Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-09-13

IL st. Adams, where Mr.. Barlow has
lived 50 long, and where the yiltiers have
asserted in significant whispers that he sup
ported one or two houses Of ill-iame, and
where his late opponent. Mr.. Sow les, resides,
Mr.. Barlow received 1853 votes, while only
81 were east for Grout. Was ever man
more completely indicated by his personal
acquaintance ?-LamoiHe Mars.
The nearly unanimous support which Mr..
Barlow secured in his own town Is so per-
severingy insisted on as a complete refuta-
ton Of everything brought against him, his
own words and acts not excepted that it may
be worth while to inquire whether personal
popularity among a mans townspeople and
associates is necessarily proof positive Of hi
stainless character. Jim Fisk was extremely
popular with his associates, his militia rcgi-
Inent. his cmployes, and acquaintance. His
uniform good nature, free ways with his
money, and reckless energy, closed their
eyes to all his faults They liked him living
and mourn him dead. Does it prove that
james Fisk was an honest, pure and upright
man Boss Tweed, in his day, was always
elected h. enormous maj0rities in his own
ward and city. No other man in that city
ever had half his popularity. Did it prove
that he was commendabe character?
But how is it about ST. Adams l. it not
the fact that up to the time within two
years pas) when Mr.. Barlow and the Cen
trail Vermont managers settled their long
quarrel, majority Of the people Of St.
AIbaLs had 4 very poor opinion of Mr..
Barlow'~ character, On many important
points? This much Is certain. The great
mass of information to Mr.. Barlow's dis
credit, that has come TO our knowledge, in
twenty years past, has come 10 u from ~.
AhaHi men not one or two or !cn,-men Of
the highest standing in that community, in
hnsine~s, il public Office, in the church, in
society, who insisted, AMI gave the facts to
Sustain the assertion, that he vas unworthy
of re-pcct and confidence. Does the circum-
stance that the railroad quarrel has been set
tied that Mr.. Barlow has gone into the d.
Teeliun of the road, and that, perhaps a
par; o! the bargain, his old opponent~
agreed to support him for Congre-s, di~rrore
all their former assertions Thi, much at
least is plain. Either Mr.. Barlow Is now
unworthy Of support, or else his character
has experienced an entire change in two
years past, # which We see no sign, or
else many Of his present supporters have
done an uncomfortable amount of lying
about him in former years.
Bot. how. asks the reader, can 1t he that
% many coed people can shut their eyts t,
this man s true character ? Well, Mr.. Bar
low carries an open purse 1t has been
easy come and easy go with his money.
lie has put many men, churches aud socc-
ties under obligation to him. hy helping |
them at a pinch His generosity IS a
marked quality, and We have never DENIED |
him some good qualities Then he Is all |
thing to all mo1, a good Republican when
talking to Republicans, las good q Demo
erat a ever" when with Democrats, gen
uine Grocbhackcr, when with Grccnhackers, |
and a clever fellow" to all with whom be |
cones in contact. lie il aLle, say bis |
Friends granted a shrewd manager -
granted open handcd-truc. But ask any |
candid man who knows him, if Mr. Barlow |
has been scrupulous as to how he made, or |
how be spends bis money Ill he is a man
of P1aoph ii his principles ever control |
his inclinati1us OF resist his interests -
# he = MAJ Of his word If his course |
has been -rraishlforwarl as a politician and |
a man and he il silent The qualities
conced,d to Mr. Barlow are desirable IN a |
ioHhrman bat those not conceded should |
be indispensable in a candidate for high |
and responsible Office
Mr. Barlow : dishonoTablc bolt has teen a |
great success His vote in his own town |
and county i astonishing. Not to accept / |
rs proof that he is right on all points-hiS
own acts aud confessions to the contrary 4
notwithstanding of course be consider
ed astonishing pcrvcrsity on our part-and
a continuation of the campaign Of ylifica
ton But success IN an election Is not
necessarily vindication of character,
Almost unanimous support Of man may be
much 10 mans credit. 1t may also be not
that, but much to the discredit of his sup
porters