The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1916-09-07

.s delivery ordered il printed as
public document, and thousands o
copies have been distributed in ever.
! part Of the country.
. In the 63rd Congress the bill passe,
the Senate as the result Of Senate
; Pages persistent efforts, but it did no
pass the House that time because o
peculiar political conditions then exist
ing. But in the present Congress th'
bill was again introduced, considere,
by the Committee on Education ant
Labor and heartily endorsed by The
Democratic members (now in the ma
iorty) as well as the Republican
members of that committee, and was
again favorably reported to the Sen.
ate. On July Gath, 1916, Senator Page
again ADDRESSED the Senate at length
IN advocacy q this measure and a few
days later Senator Hoke Smith OF
Georgia, Chairman of the Committee
expressed the hope that an hour might
be given in which with the aid of the
Senator from Vermont (Mr, Page"
the bill might be fully presented and
| brought to a vote. In his remarks at
this tine Senator Smith stated his
recognition of the fact that had the
Senate remained Republican, Senator
Page would nave remained the leader
ard he the helper and added, 81 -.
almost regret that we have a Demo
cratic majority and that he is not in
charge instead of myself In the
debate which followed, Senator Thorn
as of Colorado, referring to the meas
ure as a monument to Senator Pages
career, said, 81 am sure it will keep
his memory fresh and green in the
hearts Of a grateful posterity."
At that time the District Of Colum-
bia Appropriation Bill, in charge of
Senator John Walter Smith Of Mary
land, was the unfinished business, and
it was upon an appeal made to him by
Senator Page, in the course of the de
bate, that consent was given that the
Appropriation Bill be temporarily
laid aside that vote might be taken
upon the Vocational Educational Bill.
This was done and the measure passed
the Senate by unanimous vote.
As a member of the Committee on
Banking and Currency, Senator Page
has on all occasions been present at its
meetings and has taken an active part
in shaping up the important legisla-
ton which that committee has, in lat
ter years, had under consideration.
The most important piece of legisla-
ton recently emanating from that
committee is what is known as the
Rural Credits Bill, and in view Of the
fact that his opposition to that meas
uae has been the subject of criticism,
want to say that | fully share his
views and hold to the opinion that the
reasons given by him for his action,
and which have been published by the
Vermont press, are sound, and that
time will justify his position.
| do not know how | can better
indicate Senator Pages general stand
ing in the Senate than to adopt the
language of Senator Lodge when he
said, "His ability and activity in the
work Of the Senate are unquestioned
by any one who is familiar with the
work of that body"
| have written more at length than
intended because it seemed necessary
N order to set the Senator's record
light regarding his measure providing
or vocational education. No one less
associated with him than !
ave been can properly comprehend
he drafts which have been made upon
lis vitality in his work for the ad-
of that measure. For
,eriod of two or three years it
his thought and dominated
lis life, and to have twice secured its
'assage through the Senate is an hon
r which must in some degree repay
i'm for his many anxieties and tire
ess efforts.
| am glad to be able to write as {
ave done, both because Of the person '
! friendship that has existed between
enator Page and myself for many |
ears, and because justice demands a S
ruthful statement Of the facts as they
xist.
Sincerely yours, +
WIN. p. DILLINGHAM;. VI. d