The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-10-09
HON. j. L.. MARTIN OF pRArrLrpoRo

to his feet He made witty response, in
terspersed with catchy stories, that would
lose their snap and point in cold type, and
closed with an eloquent reference to the
speakers who have passed on, and elabor.
ated the fact that Vermont legislatures can
not be bought or sold.
The Introduction OF Senator Proctor to
speak for " The Eek. Governors Of Vermont"
was in the presiding officers happiest vein.
When the hand. clapping that greeted him
had subsidized, Senator Proctor said
SENATOR PRooToR's SPEECH
"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The presidents introduction reminds me
that in the last week | received still
higher title than that Of governor. | was
hunting in the Canadian woods with
French guide. He heard me called, when
we left the station, Governor but he did
not quite catch 1t. He thought it was
Government and called me Government
all the time Uaughter). 1 did not under
stand, when / was asked to respond for the
ex-governors, why l was chosen, until read
the note at the bottom of the invitation,
which sail only short responses were ex-
pected. Then L knew L was named as the
only one Of the ex-governors present who
could be trusted not to make long speech.
But | find II hard to refrain, little as L am
given to making long speeches. from point
ing out the virtues of the men now holding
this high position, a position so desirable
that | have no doubt every man here hopes
at some time to fill it, Notwithstanding the
only way in which it can be reached is for
man to be elected to the governors chair
for term Of two years, and II h does not
longer term. You see, Mr.. President,
the governors chair bears something
the same relation to the position of ex.gov-
ernor that purgatory is supposed to bear to
the blessed regions; but am happy TO say
that none have been called upon to remain
! int ln A1Aatf afnta for han
single term. They have been promoted
promptly, upon their good conduct have
been led to make this explanation from
something the governor said in his remarks
which caused me to think that he had some
doubts as to his right to promotion to
higher place. but think I can assure him
that this will be a genuine case, not of the
man seeking the office, but of the office
seeking the man. But, Mr.. President, while
1 can speak individually of the men, living
or dead, who have held the Office of COVER
nor it may justly be said of hem they have
been me fairly representative of the peo'
pie of Vermont. The people of Vermont
have chosen as governor men OF the people,
men who have lived and worked in the
state. They have been sensible men, and
have appreciated the honor Of being COVER
nor of such people"
When the venerable
SENATOR JUSTIN s. MORRILL,
| was called upon 10 speak IOr Inc " ulUeu
! States Senators from Vermont" the greet
| ing that he received must have rejoiced his
heart. When the repeated applause had
| subsidized, he said he had never had the
honor OF belonging to either house of the
| Vermont legislature; probably because he
was ineligible, because those chosen for
that office are supposed to represent the
wisdom and virtue Of the state. Laughter).
| he wished, however, to tender to the MEM
! bers present his hearty thanks for their con-
tinuous and loyal support in the office to
which they long ago called him. He adj
mired the courage of the democrats of Yer
mont, who, crushed by continued defeat,
always come up smiling for more. He re-
| ferred to the makeup OF the United States
Senate, and of the powers of that body.
The Senate Of the United States is the bull
wark of the rights of the people. In the
earlier days of the republic there were in.
tellectual giants from Vermont in the
| United States Senate. Among them were
Stephen R. Bradley, Samuel Prentiss, Solo,
mon Foot and Jacob Collamer, statesmen
worthy of the national fame they won,
lovers OF stability and lovers of liberty.
Senator Morrill, paid high tribute to the
abilities of Senators Edmunds and Proctor,
and to natives of Vermont who have been
elected to the United States Senate from
other states, and closed in the words Of the
| Apostle Peter, 1T is good for us to be
| here.'
After selection from the orchestra,
HON. II. H. POWERS
was called upon to respond to the senti
ment, Our Congressman" Judge Powers
thought it little singular that the commit
tee should ask modest man, as he was, tC
talk about himself. He told a couple of pal
stories to show the character of the mer
sent to congress from Vermont, that put
the audience in good humor
Judge l.. II Thompson was scheduled to
speak for 1.-The Judiciary of Vermont
Roars of laughter swept over the hall as he
prefaced his remarks with a capital story
Continuing, he said:
JUDGE THoMPsoN's SPEECH.
although this state, prior to 1778 had
some special courts, yet at that time there
only existed the germ of our present judi
cial system The legislature meets; it en-
acts laws. The people, relying upon thest
laws, assert their rights and are refused
They have no III sans of redress save by the
laws of the land through the courts. Oul
right, and liberties are violated, and oul
sons take up arms. They shed their blood
TO maintain those liberties. In the midst o
wars the laws are SILENT but our soldier.
return to the avocations of peace, anG
these laws are maintained hour by
hour year by year, by the courts IL
the administration of the law. 1t IL
proper that L should mention some o