Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-03-12

neyed from tho national capitol to at
tend only few months ago. 1t was
not necessary, however, for him to
make this handsome gift to Vermont
to prove his interest in the common
wealth and the citizens thereof. lie
constantly had in mind the people of
Vermont and host of men now hold
ing positions in ,he public service IN
Washington departments and In the
army as we'll as the navy can give
personal testimony of his tinceasing
solcitude for those he was wont to
speak of as "our Vermont boys" Hc
loved to seek out deserving poor
young man and watch his development
in some position of usefulness and
preparation for still higher service;
and the number of young men adorn-
ing the professions who gained their
first start in a department position.
held for what Senator Proctor rightly
regarded as sufficiently long time
| for the welfare of one who wanted to
keep on growing, would surprise many
of those who knew Of this character
| istic on his part.
Senator Proctor was many-sdcd
man. and he was qualified to shine in
| different directions. A graduate of
Dartmouth and of the Albany law
school, the success which attended his
practice of law in the office of his
| cousin. Judge Isaac +. Rcdfeld
the eminent jurist OF Boston, and
during the years Immediately
following the Civil War in
which he served voluntarily and with
distinction, was such that he would
unquestionably have become leader
in active practice. lie was thrown in
to the conduct of business matters
| in his capacity as receiver of a marble
concern, however. and the executive
ability demonstrated in the manage
ment of this enterprise led directly to
|
his association with the marble in
dustry and his subsequent brilliant
success in connection with the dcvcl
opment of the natural resources of his
state. The building up of the YER
mont Marble company, the largest in
the world, is, however, only one evil
dence of his ability.
Senator Proctor's interest in public
affairs early manifested itself, and his
served. He reprcscnt the town of
Rutland in the egislaturc in 1867 and
in 1868. and in 1874 he served in the
state Senate, Two years later he was
elected lieutenant governor and in
1873 he became governor. In 1884 he
was a member of the Vermont dele
cation to the republican national con-
vention. and in 1883 as chairman Of
the Vermont delegation he contribut-
cd sgnally to the nomination of Ben
jamin Harrison for the presidency,
the latter recognizing his service as
well as his ability by making him sec
rotary of war On the retirement of
senator Edmunds in 1891 Governor
| carroll S. Page appointed Mr. Proctor
TO the vacancy. and when the LeSis-
lature met in 1892 he was elected to
| fill both the uncxpired and the fun
terms. Senator Proctor speedily took
| a leading rank in the United States
! Senate. and the distinguished service
he performed in connection with ma
tional legislation and the shaping OF
republican policies is known of all
men.
Senator Proctor, as was to be ex-
pected under the circumstances, hal a
strong hold on the affections of the
people of Vermont. His was a lovablc
| character, and he had a genial dis
position. fund Of humor and a native
wit which combined to render him
popular with all classes. He did much
to extend the influence and prestige
of Vermont in the nations councils
and the people of his State will long
mourn his loss.