St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-02-11
I might give many other instances that

! might give many other instances that
there is politics in Vermonters. 1t seems
to be Unborn and abide with them. Where
ever they go they are in demand to fill
prominent offices, and am glad to say
that they cheerIully comply with the
demand. Nor do need to speak Of my
colleague, nor of my immediate or re-
mote predecessors. Their names are
household words with all Vermonters,
and their fame world wide. Two sons OF
Vermont have been vice-presidents; one
OF then, was made president. President
Arthur OF Fairfield, the son of poor Bap-
tist minister, was one oil the ablest presi-
dents and most courtly gentlemen that
have ever been at the head OF the nation.
Vice President Morton, the son of
Congregational minister in Shoreham,
as business man, member OF congress,
minister to France, vice-president and
governor of our greatest state, has
gained new honors in every office. The
principal capital these men had to start
with was their Vermont blood and
training. Permit me to speak OF Vice
President Morton's antecedents. When
came home from the Chicago conven-
ton OF 'SS asked an old gentleman, my
next neighbor, Mr.. Ormsbee, if he did not
when he lived in Shoreham know Mr..
Morton, whom we had nominated Tor vice
president He said, mo; l lett home
when Mr.. Morton was very young,
but ! knew his father and the older
members OF the family WELL" asked
him about the father. He said he was
an excellent man, Congregational miu-
ster, respected and beloved by ALL" l
said supposed he had the common lot
OF ministers at that early day. Eyes"
he replied. $1,000 year; gifted in prayer
at that" Surely his prayers that his son
might be good and useful man have
been answered.
l have had good opportunity in the
from one party to the other, and the
consequent redistribution Of patronage,
| notice that there is politics in YER
monters in every corner of the country.
When seeking appointments they seem
to think it is enough to say that they
were born in Vermont, and have SUBJ
lime faith that that fits them for any
Office. And to do them justice, they are
generally right and get what they seek.
Vermonters represent the purest New
England lineage, and inherit the true
New England characteristics. They are
genuine descendants of the men who
fought under Cromwell and are of the
blood and stock which, with peaceful in
clinations, have ever been strong to
battle for great ideas and great rights.
They are an organizing, positive, con-
structive force, state builders wherever
they go, but with all their unitarian
temperament their love for the old home
never grows cold. 1t is difficult tc ac-
count Tor the loyalty and devotion oil
born Vermonters to their native state.
Partial reasons may be assigned. That
is small state. mountain region flor
people of the hills have proverbially
strong local attachments) the beauty Of
our green hills and varied Landscapes, all
these and many other good points con.
tribute, but neither one nor all of them
suffice. The full reasons cannot be cata
logued or specified. At least they are
beyond my ken. l can only give the
the simple statement, it is Vermont.