St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-06-15
circuit or Read?

The indications through this section
are that Gen Grout will have a walk
over and if the literary eruptions in the
Waterman of this week are indications
there is a similar feeling in the shade Of
the state capitol. The canvass and dis
cussion of the question pertaining to the
denomination of General Grout have
been very friendly and gentlemanly but
the pessimistic editor OF the Waterman
evidently wants to turn lost cause into
some sort of mud singing campaign that
the real question may be lost sight Of
Hardwick Gazette.
Certainly Congressman Grout has
made an excellent representative OF
his district in our national legislature,
and we hope to see him re-noninated.
He is a good man, and true, and he is
in every respect worthy the highest trust
reposed in him. We cannot see what
could be gained by putting an untred
man in his place, without experience, and
perhaps, lacking in ability. If the bitter
opposition OF the Waterman and the
other journals that are following its
Lead shall result in the nomination
of Congressman Grout, then by all
means we say let the work go
on. Vermont has established it's repu.
tation for producing many great and
good men, and we ought TO take no
chances by seuding another man to fill
Gen. CIRCUITS place, when we already have
in him, one in whose ability, honor and
high character we have the fullest con.
fidence.- Farmers Advocate.
Gen. CIRCUITS especial strength lies in
the careful and conscientious service he
gives his constituents. He is never
negectful of their interests, whether they
are his supporters or not. Ila is long
term he has served thousands, and always
well. This division of congressman s
duties is not to be despised. 1t is often
Of as much benefit to his state and
country as fowery speech or the franz
ing of a revenue measure. All admit Gen.
CIRCUITS preeminent strength in this d.
rection. Those who know Judge Read
best realized that he would be weak
there. Just now, with war on, and so
much that needs attention to secure our
deserts at Washington, it would be a
serious error. as we view it, to make a
change. While we believe in routine in
Office as principal, we want to be sure
that we are not sacrificing anything
when change is made. All things con-
sidered, we would be doing that if Gen.
Grout were replaced this year by Judge
Read Randolph Herald.
II any deluded mortal expects to make
campaign capital out of the fact that
Gen. Grout is sending his quota Of free
government seeds TO constituents in his
districts, this year, as usual, he should
abandon the idea as soon as convenient
and prevent deep and lasting disappoint-
ment. While the government continues
to furnish these seeds congressman will
ieel in duty bound to send them home
The governments free seed distribution
is costly and totally valueless operation
and it makes considerable labor for
congressman without the slightest COM
pensation.-[ Mortified News.
Like all other public men Gen. Grout
has personal following of men who pre-.
fer him as the representative Of this con.
gressional district TO any other man; and
they do so with personal good will to all
Others who might with propriety occupy
the position but only one OF whom could
do so Tor long time to come even il
Gen. Grout should be displaced with no
suggestion OF fault on his part.
Another feature of reflection Of public
sentiment seems to be that the impor.
tance of passing the Office around" has
not been deemed sufficient even in ordi.
nary times to make the change. To do
so now with the country in thecondition
in which it is and Vermont so largely
involved in the crisis, herself on the very
pinnacle of fame, her boys numerously and
bravley in peril, and the most vital thee.
ries of the government sensitive to the
slightest touch and in doubtful poise,
would be, to say the least, hasty and in
considerable act. And those who represent
this view suggest that no fault IS found
with the General scourse thus far; that he
has been equal to every emergency; that
he has kept his career free from adverse
criticism; that his fidelity is unques.
toned; that he is in touch with the adj
ministration personally; and that he i:
in hearty accord with his constituents
and with the theories of the federal gov
eminent in the present great war crisis
IL Essex County Herald.