Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-08-23
Third Congressional Contest.

uoHuIS WHllo I1tnuSe HAS SOHt6ttthy tCso.
q So all the people say Thus has Smith
beaten the crowd in grand strategy, though
it is a strategy of which any truly honora-
BILE man would feel ashamed 1t is the
strategy of duplicity, of deceit, and of
adroit statements that just escape false
hood. If Mr.. Smith is proud Of this spe
cies of cunning-of political thimblerig-
ing, he is welcome to the questionable
honor. Certainly no other man in the dis
trict will ever dispute his claims in this
his peculiar branch of diplomacy.-IStand-
ard.
To reduce this fusiIade to emphatic
charges it may be stated thus:
l. Grout agreed to retire, and did so
honorably.
2. Hendee was paid money or something
else to retire from the contest.
3. 1t was all the result of mean trick
of small politician.
The Editor of the Standard has now
reputation for honest, blunt eloquence and
a spirit of fair play.
He has toiled early and late, and with
sturdy honest labor has earned but hum
BILE living, and has often thrown aside rare
chances to make money, because the way
to it" was chatting to his independent spir-
it. have long known and respected him
as man Of strong, good sense, standing
integrity, coupled with ability as writer
and editor. But in this article from
which l have quoted he has, it seems
to me, done violence to all these traits of
character. He has grossly assailed men of
unimpeached integrity, made assertions
without a particle of evidence to back
them up, and has left a wide field for the
suspicion that these attacks are inspired by
Gen. Grout in retaliation for his defeat. |
think this is not true. think Gen. Grout
would not and could not so influence the
Standard, but people, as you say, twill
talk" and they will be sure to fix that as
one of the reasons for the course pursued
by the Standard.
That Gov. Hendee could be purchased
do not, nor will not believe. Have you
any evidence that he could be? Any evil
dencethat he was paid to retire? If not
then your hint was in direct contrast tC
| YOUR usual candor and fairness.
Yoa say the strategy OF smith Is suct
as should be a shame to truly honorable
man. What did he do? Simply this -
He was the choice Of large part of hi
district. There were several very worthy
aspirants for his position, and there wa
and would have been Kilkenny cat igh
among them had he refused TO run again
l know he was anxious to retire from
Congress and attend to the large and i'm
portant interests he has here in the Stat
as Trustee for the VT C. R. R., to which
position he has lately been elected. Blu
he did not think it right to refuse the UT
gent request of his constituents under tn
circumstances. If this was "dishonorable'
or thimblerigging, then almost the en-
tire republican vote of Chittenden, Frank
lin and Essex counties, and large vote il
Lamoille and Orleans counties share il
that disgrace, for they certainly urged hin
strongly to stand again.
l am not politician and have no inter
ests to advance IN this contest. | am
Vermonter and a voter in this district, an
am anxious to see Vermont represented b
capable and honest men. l have had eS
cellent opportunities to know what Hor
w. c. Smith has done for his State an
district, and l do not hesitate to say that
more competent, honest and high minde
man never represented the Sd district {
Vermont than this same W. G. Smith, {
whom you spoke in terms too much lik
those used among fish mongers" to be g
all creditable to your paper.
In Washington, where every dishones
member of Congress and Senator is ca'
rdSsed, chGiked dOaen and rated as much {
ever was a sheep or hog when ready ft
market; where all the characteristics an
habits of men are made use of if possible
and when dame Rumor with her hundre
tongues" is seen to babble out the secre
of every mercenary or covetous membe
is certainly place where all who are eUe
suspected will be sure to be known an
talked of. And yet to the credit OF We
mont the tongue of scandal NEEDLES NJ
with one of her present delegation; an
they are also considered men of ability
The strong, terse sayings of Poland are a
ways seen to claim the attention of Il
House. The practical good sense. final
cial and commercial knowledge of Smii
makes him one of the most useful men
Congress, whether upon the floor or in h
committee The independence, caref
study and eloquent words of Willard con
mands for him the respect of his colaborer
r 1t seems to me that the republican par
, of the State is happy in its choice OF, al
q satisfied with its present delegation, al
that among them none stands higher ths
Hon. W. c. Smith, and that it will tai
: much more than the harsh article writt'
: against him to change the good opini'
had of him by his constituents, or less
$ his influence among his colleagues in Co
r gress.
e 1t would be good thing for Vermont
j. the idea of changing members of Congre
b every four years was changed. Massach
e sets has been accustomed to send her Co
IS gressmen back term after term until tn
1t are among the most useful, because t
n most experienced of men in their position
n Dawes has been in Congress over Is yea
think. Other members have been the
@ for long term of years. Ohio, Illin'
d and Iowa have followed this plan a
h their influence is greatly enhanced the
IL by. Our plan in Vermont has been
.e swap horses very often, and thus to affo
e. a chance for many ambitious ones to ri
,e the Congressional horse.
d 1t was this idea which brought out He
D. dee. and Grout, and Barlow, and Engles
and others at the present time. The Star
N ard does not nor does any one complain
A. MIR. Smiths course while in Congress. !
ID acknowledge his honesty, efficiency a
)" sound republican views. All the des
st for change comes from the partisans
~ the persons who are anxious for his pla