The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1868-06-30
The Congressional Question.

MIR. EDITOR The agitation of the
First Congressional District, in regard
to its next Representative, still contin-
ues, and appears to grow more and
more enthusiastic as the time draws
near for the District Convention, in
which the contest is to be probably
permanently decided. Some seem to de-
spise honest criticism, and revolt at the
idea of a candid investigation of person.
al merit. In lieuthereof, there is imposed
that universal humbug--the tranquil
izing alternative, theory. Not wish
ing wholly to despise this principle of
theorizing when there is necessity for
the use of its yet indecisive regimen,
(for it is only used to advantage when
the practical is difficult of explanation
still nothing seems to me to be more
conclusive of utter insufIiciency and
manifest weakness than this method of
reasoning adopted for the purpose of
attaining ui1derserved honor where
as is the case with the American people
merit must in some way or another
be the universal precedent of prefer
ment and a continuation, steady
increment of the same, the necessary
prerequisite of successive honor, the
brain labor expended by the dreamy
unsubstantial theorist, to spin net to
ensnare calm, deliberate, common
sense men, will effect its own ruin and
be but another stern rebuke, offered by
practical good sense to theoretical non
sense, TO remind il OF its uncalled for
and base intrusion.
The consideration which influences
some practical minds Is not how long
other men have been representatives In
Congress, but as concerning the merits,
both in wisdom, and honesty, and cap
ability Of the man whom they desire to
have their Representative. They wish
man who reflects their own views,
yet adorned with the additional cult
walton of education and experience.
In fact, q man who is upheld only by
| theory, and there can be presented no
other claim I'm his favor, but against
whom the record of the past stands
forth in living light, is clearly not en-
| titled to preferment at the hands of the
freemen of this District. Better have
man, who, though untried, possesses
the the qualities of eminent success,
than to reinstate a man, who, In his
! self-assumption becomes insecure and
unreliable. The present incumbent,
| Mr. Woodbridge, has received at the
| hands of this District distinguished ia
vors. OF his qualifications no one could
be the wiser If he were to remain his
| lllS lllllc. l1lS W Tie ptO-
| pie Is question settled in the minds of
few and doubtful in the convictions of
the many. Ofsome of his numerous acts
while in that position, many have seen
| their impracticability and in his reso-
luton proposing that the government
take fifty millions of the Mexican lean,
his fitness as a financier is amply dem
onstrated. Yet waving what has been
and might be produced, to show the
weak points in the present occupants
claims TO the renomiRation, permit me
| to enquire ms to HE personal merit -
Accrediting to Mr. Woodbridge the ut
most that an unprejudiced Judgment
| can bestow, and his claims appear none
the superior TO those which might be
shown possessed by other aspirants
Pure, unsullied merit is the only criter-
ion to direct this district i'm its selection
of candidate. A false popularity may
forat time succeed in deluding the recip-
ieni thereof of of his high estimation in
the public mind, but persons as wei! as
water sooner or later assumes its own
level. In this trying time of our Nation
no candid mind can but appreciate the
following beautiful and truthful lines
| supposed to have been uttered by the
Prince of AiTagon:
Let none presume 10 weal an undeservcd Dig
nifty.
o that estates, degrees aud Offices
Were not deriv'd coruptly.
And that clear honor We're purchased by the
ry would then be glean'd from the true seed OF
honor? And how much honor, peck'd from
the chan ana rain Of the times, 10 be new var
nished