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Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Mar 10, 1855
Page
2
The law imposes damages for deaths caused by railroad negligence and requires immediate notice after serious injuries. It authorizes commissioners to investigate, sets daily penalties for failure to notify, ensures free information to injured or families, and caps actions to six months after the incident. The 1853 act repealed by this statute.
An act establishes a forty four member Providence school committee with ward elections for three, two, and one year terms starting April 1830. Each year wards elect one member for a three year term, city at large elects twenty one year terms, and ex officio members include mayor and council leaders. Current committee serves until April 1855.
The bill calls for postpaid letters under three quarters of an ounce to cost three cents up to three thousand miles and ten cents beyond. Each extra half ounce adds a rate. Prepaid postage applies to mail in the United States with certain exceptions. Drop letters and advertised unpaid letters incur one cent more. Stamp misuse leads to fines. Registration for valuable letters may be required at five cents.
A New York Herald correspondent in Sutton, Canada East, describes a curious secret organization within Canada seeking to sever allegiance to the crown and establish an independent republic. He compares its methods to the Know Nothing movement but notes stronger secrecy and binding pledges with lodges said to be widespread in the eastern townships.
Fragmentary text notes a lodge network extending into nearly every town with a subordinate chapter in the county, hinting at activity in a border region near Vermont.
A Bristol record laments orderliness yet exposes deep shame over Congress conduct. The piece contrasts sober sessions with widespread swearing and party rancor, urging honest leadership, virtue of the people, and reform to restore dignity to the nation.
The town discusses funding half-built church houses, hopes a larger hall follows. The March Supreme Court term opens Tuesday. weather turns pleasant as farmers prepare summer crops. The General Assembly adjourned after seven weeks with many acts. Darby Kelly and James Hicks face murder charges in Boston. no trial date set. Election law changes allow envelope-free voting in some cases and remove two-envelope distribution. Firearm discharge rules tighten. Sunday use restricted to owner land. A Democratic State Convention is set for the 21st in Providence. Whigs have not yet convened. The piece notes looming elections and Sam’s rising influence on party prospects.
The Congress ended its session amid excitement and confusion as members argued over adjourning times. A Senate bill would authorize Custom House construction in several locations, including this town, but no record of action in the House on the last day is noted.
Reports through the 4th indicate quiet conditions on the island as Cuban vessels seen by a British warship have not appeared. Know Nothing gains rise in many towns while New Hampshire voters prepare for a state election amid fears of Democratic defeat. Washington's Birthday celebrations in Canada draw attention as debates on patriotism and prejudice surface.
The California steamers via Nicaragua will change sailings to the 5th and 20th of each month starting April 20, lowering fares to reflect current times. This marks a break up of the weekly service and a return to the old Panama line competition. The Sardinian frigate Des Genys was discharged by the health officer today amid unclear actions toward its passengers, with fifty eight of sixty three claiming political exile. Counterfeit $3 bills from the Commercial Bank of Providence circulate locally, and two women were arrested for trying to pass them.
The Rhode Island General Assembly completes its session with the election of civil and military officers. Ambrose E. Burnside named Major General, Jabez C. Knight Paymaster General, Wingate Hayes Division Inspector, and Nathan F. Dixon Brigadier General. The Houses adjourn without day after adjournment resolutions.
An Italian three decked frigate pierces for fifty four guns with six mounted and 106 officers and crew plus 65 passengers. No conversation allowed aboard and the captain is absent in New York. Passengers are mainly young mechanics held by Austria for liberal acts.
The bill, first vetoed by the President and later approved as an amendment to the Naval Appropriation Bill, would pay Mr. Collins $868,000 annually for six years for carrying the mails. The Arctic must be replaced with a new vessel, and the United States may terminate the arrangement with six months notice.
A Brenton's Reef light ship boat rescued a man named Briggs who had capsized alone off the White Streak near Conanicut shore. He was in the water about an hour before being taken from the bottom of his boat and landed at Castle Hill thoroughly chilled.
A popular clergyman during a sermon joked that if ladies wore bonnets properly with strings tied coughs would be less common. He said he did not intend to be coughed down, in a light aside reported by the New York Courier and Enquirer.
Yesterday morning Rev. Mr. Simmons of the Third Baptist Church presided over a baptism by immersion in Seekonk River near India Point. Twenty four candidates took part including three from one family. A large crowd attended and showed deep reverence for this significant church rite.
Reports from New Bedford Fall River and Maine show Know Nothing candidates winning mayoral and alderman seats. Boston Bath Austin Ronnot Kingston Ulster County towns report KN victories with large margins and celebratory torchlight processions.
Mrs. Julia Freyberger sued Martin Mountjoy for damages claiming liquor sold to her husband, John Freyberger, made him a drunkard and caused loss of time and money. The Noblesville Common Pleas jury returned a verdict of five hundred dollars after hours deliberation.
A Bowery beer cellar keeper held pretended religious services to evade Sunday closing laws. He read a Bible chapter, served beer to attendees, and collected money. Police will intervene to stop the arrangement as a breach of the constitution and public order.
The weekly census of the New York Almere house reports a total population of 2557, up 456 from last year. It notes 416 white adults in February were Americans and 1715 were foreigners.
The Boston Times reports a State Convention of Know Somethings with about 240 delegates meeting in Boston on the 2d. The group, largely seceders from the Know Nothings, left the order over its stance on the slavery question.
Captain Lavender of the brig Elizabeth Ann, bound for Provincetown, reports while fishing last summer on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland he took from a codfish a plain gold lady's finger ring in bright smooth condition not long within the stomach. The bizarre note hints at hidden social status within the sea.
Mr Blake of Worcester has designed a gas cooking device. A trial served thirty people at a cost of $1.75. Scientific and practical men believe the process will prove very valuable.
Dr Taber of Providence has purchased the Vue de l Eau estate and intends to convert it into a water cure establishment. The site is noted as one of New England’s most delightful locations, well suited to such a purpose.
New York papers publish Ostend Conference findings urging a U S purchase of Cuba from Spain for up to 120 million dollars. The administration disagrees with the plan and political commentary follows regarding Soule’s role.
Two café cars derailed in a collision at the Providence depot on May day. The cars overturned slightly injuring no one and causing only minor damage to the vehicles and track.
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