Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1890-04-14
A Campaign Slander and It's
Refutation.

Some months since, when the sub
iect OF governor candidates for 1890
began to be discussed in this section,
we were written to and approached
by parties who were favorable to the
candidacy Of Col. Woodbury.. Among
the things written and talked about
was the alleged fact that Carroll S.
Page, another supposed to be candI-
date, had during the time of the re-
bellion shown the twhite feather" by
refusing to go into the army, and by
fleeing to Canada to avoid the draft.
1t seems, from the communication
published below, that some two
months since Judge Austin, of this
town, also received a letter from
some source containing the same un-
pleasant story about Mr.. Page. Since
that time there have been mysterious
whisperings of something that was iy-
ing back damaging to the record of Mr..
Page. The report was we'll calculated
to disturb those who have high re-
gard for an honorable and patriotic
gentleman, one Of the prominent
and honored men of our own beloved
state.
By some means it seems that the
story has had very extended circu-
lation within the last few weeks, and
that it Is being used on the sly to the
injury of Mr.. Page. If the story is
true, neither Mr.. Page nor his friends
have any reason to complain. If
false, it will be regarded by all good
men, whatever their preference upon
the governor question, ,as a most COW
ardly and unjustifable piece of bust
ness, which will, and certainly should,
react upon its authors and promulga-
tors.
The press, which is more suspicious
of campaign gossip, has been less
ready to catch on to the story, and it
is only just coming to light in the
form of induendo and mild references.
Without refutation the story would
be in fullest blast in all the anti-Page
papers before the coming of the frogs.
AS a specimen or what has already
started, we quote from the Brandon
Union:
"We have no personal knowledge
of Hon. G. S. Pages record in wal
time. We have nothing to utter
against what we have no personal
knowledge of, but would suggest that
another ten thousand edition of that
gentleman's life be issued with the
war record fully written in
Such a thrust as the above is calcu
lated to do more injustice to Mr. Page
than the fullest detail of all that hi:
political rivals ever rehearsed abou
him, and it seems to us to demand al
answer.
Judge O. II. Austin, whose lette
appears below, is Probate Judge o
this county; he was companion
captain with Capt. Z. A. Woodbury.
and classmate in college with Hen
rv Ballard. Hence the plain inquir
les and the frank and free statement
in answer. We are permitted to us
the letters:
Barton Landing, IT., Feb. 6, 1890.
Hon. HENRY BALLARD.
Ny Dear Sir,-I have lately received
letter from friend of Lieut. Gov. Wood
bury, alleging substantially that G.
Page was in Canada during the civil wa
for the purpose of avoiding the drafts
, l write you as Burlington man and a
old acquaintance, to ascertain, if possible
upon what foundation this charge rests
/ have had for years a very friendl
. feeling toward Mr.. Page, but if thi
] charge is true, 1 certainly can not SUI
port him for governor of our good an
patriotic state. II untrue, l would nc
support any man capable of promulga
ing, or causing to be promulgated, charge
of this kind against as good man as
had supposed Mr.. Page to be, and as d
serving by reason of sacrifice and efficie1
+ labors for his party, as Mr.. Page confess
edly is.
To make such charges, unless there
known to be a substantial foundatio
, therefor, 1 deem most cowardly and Ill
: worthy. Comrade Woodbury. was in m
= regiment, and I am not able to belieN
! that he is capable of countenancing or a
senting to this method of warfare, unle:
, assured of his position, and unless he h;
the facts on his side to Justify it.
1 Please write me fully as to the facts
this matter and greatly oblige,
Yours Truly,
n 0. III. AUSTIN.