The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1872-06-04
County Convention.

IN Mlddlebury, on wednesday, June ~,
about week earlier than usual. The
State Convention occurs on the Goth In
slant, and it was thought best that the
County Convention shonld BIO held be-
fore, rather than after it, in order to
avoid the hurry of the haying season.
The issues to come before this conven-
ton will make matters lively in the coun'
ty previous to that time, and some of the
controversies will most likely be brought
into the convention. The question Of
Zone term or two" under the biennial
system is likely to be discussed, and GER
tain,to be acted upon in the selection OF
candidates. We hope, if this matter is
to be decided and precedent established
which we expect to follow hereafter, that
it may be settled wisely, and with refer
ence only to the public veal.
1t is to be hoped that we may, at this
time, make change from mass to delegate
conventions. The mass convention is at.
tended with many Inconvenience, great
unnecessary expense, and affords oppor-
tunities for packing in the interest of
rings, which ought to be sufficient to
condemn the system for all time. But,
to perpetuate these opportunities, which
unworthy invu dvsiiv " retain and use
for the accomplishment ofunworthy ends,
we may suppose they will endeavor and
perhaps succeed in perpetuating the mass
system. Suppose as general thing no
harm would come of it yet if strong To-
cal excitements were to prevail, who can
say but that circumstances might arise,
which would call out such q rally from
Middlebury and its immediate vicinity as
to override, in the popular vote, the rec
concentrations Of the committee composed
OF gentlemen representing all the towns
in the county. 1t is not that Middlebury
suffers from the mass convention system
that we object to it, but on the ground
that the wishes Of the whole of the peo.
pie of the county, are not 50 we'll repre-
scented in the nominations as they would
be by delegate conventions.
What other questions of theory or
practice are likely to arise, we cannot
sly. But we apprehend that the ques-
tons at issue, will be mostly those Of
personal preference for candidates. We
shall be surprised if the character and
principles of candidates are not more
closely scanned and more freely discussed
in this campaign than formerly. We
hope SO at least. Let us, first of all, in
quire if candidate is honest. Has he
that strict integrity of character which
alone is sufficient guaranty of fidelity
IN the discharge Of his official duties ?
We should not rely upon any outward
circumstances to compel a public officer
to do his duty. We should seek such
qualifications for the public service as we
do in our business agents. They should
be honest, faithful, capable, temperate
Straws Indicate which way the wind
blows. So let US watch the straws. II
anyone connects himself with rings, or
if his friends form doubtful combination.
in his interest, and by his consent, or, il
he coquets with antagonistic principles
drop him. However pure or worthy he
may appear to be, he is unsafe. If two
men are to all appearances equally cor
rect and reliable, it is usually safe
course to favor the one who keeps the
best company. Remember poor Tray.
Without expressing our own preferen
ees, at this time, we will simply give thu
names Of those who have been mentioned
in connection with each Of the Offices 70
which nominations must be made at GU
County Convention, so far as we hav
heard. For Senator in the North Dis
trict, Stephen f. Atwood of Monkton, A
T. Smith and Il. S. Bottum of New Hav
en-, j. W. Barnes of Ferrisburgh. In tn
South District, Henry Lane of Cornwall
Marshall Smith, Prosper Elitharpe an
Paris Fletcher of Bridport, Calvin Hi
of Middlebury. For Sheriff, George
Skiff of Monkton and Isaac NJ. Trip c
Middlebury. For States Attorney, Ir
W. Clark and Aluon P. Upper of Mid
dlebury, j. II. Lucia and George "
Grandey of Vergennes. For High Ba
lift, Edward Gorham of Addison, Ruff
M. Hubbard of Granville. For Count
Judges, in the North District, Lewis ]
Beers Of Mopkton, and in the South Di
trict, Thurman Brookins Of Shorehan
Samuel II. Bascom of Orwell, Franc
ID. Douglas of Whiting. The preseI
efficient and popular Judges of Probat
will, it is thought, have no competitor
Whether any or all of these persons nan
ed above will be brought forward as cal
didates we cannot say, but there are tho
who would like to bring them forward
there was reasonable prospect of success
All we desire is that no traps be sprur
by scheming wire-pullers SO that we sha
fail Of ultimately reaching the sterliI
sense and wishes of the people.
Tho nuuca of prayau,;o.