The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-05-06
Senator PrOctor's Statement,

Many false and misleading statements
have appeared in the papers respecting
the action of the Vermont convention
in expressing its preference for McKin-
ley, and in the part that Senator Proctor
played, or might have played if he had
put forth his hand, in controlling that
expression. Senator Proctor's course,
from beginning to end, is above criti-
cism. 1t has the approval of the peo.
pie of Vermont, without distinction
of personal bias, of Reed men and Nc
Kinley men. He could not have done
differently if he would, and would not
if he could. The senator was very
much in demand on his return to
Washington, and was constrained to
explain to the Boston Journal repre-
sentative how cit all came about" The
WATCHMAN must say that, in its judy
ment, the senator is wrong in saying
that the result would have been diff
ferent if the convention had been held
a month or six weeks earlier. For
months past we had maintained, in
spite of strong personal predictions
for Reed, that Mckinley was the pref
erence of large majority of the peo-
pie of Vermont, particularly the farm
ers, and if they could express their
preference without interference or
domination, it would be enthusiastically
for the Ohio candidate. This has been
the condition for three years or more,
and it has been gaining in intensity
with the approach of the time for de-
cisive action. Senator Proctor's state
ment is of so much public interest we
print it without abridgement:
at does not seem to me worth while to
answer the various incorrect statements in
regard to the Vermont convention, or in
regard to my attitude toward the candi-
dates. The result was surprise to people
outside the state, and in the overwhelming
sentiment for Mckinley it was doubtless q
surprise to the ardent Mckinley men them
| selves.
ct had not been in the state for five
months-had had but little communication
with the people in regard to their prefer
ences. 1t had been my declared purpose in
any action might take to follow and obey
the republican sentiment OF the st tie, and
not undertake to lead it. The people of
Vermont have an old, fixed habit of decid-
ing for themselves what they want and it
is the part of wisdom not to interfere with
| this habit.
81 did not try in the least to influence the
choice of delegates to the state convention;
it would have been resented, very properly
so, if had. The republicans Of the state
doubtless believed that il made delegate
to st. Louis l should endeavor to faithfully
represent them. and should vote and act as
| / believed they would wish me to in any
situation that might arise. Further than to
do this had no purpose or thought.
"Until within short time it appeared
from the general tone of the press that the
sentiment in behalf of New England man.
and one 30 very able and entirely unexcep-
tionsble as Mr.. Reed, would prevail, and
that Vermont would join the other New
England states in solid column for him
This seemed to me to be the probable re-
suit and 1 could very heartily have joined
with it. If the convention had been held
| six weeks or even month earlier there is
little doubt that this would have been the
result.
"But the Mckinley sentiment had been
growing very rapidly for the last few days
preceding the convention, and at the last
it was tidal wave, ground swell, cyclone,
avalanche-you may take your choice Of ex-
preston; it was simply overwhelming. 1
got home at half past two o'clock in the
morning, and didn't have time to get my
breakfast before 1 found out how strong the
feeling was. The sentiment came from
all over the state-from small towns even,
outside the ordinary channels of commune
cation.
Representative Powers, for example,
has been very pronounced in his ad vocaoy
of Speaker Reed. He lives in small town
of not more than $500 inhabitants, and it
has been known there how he stood. He
the state convention. They elected him, but
they elected four strong Mckinley men to
go with him, and Endorsed Mckinley by a
strong vote, four or five to one. That is an
illustration OF the way sentiment was run
ming.
cit was the protection idea more than
any enthusiasm for Mckinley in person.
Mr.. Mckinley is we'll known in the state,
and he has spoken there several times, and
is we'll liked. But the thing that decided it
was his Identification with the policy OF
protection
GAS to taking Senator Thurston to Yer
mont, this is the explanation. Some time
ago, at the request of the Republican League
Of Vermont, 1 asked Senator Frye to visit
Montpelier and address the league meeting
the night before the state convention. He
accepted, and said that he would be very
glad indeed to 60. After consulting with
the Vermont members OF the house, L also
asked Representative Dolliver, and he ac-
cepted Then 1 requested Senator Thurs
ton of Nebraska to be one of the speakers.
Senator .Thurston is very we'll known in
Vermont. He was born in Montpelier; he
married niece of Judge Poland and he has
many friends in the state. He has spoken
there several times and they like him. /
thought it fitting, therefore, that he should
be asked to speak at the league meeting,
1t was a fair representation, / thought, to
have Thurston, Doliver and Frye-one for
Mckinley, one for Allison, and the other
for Reed. All accepted, of course, on con-
dition that their public duties would allow
them to leave Washington. When Senator
Frye found that the river and harbor bill
was to be under consideration by his COM
mittee, just at the time of the convention,
he was: obliged to decline. Representative
Dolliver was also unable to go, and after
consulting with Mr.. Grout, it was decided
to ask Representative Linney in his place
At the time / invited Senator Thurston,
remarked to him that OF course nothing
would be said about presidential preference
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