Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-04-28

Spooner of Wisconsin followed the
example of Senator Edmunds, locat-
ing In New York city for the prac-
tlce of law. Now comes the retire.
ment Of Senator Aldrich OF Rhode
Island and Halo OF Maine. for reasons
that vary according to he different
reports. II is no secret that tho d.
rect primary and popular election OF
states have resulted in the elevation
to that body OF what are regarded as
n matter Of fact as republican popu-
lists. and consequently election to the
upper branch of Congress Is not held
In such high esteem rs 1t once was.
although election thereto will prob
ably never go begging.
In commenting upon the changes in
the Senate the Brooklyn Eagle brings
in the name OF Senator Edmunds MS
follows:
Mr.. Aldrich Is the republican leader
of the Senate. being a business man
who has knowledge of national at
fairs and who has learned to think
and speak well on his feet. The
Sraces of debate and the arts of con-
literature or Of the history or science
Of law, are not known to him. but lie
does know the affairs of the nation. he
| Il: n leader of force and also Of con-
citation. II strong, patient. wise and
practical man, and an able politician.
Mr.. Hale has always been "a lieuten-
ant, not leader lie was long the
understudy OF James G. Blaine in the
House, and his transfer to tho Senate
revealed him as a follower of Blaine.
afterward of Edmunds. when Blaine.
| whom Mr. Edmunds opposed. retired,
and since of Mr.. Aldrich, who reached
the front through the sheer strength
of personal qualities and steady ser
vice
"Much might he cntcrtainingly writ
ten about both men, but it would be
more personal than pertinent Mr..
| AIdrich succeeded to the Henry B.
Anthony and Brown and Ives suprem-
| acy in Rhode Island repu blicanism
| He healed the state organization and
could still control It. but 1t has been
assailod by newer and more liberal
rcpubllcanism and he has preferred
| gracefully, voluntarily and impress
| SiNely TO retire. to being reelected
| with difficulty Mr.. Hale. the protege
! of Blaine. the son-in-law of the late
! Iachariah Cha ndler Of Michigan. and
more to the habit of Maine to con-
tinue her senators in service than to
his own strength in himself to con-
tinue in service. The one exhibition
of independence he ever showed was
found in his vote against ratifying the
treaty with Spain, because he said he
WAS opposed to the policy miscalled
Imperialism II believed that
this one evidence OF his Independence
rated as an understudy. It shocked
Names conception OF him. II dis
pleased Maine, which was strong for
expansion or for Imperialism as mis-
called, hut Maine reelected him, six
wears ago rather than break the rule
Of continuous senatorial service.
Maine however, at this time, Is at
variance with Mr.. Hale. being for a
greater degree Of elasticity in tariff
self to be.
These senators. as said are veter-
ans. one. Mr. Aldrich, will retire
rather than longer contest with the
growing insurgency in the republican,
ism of his state. The increasing in
sGrgcncy Within the republicanism of
Maine has forced Mr. Hale to retire,
though the fiction Of fatigue and the
assumption that he will voluntarily
Il
fccted by his friends and will be be
lieved by himself under that facility
for dclusion which marks a man who
is aVcrse to wounding or reducing his
own estimate of himself.
MIR. Aldrich IS the ablest senator
Rhode Island has had since the Re-
publican party was formed. Mr.. Hale
has long held a place Hannibal Ham
lin. Lot NJ morrill,, w. =. Fessenden
and James q. Blaine hlled. with
them Mr., Dale can only be named In
them he cannot be compared. They
, were leaders. lie has always been n
respected follower Of leaders man
of character, industry and personal
dignity but one with whom prolixity
of service has not conceded with
power of service. The retirement of
; both siCnallacs tho growth Of repub-
, licanism in the Eastern States toward
revenue reform, what time public
, opinion in the South Is heading to-
, ward protection. The significance OF
this IS extreme.
"rhc progressive rcpubicanism OF
, the East and the steady trend toward