Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-06-01
For Lieutenant Governor.
randolph Herald

OF the three announced candidates for
lieutenant governor-Col. G.. II. Prouty
of Newport, Col G. F. Leland of SPRING
field and Hon. John H. Merrifeld of New
fane-our preference is Mr.. Merriheld.
There is no valid objection to either of
the others Col. Prouty is a bright, active,
alert business man of clear judgment and
capacity enough for this place, or even a
higher one. The same can probably be
said of Col. Leland, Both have Served in
House and Senate. Both enjoy reputa-
lions of honor and character.
Mr.. Merrifeld, as we have said before
is an anomaly in public life. Perhaps he
is not more upright in thought, word or
act; possibly not more conscientious in
his relations with his fellow men, than
others are, but he certainly impresses you
that way. And these who know him best
would resent as a gross SANDER the sug-
gestion that John II. Mortified pretended
to or professed one iota of virtue that he
did not have. He is the most modest
and unassumirg of men. His manner
approaches timidity to the casual OBJ
server. Yet il comes solely from his
almost painful desire and ceaseless en-
deavor to be just and fair to all, yet
staunch for principle and right.
Mr. Merrifeld is not a dashy presiding
officer. There are plenty who can take
the gavel and slam business along
better than he. His voice and manner
are not STACEY. The occasional visitor
might think him uninteresting, and there
fore might turn attention to the business
in hand-which is always more profitable
than 10 be absorbed with the largely auto
matte deliverances of the chair. Watch
ing the body day after day, however, one
can see that the calm, patient figure at
the desk exercises an influence not TO be
compared with the sharp-voiced quick
motioned officer who centres passing at
tention upon himself.
Mr.. Merrifield's strength as a man lies
In his goodness. We could not truthfully
describe it any other way, and 1t is net
false attribute when ascribed to him.
to be dismissed with a sheer He is
called Honest John" because the title
fits him, and he deserves it Honesty is
somehow his distinguishing mark. You
get the impression as you watch him. as
you look into his eyes as you talk with
MIN, that here is a man of absolute
honor, who would not stoop to do one
mean unworthy thing for all the wealth
of Midas
Most men are honest. as honesty goes.
They pay their debts, obey the law suf-
hcienuy to keep out of Jail and stand by
their friends through thick and thin
But there is standard quite beyond the
reach OF most Of us, that calls for the
same consideration TO our rivals, our
opponents, our enemies, that we accord
10 our friends; that resorts to no petty
meanness to accomplish an end however
worthy In our sight; that weighs little
Things In the same moral balance as
great things; that preserves in front
always the firm purpose to do right in
every detail. In this latter category. we
think IT no mistake to place the name of
John Fl. Merrifield. Further, we think
1t no reflection upon anybody else to
salute him as Honest John"
Mr.. Merriheld is not of the militant
type TO those who enjoy seeing the
Dig stick fiourished he is a disappoint-
ment' But he has calm. modest courage
LOT an tnat-a courage that counts
His Yes" is not the YES of indecision
nor MS NO the no of assent His firm
aim Is to do right, as he sees the right
ana ms judgment seldom fails, for his
conscience attends it, His second aim
Is TO onend as little as possible. He does
not enjoy the discontinue of anyone.
MS temperament is judicial not gladi-
atorlaL But there is in the study of
TINS man something uplifting, as though
you We're In touch with a noble character.
as iree from guile as any you have ever
met; ana his record from boyhood, both
public and private, sustains 1t all
MI Merriheld's experience and training
nave been exactly suited to prepare him
Tor the presidency of the Senate, and
such other duties as fall to the lieutenant
soVernorship We see no reason why he
is not an ideal candidate. What his
cnahces Tor success are we do not know
we are in touch with no ''machine'' rep
resentlng him. We are ignorant of any
plans he has OF capturing caucuses, and
dont believe he has any. II the people
1t there. 'N
We rather think they will.