Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-05-08
MR.. EDMUNDS SPEAKS.
ERRONEOUS IMPRESSIONS RESULT
ING FROM HIS RESIGNATION.
Ho Retires Solely Because of Ill Health
Has Not Been snubbed by His Western
Coliesgues-Proctor or Stewart His Sue
cess OF - Com m ents on President Harrl-
sons Remarkable Speeches

There have been so many rumors In the
air in connection with Senator Edmunds'
resignation that his friends will be glad that
lie has taken occasion to correct some of
them. lie was interviewed on Tuesday by
the Washington correspondent OF the Boston
Transcript, who writes AS follows:
Senator Edmunds who has been quite sick
with an attack Of the grip for two weeks,
although still somewhat enfeebled aud pale,
at his committee room at the capitol to-
day. The senator said that he was feeling
quito convalescent, but would yet have to
give some care to his health. He ut once
referred to tie nuncro is erroneous state
ments which had been circulated In the
newspapers in reverence to his alleged mo-
tives for retiring from the Senate, and par
/ tiCularly q statement which appeared in a
Philadelphia afternoon paper in a Washing
ton letter which purpurted to give reasons
for his step. The senator said that this
paper had been gent to him. He said the
allegations were without any foundation.
He called attention particularly to tho asser
ton that the Western republican senators
had grown tired OF his leadership. and hav-
ing had limitations to that effect he had be-
come convinced that his political usefulness
]
that TO remain member of that body any
longer would be botn irksome and dlsta,te-
ful, and hence be had determined to retire
from that body and political contentious.
The senator said $50 far from this being
the fact my relations with the leaders of the
republican party Of the West and every
other section were never more cordial and
harmonious than at present. For years
nave been, and am still, the chairman of the
republican senatorial caucu, und am in con
slant confidential intercourse with these
gentlemen. ! know absolutely that their
feelings toward me are OF the kndest and
| most consderate character. No, no That
was not the reason WHY | gave up the hon
! ors of tie Senate, position the most cxnlt-
ed under the government, and one which
very few men in public life have voluntarily
/ surrendered.
II have been aware, - continued the sena-
tor, 'for some time that my health has
been showing Indications of decline, owing
to very stubborn and troublesome bron-
chial affection, and | have remain at my
post OF duty when | should have been car
| ing for my health; but | conceived ii TO be
my duty, and the duty Of every senator. t.
attend TO his obligations to his State, and
| not abandon them for weeks AT n time, even
on account Of truthfuliy impaired health,
or upon pretexts often resorted 20. There
fore, finding that | must seek miller eli
mate in winters myself and family, aud be-
ing unwilling to neglect my duties. l de
ciled TO resign my place in tina Senate and
permit the State OF Vermont to select gen
tleman who could continue at his post to
look after ner interests.
The letters which have received from
political friends and opponents in the Senate
expressing their deep regret at my retire
Inent and the kind references to the long and
pleasant relations which have existed be
tween US We're exceedingly gratifying 10 ne,
| and showed clearly the estimation il which
| have been held even by my political oppo-
nents. With one or two exceptions, | %
not think there Is senator on either side OF
the chamter whom / cannot call my friend,
and even in those exceptions whoro sons
heated languag was exchanged I believe
the causes have been forgotten
In reference 10 ais successor the senator
said that he did not feel inclined to inter
fore in behalf of any Of the halt-dozen gem
tlemen proposed. He thought that tue gov
ernor would eithor name Secretary Proctor
or x-Representat.ve Stewart, either Of
whom would make u most excellent senator.
Judge NeaZey Of the inter State commerce
commission, ex-Goys. Dillingham; AMI Smith,
he thought, we're also excellent men, but
the first is now holding q lucrative office
and the last Is now engrosscl in railroad
matters aud is - years old, and probably
would not accept the position II rendered 10
him. The governors appointment will
complete the term as the Legislature viii
not meet until the successor for the next
.erm is to be chosen
In abiding to politics the senator said:
81 am not disposed to engage in active par
tisan work. propose to enjoy myself and
try to restore my health and do my duty as
a private citizen"
The senator spoke OF President Harrison S
remarkable speeches since his departure
from Washington, lie said, 81 regard Linn
as one Of the shrewdest and abest off hand
speakers before popular audience under
constantly changing situations mat have
ever appeared in public life. His speeches
during the campaign showed him to posses.
an extraordinary fertility OF expression and
adaptGbihty 10 meet the requirements OF q
campaign as 1t went forward from day e
day. In the whole number OF speeches
which LIE delivered, some lS4. On th.
whole range Of topics interesting {,
the people, he not only never sloppeC
over but constantly strengthened himself
! and sent every one away happy. HIS re
markablo speeches TO the Southern peopi,
have undoubtedly produced wonderful
Change in public sentiment in that section
lie has placed the republican party in a.
elevated and aggressive atti Jude, and ha
demonstrated TO the Southern people tha
his administration and the republican part.
= are not inlmlcal to the great and absorbln.
tendencies and reaiIltlons which are ouga,,
ing the public mind in the South, and wi
surely have the effect of turning their al
70 tention in directions for their material al
{ yancemont and future great development
: which have been retarded by misrepresenta
r tion or miaapprehenson Of facts and retire
gressiye politics
, MYSTIC CIRCLES.
Lieutenant General John G. Underwoo
4 has just issued a Gpecial circular in which l.