Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-02-06
MAI. CIRCUITS CANDIDACY FAVORED
tFrom the st. Adams Messenger.)

(From the ST. Adams Messenger)
In support of the candidate for whom 1t
pronounces, the Montpelier Waterman re-
fers to the services and experience of Mr..
Stickney as a subordinate officer and
speaker in the lower branch of the Legisla-
ture his parliamentary skill and Impair
TALLY, his knowledge of past legislation,
of legislation that is needed and legislation
that should be Stunned. his standing in his
profession his sagaclty and prudence.
To all this the Messenger gives cordial
endorsement, albeit 1t does not agree with
the opinion of that journal that Speaker
Stickney has now "a familiarity with the
laws of this State and its needs possessed
by no other citizen" There are republic
cans not a few in this State whose quail
locations in this regard will suffer nothing
by comparison with the Watchman's can
didate.
All that is urged by the Waterman in
favor Of the candidate for whom 1t pro-
nounces may be pressed with more than
equal force in support of his principal
competitor for the first honor of the COM
ing republican gubernatorial convention,
Major Josiah Grout of Derby.
Major Grout, unlike a great many of us
who are accustomed to be addressed by
military titles, won his gold leaf by faith
full service in the field. He has long and
valuable experience in the affairs of gov
eminent, has been twice elected speaker
of the lower legislative branch for a full
term and once to fill the vacancy occa-
stoned by the retirement of Speaker Pow
ers. His prompt. effective and impartial
discharge of the duties incumbent upon
that office will compare favorably with
that Of any of his predecessors or success
sors In that position, not excepting It's
present occupant. He has been a member
of the upper branch and has held other po-
of t,t,c ND pofh ~ IN ar-
both State and National governments. To
the fulfllment Of all the obligations rest
ing upon him as a citizen and an official
he has brought intelligent comprehension
OF his duties. experience In the admins
tration OF affairs, sterling honesty and in
tegrity OF purpose and he is in every re-
spect fully equipped for the higher res
possibilities devolving upon the chief ex-
ecutive of this State.
He, too. has been in direct contact with
all the important affairs of State for
more than half a generation, and at a
point more immedia tely affecting the in
terests of the people. In seniority and
length of public service Major Grout may
claim precedence over Speaker Stickney;
in all other qualifications essential to
the executive administration of affairs of
State he may claim at least an equality.
In expressing its preference for the can
didature of Major Grout, the Messenger
abates nothing Of appreciation for the
ability, qualifications and high personal
character of the candidate favored by it's
Montpelier contemporary. 1t Is in full
accord with the Waterman that 1.-THE best
good of the State should be the first rea-
son for any candidacy" and believing the
best good of the State will best be served
by the nomination and consequent election
of Major Grout, 1t cordially endorses his
candidature.