Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-06-21
The Governorship---some More.

Who is TO be the next Governor of
Wisconsin, is problem as fully unsolved
and doubtful as any we know of-politi-
cal or otherwise. Though there are but
two very prominent candidates now in the
field, yet there is time for a "whole herd"
of others to present themselves and be
presented, before the time of the Con-
vention; and very probably, from pres
ent appearances, some half a-dozen or
more good Republicans of different parts
of the State will receive the support OF
the delegates of their respective localities
One such is already scaled out" by the
press of bis region,-Hon. A. j. White,
of Omro, Winnebago Co. By the tone
of the Republican papers of that vicinity,
we Judge that he will receive cordial
support by delegates from thereabout.
1t is pleasant to think that there is
scarcely county Of all the fifty eight in
the State, but has some man in it who
would be good Governor, if he should
be elected. And we would not be dis
pleased to see political affairs take such a
turn that every Senate district, at least,
should select some champion, and "com
plment him" by voting for him on the
first ballot or two. There would be just
as apt to. be a good selection finally made
by canvassing thus, as to enter in on any
Regency" or "Ring" plan of opening
the contest with only two or three to Sc
lect from. We can name score or two
of men, any one of whom if nominated
we could vote for as cheerfully as for any
competitor he might have in convention.
"All men are wiser than one man." says
Gen. Grant, and if many men shall select
from many men the properest candidate,
it might be the best thing tho party can
do for itself and the people.
VIM. E. Smith and Gen. Washburn
are thus far the prominent contestants
The former has been conspicuous as such
for many months; the latter, in a char
acteristic "lay low" policy, has been "put-
ting himself in the hands Of his friends"
since last winter. These "frends" have
a pleasant way of showing that Gen.
Wsshburn is not an office.seeker, and
prove it by challenging anybody to show
anybody whom Gen. Washburn has ask
ed support from. But, we do not sup.
pose there is an intelligent man in Wis
consin who doubts that Gen. Washburn
is, has been for twenty years nearly, and
will continue to be, as easily persuaded"
to run for any high office, as any man
on earth. The Milwaukee Sentinels as
sertion that "he greatly desires a retiracy
to private life" was either an intended
deep sarcasm. or an "iRtent TO deceive
"Barkis is willin'," is % pat phrase that
applies TO Gen. Washburn as forciby and
perpetually as to Andy johnson. This,
though not disquaifying him for a good
Governor, is not altogether pleasing to
many men who believe in frank way of
saying to men whose support be desires:
II have concluded to run, and if you can
conseien:iously support me, | will be
grateful"
Gen. WashbGrn may be Governor,
bat his nomination is in no wise a fore
gone conclusion.
One great Objectionable great, in fact,
to Mr.. Smiths nomination, seems to us
very poor one: viz-''ah, but he sup
ported the Dels Bill, and if be should be
nominated he would fail to carry the
party strength. The ant-Dells men
wouldn't vote for him." We do not be-
lieye that purely local matters should have
feathers weight, in any convention rep
ersenting whole States interest. Mr..
Smith bad an opinion, and we know no
man who doubts that ii was an honest
one, that it would be just to dam The
Chippewa river at Eau Claire; and, as
Speaker of the House, having the right,
80 voted. If that alone should defeat
his nomination, then no man on earth
should ever be justified in having any
opinion, on any local issue. We do not
know he would make the best Governor,
but believe, from personal acquaintance
and his noble record as Senator, State
Treasurer, and his unvarying private aud
public virtues, that if he shall be elected,
Wisconsin may well congratulate herself
that We have wise, honest, faithful exc.
cutiye.
Death OF c. L. Vallandigham.