Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1870-08-19
The Third Dls;T::f.

The article which we copy elsewhere from
the St. Johnsbury Times, shows remarkable
misapprehensiOn of the real facts of the sub
jet of which it treats, and is notable Illus
tration Of the gift which some persons possess
ofdiscoverins the results Of deep laid plots
and underground strategy in every political
situation.
The grain Of truth which lies 10 this bush
el Of chaif is that Hon. W. c. Smith is to
be nominated for reelection to Congress IN
this district, without opposition, and that
this is well foI all concerned. By the side
Of the rest of this knowing account OF the
case, we desire to place our own under tand-
ing Of it. obtained under perhaps as
good opportunities for acquaintance with the
facts, as those enjoyed by our St. Johnsbury
contemporary outside Of the district.
Til within few months, the district was at
rest, in the expectation that Mr. Smith would
accept a third term. lie has the esteem and
confidence Of the district, as trusty and
honorable representative, and no name was
before the people, Of such prominence as to
call attention in any other direction. This
expectation was suddenly disturbed by areport
that Mr. Smith would not he again a candi
date. The death Of Hon. Lawrence Brainerd had
made it probable that Mr. Smith would be
called to Ell the vacancy so made, in the ae-
tive management of the Vermont Central
Road The post is one of much labor and
responsibility, especially since the consolida-
ton of the Ogdcnsburg Road with the Cen
trail and it was known to be the desire Of
Gov. Smith, whose duties rs President Of the
Northern Pacific Road largely absorb his
time, that his brother should leave every
thing else, and devote himself to the care Of
the affairs of the Central As to Mr.. Smith,
it was understood that he had seen enough Of
Washington life. and would be glad to be re-
liayed This iros the fact. We repeat with
out hesitation. what we said two months ago,
that Nj. smiths interests and inclination
united to lead him to decline "a denomination. /
Orcourse new candidates for the succession |
at once arose, and their particular friends |
began to canvass actively for them, on the
assumption that there was to bea change. |
GOV Hendee was stro1s in lamoillc County, |
and along the line Of the Lamolle Valley |
Road. Gen. " W. Gr9ut Of Barton and
Hon. Geo. y. Dale OF Island Pond. lad nu-
mer5us friends in Orleans and Essex Coun-
les, and considerable canyassing was done
for all three Of these gentlemen in the other
counties.
Other names were mentioned, without
actually being put into the field. 1t soon be-
came evident that no harmonious result was
likely to he reached. Ola iealousie- ana am
mosities were rcyrng. and the prospect Of
an ugly fight IN the district. was as plain as
it was unpleasant to men rpeacsa5le disr'si-
tons.
In this state Of the case. Nj Smith was
applied to by numerous gentlemen in various
parts Of the district, who urged him TO recon-
slider his purpose Of withdrawal and consent
again to represent the district. lie was
assured that the announcement Of his wiling
ness TO be again a candidate would quic every
hing, that there would bea cordial and general
'e-union of all Interests On himself and the
question Of his dny 80 the people Of the
80; BIZ. ,,,. nv ... % o. d --. ,,-,- -+ !