Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-07-12
Third District Politics.

p
that Hon. Worthington C.. Smith did not
desire a reelection to Congress, though we
have found no one who felt authorized to
say that he would not in any event consent
10 take ono. We know from his own assur-
ances that Congressional life is rather dis
tasteful TO him, especially all that part
which the failure to adopt the Civil Service
Reform continues to impose upon the men,
bers, and we believe, Also that his own
personal interests and the interests Of the
Vermont Central Railroad are weighty
consideration in determining his desire for
retirement. Each, of
course has strong friends in his own vicini-
~ and some in other sections, but this cor
sderation, being so suggestive of the pos
sbility of a repetition of the scenes of four
years ago, has induced prudent and patri-
otto men from all parts OF the district to
turn TO Mr. Smith and ask his consent to
again be a candidate
Harmony among the aspirants, or any
overwhelming preponderance of support
for either, is utterly out of the question,
for the present at least, and therefore, for
the avoidance of contest, if for nothing
else, the vast majority Of the party in the
district still turn hopefully to Mr.. Smith.
We think there can be no
question of fast maturing determination
in this district to insist ON Mr.. Smiths ac-
ceptance of re-election.-,S. Adams Mes |
ScHges.
If the extracts we have quoted are |
intended to pave the way for Mr..
Smiths retreat, or to break the force |
of his anticipated fall, it is well and |
the editor of the Messengers well
as the editor of the Free Press, who
preceded him in the same strain-show
excellent hearts. But if they are in
earnest and mean what they say, we
must inform them that they exhibit
poor judgment in regard to the true
standing Of the present incumbent
If they suppose that he is to walk
over the course without a lively and
healthy opposition, they will wake up
some fine morning to the realization
of blasted hopes. We can tell his
admirers that there are men in the
third district who can and WiU beat
Worthiugton c. Smith-the puissant
arm of the Vermont Central Railroad
to the contrary Notwithstanding. If
they do not believe this, let them run
him and then repent it at their leis-
urc. We do not, to be sure, assume to
speak for the whole district. OF the
state of feeling on the lake shore we
profess to have but a limited knowl.
edge. but of the feeling in Orleans and
Essex counties We claim to have q
clear idea, perhaps FULL as clear as
that possessed by our brethren on the
west side of the district, now cnga-
ged in the laborious duty of writing
up Mr.. Smith and thrusting upon him
respectable congressional standing.
Alone, these two counties can neither
make nor break any aspirant. Blu.
they can do something, and that some,
thing will surely never be given to
Mr.. Smith. In the event Of Gen.
CIRCUITS withdrawal from the contest,
he may possibly get half dozen votes
from this quarter, though we confess
our inability to sec where they are
coming from. With the general out
Of the field almost our entire dclcga.
tion will 60 for Hendee, and if the
latter cannot raise enough friends in
Lamoille county to unite with the OPP
position in Franklin and Grand Isle
we shall have to own that the Cover.
nor is not the man we take him for.
Let it not be understood from this
however, that we advocate Hendee' s
claims. We do not. Gen. Grout is
our choice and ever has been. He is
our friend, friend Of the people, and
popular with them where known. If
he will stand his ground and not be
frightened out Of his senses by the ap
partition OF some such pompous pigmy
as Worthington G. Smith, (his
"Aaron's call") we have small doubt
that he may secure the nomination
But should he decide to withdraw, We
notify him and all concerned that he
cannot take us with him to the supper
of Mr.. Smith. Neither can he take
the county. Four years ago we fol
lowed the lead of the general and sup
ported Mr.. Smith in convention ant
afterwards with our paper, instead OF
Judge Adds, and have regretted i
ever since. We do not know as h'
would wish to do this. He cannot il
he does. Gen. CIRCUITS friends will
stand 10y him like a wall of fire, bu
we warn his "next friend" Mr.. Smith
that he will carry none of them to him
should he be so shallow as to try il
but will, in case he is compelled t,
withdraw, cooperate with his friend
in support of Hendee. There is
clear majority in this district oppose,
to the return of Mr.. Smith. The on
ly question is, caa that majority b
united on man? We think il ca
be. Who doubts the willingness 0
the people to support either Grout c
Hendee? But what magnetism, pra
tell us, has the name of worthingto
C.Smith with the hard fsted ycomal
ry Of the third district, or any othe
district? The Messenger and Ere
Press profess to deplore the terribl
consequences that would accrue I
this third part of Vermont should |
firmly and cruelty refuse the use c
his name in the canvass, bringing ba'
again in language most pathetic q
scenes Of carnage in that grand al
historic battle of four years ago wi
the great political Apollyon and b
mailed hosts. And with eves hri