News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1884-04-10

SPXeIal
have of late favorably mentioned the
name of C. S. Page for the office OF
Secretary of State. We have re-
Trained from quoting these notices be-
cause MIR. Page has emphaticdls
expressed his aversion to men,
tion of his name in that connection
in our columns. Recently, however,
the CaEedonian has seen fit to make
charges so specific that there seemed
to be but one proper course on the
part of Mr.. Page, and that to spe'
officially answer its allegations. we
doubt if we could fairly perform oul
duty to Mr.. Page, or any other either
in our county placed under like circum
stances, without commenting thereon
editorially in such way as to do JUS
tice. We are quite certain that the
Caledonian's exposition of Mr.. Pages
'swar record" TO which we give place
below, will be found as amusing and
interesting a piece of literature
as we have favored our readers
with for some time. OF course, as q
matter of justice to Mr.. Page, we in
sert also his reply. We have seen the
documents by which he offers to es-
tablish the truth of his specific denial
to the Caledonian's charges, and can
conscientiously assure our readers that
he has much better and documentary
evidence than can ordinarily be found
to establish dates and facts that trans
pired 19 to % years ago. They are
conclusive beyond reasonable doubt.
Following is the article referred to and
Mr.. Pages reply thereto:
There are two candidates for the
position of Secretary of State-Major
C.. S. Page of Hyde Park and Charles
w. Porter of Montpelier.
The formers name was mentioned
some time ago, and has been more or
less favorably received as that of La
mcille's candidate. But unfortunately
for his aspirations, Major Page has a
war ssrecord," which, while lacking the
brilliant heroism marking the career
of the present battle-scarred State
Secretary, is vet full of thrilling inter
est. How this gallant soldier fought,
bled and died" for his beloved country,
is well told by a Franklin County
paper, which was on the sacred spot
and ought to know. just prior to the
draft of 1868, we are told, Mr.. Page
had urgent business in Canada and re-
manned in that neutral territory buy
ing calf skins till the country was saved.
HYDE PARK, VT, April Z, 1884.
Editor Cdledonidn -
DEAR SIR IL notice in your last
issue that you pay your respects to me
with considerable vigor, and l pre-
sumo from the tone of your article
that you are convinced of the truth of
what you alIege. You say that in 1868
about the time of the drafts, L - had
urgent business in Canada" and did
not return until the war closed, or to
use your exact language. a" until the
country was saved" If there is any
foundation in fact for these allegations
YOU assuredly served me right.
Unfortunately or fortunately - the
charges made are untrue.
1t is susceptible of proof beyond
a doubt by the best of documentary
evidence:
1st, That there never was a time
during the war, after / became of mill
tary age, that / was not enrolled in
Hyde Park and subject to all drafts that
might have been made.
I'd. That from September LIST, 1868,
to the close of the war, l was in Can
ada in all less than six weeks.
Sd, That from the commencement
of the war to September LIST, 1868,
there were no drafts in Hyde Park that
$500 Communication money would not
settle.
Although my father has been a con-
frmed invalid for more than thirty
years, having received a severe
spinal injury nearly resulting in death,
he has been, nevertheless, fairly sue
cessful business man, and the idea
that he would have suffered me, an
only son, and withal minor acting
solely in obedience to his commands,
TO be disgraced in the manner claimed
by the CaIedonian for the paltry sum
of $500 is simply absurd.
For twenty-five years, commencing
of course several years before the war,
q considerable portion of the hide,
wool and barter business, at first car
ried on by my father and later by my
self, has been in Canada. 1t extends
into Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edwards
Island, Nova Scotia and New Bruins
wick, and although have visited al
these provinces / have never spen'
four consecutive months away from
Hyde Park. / have not in my whole
life, all told, been twelve months
outside the United States, and neve
for single moment had l thought o
purpose to avoid draft.
The Caledonian having made spe
cific charge. / feel warranted in max
ing a plain and specific denial
and respectfully request that yo'
make full and conclusive investiga
ton. / will cheerfully pay the ex
penses connected Herewith. III you
charges are found true, either in lette
or spirit, publish the worst. Ii foun
to be false, your reputation as hlgn
minded gentleman, and the recor
which the Caledonidn enjoys as
clean and truthful newspaper, IS
the assurance / want that you Will TAX
pleasure in righting, as far as you can
the wrong you have done me in you
editorial.
In conclusion, let me add that til
mention of my name in connection
with the office of Secretary of Stat
has been through no agency of mine
and was as much of surprise to m
rs to you. Tours truly,
CARROLL 5. PAGE