Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-03-26

would be filled by appointment by the
governor The most that a square and
self-respecting man could say, in regard
to matter of such grave Importance
would be that II elected and II such duty
should fall to him, he would endeavor TO
perform 1t with an eye to the highest
honor of the State and the best welfare of
her people, We do not believe that Major
Grout has said anything different from
that IL he has said anything upon the sub
tect. But our correspondent thinks that
he would naturally appoint his brother"
Which of his brothers he would naturally
appoint is not stated But why natural
ly?" Can Mr.. Peterson mention an in
stance, in this or any other State, where
a governor appointed his brother as United
states senator? Is nepotism so much in
favor among Vermonters that 1t would be
wise or safe for any man to so dispose of a
seat in the United States Senate? Would
any aspirant to the senatorshlp be likely
to desire or willing to accept such an APP
pointment from his brother, in view of the
load 1t would give him to carry when the
next Legislature came to elect a senator?
If our correspondent had listened to his
own common sense instead Of to the whis-
perings of some over-astute partisan OF
some rival candidate. he would not have
presented this as an objection to the nomi-
nation of Major Grout.
Perhaps our correspondent knows more
about the private affairs and business OF
Major Grout than we do. We know moth
ing about them that could lessen the re-
spect in which he is held by tho citizens OF
Vermont, or prejudice in the slightest de-
gree his candidacy. He has not needed to
make any bargains in regard to the gov
ernorshlp, or promises except that II
elected he will give close attention to the
State business and endeavor to give to the
people an honest, faithful and economical
administrations and we do not believe he
has made any others AS to ability we
have never seen or heard of any friend OF
his who admits or thinks that he stands
at any disadvantage In that respect as
compared with any competitor. Such
groundless objections merely demonstrate
the weakness of the opposition to him.
1t occurs to us, as we write, to turn &c
the History of the Bar of Orleans county
to see what Is said about Major Grout
where he Is best known as regards char.
acter and ability; and we find the follow.
ing:
In 1881 he returned to Vermont and pur.
chased the old Human homestead at Der.
by, one Of the best farms in Orleans coun
ty, where he now resides. Mr. CIRCUITS
highest aim has been to make his broad
acres produce to the highest extent and &c
I'LL his pastures and stables with the choic.
est nocks and herds, giving to his agricul.
rural pursuits here and his manufacturing
interests West his entire attention.
Although not politician according &c
the common acceptation OF the term
Major Circuit has been repeatedly honoret
with places Of public responsibility anc
trust (Then follows mention OF his ser
vice In the Legislature, election as speaker
etc. As lawyer Major Grout grew rapid
ly from the date OF his admission to tho
bar. He was universally popular with Tho
bar and the people and at the time OF hi!
leaving the State was one of the mos
successful lawyers in the county. He wa:
noted for preparing his cases CAREFUL,
and trying them with mastery skill II,
was clear and logical in the statement o
the law in the higher courts. He was
especially successful in the trial OF jury
causes. His powers of rcpartee and sar
casm were great but were used with goot
tdSte anu restrained Wltnln tine DOunOS o
courtesy. His choice of words was felici
tious. and when aroused his expressions
became eloquent.
AS citizen he holds the respect of al
who know him. In social life he is genia
and companionable, warm In his attach
ments, firm In his friendships, a gentle
man liberal In all his views"
This tribute of q brother lawyer pub
lished ten years ago, before Major Grou
had been mentioned in connection will
any State office, reflects, as we believe
the unbiased opinion OF Major CIRCUITS fel
low citizens who have the best means To-
judging of his character. Their estimat,
is perhaps as valuable as that which ou
townsman correspondent has obtained
from possibly anything but unprejudiceC
and disinterestcd sources: but even he Il
forced to admit that tho major is "a frs
class man."
There need be no fear that the voters o
Vermont will not select and elect the mar
whom majority of them prefer for gov
ernor; and we agree with our correspond
ent that he Is a first class man.