The Vermont Tribune, Ludlow, Friday, July 19, 1889 South Londonderry 7/19/1889 A report is current that the Postoffice Department at Washington has ordered an investigation of the management of the South Londonderry office. This office has caused considerable trouble during the past four years. It commenced in 1885, when F. M. WOOD was appointed postmaster, vice G. G. SMITH, resigned. This appointment did not satisfy the "bosses" and it is said that by tricky pretensions they secured the removal of WOOD and the appointment of H. W. GODDARD. Mr. GODDARD never took charge of the office, but it passed in the hands of H. P. CHASE, who acted as assistant postmaster, paying GODDARD $100 annually for the use of the office. Soon after the last election CHASE circulated a petition for the appointment and secured the names of a majority of the patrons of the office. Some time ago G. G. SMITH circulated a petition and secured about 90 names with requests from others that their names be removed from CHASE's petition and placed on SMITH's, giving him a majority. Nineteen affidavits were duly sworn and forwarded to the department, charging CHASE with gross mismanagement of the office. But these petitions were ignored and CHASE was appointed. Since then the Londonderry SIFTER has exposed CHASE's mismanagement, and claims that CHASE paid GODDARD the sum of $50 for resigning in his [CHASE's] favor. The SIFTER made these charges four weeks ago and has ever since held it columns open for Mr. CHASE's denial of the charges, but at present he has not availed himself of the opportunity. R. S. WILBUR has sold his jewelry business to J. H. QUIMBY of Wilmington. Allie SHATTUCK is clerking for G. G. SMITH. Arthur HOLDEN has purchased the Hiram STEWART farm, and, report says, will erect a new house thereon. Transcribed by Ruth Barton -- Ruth Barton mrgjb@sover.net Dummerston, VT