Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-08-12
Our Congressional Convention.


For several weeks it has been apparent that
the contest for the Congressional nomination
in this district would be exceedingly animat-
ed, and from the number of candidates, and
the conflicting elements that would enter into
the strife, the result could not with any GER
tainty be Goretod The Convention, which
commenced its session at Rutland on We'd
nesday noon, and closed at the same hour on
Thursday, with only short adjournments for
rest and refreshment, fully confirmed these an
ticipations; for the field was closely contested,
and the lot has fallen where perhaps it was
least anticipated.
The Convention itself was remarkable in
many respects. Every torn in the District
was represented by full quota of delegates,
and the round number of one hundred and
ninety-seyen votes was polled upon almost cv-
cry ballot. The prominent Republicans of
the District were mostly included in the del
egations, and nobler body of men have new
cr been gathered in a similar Convention in
the State Good order reigned supreme, save
when, during the first day, the more jealous
friends of ihe various candidates could not
withhold their enthusiastic shouts as they re-
tired from one charge, and made ready for
the next. The utmost harmony and good
feeling prevailed throughout the whole strug-
Gle. Not an angry or unkind word fell upon
our ears and when result was finally reach
cd, better feeling Of acquiesence and har-
mony prevailed than could possibly have been
expected to succeed such a contest.
Various elements contributed to prolong
the struggle. The friends Of Mr.. Woodbridge
felt that his character, both as a public SER
want and private citizen, had been unjustly
assaied, and that he ought to receive the
hearty aud persistent support of his friends,
regardless of his chances of nomination.
To abandon him, at any stage of the canvass
looked to them like virtual admission o.
these allegations. Hence, what seemed blinC
obstnacy to others, was regarded as sacre'
duty by them. And the unanimity and en-
thusiasm of the delegates from Addison coun
ty, as well as from various towns in other sec
tions, must have answered all his desires
this behalf The friends of Col Veazey-
composed mostly of the military element, an
the younger blood Of the District--made
gallant fight, and fell only in the last ditcl
overpowered by numbers and superior STRAIT
gy, mixed, us they claim, with little bi
faith During the canvass he reached a hg
er vote than any Of his competitors, save 4
ultimately successful one, and evidently hi
reason to expect different result. The orr
inal strength of Mr. Willard consisted ofnea
ly the whole of the delegation from Washin
ton county, beyond which he sought to elc
no delegates Fortunately for him, this d.
egation was made up of the strong men of t
county, with Gov Dillingham; at the head
men who were fully able to see the adyantal
of the situation, and turn them to the best
count. They held the key to the whole pc
ton, and by skilfal application they W
the day. Doubtless the extremely hap
speech Of Coy. Dillingham; in presenting
name of Mr. Willard, did much to prepi
the minds Of the Convention for this resu
but we frankly say that, in our judgmc
much more is attributable TO the the fact I
he is well known throughout the State a
gentleman of the highest character Of
vanced political views, and possessing the
quisite ability to maintain them. And
fact that the question of location was entir
against him, does but strengthen the com
ment of the nomination.
That Mr.. Willard was fairly and hone
bly, nominated, there can be no question
That he will faithfully represent his const
ents, and bring honor to the State which
shall in part represent, no one who knows
can question. Let, then, all questions of
cation, Of friendship for other candidates
personal animosity, even, if any such Il
be, be swallowed up in regard for the gen
al good; and let the Republicans of the
District of Vermont roll up such majo
for Mr.. Willard at the approaching cleo
as shall not only be worthy of the man,
Of the noble cause Of which he is the re
sentative.