Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-04-13

HONOR TO VI. SOLDIEhs.-Under this head
the Burlington Free Press presents the name OF
Brigader and Brevet Major General Gee. J.
Stannard, for Representative from this District,
in Congress supporting the nomination by ad-
vocating the eminent propriety Of comforting
civil honors and rewards upon the heroes Of the
battle field and urging the personal worth, the
sterling character of our citizen soldier, as de-
serving the distinction. We do not yield to our
friends of the Free Press in admiration for the
services of the hero Of Gettysburg, Coal Harbor,
and Fort Harrison and we also think onr brave
soldiers should have other recompense for their
devotion than fair words that the spirit which
has made Hawley, Governor Of Connecticut,
which would make Burnside, Governor Of Rhode
Island, Geary, Governor OF Pennsylvania. which
sent Banks and Marston to Congress, is worthy
Of imitation. But is Gen. Stannard available for
the proposed pOsition' Does he desire or would
he accept it, Would he abandon his present
position for the comparatively empty honors Of
8 seat in the House Of Representatives We
were under the impression that Gen. Stannsrd
neither wished nor would become & candidate
for political distinction. Butas the Free Press
is almost premature in its suggestion We
shall have time to correct our opinions. il in
error.-Si. .flbdns Messenger.
Almost premature" is not premature
at all, we take it, The Messengers judy
ment on that point is probably " almost "
right. There is no good reason that we
know of why Gen. Stannard S name should
not be brought out now. The question Of
the succession to Mr.. Baxter in this district
is one of considerable interest. 1t has got
to be discussed and the public discussion may
as well begin now as later. Why not? The
people are talking of GENERAL STA>NARD,
very widely and very significantly. They
honor and respect him, and there are good
many thousand of them who only await the
opportunity to vote for him. In such
state of things what is to be gained by ST.
lence?
But our. friends of the Messenger ask
some pertinent questions. a" Is GENERAL
STANHARD available ~ We think he is, de-
eidedly So - Docs he desire it and would
he accept it? p Gen. Stannard is not one
who ever asked for promotion, in any lin.
His aim always has been to do his duty, the
very best way he knew how, and with all his
might, and leave the question of future re-
wards to take care of itself. He will doubt
less rreat this matter in the -ame way. He |
will not attempt to crowd himself on the
peopie of this district but If they see fit to
tender him such a mark of their confidence |
ana esteem, we undertake to say that he will |
accept it. We believe that the
)fics should seek the man, not the man the
,ifice, in all cases. In this case it could not
eek a more worthy recipient, and it is sim
ply because his many friends recognize bis
merits. and will take pleasure in putting
'uch recognition into practical shape, that
lis name is mentioned for the congressional
nomination. As We have already explained.
lis present position in the army is precari-
us and at best but temporary. The desir-
bic positions for a man of his stamp in the
ocular army have already been allotted to
more prominent or more adroit applicants.
{ is for the people of Vermont now to show
hat if the War Department has no place OF
oEor fer such 4 man, they do not forget
oW he has fought and suffered for his coun-
~ and the honor of the little State he loves
, truly.