Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-05-05
The Representatives Of Vermont II
Congress.


Gen. John W. Phelps of Bmttlebcro
whose honesty of plrp1se nobody questions
but whose capti1us spirit sometimes hiudeu
his influence and usefulness, writes 20 the
Rutland IaaPaaert IL querulous criticism
Of the Vernon, delegation in the National
legislature. lie discovers in them a drift
ing disposition ill-suited to the character Of
Vermont representation. He say
While our soldiers have been foremost Oh a.
most every important field Of battle. and for
quite different purpose than serving partisan
interests or leaders, our Congressional delera
ton have generally been drifting behind. and
hsve represented Delaware OF Ma-yaud. or
tennessee IS vel az they have their Owl S-ate
In evidence Of this IS drifting disposition
Gen Phelps Instances the course Of our Yer
mont delegation in reference 90 san Domin-
60 which he strangely supposes 70 have
been IN support Of annexation It is true
that at the date of Gen. Phelus' cou..puni-
eaton Mr.. M1rrill's great speech OF San
Domingo had not been given 10 the public.
But at no time has the position of tie dele
cation been equivocaI. or indicated any want
OF independence Senator Edmunds early
took distinct ground IN opposition To tn q
treaty Of annexation, and In the debate -r
Nj. Sumner and the re-arrunecment Of the
Senate committees, be took occasion TO rsit-
crate his opposition TO the acquisition o r. SIN
DomIngo Senator Morrill, was one NJ tho
few who were not even willing u $ -5 or-
the commission; and his speech "a orrosi.
ton to annexation, as indepen5 en- IL toneas
1t was exhaustive init facts, las iied large
iy to reputation already oh il The es-i-
nation Of the country. There has been les
occasion for the membc - Of the H5use of
Representative 10 mike spec saes on the
subject but Mr.. Willard, cartainIv. has
b''n an outspoken opponent Of annexation
from first to last.
We know ono great cues lion in regard
to whie1 eaF Vermont repr sentative are
cha-seehfe with indecsion. " ant Of indepen-
sease, or So s-5'ting,' what ever that word
nay indicate. Their position on the Ku-
hlux bill was a prominent and influential
one. The House bill, which with modihca-
ti1ns,l became a law was a destitute for The
bill. drawn. IS was stated az
the time BY Nj WIlarl. and embodyinr
lhe AoEal conclusions of Judge Poland and
himself Mr. Edmunds had charge of the
bill in the senate, and managed it with an
ability which won high praise from friend
and toe. lie was a.lso a member Of the com
nittee of conferences ca the bill, on the part
If the Senate, as Mr. Poland was on the rart
II the House, AID the vote Of Nh smith was
eccrded in fay0y OF the bill. a. il commonly ]
on the right side Of important questions.
t would Dot be in good taste fl- US T. 20 into }
general laudation Of our Vermont repre- Z
ensatIves at Washington. but we NAV say. II
lnce they are attacked in a body. that cur u
state. which mas been wont TO be ably and p
ntiuentially represented in Congress. has not Cd
Dst IL influence Of late. We think it would al
uzzle Gen. Phelps to point out delegation Oh
rom any State that in proportion 70 its nun N
ers excels that Of Vermont, in ability. indie u
endenoe, and purity Of character. We do IL
OF know but We could g further, and cav y
hat ii would be hard TO select five men. SC
epresentins any other State IN Congress. JIG
those standing there is higher than that '-i
the i've who compose the Vermont delega- sc
lnn II