Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-06-19
The Second District.

The boom for Hooker flattened out
pretty thin at the Saturday afternoon
caucuses. 1t is matter of surprise
that he should make as good show
ing as he did. We can account for it
only on the supposition that the eau
cuses do not express the real sentiment
of the people. A certain set of men
whose business is such that they can
control their time get together and COM
NIT the party to a definite course of ac-
ton and this is called the action of the
party. We account for Hooker dele
cations largely from the fact that in
towns where such delegations were Sc
lected Hooker's friends were on hand
to regulate the action OF the primaries.
But it seems that the Col. got left with
all these manipulations in aid of his
little scheme. 1t is matter of sur
prise that so staid journal as the VT.
Watchman should have supported Col.
Hooker as against Mr.. Grout. There
may be sore spot somewhere. The
position Of the Barre Town News is
just what one might have expected. As
suming that all that has been said a.
bout Col. Hooker's habits is true it is
inclined to put these things in his favor,
or rather to ignore them in view of
what it considers his greater attain
ments, such as his wide acquaintance
with men, etc. but then it makes a
difference as to the kind of men one is
acquainted with, when we take this
qualification as preparation for states
manship. No one ever supposed that
John L. Sullivan's associates would
help fit him for the higher duties of a
common citizen. The people of the
Second District may be fooled but no
cunningly devised fable of the Watch
man was able to do it this time. We
are ready to admit that Mr.. Hooker is
the possessor of some excellent traits OF
character. He is a good public speak
er. He is pleasant man to meet and
though in former years some of his
habits were not to be commended we
are assured that a change has come ov-
er him in respect to these things. Ii
may be that his failure in this direction
is the best thing that could have hap
pened to him. He may get there some
other day. There is time enough yet.
AS to Mr.. Grout he has not been noto-
rious in Congress but he has done some
notable work. There are not many
more substantial men in that body than
he. Measures have been brought for
ward and become incorporated into the
great body of national law that are Of
lasting worth to the country. He has
worked quietly, but he has worked
well, and has won the respect and con-
fidence of his associates. Few men are
more highly esteemed in Washington,
to which city he sustains relation
nearly corresponding to that of mayor.
1t is well known that Vermont main
tains 'her high standing in Congress by
her practice of seeking out men of sol
id worth and keeping them in their
places. 1t is easy for cheap newspa-
pers to sneer at Mr.. Grout or any 9TH
er man, it is not so easy to find men
who can fill their places. In honoring
Mr.. Grout the people of the Second
District do honor to themselves. He
has made some excellent speeches. He
has worked well in committee. He has
a clean record. He plants himself on
the side of right and justice in all lead
ing questions, and we are glad to know
that he is to retain his seat.
District Convention.