca, NV
Article from The Silver State, June 17, 1880

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TELEGRAPHIC ITEMS. The President has vetoed Bayard's Marshals bill, which provided that the Deputy Marshals shall be drawn equally from both political parties, instead of being all Republicans, as heretofore: that they shall be appointed by the United States Courts. instead of by the partisan Marshals, and that they shall be men of good moral character, instead of, as heretofore the scum of society. Mr. Hayes in his veto says that he regards the bill as in conflict with the intention of the Federal election laws, The up stage from Carson to Bodie was again robbed Tuesday night, by the same two men who roobbed it last Wednesday night, and at the same place, Dalzell's station, 18 miles south of Wellington's. "They took Wells, Fargo & Co.'s treasure box, but on this occassion nothing from the passengers. To the stage driver they expressed regret that they did not have his watch, which they took from him on Wednesday night, as they would return it with pleasure, also the jewelry which they had taken at the same time. The down stage, with bullion and shotgun messengers, passed the same place an hour later but was not molested. It is believed that the inves tigation now being made of the affairs of the First National Bank of Brattleboro; Vermont, will reveal astounding forgeries, and that even as large sums as $200,000 in forged paper will be brought to light, bearing the names of the most prominent men in that and other States. President Waite was last heard of in Portland, Maine, where he is supposed to have gone to embark for Europe, although his relatives fear, from the tone of his latest letters, that he has committed suicide. A receiver will take charge of the bank. There has perhaps never been such a tame close to a session of congress, The Senate reassembled at 9 o'clock yesterday, and after passing some private bills, immediately went into executive session. Upon coming into open session, Senator Anthony insisted that the Democrats ought not to put such an indignity upon the President as to decline to read his veto message, and insisted on recording his vote upon that question. The Democrats, however, declined to have the message read. "A special from Fort Keogh says: Five hundred of Sitting Bull's band from the other side of the Canadian boundary, came in and surrendered to Lieutenant Whistler, representing cral Miles. The Indians were in a starving condition and were fed and cared for. It is said that more are about to come in. A Leadville dispatch says. Every mine, except the Duncan and the Carbonate, are running with full force. The strike is over and everything quiet. From present appearances the camp will produce in a few days as much as ever. The Grant men are quite angry at what they term the singling out of their friends for punishment, in regard to officials taking part in the Chicago Convention. They seem to think that the civil service rules are being made to apply in one direction only. Both Houses of Congress adjourned sine die. All the regular annual appropriation bills were signed by Mr. Hayes in time to announce their approval before the hour of adjournment, and consequently all became laws. Seymour has written a letter, positively refusing to be a candidate before the Cincinnati Convention.

3. June 17, 1880 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, June 17, 1880

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A Bad showing. Brattleboro, Vt., 15.-It is believed that to-morrow's investigation of the First National Bank's affairs will reveal astounding forgeries, and that even as large sums as $200,000 in forged paper wiil be brought to light, bearing the names of the most prominent men in this and other states. President Waite was last heard from in Portland, Me., where he is supposed to have embarked for Europe, though his relatives fear, from the tone of his latest advice, that he has committed suicide. A receiver will take charge of the bank to-morrow.

4. June 17, 1880 The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer Wheeling, WV
Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, June 17, 1880

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Loss Quarter ofa Million Through the Forgeries of the President. BRATTLEBORO, VT., June 16.-The rumors upon which yesterday's dispatches were based, concerning the insolvency of the First National Bank of Brattleboro, are more [than realized. Although a thorough investigation had not begun at 2 o'clock, enough is already known to to warrant the statement that the loss will reach upwards of a quarter of a million of dollars through the forgeries of President S. M. Waite, who has undoubtedly left the country, and as the directors believe, taken large sums of money with him, how much can only be determined by a searching investigation which will be begun on the arrival of Bank Examiner Hendee to-day, and who will act as receiver for the present. The forged paper includes the Connecticut River railroad for about $50,000, Mr. Frederick Billings, $20,000, Mr. Tremor W. Park, $10,000, Lyon & Healy, of Chicago, $20,000, Taunton Locomotive Works about $12,000, C. J. Amidon, of Hinsdale, $15,000, Vermillye & Co,, New York, some $75,000, and others whose names will be made public as the investigation proceeds. How much of this paper has been used by Waite as collateral, upon which he may have raised large amounts for individual use the directors are unable to say, but rumors that Springfield and Boston banks have been victimized in this way are current. The books of the institution are badly garbled. The present board of directors consists of S. M. Waite, J. M. Tyler, at present a member of Congress from this district. F. A. Nash, W. F. Richardson, H.C. Hilard, of Brattleboro, Warden Parker, of Pultney; Addison Whitehead, of Vernon; W.P. Richardson, of Chester; and C.J. Amidon, of Hinsdale. Two of the members claim to have never qualified. Suits have been brought against these directors by the stockholders, who claim dereliction of duty. Several of the stockholders are known to have lost their all by the collapse. The feeling against the directors is very strong. It is believed that some of the directors are also financially ruined, and that another county bank suffers by the loss.

5. June 18, 1880 The Middlebury Register Middlebury, VT
Article from The Middlebury Register, June 18, 1880

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STATE ITEMS A child living in Irasburg has a mother 15 years old and a grandmother 31 years old. Frank McDonald, a little boy of Winooski, was drowned in that place last Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Baker, a Waterbury widow of 80, fell and broke her hip, while walking across the room, Thursday, and will die of the injury. The general conference of the Congregational churches of the State, at Chester, has chosen as president Hon. John B. Page of Rutland; vice president, Rev. L. H. Elliott of Bradford. Charles Gater of Peacham and Harvey Morse of South Danville disputed about. a horse trade, involving not more than $25, and a suit ensued which has resulted in the curious double verdict of $10 for the plaintiff and $15 for the defendant, after costing the litigants and the State each $500. There is great excitement over the reported insolvency of the First National bank of Brattleboro, whose capital is $300,000, surplus $60,000.. The bank's affairs will be investigated. The bank has sued its president, Silas Waite, for $200,000 damages. Waite left for parts unknown on Thursday. The bank's deficiency may reach $100,000. The losses are largely due to poor investments. The St. Albans Messenger says the farmers of Fairfax and Georgia have become much alarmed at a disease that has broken out among the cattle of several herds in North Fairfax. The symptoms are first, signs of weakness, drooping; then violent trembling and 'diffit culty of breathing, swelling of the throat, followed by a mucous discharge from the mouth and nose-and death. A vicious cow belonging to J. James, i near Alburgh Springs, dangerously inI jured a little grandson of Mrs. Richardson, at that place, the 9th instant. The e cow was turned into the road to bait, I and as the boy attempted to pass she caught him on her horns and carried him some distance, running one horn r through his leg below the thigh, while the other entered his groin and abdomen. It is thought the child cannot live.

6. June 18, 1880 The Daily Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Daily Dispatch, June 18, 1880

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NEW YORK, June 16.-The examination thus far made of the condition of the suspended bank in Newark has disclosed the fact that it is insolvent, and the Comptroller of the Currency has appointed Senator Garret A. Hobart, of Passaic county, as receiver. Senator Hobart is a shrewd business-man and lawyer, and under his management as receiver the New Jersey Midland railroad has been restored from a bankrupt position to a sound business footing. Mr. Lynus M. Price, formerly cashier of the Merchants National Bank of Newark, but more recently a Government bank-examiner, Das been assigned to assist Examiner Magroder. When the announcement was made on Monday in Newark of Cashier Hedden's arrival in Liverpool, one of the directors of the bank said that Hedden by that time bad known of the bank's failure, for a dispatch has been sent to inform bim. No steps had been taken for his arrest, nor can there be any until an indictment Is found; but United States District Attorney Keasbey returned from Washington on Monday night, and was in Trenton in attendance upon the United States grand jury yesterday when they were sworn. It is_said unofficially that the bank's deficiency will be not less than $400,000. A business-man had a number of small bills seattered through the streets of Newark yesterday, which contained the following : Blind men wanted to fill the position of directors for a new national bank, to be started in a central location on or near the corner of Broad and Market streets. Also, as cashier, a man who has a dread of seasickness sufficient to keep him on this side of the pond when an emergency requires his presence at home. It will be requisite that the blind men be able to sign their names to the cashier's statement of the bank's condition. If this were not requisite, the stockholders of the proposed bank would prefer a board of directors carved out of wood, to which could be attached cards bearing the names of our most prominent citizens." It is rumored in Newark that the Western Union Telegraph Company are in negotianon for the purchase of the First National Bank's elegant $150,000 building of white marble, at Broad and Market streets, which proved to be the bank's white elephant. THE BRATTLEBORO' (VT.) FORGERIES. BRATTLEBORO', VT., June 16.-Enough is now known concerning the insolvency of the First National Bank of Brattleboro' to warrant the statement that the loss will reach upward of $250,000 through the forgeries of the president, S. M. Waite, who has undoubtedly left the country, and, as the directors believe, taken a large sum of money with bim; how much can only be determined by a long, searching investigation, which will be begun on the arrival of Bank-Examiner Hendee, who will act as receiver for the present. The forgeries include paper of the Connecticut River railroad for about $50,000; Frederick Billings, $20,000; Trenor W. Park, $20,000; Lyon & Healy, of Cbicago, $20,000; the Taunton Locomotive-Works, about $12,000; C. J. Amidon, Hinsdale, $15,000; Vermilye & Co., New York, some $75,000, and others. How much of this paper has been used by Waite as collateral upon which be may have raised large amounts for individual use the directors are unable to say, but rumors that Springfield and Boston banks have been victimized in this way are current. It is believed Waite's irregularities date back for more than ten years. Certificates of stock have been issued for which as yet there has been no record found, and a double issue will undoubtedly be unearthed. The books of the institution are badly garbled. Several stockholders are known to have lost their all by this collapse, and the feeling against the directors is very strong. It is believed that some of the directors are also financially ruined, and that another county bank suffers by the loss. Suits have been brought against some of the directors for dereliction of dutv.

7. June 22, 1880 National Republican Washington, DC
Article from National Republican, June 22, 1880

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The Broken Brattleboro Bank. BRATTLEBORO, VT., June 21.-Mr. Linus M. Price arrived from Washington, D. C., to-day to take the temporary receivership of the First National bank. He expects to conclude his business in three months, when a permanent receiver will be appointed. Nothing is yet known as to Waite's whereabouts. H. C. Willard, a druggist and one of the bank directors, filed a petition in bankruptcy to-day.

8. June 22, 1880 Daily Kennebec Journal Augusta, ME
Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, June 22, 1880

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VERMONT. The Crippled Bank. BRATTLEBORO', June 21. L. M. Price arrived from Washington to-night to take charge of the crippled First National bank. as receiver. Three months will be allowed for presentment of claims, after which they will be disallowed. Nothing has been heard of Waite's whereabouts, although detectives profess ability to return him to Brattleboro'. H. e. Willard. a local druggist. one of the bank directors, filed a petition in bankruptcy. to-day.

9. June 23, 1880 Butler Citizen Butler, PA
Article from Butler Citizen, June 23, 1880

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A National Bank Suspension. BRATTLEBORO, VT., June 16.-The First National Bank is insolvent and the President is missing. Poor investments is partially the cause of the de= ficiency, which will probably reach $100,000. It is believed that the investigation of the bank's affairs will reveal astounding forgeries and that even as large syms as $200,000 in forged paper will be brought to light, bearing the names of the most prominent men in this and other States. President Waite was last heard from in Portland, Me., where he is supposed to have sailed for Europe, though his relatives fear from the tone of the latest advices that he has committed suicide. A receiver will have charge of the bank to-day. -Four hundred thousand dollars is the reported loss of the syspended First National Bank of Newark, and still the directors profess not to know where the money went. If they tell the truth it may be impossible to send them to jail; but they would not be out of place in an asylum for idiots,

10. July 2, 1880 Vermont Phœnix Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Ludlow, VT
Article from Vermont Phœnix, July 2, 1880

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-the necessity for using every legitimate effort to bring outa full Republican vote in our local and State election. At the conclusion of his speech the crowd, numbering some 400 or 500 persons, were invited inside, where they were most hospitably received, and a pleas- ant social hour was spent. -The New York and Boston train, due here at 10:30 last evening, was an hour and ten minutes late owing to the Boston train running off the track at Northfield station in consequence of a misplaced switch. The train was moving slow at the time, having just left the station, so nobody was hurt and no great damage was done to the machinery. The locomotive, baggage and express car and the front end of the passenger car were off the track. The Connecticut River engine, with one car, backed down from South Ver- non for the passengers and baggage and brought the train through to Brattleboro. -A few weeks ago Miss Jane Hunt, sister of the late Wm. M. Hunt, submitted a propo- sition to the Unitarian society to place a me- morial window in the pulpit recess of the church, which should be a copy of Mr. Hunt's great painting of the "Prodigal Son." Messrs. A. B. and J. L. Hall supplemented the proposition by offering to pay the expense of making the opening for the window and put- ting it in position, and at a meeting of the society held on Monday evening last the prop- osition was accepted. Some months, at least, must elapse before the window is com- pleted. -To-morrow, 3d inst., will be very gener- ally observed in this vicinity in honor of the Fourth. Estey & Co.'s shops will be closed during the day, the stores about town will be generally closed after 12 o'clock noon, and the post office will observe its usual holiday hours, being open only from 8 to 12 A. M., and from 5 to 7 P. M. The bailiffs will con- fine the firing of squibs and the blowing of horns by the boys strictly to to-morrow morn- ing. Special police will be put on for the oc- casion, and we are authorized to positively state that any boy or other person who at- tempts any demonstration of the kind after to-morrow night, or during the day Monday, will be summarily dealt with. We are also requested to remind all persons of the neces- sity of observing unusual précautions against fires, as in the present terrible drouth, every- thing, including even the grass on lawns, is like tinder, and a little carelessness may be productive of the most disastrous results. In order to accommodate the business of the savings banks, all the banks will be open to- morrow and will close on Monday, as will be the case with all city banks. -There was rather more than an average attendance (for this year) of voters at the Re- publican caucus held last Saturday evening to elect delegates to the county convention. Capt. R. W. Clarke was made chairman and O. L. French secretary. After the organiza- tion Col. Hooker addressed the meeting, say- ing that, ever since he received a handsome complimentary vote in the county conven- tion of two years ago it had been understood that Col. L. K. Fuller would be candidate for State Senator this year, and his friends were anxious to elect a delegation to the county convention who would support him for that office. He moved, therefore, that the dele- gation to be elected be requested (not in- structed) to support Col. Fuller in the con- vention for State Senator. This motion was carried. Col. Hooker then said that as the shortest way to get at the business he had prepared a list of 21 names of delegates which he desired to submit for the consideration of the meeting, this list to be subject to any change or criticism which might be suggested by any person. This list was as follows: J. M. Tyler, B. D. Harris, K. Haskins, Geo. Howe, Edward Crosby, F. Goodhue, W. W. Lynde, J. G. Eddy, A. Starkey, D. Eddy, jr., T. J. B. Cudworth, E. W. Stoddard, E. P. White, E. Cook, D. F. Brackett, J. H. Hol- den, R. E. Gordon, O. L. French, C. B. Dickinson, Geo. E. Selleck, G. W. Hooker. No opposition being made, the gentlemen named were formally placed in nomination and duly elected delegates. Wm. S. Newton, C. B. Fairbanks and H. E. Taylor were chosen Republican town committee for the ensuing two years. Mr. Fairbanks declining to serve, J. H. Wright was elected in his place. The meeting then adjourned. Va- cancies were filled by the delegation by the choice of R. W. Clarke in place of F. Good- hue and F. A. Whitney in place of Edward Crosby. # THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK AFFAIRS-NO NEW DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK. -There is nothing which is new, or which gives any additional information about the af- fairs of the First National bank. The receiver is busily at work and, as fast as is possible, is getting at the bottom of things. With every- thing in a state of absolute chaos, however, and with not a single balance or account on the books correct, as is actually the case, the work of touching bottom is not an easy one, and it is more than probable that it will nev- er be fully accomplished. Enough is already known, however, to convince Mr. Price that there has been no capital in the bank for at least five years past. Such being the case, it becomes more easy to understand where all the money has gone to, as semi-annual divi- dends of from $9,000 to $12,000 have been regularly paid. It is evident that Mr. Waite's straits were rapidly growing more serious, and that a climax must in any case have been reached within the next six months. Of money borrowed on worthless paper there is to be added a block of $20,000 at the North Bennington National bank, and rumor men- tions one of $25,000 in a place not in this State, as security for which First National stock was deposited. These two sums, add- ed to those mentioned last week, bring late or existing loans of this character up to from $80,000 to $90,000. This money was un- doubtedly used to pay maturing loans in oth- er places, Waite's operations having for years been a regular robbing of Peter to pay Paul. There is no question but he drew and used the $10,000 life insurance belonging to his sisters. It is a matter, however, for further decision as to who finally loses the money. Some further special deposits of bonds which have disappeared, have come to light, as have also some interest-bearing deposits in small amounts, which do not appear on the books. It now comes to the memory of per- sons more or less familiar with Mr. Waite's affairs that he furnished the financial bottom for the Burdett organ works which were de- stroyed in the Chicago fire, and by this means the disappearance of a large sum of money is accounted for. # LAST WEEK'S HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS. PROGRAMME. Wednesday Afternoon-English Grammar. Thursday Morning-U. S. History. Philosophy. Latin Grammar. Cæsar. Virgil. Thursday Afternoon-Arithmetic. Spelling. French. Friday Morning-Algebra. Trigonometry. The examinations commenced with a bril- liant recitation of Miss Howe's English Gram- mar class. It is gratifying to note that not only the work in this important branch was much more practical than in years past, but that the tendency of the school is continual- ly growing more suited to the needs of ear- nest every day life.

11. August 12, 1880 Litchfield Enquirer Litchfield, CT
Article from Litchfield Enquirer, August 12, 1880

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The Litchfield Enquirer, LITCHFIELD, CONN. Thursday, Aug. 12, 1880. The wheat reports continue excellent. Mr. Gladstone's health is very much im. proved. The Vermont Democratic outrage turns out a boar." There was not even a shred of truth to base it upon. Prof. Mommsen the sixth volume of this history of Rome burnt with his library. It was just ready for the press. The Buffalo Presbytery have suspended Rev. E. P. Adams for denying the doctrine of eternal punishment. Tramps multiply on us again. They pretend to mend umbrellas, grind hand-organs, or otherwise impose on the public. Dwight Marcy, Speaker of the House of Representatives, is proposed by the Republicans of Tolland county as a successor to Gen. Hawley in the national House of Representatives. Early rising is said to be the fashion now with Parisian ladies. We hope the American belles who are so ready to copy Paris for the worse, will not forget to imitate her in this instance for the better. To complicate things still further, there is an -Masouic candidate for the presidency. Gen. John W. Phelps, of Brattleboro, Vt., is the man, and he firmly announces that all the political corruption in the country is due to Masonry. The latest census reports put the total pop. ulation of the country at a little over fortynine millions. New York has the largest population of any state; Pennsylvania ranks next and the third place is contested by Ohio and Illinois. Republican bull-dozers have been breaking up a temperance convention at Augusta. Me. A similar performance by Democrats at Augusta, Ga, would have been very loudly censured in Republican journals, The overwhelming success of moderate republicanism in the French local elections of the 1st inst,, is a very reassuring symptom. The rural voter in France has no notions favoring another social upset. That of 1789 gave him his little farm, and he is satisfied, Southern census reports, 80 far as published, do not bear out the notion that the next appointment of the members of Congress will largely reduce the political strength of that section. The rate of gain there, 80 far, is twenty-five per cent, fully equal to that of the North as a whole. A Hartford inventor has nearly finished a road carriage, to be propelled by compressed air. The compact machinery is under the rear axle, a reservoit holds enough air for a run of many miles, and the steering 18 simply done. Ex. How completely such an invention would revolutionize the livery business! The Springfield Republican suggests that Gen. Grant makes a great blunder in accepting the presidency of any mining company. The chances of failure greatly exceed the chances of success, and the failure of any such enterprise is almost sure to be followed by injury to, if not loss of, reputation. Congressman Tyler, a director in the broken First National Bank of Brattleboro, Vt., has been havinga rather anxious session with the stockholders of that very unhealthy fi nancial concern. His defence is the poor old defence of abused confidence, followed by ig. norance and inattention. Great Britain supports a general for each 222 of her other soldiers. Mighty few of this regiment of generals, however, is worth any thing for active operations. In au army which has seen little serious fighting for twenty. five years, the men who are fit to lead large commands are very hard to find. The attempt to reconcile the Democratic readjusters and debt-payers of Virginia has failed, and now the war is to be fought to the knife. Northern Republicans would naturally sympathize with those who favor an honest payment of the State debt, but Virginia Republicans combine with the readjusters, an alliance that seems more politic than holy. There was a great serenade to Garfield at New York on Friday evening. Addresses were made by Messrs. Garfield and Arthur, Gen. Logan, and others. Among those pres. ent from Connecticut were Marshall Jewell, Frederick Miles, Sabin M. Sayles, N. T. Sper ry, Albert S. Bolles and Joseph Selden. Boston proposes to have a grand celebration at the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the city. One of their plans is to invite both candidates for the presidency and have them ride in the same barouche in the procession. There has been a serious fall from the path of rectitude on the part of a distinguished Methodist preacher-the Rev. Philip Krohn D. D., pastor of a church in West Troy. He is involved in a financial scandal connected with the loss of certain bonds and obtaining money from a friend on misrepresentation. The Spanish right of search of vessels is based on an old treaty of 1795 which provides that either nation shall be allowed that privi lege in case of war or insurrection. Thi

12. August 13, 1880 The Interior Journal Stanford, KY
Article from The Interior Journal, August 13, 1880

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NOTES OF CURRENT EVENTS Cotton-picking has begun at R lively rate in Southern Texas. - Pietro Balbo, the Italian wife-murderer, was hanged in New York last Friday. - There were forty three deaths from yellow fever at Havana during the last week. -The first bale of new cotton sold at Columbus, Ga, brought thirteen cents per pound. It is estimated it will take three years to complete the work of compiling the census. -It is thought that the total population of the United States will not be far from 49,000,000. The counties of Cherokee. Graham, Swain, Jackson and Macon, N.C., contain 1,109 Indians. - A metropolitan elevated railroad company has been organized in Chicago. Capital $5,000,000. The third semi-annual session of the Blue-grass Temperance Convention will be held at Georgetown on the 17th inst. The laying of the additional stone in the work of completing the unfinished Washington Monument was commenced Saturday. - A lady in Glasgow, Ky., has taken premiums to the amount of $766 on silk quilts, and has silverware to that amount to show for them. - Thomas Jackson, a beardless youth of sixteen years, in Monroe county, Ky., married a Miss White when she was three days less than eleven years old. -Hon. Jerry Lillard has withdrawn from the race against Joe Blackburn, leaving the track clear for him to be re-elected to Congress by 7,000 or 8,000 majority. John H. Milliken has sold the Franklin Patriot to S. M. Griffin, of Springfield, Tenn. The new management will take charge of the office on the 1st of September. The Catholics and Orangeme n of Toronto, about 600 in number, engaged in a street fight on Friday night. The police dispersed the rioters, after considerable execution, with their clubs. The disbursing officers of the Department of the Interior are now prepar* ing the checks to cover the pay of the Census Enumerators. The entire force will be paid off within eight or ten days. - Here's warning to you, young men: Charles Shamrock, a young lad of Elko hart, Ind., is lying at death's door, from the effects of a poisoned watermelon, which 8 he hooked out of a patch near town. I Minnie Seebach, a Louisville girl of twenty years, it isclaimed, has lived fortyb four days without food, and is still fasting. She lies in bed in a semi-conscions state, with mouth wide open. She has not spoken a word for two weeks. - The Louisville & Nashville Railroad b has closed contracts with the Cambria and a Edgar Thomson Rail Companies for 12,Il 000 tons of steel rails, to be delivered in a 1881. This is one of the most extensive 81 rail contracts made in the United States this year. a h James H. Arnold, who killed Robert e E. Little in Richmond last December, was si taken to Nicholasville last Monday, where b his trial will commence next Tuesday. b One hundred witnesses have been summonsi ed in the for the prosecution and 55 for the defense. The Receiver of the First National Bank, Brattleboro, Vt., ruined by Treaso urer Waite, has made assessments of $25 e per share. The full amount of the liabilities, it is believed, will reach $110,000 P outside of the capital stock. Waite's e whereabouts are unknown. g -Miles Crawford, charged with being one of the conspirators who murdered Judge Burnett in Breathitt county, Ky., has been arrested in Franklin county, It Ark., upon a requisition from the GovernRI or of this State. Crawford was married in . Arkansas last spring, and his wife was greatly affected at the news, and his fathΓ. er-in-law refused to speak to him. a A man calling himself James Guess e went to the warehouse of D. D. Laudeman d and sold him his crop of 1,000 bushels of wheat, 1,400 bushels of oats, 1,000 bushels # of corn and 400 bushels of flax seed, and in wanted $50 in advance. Mr. Laudeman tl thinking all was not right, got the Sheriff la and watched him. He was paid the $50 and was making for the train for LouisN ville when arrested, as there is no such di man, or farm, or crop.-[Lexington Press. R -Gen. Win. O. Butler died at Carrollw ton, Kentucky, Friday at the age of 93. e He was an officer of the regular army in 1812, and participated in the battle of P New Orleans. He served in Congress sevfo eral years, was General-in-Chief of the el United States Army in Mexico, and was of the candidate for Vice President on the be ticket with General Cass. His last appearne ance in public life was as a member of the st Washington Peace Convention at the beW ginning of the war. th At noon on Saturday Dr. Tanner successfully completed his forty-days fast. m Immediately, against the advice of physiSe cians, he began eating peaches and waterR. melon, of which he partook quite freely. far During the afternoon and evening he also E ate three apples and a pound of beefsteak, be and drank considerable quantities of milk a and wine. He claimed to experience no of ill-effects from the food, and was in the in fenirits. When he broke his fast he

13. August 13, 1880 Burlington Weekly Free Press Burlington, VT
Article from Burlington Weekly Free Press, August 13, 1880

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THE BRATTLEBORO BANK-STOOKHOLDERS TO BE ASSESSED TO MAKE UP WAITE'S DEFALCATION -The comptroller of currency has levied an assessment upon the stockholders of the First National Bank of Brattleboro, of $25 a share, payable at the office of the receiver immediately. A number of the stockholders will be unable to meet this assessment, having lost all with the wiping out of this stock. It is the impression of Receiver Price that but one assessment can be legally levied, unless new liabilities are found. The amount of the liabilities is yet unknown, but they will probably reach at least $110,000, not including the capital stock. Nothing is known of Waite's whereabouts. His son has gone to Colorado, where, it is said, he has purchased, by the help of relatives, a large ranche.

14. September 8, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, September 8, 1880

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DIMINISHED VOTE IN brattleboro. Brattleboro, Vt., Sept. 7.-Notwithstanding the hard campaign work, the returns show that 300 less votes were polled than were on a check list, and the Republican majority falls off six from four years ago, Farnham receiving 946, Phelps 290, a gain of twenty-one for the Republicans and twenty-six for the Democrats. Tyler, candidate for Congress from the Ild District, and a director of the ruined First National Bank. received 651 votes as against upwards of 900 in 1876. Tyler's vote in the country IS materially increased over two years ago, though he runs behind his ticket in every town.

15. September 23, 1880 The Cheyenne Daily Leader Cheyenne, WY
Article from The Cheyenne Daily Leader, September 23, 1880

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8 BRIEF TELEGRAMN. New York: Donald McKay. the well known ship builder is dead. e Denver: Hon. Emery A. Storrs arrived here last hight and will make a speech to-night. St. Louis: The republicans of the second congressional district nominated ) M. A. Rosenblatt. Cincinnati: Only $50,000 more to raise for the art museum fund, which now amounts to $250,000. Milwaukee: The democrats of the $ second district nominated J. C. Gregory, of Madison, for congress. Norristown, N.J.: The democrats of the fifth congressional district nominated Augustus W. Cutler for congress. Montgomery, Ala.: The republicans of the seventh district nominated exState Treasurer Arthur Bingham for congress. Denver: At Las Vegas this afternoon Samuel Matthews, while under the influence of liquor,killed his girl and committed suicide. No cause is assigned. Washington: The first order for silver certificates, based on gold deposit in New York, was received by the United States treasurer to-day. It was for $25,000. Memphis: The city is jubilant, and having a grand holiday to celebrate its continued good health. Many people from the outside, including the governor and other notables, were present. Shurburn, N. Y.: Whalen's brick block, Medbury's hotel, Congregational church, C. H. Reynold's grocery, and half a dozen other minor buildings, were burned to-day. Loss $30,000; insured for $26,000. Brattleboro: The telegram announcing the arrest at Omaha of the defaulter, S. M. Waite, late president of the First national bank of this place, e created an excitement only equalled by the first news of his defaulcation and flight last June. Wm. E. Waite, son of the defaulter, said to-night: "If father is brought back here others will have to be punished for complicity.

16. September 24, 1880 Vermont Phœnix Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Ludlow, VT
Article from Vermont Phœnix, September 24, 1880

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AND RECORD AND FARMER. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1880. WINDHAM COU telling him they would, he said he wished he ranks and surmise, and much of this has been telehad run. The officers waited for two hours September To if mended graphed to the city press. All of this is gosARREST OF SILAS M. WAITE. at the house, after the arrest, for the return of election Fayette W. Knapp vs. sip and conjecture, however, and would better an action on the case to of the Buck family when they returned, have been left unsaid. It is announced that Maine. account of injuries recei Waite was allowed an interview with his He is Apprehended at Omaha, Neb., W. E. Waite, son of the criminal, denies that insufficiency of a highw and Brought Home for Trial. sister-in-law. They then went to a hotel, and Survives he has seen his father since his flight, or the plaintiff tended to si left for the East at 4 P. M. the same afternoon. known anything of his operations. It is also ing of October 19, 1878, The Work of the Detectives. the for A very surprising and suspicious developsaid that he affirms that his (young Waite's) his horse and buggy thro ment which Mr. Shields unearthed at Omaha in in the village of Willian heresy recent alleged purchase of a cattle ranch was forward wheels of his by is the fact that for a year and a half past Mr. of sections bona fide, and was accomplished by the aid of THE FULL PARTICULARS OF HIS CAPTURE AND end of the pole to a la Buck has been receiving large sums of monof these his uncle, Truman Buck. The belief among THE MEASURES WHICH LED TO IT. throwing plaintiff out up the sucey from the East. This money amounts in by our people, however, that young Waite has ducing a partial dislocati The fact of the arrest of Silas M. Waite, all to $200,000 been invested in railrebeen in communication with his father, and specie otherwise injuring him. the fugitive president and cashier of the First road sceurities and county bonds. These seThose has seen him on both of his trips to the west, wagon, owned by the tea National bank, first became known in this curities now lie in the First National bank of imdecided stood partly in the higl is fixed and unshaken. With regard to the been suffered to remair village. on Wednesday morning, when the a such Omaha, in Mr. Buck's name. About home large sums of money said to have been sent weeks. That children f news was contained in a brief press dispatch Mr. Buck is reputed to be worth only some of west to Waite, we have now no reliable inforprice the pole, turning it one published in the Rutland Herald. The $15,000 to $20,000. When Mr. Shields inmortgages. mation, beyond the fact that the sum of $2000 and sometimes leaving i Springfield and Boston papers of that mornformed the Omaha bank officials of Waite's cirmoney has recently been raised on the homestead in over a portion of the ing had despatches the same in substance as crimes, and of the facts which he had ascerno are highway. That on this this illage by mortgage. that contained in the Herald, but no particuturned, and, being a v tained, they replied that that accounted for those who Mr. Waite returns as a criminal under the lars of the arrest were known until the arrival plaintiff could not see th the large sums of money which Buck had men United States laws, and will undoubtedly be cent., to avoid running into it, of the New York Times by the White Mounto been receiving. Mr. Buck is a manof Southtried in the United States courts. It is undercanpay plenty of room beyond, tain express in the afternoon. The first deern birth and of intense rebel sympathies. Constood, however, that the grand jury at the wide. That plaintiff w tailed intelligence of Waite's arrest appears In 1875 to 1878 he was deputy county treasthe mbraced from labor for two or th present term of our Windham county court to have been given to the public through a urer at Omaha and ran for the office of treasarm was still partially were found indictments against him under our they special dispatch to the Times on Tuesday dence of defendant tend urer in 1879, but was defeated on account of State laws. see that the night. This dispatch was as follows : freight wagon stood who be to the his political proclivities. The question is repeatedly asked, "Of what its of the travelled part OMAHA, Sept. 21.-A decided sensation was the Last year Mrs. Buck bought a fine building crime has Waite been guilty under the United during plaintiff was not in the created in Omaha to-day by the arrest of Silas realized lot in Omaha and the present year has erectStates laws, and what is the provision for his care, in that he was trott M. Waite, the absconding president of the than Demoed 11 large and well-appointed house on itFirst National Bank of Brattleboro, Vt., suffered it to diverge ou punishment The answer to this inquiry is whose defalcation amounts to $450,000. He rural and grass part of the hi secfound in the 5209th section of the U. S. rethe whole cost of the place being about $19,was arrested at the house of his brother-ining into the travelled po in vised statutes 1878 000. The money to pay for this place was ran against the pole law, Truman Buck, a well known and reinto that furnished by Waite. He (Waite) alleges that Every officer or director [of a national bank] thrown out, and thereby spected citizen, the arrest being made by W. who embezzles, abstracts or wilfully misapplies this money was a sum given Mrs. Buck by harped was tried one year ago, H. Llewelyn and W. H. Shields, special any money of the bank, or without authority classes. her sister, Miss Eager, just before or soon afagents of the Department of Justice, assisted toagree. Verdict for tl issues or puts into circulation notes, bills of banks ter her recent marriage. It was at this new damages. S. T. Daven by Charles Sweezy, of the Omaha Post Office. exchange or certificates of deposit, or makes At the time of the arrest Mr. Buck and his Haskins for plaintiff I house that Waite was arrested. held was false entries in the books, reports, or statethe defendant. family were away from home attending the from the ments with intent to defraud or deceive the Last Friday W. E. Waite sent a dispatch to State Fair. The house was surrounded, Warren R. Hildreth In officers of the association, and every one who brief, his father from Northampton, Mass., saying, when Waite ran into the cellar and tried to apt. This was an action aids in so doing, shall be guilty of a misdethe "I will send $2000 by express to-morrow. country make his escape through a back door. When of a sleigh. The evid meanor and shall be imprisoned for not less which caught he threatened to commit suicide, and Nothing new from New York." many tended to show that he than five nor more than ten years. precautions were taken to prevent any such led are to On his way East Waite has maintained in question of one Dexte Under this provision, it will be seen, sevedeed. He was taken to jail to await further and caused the same to were offered much of his old-time nonchalance, except action. It is said that during the last three ral different indictments, or counts, against in the charge and posse lead that at times he has talked about suicide and many months he has made occasional visits to the Waite may be found. cutt, since deceased. I are paid has appeared greatly depressed on account of city, always stopping at his brother-in-law's E. A. Plimpton sued ou The following despatch was sent to Mr. is business house. When he fled from Brattleboro in his family. He said his purpose was to ester Wait and placed it it Price at this place last Tuesday June last, it was generally supposed he had of tablish a home for them in the West, and fendant as constable of every OMAHA, Sept. -Grain shipment, twentygone to Europe, but in time it was discover. then he cared not what became of himself. tached said sleigh the one, twelve six, thirteen twenty-three started. ed that he was still in this country, and the sold it on execution. He thought in that wild country he should be WM. H. SHIELD. Government took hold of the case. He was worth $65. The defer eans safe from discovery. When he took his famtraced by way of Duluth to the Winnepeg To the ordinary reader this dispatch has no his process, and also ily to their ranche he intended to absent himcountry, thence to Wyoming, where he inspecial significance. To Mr. Price it meant tending to show that s have town tended to stock a ranch. He had already be. self for some time, until an officer had had an "We have found Waite." Mr. Price was in only about $35. And a its telling gun to carry out his project. It is suspected had not been a sufficier opportunity to visit the place and find that he New York at the time this dispatch came, and its with low that during the past eight or nine years he ion of the sleigh, but th was not thera. it was forwarded to him there. week. has invested his money in Nebraska or elseplaintiff was entitled to He freely admits that he took the money where, having sent money here quite freof them, question submitted was quently. The officers who arrested him claim from the bank, but professes a determination interest. WAITE'S ARRIVAL. give that quite a large sum was telegraphed to to make a stout fight against conviction, on Verdict for plaintiff s information, him here from New York a few days and He is Brought to Brattleboro by the man for plaintiff. Dave the ground that he has never applied a dollar evithat it is now here and can be recovered. angible Detectives this, Friday. Morning, and fendant. of the money to his own benefit. How this in Carried Direct to Newfane. and down, State Some further particulars are contained in plea can avail him, it is not easy to see. He which $100 the Springfield Republican's special Omaha The following indictr DETECTIVE SHIELDS' STORY OF WAITE'S WANsays that the first money he took was $25,000, months. dispatch published on Thursday morning: the Grand Jury which he gave his brother to establish a coalDERINGS-WHAT HE DISCOVERED AT OMAHA We OMAHA, Sept. 22.-The arrest of Silas M. say. State vs. Arthur J. B yard in Chicago, from which he expected a MYSTERIOUS $200,000. definite Waite was made Tuesday morning by W. H. in State VS. Edgar C. return of 15 per cent. per annum. The great Shields of New York and W. H. H. Llewellyn S. M. Waite was brought to Brattleboro this, knowingly receiving sto accompanied of Omaha, special agents of the department fire wiped this out, however, and the investState VS. Milton Wa other Friday, morning, by the 10:30 train, in charge person, of justice. Shields arrived here Friday, and ment was a total loss. He also claims to have ceiving stolen goods. of detectives L. A. Newcome and W. H. or refers, on Sunday Waite was positively located at the State VS. Chas. N. D. furnished the money for the Burdett organ or Shields. In order to avoid the expected nowledge, house of Truman Buck, his brother-in-law, receiving stolen goods. works, and to have sunk the whole half millof the crowd at the station, the train was stopped, where he has been for several weeks past. State VS. S. Cotton W ion in ways similar to these. He professes to Great care was taken not to flush the game. has ever by order of the Central Vermont officials, at second offence. Bail $ Tuesday morning a fugitive warrant was obhave taken only $800 away with him. In his State VS. Edson E. the Brooks farm crossing, a mile below the a us to tained, and Buck and family having gone to second offence. Bail $ personal appearance he is not changed, exvillage, and Waite and the officers there left item copthe State fair, the officers, with Charles State vs. Sarah Hart, cept that he wears no glasses and has his hair the the train and took carriages in waiting for furnish Swesy, went to the house, posting the latter State VS. Chas. Cleve cut and face shaved, as stated above. He rethem under direction of Receiver Price. The brand at the rear and going in at the front door, in State VS. Frederick St fuses absolutely to talk with any interviewer spite of the servants' resistance. Waite fled and carriages drove by a round-a-bout way up boor, tery. or reporter. all through the house, down cellar and out State vs. Burton Stree who will through the village, avoiding Main street, the back way, where he was seen by Swesy. State VS. Frank Mont Gen. W. W. Henry of Burlington, U. S. and, by Waite's request, went to his residence, a personal He was followed close by Shields and LlewelState vs. Frederick Jo Marshal, and Gen. J. S. Peck. Assistant Diswhere he was allowed a short interview with drubbing lyn, but he locked the doors on them. He State vs. John Man trict Attorney, came to Brattleboro Thursday man then ran around the house to the front and his family. The party then left immediately young Verdict $50 and costs, $ P. M., ready to receive the prisoner, in their into the arms of Llewellyn. Shields said, the evfor Fayetteville, where it is expected that the State VS. Geo. F. W official capacity. "Silas M. Waite, arrest you." Waite threw second offence. Bail $ wear the prisoner will be turned over by the United his hands to his forehead and exclaimed, The detectives have, in the best sense, State VS. Chas. Sull States officers to our Windham county officers "Oh, God, my poor babies!" He made no Fined $80 and costs, $1 made a clean and workmanlike job of their to be dealt with by our State courts. resistance, but asked the officers if they would State vs. Henry H. part in this case. Railroad have shot him if he had run, and said he second offence. Bail $ It is unnecessary to say that the credit for wished he had run if they would. He desired State VS. Henry Stoc Detective Shields's Story. to be allowed to commit suicide and said the the institution of the proceedings which have Fined $50 and costs, $ Hampshire From an interview with Mr. Wm. H. great mistake of his life was that he had not resulted in Waite's return to justice is due to State vs. Jesse T. We N. H., alpole, Shields, the detective who has so successfully killed himself. Search revealed nothing but uor. Fined $50 and co Receiver Price, whose whole course in rea Jusby a watch, pocket-knife, etc. He kept the State VS. Frank E. worked up this case, we learn the whole stogard to the bank's affairs has been marked provisions watch, saying he would give it to his wife. Fined $80 and costs, $ ry of Waite's wanderings, of his discovery by the greatest wisdom, prudence and effiThe call He afterward became more cool, but talked State vs. Henry C. w and arrest, and of certain very suggestive deciency. Gov suicide to the last. He said he would plead of second offence.

17. May 21, 1885 St. Johnsbury Caledonian Saint Johnsbury, VT
Article from St. Johnsbury Caledonian, May 21, 1885

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Governor Pingree has recently appointed as justices of the peace: R. S. Hazard of St. Albans, vice Prosper Mitchell, resigned; Jonathan C. Gallup of Northfield, vice J. K. Egerton, resigned, and George W. Bickford of Woodford, vice John Harbour, resigned. Three new G. A. R. posts have been organized since the last annual state encampment, held at Rutland in February. These are the F. V. Randall No. 84 of Danville, the Abraham Lincoln No. 85 of Hartford, and a post just organized at Essex Junction. A charter has also been applied for by Grafton. Gov. Pingree has appointed Hon. William Rounds of Chester assistant judge of the Windsor county court, vice Hon. Wm. M. Pingry deceased. He was railroad commissioner in 1868 and 1869 and judge of probate for the Windsor district ten years from 1868, when he refused to serve longer. This is from the Washington correspondence of the New York Tribune: "Senator Edmunds has accepted plans for the construction of his new house at Massachusetts avenue and Twenty-first street. It is to be plain and substantial—no foolish Queen Anne notions about it—as befits the dignity of the Vermont statesman." The Vermont Baptist Sunday school convention will be held June 3d and 4th at Poultney. Dr. C. R. Blackall of Philadelphia, a prominent Sunday school worker in the denomination, will conduct the convention and deliver several addresses. The contract for the bridge across Lake Champlain, from North Hero to Alburgh, has been awarded to the R. F. Hawkins' iron works of Springfield, Mass., for a little less than $40,000. This will be the first iron bridge across Lake Champlain, the finest in the state of Vermont, and one of the finest in New England. Brattleboro furnishes six orators for Memorial day this year: J. M. Tyler at Northfield, Mass., J. L. Martin at Fairhaven, Col. Haskins at Brandon, Col. Hooker at West Randolph, Col. Fuller at Rochester, and Rev. E. W. Whitney at Bernardston, Mass. Preparations are being made for the payment of a dividend of 45 per cent. to those stockholders of the ruined First National bank of Brattleboro, who paid the assessment of 25 per cent. levied by the receiver soon after the failure of the bank to pay the creditors. This is the first dividend to be paid the stockholders and it will amount to nearly one-half of the assessment collected.

18. January 31, 1886 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, January 31, 1886

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MR. GARLAND'S MISTAKE. TRYING TO RELEASE A BANK DEFAULTER. A PARDON THAT WAS ANNOUNCED, BUT NOT GRANTED. BOSTON, Jan. 30 (Special).-Considerableex eitement was caused in Vermont to-day by dispatenes from Washington stating that the President had par doned Silas M. Walte who wrecked the First National Bank of Battleboro in the summer of 1879. The news seemed authentic for is note in the Attorney-General's handwriting was sent to Congressman Grouths follows: 'The President several days ago pardoned Mr. Waite, I think about the time of this letter. Very truly yours." This was signed A. 11. Garland. This was in response to an earnest protest against the pardon of Waite made by the Vermout delegation. This afternoon the news of the parton is contradicted. The Journal correspondent telegraphed as follows: There seems to be something the matter at the Department of Justice. The mind of the Attorney-General appears to be preoccupied. The clerks at the White House this morning again carefully searched the register of pardons, as they did last night at midnight and could find no trace of any record of the pardon of Silas M. Waite. The pardon clerk at the Department of Justice, 100, searched 118 record and found nothing to indicate that a pardon had been granted. The Attorney-General was found and asked directly as to the correctness of the statement made in the letter from himself to Congressmun Grout last night and the Attorney-General said that the letter was correct and that the pardon had been granted. His attention was then called to the fact that the officers in charge of pardons at the White House and in his own department had no record that such a pardon had been granted and that unless the document had been mislaid, there must be a mistake about it. The pardon clerk was then summoned to a conference, when it appeared that the pardon clerk was right and the Attorney-General was wrong. There are on tite petitions for and protests against the pardon." The opposition to Waite's pardon in that part of Vermont most deeply afflicted by his rascality isintense. Waite for many years was the political and financial autocrat of southern Vermont. He was a leader iu local enterprises 111 Brattleboro, a railroad director, bank president, the chief engineer of the fire department, and a man of iron will and indomitable perseverance. For many years he ran the First National Bank for his own benefit and profit. By fictitious notes and falsified accounts, he deceived the bank examiner and the bank's directors as to its true condition until compelled to flee by impending disaster. The depositors awoke one morning in the summer of 1879 to find the bank broken and the president gone. Waite was arrested on a ranche in No. braska and brought back to Vermont for trial. He was indicted by the United States Grand Jury for violation of the national banking laws. After repeated delays one of the cases charging him with making false returns to the Government came to trial before Judge Wheeler, in the United States District Court which sat at Windsor in June, 1881. Waite was defended by E.J. Phelps, the present Minister to England. The jury found Watte guitty, and Judge Wheeler sentenced him to twenty four years' imprisonment in the House of Correction at Rutland. lie has had a pleasant room at the House of Correction and has rared well in his prison home. He has occupied a good portion of his time 111 preparing a statement showing that instead of owing the bank anything. the concern owes him $100,000. The depositers, however, fail to appreciate this monetary joke and are severe in their dentificiation of the efforts making for his pardon. Waite has persistently fought every effort for a settlement of his own estate and that of the wrecked bank. He incurred a heavy expense toward the last part of his career in Bratdleboro in the prosecution of the BurdetteEstey organ suit. in which he was finally defeated. His speciliations swamped the bank, and when the vault was opened after his flight only a small amount of cash was discovered. Receiver Price has succeded in realizing little from the asseta of the bank aside from the amount obtained by assessment of the tockholders. The Brattleboro Phanix professes to reflect public sentiment concerning Watte's pardon when it says that he not only wrecked a bank under such methods of arrogant cold-blooded villany as no similar criminal has ever surpassed; but what 18 worse than this, ever since he was brought back from his cowardly light, he has maintained an attitude of ugly defiance toward those he so cruelly wronged. and has never shown the slightest sign of compunction for his crines.