The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-08-18
A Word About Mr.. Edmunds.

Correspondence of North Troy Palladium
If the friends of Mr.. Edmunds expect to
derive great benefit from their indiscrimin-
ate praise of him, we think they mistake
the temper and underrate the intelligence
OF the average voter. The shortcomings Of
the senator are not to be hidden beneath an
avalanche of fulsome eulogy. The rank and
file understand perfectly his position in 1884
ana those who dissent from it are not to be
deceived or won over by the silly laudation
OF partisans who are evidently alarmed for
his future. Nor do the unjust criticisms so
freely banded about by those who espouse
his cause influence or disturb the constituents
who feel they have good reasons for with
holding their confidence. They should at
least enjoy the privilege Mr.. Edmunds
claimed for himself during the last presi-
dental campaign, to think and act as
they please, and that with fewer imputa-
tions of dishonesty and lack of patriotism
After all, the truth remains that the really
loyal conscientious republicans in the state
and nation are they who to-day rebel at so
fiagrant an omission of duty on the part of
an honored, trusted and influential repre-
sentative OF the people. To desert the grand
old party " that saved the Union in her hour
of peril is an offence true republicans are
slow to condone. Among other things we
are informed that the position Vermont oc-
cupies in the nation she has won through
the wisdom and devotion of Mr.. Edmunds.
We protest against this injustice to his ven
est men, who have never through over
weaving love of self or their own political
aspirations failed to redeem their pledges to
the people. Over that portion of Vermonts
history which records the gallant deeds of
her sons during the war of the rebellion we
pause with ever-increasing pride and admi-
ration. No soldiers in the great army of the
republic achieved more and no state has
been accorded higher honors for loyalty and
fidelity to country. Truly her war record
IL her oil Wn
that Senator Edmunds aided in any especial
manner, either by his presence at the front
or in the exercise of his great abilities at
home. To our summary of those who have
contributed to the honor, dignity and pros
perity OF our state we would add that faith
full, courageous band who have espoused the
cause of temperance. Through their united
ana persistent efforts our statute books con-
tain the best laws in the land. If they are
not enforced the responsibility rests else
where. The work has been well done and
deserves the highest commentator. We
do not think that Mr. Edmunds by precept
or example has in the least degree aided or
abetted this struggle with the demon in
temperance, though to concede him the
honor would scarcely require greater effront-
cry than has been already displayed In
this brief review we think we have shown
that Vermont has accomplished something
without the influence or cooperation of her
gifted SON" We would confer all honor
WHeIe ilOhor IL uue, Duu we WOulu not ne 50
lavish in our praise of one whose fidelity has
been weighed in the balance with his
own ambition and found wanting" We
do not aim or expect to intence those COM
mitted to the doctrine of his greatness and
infallibility, but we do believe we are speak
ing the honest sentiments of every true re-
publican in the nation. Though spirit of
! liberation may prevail to some extent, the
old-time esteem and perfect confidence has
passed away forever, that no man, no mat
ter what position he occupies, can betray
sacred trust with impunity.