The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1901-05-22
New Light Dawning.

uTc, du hrtlClo lIOm tue Ot' AlDdue
Messenger, not because what the con-
temporary says of "a successful Yer
monter" will be news to the readers
Of this paper, for somewhat more am
pie sketch of the career Of DIR. Holton
was printed in these columns three
years ago--but as gratifying additional
evidence that the scales are falling from
the contemporaries eyes, and new light
is breaking on its vision. 1t is note
worthy circumstance that the honors
that have deservedly come to DR.. Hol-
ton are from outside the State, excep-
ting certain local political preferments
which the Messenger does not cata-
logue, the doctor having with distinc-
ton served his town and his county
as well as the State at large-in the
General Assembly as Representative
and Senator.
When, however, in 1898, it was sug-
gested that, in consideration OF DR..
Holton's abilities, which had won high
and repeated recognition from outside
the State, and in further consideration
of the capacity for public and practical
affairs he had displayed during his SER
vices in the Legislature, that he be
nominated to the Office OF Lieutenant
Governor, he was incontinently turned
down by the Republican State conven-
ton and preference given to political
hack who had brought from abroad no
good fame to the State, who in public
affairs at home had been the subser-
Went instrument of forces against
which the free and independent citi-
zenship had been contending, who in
lis one official appearance away from
home, at a great national function,
brought infinite ridicule upon Vermont
and Vermonters in general.
1t is not in evidence that the MesSen-
ger was in 1898 favoring the nomina-
ton of DR.. Holton to the lieutenant
governorship. 1t is in evidence that
DR.. Holton, as legislator, had been
an earnest supporter of an efficient rail-
way commission, and an earnest advo-
cate of much needed reforms in the
administration of the State government.
He was generally recognized as an oppo-
nent of a then existing political regime,
an intelligent, rational, consistent,
supporter of measures that were wise
and progressive, from no personal bias,
but for the best interests of the State.
His life was above reproach, his char
acter beyond impeachment, his abil-
tiles and experience such as his record
had shown, in personal dignity and
bearing the peer of any citizen, but, as
many before him had een,-and many
others like him who had declined to
enter the lists by reason OF foregone
prejudgment of their candidacy for
any public office--he became a proph-
ct without honor in his own country.
Unlike many others who have emil
grated and found abroad the fame or
fortune denied them at home, DIR. Hol-
ton has stood by his State, fine ex-
ample of its best citizenship as we'll
as of ga successful Vermonter" at
home.
When Vermont gets round to pre-
ferring for public honor men of the
grade of DR.. Holton to the political
hacks, to the smaller men whose title
to honor is subserviency to dominating
interests or ability to pull wires or to
"scrap" successfully in the pre-conven-
ton battle, she will be demonstrating
other truths than those which the Mes
Senger points out. 1t is no new thing
for Vermonters to win great distinction
abroad. The name of such is legion,
in sculpture, art and music, as we'll as
in the professions and politics. The
thing that is important is to make sim
liar possibilities at home, and especially
in the practical affairs of life, political
or material.
For generation or more the political
tide in Vermont has set steadily
against the men Of whom DIR. Holtou is
a type, and who have stayed at home.
1t is still setting strong against them.
A proud man, conscious of his strength,
forecasting the situation here, having
better use for his head than making of
it battering ram to buck against stone
walls-and can get sway--hies him to
new fields and pastures green that in
vite his energies and talents beyond
the confines of politically hide bound
State. The later courses of many
things political, and of the Legislature,
is an admonition to men OF this type to
emigrate, and as speedily as possible.
In South Africa.