Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-02
SENATOR FOOT.

EAST Side expressing the same views, we
now give place to a different view from the
Center" But we cannot agree with "Cen-
ter" in the view he has taken cf the coming
Senatorial election. IL is too partizan and al
together to narrow in its nature. The whole
tenor Of the article, and the ground of his op-
position to the reelection of Senator Foot is
because the State Of Vermont has already
conferred on him the honor Of two elections
"and this" he says sis no small honor to
man capable Of filling the exalted position g"
That it is an honor to Mr.. Foot to represent
the interests of the State Of Vermont in the
United States Senate, we readily admit. But
it is greater honor to the State to be able
to send to that body man Of the ability and
standing of Mr. Foot and in selecting man
to fill his place for the next six years, it is
due TO the people OF the State that they look
more to the interests and honor Of the State
than to that of any one man. That there are
other men in the State 'just as talented and
just ds capable we admit; but that they are
lust as deserving" IS quite another question.
Mr. Foot has, during his twelve years exper-
fence, attained position which no man, how
ever talented and capable, could expect to oc-
cupy save by years of trial and experience.
Mr. Foot has earned his standing in the SEN
ate by proving his fitness for it, and the pco-
pie Of the State will be wise if they retain
for the State-not merely for Mr.. Foot per-
sonally-the proud position which we now
mold in the highest branch Of the National
Legislature. No new man which we might
select could expect to occupy the same posi-
tion on important committees, or receive the
confidence Of his fellow Senators so far as to
be elected President pro tenn of the Senate
1t is the State, as we'll as Mr.. Foot, that Is
honored in her representatives occupying
these positions, and so long as we can retain
the advantages Of these honors--for even
Center cannot deny that these positions
give US advantages which less conpicuous
ones would not command-so long is it our
duty to retain in place the men who can
command them.
servants Of the people, and if the people will
exercise the same good sense in selecting their
representatives that they do in private affairs,
the interests Of the State will be properly
cared for, and Vermont will rank as the first
in her Congressional representation. In a
mans private business. he never discharges a
tried and faithful servant, one whom he has
proved to be true to his intercsts and who
has become perfectly familiar with his affairs,
merely for the sake Of giving the place to
another, no more competent and not at all
familiar with his manner of doing business.
The same rule, if adopted by the people in the
selection of their public servants, would
prove of vast importance in advancing their
interests.
As to the dishonest bargainings and cor
ruption of politicians. referred to by Cen
ter, we depreoate them as much as any man
possibly can, and happy will be the day when
Offices shall seek the men who are fitted to
fill them, instead Of men begging round with
their pint cups for offices requiring the largest
abilities and the noblest capacities. We know
no hing about the "bargainings" of Mr.. Foot
referred to, and indeed we care nothing about
them. Mr.. Foot has proved himself an able,
judicious and popular Senator, and to throw
him overheard now, when he enjoyes the
confidence Of the people of the State and the
country, would be unfortunate for both. The
times demand our best men, men of the most
experience and acknowledged ability, and it
is the duty of the State of Vermont to
give to the councils Of the nation those
men who will exercise the greatest influence
in moulding the affairs of the country for the
next few years, which are, without doubt to
be of unparalleled importance in the history
of the country. Mr.. Foot is such a man for
the United States Senate, and it is the duty
Of the State to keep him there, and Ills equal
ly Mr. Foot's duty to yield to the wishes of
the State in this respect, however honorable
to himself might be any other position offer
ed him. Unless he can make it appear that
the interests of the State and the country can
be better subserved in another position, he
should yield to the voice Of the people whose
servant he is.
That there are men in the State that are
dieting for Mr.. Foots place is probably true
and that there are other men in the State
seeking to crowd him one side for the pur-
pose OF getting some one else out of the way
Of their particular ambition, is equally true
and the people can do themselves. the State
and the country no better service than to
frown down all such intrgues.
Judge Kellogg, of Rutland county, would
nnquostonably make a very good representa-
tive of the State in the United States Senate,
and were a change to be made, we know OF
no one that we should be better pleased to
see in the position; but he could no, expect
at once to fill the important places assigned
to Mr. Foot, and we believe that even Judge
Kellogg would prefer that Senator Foot
should be retained in his place during the
troublous times which have befallen our
country, Indeed, we frankly say that we be-
lieve that the suggestion of Judge Kellogg =
namo is for the very reason that we have
] tod oh Ia fS Tud ,f t.