Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-03-31

From the Christian Union March 10, 1901
Born in 1898, President Harr . on, has
reached the full maturity of his power and
is at the point where strong man renders
his highest service to his time; the point
where strength remains undimuished and
experience steadies and controls the i'm
pulses He is also, probably, at the height
of his public career; at the close of a sue
cessful administration he stands out as the
apparently inevitable choice of his party for
q second term. Differing from him on i'm
portant questions of public policy, the
Christian Union has always been glad to
recognize in our chief magistrate a man of
uustained record, OF sincere patriotism, of
large capacity and Of excellent equipment
for his high office. 1t is too early TO gum
up and characterize President Herrison's $
administration, but his record to date would
make him formidable opponent to anv
candidate who may be placed in the field
against him. He lacks the intangible quail
ity of attraction which counts for SO much
in the career of public men like Mr.. Cay
and Mr., Blaine; he has little power of stir
ring enthusiasm But he commands the
confidence of his friends and the respect of
his opponents. He is known to be upright
outspoken, and trustworthy. 1t is said of
tribute to his character--tlat lie is a presi-
dent who never lies. He is often blunt and
lacking in tact, but he never tells a man
who sees HIM at the White House one thing
and straighway does another.
AS a candidate for a second term, several
things will count strongly in his favor
There is every reason to believe that his ad
minlstratcn will be entirely free from sean
dals; SO far no lack of personal rectitude
has attached in any degree to the mon
whom Mr.. Harrison has called about him.
with perhaps single exception. The de-
partments ara said never to have been more
efficiently managed The public business
is kept steadily in hand, Indeed, so assidu
ously does Mr. Harrison apply himself TO
the discharge of his duties that, like Mr.
Cleveland, he is criticised for lack of the
sense of proportion in his work; for doing
with his own hand wha might we'll be passed
over to others less heavily burdened with
great responsibilities. This is fault, but
it one of those faults from which society
does not greatly suffer. President Harri-
son stands clearly and definitely for II con
sistent public policy; he is the ardent advo
cate Of high tariff, of subsidies TO Amer-
can shipping, of large pensions, of new
| navy, and of federal control of elections
On some of these points the Christian Union
is as frankly in opposition, but it thorough
ly respects man who nails his flag to the
mast and keeps it flying seven days in the
week. President Harrison stands Tor II de-
finite, aggressive policy, and in political
struggles that is half the battle. The demo-
cratic party may profitably study his ex.
ample at this point. There is good reason
to hope, moreover, that Mr.. Harrison will
go to the polls next autumn with every
foreign complication disposed of, not only
IN the interest Of the country, but with a
certain amount OF political capital secured
in the general settlement. A clean record
of four years, definite and aggressive
policy, and successful settlement of foreign
complications will make Mr.. Harrison a
formidable candidate for the presidency.
He can be beaten, il at all, only by candi-
date as frank and outspoken as himself