Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-02-28

courteous address, ana aDlnty 10 hanule MIN
self upon public occasions. 1t is Of course
well that he should be one who by the exer-
else of such qualities has already won some
prominence among his fellow citizens and
who has demonstrated his ability to fill pub
lie positions with dignity and honor. The
man who has such candidate in his eye
need not be ashamed to support him.
Applying these principles to the case in
hand, it seems to us, without disp arage-
ment Of any present or prospective candi-
date, that the conditions of an honorable
and successful candidacy are all fairly an
swered in the person of Lieutenant Governor
U. A. Woodbury., and it is for that reason
that we have presented his name as candi-
date, knowing Mr.. Woodbury. has been
directly indicated as the preference of
a large number of the citizens of Vermont.
Free, unsolicited expressions Of such pre-
ference have been made to him by many
men whose characters and standing entitle
them to respect; and if he lives till the
State convention meets his name will I'M
doubtedly be presented in that body for the
first place on the ticket.
He is the candidate of no clique, "ring"
or "boss,' if there be any such in the re-
publican party of Vermont. The talk
about Grades and "rings'' in connection
with his candidacy which we see in some
quarters, is all pure invention-campaig
lies, set afloat for purpose and without
shadow of fact to stand upon. He is as
completely self-made man and as thor
oughly his own master, as any man in Yer
do ha1i ha hoe
sacrificed a particle OF his independence
in this matter. He is can
ddate simply and only because
many Vermont republicans consider him
entitled by his character, public and patri-
otto service, trustworthiness experience,
and capacity, to the proposed honor, and
because they believe that he will make an
honest upright, and excellent governor.
As we have already shown, he is a square
and true republican, and ON the right side
of all the moral, political, temperance and
other issues of our time. He is man of
Christian principle and profession. The
builder of his own fortune, he is generous
giver to all good objects. AS q business
man, he has had the management of large
interests and has shown remarkable sagacity
and financial ability, and if placed at the
head of our State government the State
finances will have thorough, able and eco
nomical administration at his hands. His
service as a legislator and president of the
Senate has given him valuable experience
and familiarity with public affairs. Though
not born and trained orator, he can talk
sensbly and well, when called tc his feet
on any public occasion, and seldom fails to
make point as a speaker. AS the second
officer in rank in our State government, he
has sustained himself with credit, and won
both the respect and esteem of many citi
zens in every county in the State
This Is not all. Other things being equal,
we hold-and the people Of Vermont have
repeatedly shown that they hold-that !
patriotic service and self-sacrfice are en-
titled to especial recognition in the allot-
ment Of public and party honors. Col
Woodbury. was among the first to volunteer
for the defence of the flag. He was the
first man in the ranks of Nermont's bravest
and best to give an arm to the Union cause.
Wounds and ACKNOWLEDGMENT did not dis
courage him; but as soon as the stump of
MS dTul was uedleu, lie Te-SnLeTeu
the service and fought till the close of the
war. If any candidate who has done more
or suffered more to preserve our free insti-
buttons shall present himself, let him have
precedence; but till then Col. Woodbury's
empty sleeve will give him our preference,
and the preference of many thousands Of
patriotic Vermonter's
Col. Woodbury. has organized no canvass
he has subsidized no newspapers; he
does not enjoy the favor of the organs
of our bitter political opponents;
but he is pretty we'll known and has a
host of warm friends among the republi-
cans of this State, and the fact will be-
come increasingly manifest in the months to
come. No claim to any right of promotion
is made in his case. No rule of promotion
will be established by his advancement to
the governorship. He is brought forward
simply as good man, who was good
soldier, and who will make good COVER
nor If better name can be presented for
the head Of the ticket, let us know what
it is.