Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-05-07

dent emissary of Mckinley in Vermont on
a campaign tour, and n any electioneer-
ing has been done 1t was accomplished |
so quietly and unobtrusively that the,
public failed to discover It. AS we have
already said, the growth of Mckinley |
sentiment in Vermont was almost en-
tirey spontaneous, and truth demands
the statement that this growth was ac-
by the suspicion that many OF
the politicians were opposed to Ohio's ia
vorite. 1t is evident, therefore, that YER |
mont republicans are just as independent
as formerly II not more so, the esteemed
Boston contemporaries to the contrary
A genuine political mares nest discov-
cred In connection with the Montpelier
convention is that uncovered by the
Springfield, Mass, Union as follows;
1.-THE fact Is that had Benjamin Har-
rison been an avowed candidate for the
presidency he would have received YER
mont's Endorsement Political affairs up
there are pretty well controlled by ned
field Proctor, at present senator
MIR. Reed and Gen. Harrison were not
at all friendly during the latter's admin
istration. Though Mr.. Reed was speaker,
Gen. Harrison utterly ignored him In ap-
pointing a collector for the port of Port
land. He selected for that office MIR.
Reeds most bitter enemy. Hence the
lack of cordialty between the two men
that was really so desirable, The speak
err in referring to President Harrison did
not neglect to employ his UNUSUAL gift
of sarcasm, and this President Harrison
resented. particularly when his admins
tration was called IAN ice wagon by Mr..
Reed. AS an intimate personal friend OF
the ex-president, was 1t not natural that
Mr. Proctor should have accepted the
opportunity offered yesterday of stabbng
Mr. Reed? 1t certainly would seem So"
This is a very pretty little political con-
ceptioh, and 1t might be true but for the
somewhat essential fact that Senator
Proctor, while friendly to Maj. Mckinley,
was not in favor of passing n resolution
of endorsement for any man for presi-
dent. 1t follows as matter of course
that he was not glad of the opportunity
to wreak vengeance upon Speaker Reed
as suggested and, the cornerstone of this
fabrication having been dislodged the
whole structure falls to the ground.
We might go on and correct other mis-
! statements in relation to the influences
and incidents attending the Vermont re-
publican convention, but 1t is not neces-
sary. What we have already said shows
how conspcuously inexact are many of
the reports in circulation regarding that
now famous gathering of seaunch mem
bers of the grand old party In the Green
Mountain State But inasmuch as SO much
has been said enormously about "how 1t
/ n - no n
give chapter of the inside history of
the incidents preceding the launching of
tho Mckinley bonbshell at Montpelier.
While tho delegates to tho State con-
vention were on their way to the place
of meeting it was evident to any ono pass
| ing casually through the trains that a
great majority of their number were talk
ing for the apostle Of protection. That
this statement Is based on fact is vindi-
Gated by what occurred on one of the
principal trains that carried delegates
from the south part of the State to Mont
pelier. From a certain county there was
only one man who sported a Reed button
and the Mckinley men made 1t so warm
for him that he finally decided to wear his
button inside his pocket; while one ardent
follower of Mckinley bought up all the
Reed buttons that the news boys had or
sale and threw them out of the window
There were Reed men, but they considered
silence the better part OF political Valol
in most instances, until the State capita
was reached
1t was evident to every unprecedented
observer from the manner in which thu
names Of the different presidential candi
, dates were received at the afternoon meet
ing OF the republican league on the da!
preceding the State convention to electdele
gates to ST. Louis that Mckinley was b.
heavy odds the favorite OF Vermont re
publicans; and in point of fact telegram
were sent out that night saying the con
, vention would be a Mckinley gathering
During the evening before the Stat
, convention the question of the adoption
! of presidential resolution was canvasse
In the most thorough manner. The young
err element in the Mckinley contingent Il
order to make sure Of their ground mad
t canvass of the delegates by countie
and found that the adherents of the littl
= corporal numbered nearly three to one TO
Reed. Many of the older heads argue
, that this canvass was sufficient to satisf
the national delegation of the attitude o
$ the Vermont republicans, but a rumo
that the Reed contingent were trying t
$ head off any declaration led the McKinle
radicals to suspect every one who argue
against a resolution Of endorsement, an
{ it was finally decided to take the step n
n matter what the cost.
BY midnight the Mckinley men had be
come so thoroughly aroused that thre
a resolutions were decided upon, In prepare
tion for different emergencies. II the or
position appeared to be moderate, a resc
a luton was to be introduced speakin
4 handsomely OF the different candidate
= but showing leaning toward McKinle.
: II tho Reed men made demonstration
$ opposition to Mckinley, the resolutio
!. introduced was to be confined to an Ell
dorsement of the ex-governor while II ii
i opposition became bitter to an extren
" the delegation were to be instructed In q
iron clad manner for Mckinley This
= the statement of men who were most a
4 tive in forcing through a Mckinley res
!. luton.
l. The motion made Immediately after o
q ganization to refer all resolutions to Il
v committee on resolutions without deba
a set the Mckinley ball rolling at the vel
outset. 1t not only afforded the McKinlt
d radicals the opportunity they desired, b
,e the evident attempt to prevent declar
,r ton fired their zeal. and 1t is claimed tn
If. Tho instrurtion Of the delegation Outrlgl