Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-02-20
For Governor. Josiah Grout.

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the next republican nomination for COVER
nor. But though tho suggestion of his nam
in that connection appeared some time
since in various papers-a suggestion ia
vorably received by this paper among
others-it could hardly be said that he had
been formally presented as such a candl-
date TIL now. The article from tho Bar
ton Monitor elsewhere copied, is, however
an evidently authoritative presentation of
Mr.. Grout to the republican voters of YER
mont. It Is a clear, calm and candid state
ment of the case. as vi wed by his friends;
and we give to it the prompt and cordial
endorsement Of the FREE PRESS.
Major CIRCUITS has not been tho only
name suggested for the head of the State
ticket, Hon. W. w. stlckney of Ludlow,
Hon. Fl. A. Fletcher of Cavendish, Hon.
l.. D. Hazen OF st. Johnsbury Hon. F. f.
Smith of Montpelier, Hon. L. NJ. Read of
Bellows Falls. and others have been men
toned" 1t Is list of honorable and
which a selection can be made without
fear of any serious mistake. Some, how
ever, of these gentlemen have not been
named with their own consent Some of
them are pronounced friends of Major
Grout for the nomination; and II more
than one name is taken into the conven-
xx,;n In oil
probability, be the only ones seriously pre-
scented there.
1t Is no disparagement to either OF these
gentlemen, for each of whom we have very
high respect, to say that under all the
circumstances. Major CIRCUITS candidacy
presents the stronger claim to general
favor at this time.
What has been his career? A farmers
boy, brought up on the farm, schooled
in the district school and local academy,
he was not yet of age when the war for
the Union broke out He enlisted in the
First Vermont Cavalry when the flower
and pride of the young manhood Of
front. His bright face and high spirit.
made him fayorite among his comrades.
and they chose him for one OF their Of
ficers. He had had a promotion, and
proved himself gallant and capable COM
mander OF a company. when in the sharp
and unfortunate, for our boys, conflict with
y1l taI
Run. Va. April /, 1853, he was shot through
the body. The official report of the en-
gagement said: Lieutenant Grout was
MORALLY wounded, will probably die
to-day" But he survived. He was dis
charged for honorable disability; but
recovered his health and re-en-
tered the service as Major. COM
handing the Frontier Cavalry, raised to
protect our northern frontier after the St.
Adams raid. The war ended, he studied
law at Barton, was admitted to the bar,
and practced with success in Orleans
county and in Chicago. Having invested
In a mandatory of scales, at Moline, ILL.,,
he became in time president and manager
of the company. and conducted It's affairs
with high success. But his heart and de-
Returning to the State, he became prac-
tlcal farmer In Derby. with the success
described by the Monitor, and there has
been his home for the last fifteen years.
Wherever he has been he has commanded
respect and influence among his fellow
men, He has had large experience in pub
lie affairs. He was leading member of
the House of Representatives in 1872, IA,
"a, 49,, and 'sS. He was speaker of
the House in 1874, 1885, and 1885,
1t Is position in which, amid
the various conflicting ambitions and
interests always present, 1t is impossible
for any man to suit everybody; but 1t can
be said for Speaker Grout that he carried
himself in 1t with dignity, ability and sue
cess; that he won general respect and
made many lifelong friends.
In his home. Major Grout Is known as
''io A''S"N e'u S"PpoFteT vi scHOoiS anu
churches. Of temperance, good order and
clean methods In politics and In business.
He IL most esteemed where he is best
known.
1t would take bold man to deny that
a citizen thus known and respected, had
the right to aspire to higher honors. But
Major Grout has not crowded himself upon
the republican party OF Vermont. He has
been urged, in more than one previous
canvass. TO present himself for the Of
flee Of governor; but he declined to be a
candidate. This year there has been no
reason. according to his own judgment and
that of sound advisers, why he should not
come forward; and he IL before the repub-
lcans Of Vermont to serve them as their
standard-bearer in the State campaign. II
they 20 desire. Information from every
county which has recently come to us.
indicatss thst the preppndsrance Of ssnti-
raent in the stste IL already largely in his
favor 1t Il likely to increase. and It will
not surprise utjsf in enc end no other name
Is prsseptsdi In the STATE convention.
Be that ~ itlmsy, there Is no reason
Il l1a u AZ "A. N