The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1866-06-13
THE SENATOR QUESTION.

haste with which the journals of the state,
and some not quite so closely connected
with our state politics, have wheeled into
line for the contest on the senatorial
question would have been amusing. had
it not discovered partisan and personal
ZEAL which should not influence US in the
decision Of such important questions.
The only question which yet arises, is,
who shall fill the seat lately occupied by
the lamentcd C,llamer in the United
States Senate ? Only one candidate
has appeared for the other senatorship,
and of course no controversy can arise
while such is the case. The question at
issue must plainlJ be decided by the
people, and it is desirable that the issue
be fully understood, that there be no
misapprchcnsion in the case. 1t is TO
be regretted that some in their zeal, have
failed TO treat the subject with the fair
ness and candor which should ever char
acterzc discussions on matters of so much
Importance.
The candidates for the position are,
Judge Poland, the present incumbent by
the appointment Of the Governor, and
Hon. J. s. Morrill,, Representative from
the second District. The question is to
be decided by our state legislature next
fall. Both are distinguished for ability,
fearless independence and earnest patriot
ism. We would not if we could, dispar-
age or dctract from the deserved honors
won by Judge Poland since he has been
in the Senate. Indeed, if it were possible,
we would retain him in the position he
now holds. But there are considerations
which are paramount to these.
Mr.. Morrill, has long been before the
people, having been twelve years in the
House, and for some time chairman of
the Committee Of Ways and Means. In
this position he has been able to render
more efficient service TO our state and
co.ntry than most if not all Of his associ
ates. lie has earned reputation both
exalted and national he has shown dstin-
guished abilities and in such direction
that they are doubly valuable because Of
their rarencss; he has won the esteem
and confidence of the people by his long
service as no other can do, land finally prov
ed himself the representative of the views
ofthe people on all the grave and compli-
Gated questions which have and are COM
ing before our national Congress.
If Mr.. Morrill, could be retained where
he now is, he might perhaps do more for
tue local interests of the state than any
one can do in another position. But this
is impossible. We understand that he
has already declared his intention of re-
firing from the House, And after twelve
years Of laborious service we can hardly
ask him to remain unless he accepts the
service chccrfully. Then we have no al,
tentative but to give him the promotion
he deserves or lose his valuable services
> altogether. This we cannot afford to do
The arguments used by the friends o.
Judge Poland that talents of different
order are required for the Senate, thar
those which give efficiency and success tt
a member of the House are specious, ant
were evidently trumped up for the occas
ion. 1t is either forgotten that the SAM
, questions come before both Houses 70
consideration, or the attempt is deliber
ately made to manufacture public opinion
by assertions never designed to be sustain
8 cd, but only hoped TO pass current with
, out inspection. But the people will no
be misled by such special plcadings.
The question now is between MI
v Morrill, at home and Mr. Morrill, in tn
: Senate. Shall we give him the promo
}. ton he has so richly earned, or lose hi
IS services altogether! There can be bu
e one answer. If legislative experience
Of any value, if past services deserve an
n reward, if the knowledge of partisa
IS schemes is any protection against bein
g betrayed into a false position, If a COZ
/ head, a vigorous intellect, an earne
Q patriotism, and devotion to the leadn
l. interests of the state are consideration
m worthy of being weighed, the answ'
le should be and will be, "Justin S. Morri
a shall be the successor of the late Senate
IS Collamer"