Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-08-13
The "soss" Of the verm,.t Democracy.

&AG 9Ssb VI b14S va SSN~-ssN
Col. Hopkins, in bis last letter to the Bos
ton Journal, gives the following pen-porirait
of the chairman of the State Committee
''Mr. Atkins ownership and control of the
party in Vermont is an anomaly. The owner
and editor Of The leading party organ OF The
State and Chairman of the State Committee,
his influence within party lines is widely felt
and acknowledged. lie fixes the time and
place for the State Conventions. lie names
the chairman and all the various officers.
His advice is mcekly sought by platform
committees, and he is himself, Gr-oticio,
chairman Of the commttc on credentials, 50
that no man can come into tie convention
but 10y his permission. Every Democrat is
expected to wear the Atkins collar. His con-
troll of his men is absolute. lie says to one
go and he goes; and TO another come,
aud he comes. Whether he scolds, COM
mands directs, suggests, hints or mods, his
men are promptly ON their feet, answering
here am L. Not man Can peacefully live
in the party in Vermont who does not
acknowledge Lis authority. All are expect
cd and are apparently pleased, 10 90 his
most lorllv bidding Verify. there is somc-
thing touching and pathetic as well as ridic-
ulous in the sway which he holds over his
subjects. To be sure, in the late State Con
veniion at Burlington Charles y. Davenport,
Esq, of Brattleboro, felt an impulse to AS
sert his individual manhood and assume at
least part leadership in party affairs; but it
was Of no use and before the convention
was over he meekly came under the party
yoke and donned the Atkins collar, TO the
# Rav,,lliaan tot mrs
and the Joy of the leader and his henchmcn.
Mr.. Atkins is not a Nermontcr, but is an i'm
portatlon from New York State, whence he
came something over twenty years since,
saturated with the worst notions and teach
ings of the New York Democracy. These
he brought with lin and has, with consider
able success, cngrafted upon the Democracy
of Vermont. He is not only good leader,
but as follower of his New York neighbors
he is most willing and subscrvicnt. Every
error of their he is ready to palliate and en-
cusc, and any little good which he secs in
them he unduly lands and magniiies. Since
the finding of the electoral commission which
seated President Hayes he has habilitated in
sackcloth and ashes and has cried fraud
until his checks cracked and his throat became
dry. He has also kept finely crested roos-
ter to aid him in his deep and doleful intona-
ton In justice to the noble bird, however, it
ought to be said that he seems not TO sharchis
masters feelings, but is fully appreciative of
the appearance which they are making before
an amused and laughing public. Now, the fun
nest part of this recital remains. This man,
the leader and very bell-wcther of the Yer
mont Democracy, the vicegerent of Tilden,
Potter and Smith Weed, was born and bred
Wing, and is wont. even now, in his lucid
moments, to revert with apparent pleasure
TO the time when he drew all his faith and
inspiration in politics from Harry of the
West If, however, he ever was an honest,
hearty, Union-loving Wing, he has demon
strated that the Ethiopian can change his
skin and the leopard his spots