Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-08-14

us, that the Hon. John Smith "has always been
"a rank fedcralist, a rcvilcr Of Jefferson and
Madison, strenuous opposcr of the last war,
ga man who deemed il unbccomng moral and
religious people to rejoice at our vctorics."--
And yet, strange to tell he is now democratic
candidate!
But let us 60 a little further back and see
what the Sentinel thought of Mr.. Smith in 1888,
as politician and a man Of talents. The editor
of the Sentinel was then at Montpelier, per-
sonal observer of what was passing:
"Thc anti-masons have been in secret scs-
"sion and nominated his ,waddlership, John
"Smith as candidate for speaker"
Again, the editor says:
Notwithstanding decided majority Of the
"unon men were returned to the legislature the
"present year, the baotngs for speaker have
"resutcd in the election Of John Smith of st.
"Albans a gentleman "mhose political creed is
Gas party colored as Joseph's coat.-Sentinel, Oct
Is, 1888.
And still again.
"Nlany members Of tho legislature contend
"thc course pursued by Mr. Smith is injudicious
ain many particulars--tlat he lacks energy
forethought and sound Judgment must adj
unit that he lacks the information requisite to
"the station he occupics-having several times
"becn corrected by the house, in his decisions
"upOn questions of ordcr-Sentinel.
And this man. this "twaddler" whose political
creed is Gas party colored as Joscph's coat"
who, after years of experience, lacked the " in
formation requisite to preside over the Vermont
legislature" the Sentinel now asks us to elect
to Congress.
The question naturally arises, how does this
happen! How has the "rcviler of Jefferson"
managed to supplant such men as Van Ness D.
And by virtue of what magic does he now claim
the "entire confidence of the democratic party :"
The wonder is but increased when we look at
Mr.. Van Ness, as described in this same demo-
cratic address of 1884. After. drawing the above
picture of Mr.. Smith, the address proceeds to
characterize Mr.. Van Ness.
With full view of the importance of the coming
congressional election, and for the purpose of uniting
the old Republican party-wc have this day put in
nomination the Hon. Cornelius p Van Ncss--a man
that has ever been found upon the side of the people,
neu III tfe highest the dCnlOcratlC
freemen of Vermont. Gov. Van Ness is Familiarity
known TO the most of you fellow citizcnsand his
moral and political character to all. He came into
this state in early life, and grew with its growth and
strengthened with its strength From his youth up,
he has been noted, for his ardent attachment TO, and
strong nhcxibc support of Jcflersonian principles.
He acted prominent part in the memorable struggles
of '99 and 1872, and his name is associated with all
the trilmphs of democracy. For moral integrity and
worth he is beyond reproach For grasp and capacity
ofmind--for high and convincing elo1uencefor close
scrutlnlzng insight into the springs of human action,
and for an intimate acquaintance with the public
for unring industry and zeal in her behalf Gov. Van
Ness stands unryallcd in the State.
And yet, SO entirely is the loco foco party in
this district circumvcnted by the tolls of ancient
federalism, that even such man gets run down
in nomination for congress, by his federal rival,
John Smith. The above endorsement was made
for Mr.. Nan Ness when absent. In the mean
time he has returned home-has canvasscd the
district, made speech in almost every town and
village, has literally bled and died in the cause
of democracy and yet he finds himself turned
adrif, to perform the Office of political teazer tc
such competitor! o, democracy! But, as il
pre- monished of the "ultcror bias of his party
tiic "iitci vi liiC vIoCccucu W DcSccCI
them not to forget what was due to proprcty
"Whcn VIC look around and see the two sen.
"ators and all the members of Congress from
'this state with the single exception of Mr.
"Slade,) of the federal party is there demo.
"crat in the district who will for any minor con
declarations, pass over Gov. Van Ness and vote
"for either of the other candidates! We cal
"hardy believe it"
Yet there were many SUCH 1t was so natu
raj for such "dcmocrrts" as Chttcnden, Haight
lIaswcl, Catlin, &c. to fall into the arms of fed
eralism, that they did not wish to resist; and
rallying all their duped followers, in the abusc
name OF democracy, they made desperate pusl
for the restoration of their ancient faith, am
succeeded, two years ago, in electing a "rcvile
of Jefferson" Meanwhile, Mr. Van Ness re
turns, and claims to be remembered; but ney
generation have grown up that know not Joseph
and he doubtless realizes by this time how eff
ciently he is "seconded in his efforts by TIL
most distinguished and disinterestcd fcdcralst
throughout the Union"