Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1911-10-06
Fletcher D. Proctor.

CfAuou utcc ulau kAtu thc ohAfciNoa
and sincere esteem that is expressed,
with like sorrow, at the passing Of
Fletcher ID. Proctor. |
He was inately strong, sensible and
consistent. Tie seemed to realize that
the true character of a man Of promi-
nence is known to the public and his
life indicated that in stead OF trying to
appear to possess the essentials that
would meet different opinions he strove
to be approved of the highest general
conviction. This may have been more
of purpose than an effort with him, for
doubtless his inherent integrity made it
comparatively easy for him to be what
he was, aud his strong will could be put
to carrying all he undertook TO a high
degree of efficiency which marked it.
For each condition in business or politics
to which he came with this superior
capacity, he was also thoroughly
prepared. He personally directed the
vast interests of the largest marble
industry in the world, after having
learned the machinist's trade, aud
passing through the successive grades
of employment before becoming
superintendent aud then president. He
knew the rights of his employees, aud
he had the generous disposition TO
recognize them in the operation of an
ideal community of interests in labor
and education and religion. There.
fore, he gained from each one Of the
thousands whom he directed that rare
appreciation and loyalty which men can
have for another whom they must, aud
cheerfully, respect as their chief.
TO the administration of state affairs,
AS governor, he brought the influence of
service in both branches of the legisla-
ture, aud AS speaker of the House. and
this, with his natural good judgment
and high qualities of manhood, made of
his term one that has ever siuce had the
highest commentator. The estimate
of his capacity and ability by the mem
: bers OF the house and senate, when gov
ernor, was indicated in the general
, opinion that a special session of that
legislature would have elected him
} United States Senator for the unexpired
term of his distinguished father. The
/. mere notoriety of the position could not
attract him; the opportunity and obi
l cation must have appealed to him
y throughout the state men hoped and ex
pected that bis highest development
t would be for the good of the nation il
d that place.
e A public man is usually known to tn
y people because circumstances, or som
distinctive trait of his, has put him i
y the place that makes him conspicu on,
y but few men have become so widel
e known as the late Governor Proctor, be
r cause of the genuine friendship he Dire,
1t and held from so many individual
Re among all classes of people. He nc
lie only developed the personal interest {
d others in him as friend, but as ma
1t absolutely safe and reliable, and GO
'e erned not by policy Of motives, but b
It, high moral code. The whole stat
lie brings its coincidence to the stricke
a. family, and stands in awe before Il
mystery that seals with credit what
lie has done, but extinguishes the anticp
IN ton of what he yet would do.
d, For can we doubt who knew him keen
AS In intellect, with force and skill
-. To strive, to fashion, to full fill
We doubt not what he would have been"
. But we do not enter the myster
- wisely unless at last,
I'VE trust that those we call the dead
ou Are breathers of an ampler day,
Sc Forever nobler ends.
H. p. II. d.