Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-05-06

In 1872, Mr.. Billings failed OF tho
nomination for the governorship OF Yer
mont, by only n vote or two, a result
brought about by conditions peculiar at
the time because Of the complicated
state of Vermont politics At the close
Of the convention he accepted the sit
uation In a manly and eloquent speech
and had It been possible he might have
been nominated then and there by &C
clamation.
We now come to different side of
Mr.. Billings characteristic benehcent.
His benefa ctions were numerous ana
comprised a variety of interests. yet the
one that appeals most strongly to us
az sons OF the same alma mater Is his
generous eift of n building for the uni
versty library. as also his purchase ana
in conjunction with gift Of the notable
collection of books made by the Hon.
George T. Marsh These gifts have been
Of inestimable value ana service to or
university. They were not the munih-
cence Of n millionaire. not patronage, but
hearty expression of the gratitude, the
admiration and the love of a faithful son
Of the University OF Vermont. 1t was
the result of an affection warm and
true for the kindly mother who fitted
Il
| here IN our university that Influences
Inspired him with a love of things high
and noble AS has been Justly said,
wealth came to him, but II did not
/ vulgarize him. honors. but they did not
daze him. vast opportunities. but they
did not tempt him" THO beautiful IL
hrary building, one Of the most success
full achievements of one OF the greatest
/ American architects VIII ever he a fit
and noble monument OF an unsclfsh and
! public spirited man.
/ THIS gift Of the library was not Mr..
| pilings's only henefacton to the cause
of education He endowed n professor
| ship in Amherst College and gave 81, 00T
! to Mr. Moodv's school at Northampton.
II is the many sdedncss OF the man
! that attracts us. He was successful as a
/ business man. But he was not complete
| ~ occupied with financial matters alone
We was profoundly interested in politics
Ne was deeply concerned in all matters
pertaining to learning and education iif
scholarly requirements were so goncralll
| acknowledged that he was once Offered
/ the presidency Of the University Of call
| foinia. His devotion to the interests al
| rel gion is Witnessed bY his repeated
gifts to the Congregational society q
which he was a member. by his erection
! Of "a beautiful chapel TO the memory o
his father and mother. In all charitable
II alters he had a deep concern. and HI
hoUntfuly aided all good causes. IL
! Had universal. ll-comprehending sym
pathy with all that H. best in human life
Socially he was n delightful acquaint
arce. lie was attached to his associa
tions and companonships. In all tina
pert aimed to the welfare and advance
men, of his state he was vitality interest
e' He was a true lover Of Vermont IL
was wise and scrimiuating and his If
was evenly balanced. For tlis institu
tion he felt an affection and reverence
rarely exemplihed in any other,
In 1881 Mr.. Billings resigned the presi
dency of the Northern Pacific railroad
From that time his strength, which la
been severely taxed by care and earl
oVer-work, gradually declined. aud on tn
Goth day OF September, 1890, despite tn
most skilltul medical care. he passed int
his final sleep.
At the time of his death il was sal
most truly We have to lament the De
pa,ture of true lover of Vermont VIII
had a quick eye for the beauty of II
hills. a heart quick for the tradition q
patriotism and integrity among its pee
pie. He was the large minded citizen, t
whom all the interests of his native stat
were dear, but dearest its highest con
Germs of education, its intellectua
advantages of moral and religious con
viction."