Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-01-18
AN LLUSTRyOUs son or VERMONT
HONORED.

THAT Vermont is still producing big
men as we'll as contributing illus
trious sons to the nation as Il whole is
emphasized anew through the eleva
ton OF Hon. Charles AFRO Prouty to
the eminent position of chairman of
the Interstate Commerce commission.
This once has become of the highest
national Importance, having to 60 as
It does with the greatest public serv-
ice that remains outside of the entire
control of the federal government. in
volving the welfare OF every com
munity touched directly or Indirectly
by railroad transportation as we'll as
other branches of service.
The bestowal OF this signal honor -
not only n reflection OF marked credi'
upon Vermont but also a deserved rec
ognition of a man crninently fitted by
varied experience as we'll ns native
ability and broad education to adorn
he office. Born in Newport on Octo-
her Q. 1862 he is still in the vigor OF
full manhood and strength so essen
tial In a position involving unreni!t-
Wing attention and unceaslng toll.
After graduation with homer from
Dartmouth College in 1873 Mr. Prouty
became assistant to tho famous Prot
S. p. Langley at the Allegheny observ-
atory and held that position until the
following year. He subsequently
taught school for several years. and
having in the meantime prepared hle :.
self for the practice Of law. he was
admitted to the bar In 1852
Mr.. Prouty speedily gained that rec
ognition in his chosen field which his
conspicuous ability and professional
diligence deserved. He represented
The town of Newport in the fcgisia-
ture In 1883. and in the same year was
chosen reporter of the decisions or II 8.
Supreme Court Of Vermont. Il position
which almost without exception hal
been Allied by men who have become
eminent in different directions.
II was inevitable that n lawyer pos.
sessing Mr.. Proutys thorough and
comprehensive Knowledge, thorough
common sense, broad grasp of the
principles OF the law and forceful clio.
quencc should rapidly forge to the
very forefront of the bar ~ Vermont,
He speedily became recognized as one
of the ablest authorities on corpora
ton law in the state. and figured IN
much OF the important railroad litiga.
ton In our courts for number %!
years.
Mr.. Prouty thus laid that solid foun-
dalton for his future career in the
national service by acquiring an init
mate idea of the railroad side Of pub
lio questions as well as of railroading
Itself. When he received the appoint
ment of member OF the Interstate
Commerce commission in December
1896. he brough, to the position a
practical knowledge. which enabled
him TO know often what a railroad
would do under certain given condi-
lions; and this practically speedily
made him one Of the most higaly re-
garded authorities on the subject OF
regulation OF interstate commerce in
the country
Mr.. Proutys decisions have involved
many abstruse questions In conn lection
with the railroads OF the Unitel
States, and whenever any degree Of
latitude has presented itself in connec-
ton with the problems attending tae
regulation OF transportation. the peo-
pie have Invariably found in him a
sealous and loyal and efficient cham
pion' May Chairman Prouty long live