St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1886-11-18
his action was entirely

justifiable.
Representative Fletcher has risen by
sheer force of ability and merit to a
most honorable position in the estl-
nation of the people of the state. He
never did an undermined or dishon-
orable act, and is the kind of a man
whom it is safe to tie to. His election
as one of the trustees of the reform
school by the cordial and unanimous
vote of his fellow members indicates
the estimation in which he is held by
them. Mr.. Fletcher will make one of
the most useful and valuable members
that the board ever had. The election
of Col. Gilmore to the Office of quarter
master general, in which he took so
active part, demonstrates the sound
ness of his Judgment of men. w. ID.
Gilmore is an honorable, open hearted,
and able citizen, one of the most proml-
nent and popular men in eastern YER
mont, who never failed to discharge
the duties of any Office of trust or re-
sponsibility that he ever held to the
entire satisfaction of every one con-
cerned. We heartily extend our hand
and congratulations to Gen w. ID. Gill
more Montpelier Argus.
We cheerfully comply with a request
to publish the above article from the
Montpelier Argus. 1t is sort of Gu
riOsity, illustrating how history and
news may be mixed, and also serves as
a good sample of large number of ar
ticles and squibs on st. JOhnsbury pol
itics that have appeared from time to
time in the Burlington Clipper, Mont
pelier Argus and Montpelier Daily
journal, from the pen of the genial
John E. Harris, formerly editor of the
st. Johnsbnry Index, and who, from
these somewhat distant points, gave dl-
rectiOn to the voters of this town dur
ing the recent state campaign.
Those at all familiar with the news
paper history of this town and county
will smile at the idea of ''the Fairbanks
family, working with the Ides, c. M.
Stone, County Clerk Rankin, Asa Liv-
ingston and Others" and will smile
audibly when they read about the
Fairbanks Ide- Stone dynasty" When
it is conceded (what every one now
knows) that these names so adroitly
linked with the CaledOnian represent
men who helped by their money or
personal influence, or both, to start
and sustain a newspaper enterprise in
this place, the main purpose of which
was to "wipe Out'' the Caledonian and
it's proprietor, these references must
be reckoned among John Harris's best
Jokes. So much for the utter alb
surdity of that part of the above
"histOry." So much also for the idea
implied that the editor of this paper
can have any possible selfish reasons
for speaking a good word for Quarter
master general Ide.
The statement of the manner in
which Col. Fletcher defeated Gen. Ide,
and the reason assigned for his doing
so, is very likely correctly stated by
the Argus, and it places st. Johns
bury's representative in no enviable
light. Simplified, it means that Col.
Fletcher, successful candidate for
the position of representative from st.
Johnsbury, after being installed in his
seat, uses the first opportunity that Of
fers to "pay off" his old political oppO-
nents. This is not exactly the idea
that prevails in this country of the
right use of such opportunities, and
not what one has right to expect
from a man who has been perHstently
brought before the people by the
Montpelier Daily Journal as one of the
strongest men of Northeastern Ver-
mont"
When asked his attitude on certain
questions before his election, Col.
Fletcher made emphatic answer that
he should represent his constituents"
on all questions that came before him
for consideration. AS he was "the
peoples" candidate his constituents to-
day are the people Of ST. Johnsbury
irrespective of party, and it was to say
the least in very poor taste for him to
use his opportunities to defeat fell
low townsman because the latter was
an old political opponent. If he could
not conscientiously work for his re-
election, he might at least have been
less conspicuous as an opponent.