Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-11-03
The Late Hon. G. w. b

pen of E Marvin Smalley, Esq, VINO Is oh' VI '
editors OF that journal.l
The Late Hon. G. W. Benedict
The many former pupils Of this venerable IN
structor (teacher of men &c well as youtn J. "no
are scattered broadcast throughout the = "es,
even as far as it extends, will be panied at tne
announcement Of his death. To be his pupil
was to become his friend. Prof Benedict was
for % years connected with the University OF
Vermont in one or other Of its chairs; for the
extent of his requirements fitted him to fill al
most any of them, with credit to himself and
the college, and with the utmost satisfaction to
his fellows and pupils.
At about the time of the development Of Prof
Morse's system of telegrsphy Tin which Prof
Benedict took, from the outset, the deepest in
terest), feeling that he was getting little worn
and weary Of teaching, and that his health de-
mauded more active pursuits, Prot q. resigned
his position in the =" U. V. NJ" and for some
years devoted himself almost exclusively to in
PRODUCING the telegraph throughout Eastern New
England. and particularly Northern Vermont
AT about the same time railway projects were
sgitsted in Vermont, and to their prosecution
with foresight and sagscity hardly to be looked
for in 8 man of his profession, which was
thought to beget rather narrow, conservative
views-he gave his entire and powerful intiu-
ence, and with happy results. In the latter part
/ Of 1852, the Burlington Free Press Ia long es-
tablishel " old-lne Wing paper) being in the
market, he bought a controlling interest IN II
and seated himself although pretty well along in
life upon the editorial tripod, with all the self
confdence-rsther the self-reliance-whic con-
scious strength gives TO a nan Of such never
tagging energies as his were
Ii is well recognized rule among journalists,
that it is dangerous for a man to embark his for
tune in newspaper enterprises, who has not been
thoroughly trained in all the details Of journal
ism. Mere learning, or a facile, fluent style Of
writing are not enough to insure success. Prof
| B. proved however, sgn&l and happy excep-
ton to the rule. BY the vigor Of his writings,
the logic Of his relsonings and his spotess IL
tezrity, always undoubted and unquestioned
even in politics, be at once put the Free Press
up to the high place il has ever since occupied
as one Of the leading authoritative journals Of
Vermont, and we may say Of New England
| At the same time be made it (aidei Of course by
his subordiastes) financial success, relieving it
| from an incubus Of odium, owing to a former
acknowledgement, and establishing for it high
/ aud honorable financial status and credit.
His position as conductor Of that journal
rather forced him 10 accept the Office Of St.te
| SenAtor in the troublesome, turbulent days OF
{. Know Nothingism, in ls5l-'55. But he
was never an ofhce-seeksr Positions Of that
nature seemed rather irksome TO hIm-not from
any sinking Of responsibility, but rather-be-
| cause he felt that he could WELD more influence
in another position.
Failing health at last admonished Mr.. Bene-
| Dict that he mus, relinquish work and give him
self rest Some four or five years ago, only, he
resigned his active participation in the manage
meut Of his journal, and was succeeded, we be
ieve, by his son, Hon. Geo. G. Benedict. Prof
| B. retired not moment too soon-indeed, II
vas feared that he had already fatally over
wrought himself Careful nursing. and the az
fectionate -attentons Of most devoted children,
however, did much to pro.ong for brief year
or two the life, the sst days Of their beloved ami
/ deseryedly reyered parent
/ Another staunch Old stanlirl-5eArer Of his
/ cause.-The cause Of humanity. Of progress, Of
I intelligent freedom. not to be permitted to be-
/ cone iiceuse-has passed away. He was prom
iueut sm0ug those firmly ret men known As
a." yeaflsmsa Of the old school, who had few
notions Of their own on the subjects Of politics,
religion, morals and manners, and who have
I done 50 much to give Vermont the high-tonel
/ character she teSrs.
NJ Benedict was no: fitted by nature or bis
own inclination To he what is known SIS pop
ular' Professor. or indeed popular with the PEG
I ple-much less with the mob. Nevertheless,
| they who knew him best-especally his old pu-
/ pils-unders .ooi, appreciated, AMI reverenced
| the man for his sterling worth. With notions
I rather inclining 10 ssceticism-or rather TO an
sustere dealing With ones sclf-he had little
( patience with a dull. apaihetic laggird. lie en-
I tert4inei high notions (seyere ones perhaps Tor
most men to follow Of the value, the necessity
I Of EIslig 10 ones calling. II one was stu
dent. be would have him s student, not dull,
[ lazy loitercr For all that, none were more
resliv 10 overlook and forgive youthful esoapates
and thoughtless peccadilloes, provided only the
Z errsut ones stuck well 10 their books, and
passed'' creditably the ordeal OF examination
1 rooms. 4 polished and versatile scholar himself,
4 man Of profound requirements hitdea under
a modest, uuassuming exterior-althoagh be be
trayed the scholar in his every ac.ion-he erect
ei high standard Of excellence 10 set before his
pupils. Most thoroughly did he DO bis duty IN
/ leading them up to II. His fine old face, IA
wav strongly reminding the writer OF the beat
likenesses We see Of Andrew Jacks0n-and whom
in his best characteristics % an unimpeIchsble
integritv and frmness not to he shaken. Prot.
Benedict also resembled. in our eyes at least)-
his strongly marked and " scholarly face, WAS
never more radiant with lsstisfaetion, thsn when
some hart-working, fsvorite pupil hsd hand
somelv acquitted himself on Commencement
Day
Il is tie writer's sad privilege to pay this brief
tribute to the memory Of msn he 50 much res
pectei, although atording butt meagre outline
OF the character Of the deceased.
Honored in bis day and generation; faithful
nall his relations 10 society, having dlled the
measures Of his duties; happy in all his social
relations; with mels si5i c5lscil rect and
conscience void OF offence, well might this old
scholar as be was about to pass avsy on that
Quiet Sabbath morning from the beautiful earth
" scenes in which be had 50 long lived and IA
bored, and which be loved 80 well-well might
he have eilculstei Il have fought good
fight; have finished my course, have kept the
faith l'' !