Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-08-10
For the Watchmun.

STUMP ELECTIONEERING.
W.. Editor-Will you be so good ms to inform
me through the medium of your paper how long
since stump ceclioncerng by candidates them
selves was Introduced into Vermont. ! have often
heard such custom spoken OF, ms prevailing in
other sections of the country, but until Esq. Dill
linghom and Gen. Ransom commenced opera
tons in that line, was not aware that any can
didae had ever travelled about this state publicly
eleciioneering for himself.
am an old man, and Democrat Of the Old
School. have stood in my place and buttled in
the ranks, sometimes almost alone for forty years,
and am still ready to do service in the cause, but
must have better lenders. lfmy memory has
not failed me entirely, it was a precept among
Democrats in the days of Jefferson, who was
once supposed to kno y something about Democ.
racy before gotd spoons became the banner and
spoits the rallying cry Of the democratic party"
" .Ntuer 10 seek or decline DIce.' Democracy was
then something more than mere preiext TO OBJ
tain votes, and "ihe people" we're supposed TO he
sufficiently intelligent 10 know who they wished
To support and sufficiently virtuous and patriotic
TO he permitted to vote as they pleased without
being gulled by electioneering speeches. man
could not have been found then so destitute OF
delicary and respect for himself and the people,
as 10 appear in public and acknowledge himself
at Office seeker; and had such man appeared
before the people as candidate, not democrat
would have voted for him. But the democrats of
no matter what, if it comes to them in the name
OF democracy; and no doubt many Of them will
he willing to vote for these self styled democrats,
who are travelling over the state soliciting the
| treemen 10 vote for them.
| The democracy of Paul Dillingham; sufi-
GENTLY dubious before his nomination for Cover
nor, hut his subsequent course has rendered his
selfshness any thing but doubtful; and member
OF his own party who can support him, must be
desperately in love with modern democracy, or
very much accustomed to wear the Dutch collar
supported General Jackson, and did not vote
against Van Buren,, and last year wrought my
fup to vote for Smile, but this stump spoutng
candidate cannot stand. | am democrat. II
glory in the name Il have n right to claim it, but
as the Paddy said, 81 nm not so fond Of pork as
to swallow hog yoke"
| have long heeu puzzled to find vestige of
democracy among the Van Buren, men of YER
mont, and their late nominations all over the state
have fully satisfied me-, that as party they are as
destitute of 1t rs stump orators are of propriety.
\ can 20 with them no longer
i Please tell us il there other candidates on
The stump. j cannot support any man who will
aid by his example and influence to introduce so
ridiculous aud pernicious custom among the
Intelligent people of this State; and hope every
man of decency will Join with me to rcbuke all
such candidates OF either party at the ballot box.
AN OLD DEMOCRAT.
Tunbridge, Aug. a, 1870
Mr. Van Ness, who heads the locofoco elGctora
ticket, we believe, the first man in Vernon
who ever took the stump to electioneer for him
self. Mr.. Dillingham; the locoloco candidate lo
Governor, and Mr. Ransom, tie iocotoco candi
' date for Congress in the third district, it seems
: have followed his example. or the Wing candi
dates Mr.. Hall addressed the Stration Convention
previous to his nomination. and perhaps can ardl,
be said to be "A stimper In this county, Mr.. Bucl
! and Mr.. Butler (the former Wing and the latte
u Locofoco candidate for Senaor,) have OH on,
: occasion met together aud held protracled dis
II cussion before an assembly composed Of boil
y understanding, by tbs why much to the crcdi
!, of Mr.. Buck, we are informed. Unless the as
:, case be an exception, we know of no Wing can
:. didnte who has taken The stump. That some ma,
I, do it, is perhaps. probable; the ocolocos havn
:, begun the game, may force their opponents Il
!, meet them. If they do, let the responsibility res
y where it bclongs-upon Mr.. X G. p. Van Ness.