National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1872-08-09
From he 81. Johmsbnry Caiedonian.
The Congressional Contest,

We regard II ns exceedingly unfortunate
that Judge Steele should have put himself in.
to the field a. a candidate against Judge Po-
land. at this time. 1t is evident, that for the
s,cxt four years, whether Grant or Greeley he
president, the Republican party VIII have to
exert it's whole strength to keep things rig It
eide up. Our old enemies have drawn from,
us into their ranks all the disaiectd and dis
appointed. and what the issue may be is I'm Ger
vain Any act which will tend to weaken til.
Republican strength in the next Congress, is
an not of folly, Even if Judge Steele il
just ~ gcncrOusl endowed by nature ~ Judge
Poland, and inst rs reliable he is yet but IL
young mnn-soarccly past thirty -fve--and to
tally without that experience and acquaint-
ance in the House which would render him of
service there. For his first term, ut least, no
will he without standing or influence No man,
he his ability what IL may, can carry any repu
tation into Congress. lie has it all to make
after lac gets there, aud that confidence of his
peers, which gives man influence In IL legis
Intivc body. is plant of slow growth.
That Judge Poland has acquired large in
fuence in tho House is beyond question. A
gentleman now and for some time past resi-
Hent ut Washington-formcrly IA judge Of the
Supreme Court in this Sia,c-rrccntly sand to
n ciiizen of st. Johnsbury. that with the ex-
reption Of Dawes, who was regarded us the
leader of the House, and perhaps of Garfield
Judge Poland had more influence in the House
than any other man. No better evidence of
his reputation for judgement, candor and in.
fcgrity is needed than the fact that the CITY
at Washington procured him to be made chair
inah OF the committee to which Choir local IN,
iercs-s are committed. NoLo could have bet
Ger opportunity than they to judge who could
best serve thcin.
1t Is urs% that Judge Poland has been three
torna. and that he sbonld give place to some
new man. Nav this depends npon how we
look at it. Ii legislative bodies are simply de-
signed to confer honOrs upon ambitious men.
why then the ofiener we change the better
IL, however, Oh the other hand their purpose
Is TO look after and conserve the interests of
the people, then surely the argument is quito
the other way.
II is well known that Massachusetts,, from
her earliest history, has held controlling in
hnenee In Congress; and though insignhcan,
an population. as compared with other States |
s!Ae sill holds this same influence This intiu |
lure has been acquired aud maintained bv
training NJ her mon as statcsmrn by service
AT Washington. She has always by her ac-
ton nctased to acknowledge the wisdom of
what IL t. rined rotation It WAS thus that
South ruled ITS so many years If the New
England States desire to hold any position or
in all |
~ Inc nation they must carry out this policy
Nor Is this all. hot political contest sho'd
ust at this time In avoided, because of the eff
'ect thAtH will have upon our State election ;
Not that there is danger that the Democrats
and theii new''oad allies will carry Vermont.
hut IL Is Important that those States which {
hoid their elections early should roll UP such a /,
majority for Grant 'as will give aid and con, (
Tort to our br ,ihien in other States. where the
--"e Is donbtful-especial!y that it may ntiu- I
'nce that mass of fuctuafing voters which a
watches the progress If events, and finally
lies in with the party which sesms to have tb, /;
ieavist battalions.
there Is an old ma kim that Unity il Strength: !,
ND II Is trucr in politics than any where else.
J he state ~ Pennsylvania il liable to be lost I
o the hepbiican party because of dissensiop !
LIE Republican ranks. Lat not Vermont. I
be critical time, be guilty of such suici,l- c
fs'. Tie very principles for which So j
ise' were sacr,iird--so much suffering
fsy indueed-snch millions Ut treasure,
iH,isense destruction of property c
sssry --sse nsw again assail,d, and !,
Ne rs'f in Jeopardy because Of am i