Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-03-28
From the MiddIebury Rcgistcl
The Governorship.

The papers of the State are beginning
to discuss the question of candidates for
Governor. 1t is rather earlier than
usual but perhaps not too soon to give the
people ample time to think the matter
over, preparatory to intelligent action
in the convention to be held in early
summer. Thus far in the discussions,
it is conceded that our present incum-
bent may be reelected if he wishes it,
but some of them infer that he does not
wish it, and they are therefore casting
about for candidates Among the
names mentioned are those of Julius
Converse and Frederick Billings, of
Woodstock, and Horace Fairbanks, of
st. JOhnsbuTy, either of whom would
perform the duties of Office of Chief
Executive in a manner Creditable to
themselves and satisfactory to the peO-
pie. we have no doubt.
But there is a preliminary contingency
which must be settled before discussing
the merits of these candidates, according
to all these Governor makers. VIII Mr..
Stewart seek reelection This is not
the exact form in which we would put
this question. We do not think he need
be consulted. As a loyal Nermonter,
we apprehend that he will be ready to
obey the summons of the people to any
service which he can reasonably be call
ed upon to render. The proper question
is, do the people wish him to serve in
that capacity? BY adoption, qualtica-
ton, and experience, he has come to
sustain the relation of servant of the
people, who may be called upon for any
service not incompatible with the high
order Of his abilities. Not that he could
not refuse if there were reasons why he
should do SO, but it cannot be expected
that he will hesitate to render any
reasonable service.
Taking for granted then, that he is to
serve us i'll some capacity, the first ques-
ton is, what places are there which We
can properly ask one of his ability to
fill? We have this summer to select
our representatives i'll Congress, and we
need our best men there, as well as for
the office of chief executive of the State
We can properly ask Mr.. Stewart to
serve us i'll either of these capacities.
and the question now is, do the people
prefer his services in the GubernatOrial
Chair, at home or in the National Con-
gress.
There is too much of this sclf-sccking
i'll politics. 1t is to be hoped We may
sometime return to that good old Gus
tom as asking, whom do we want for
our public servants? Not, who wish to
serve us ? We cannot expect the glUri-
Gus millennial day, i'll politics, to come
very soon when there shall be no candi-
dacies. 1t is certainly impossible until
we are better educated III our duties and
as citizens. But all must adj
nit that the position of candidate cspc-
Cially if self=sOught, is demoralizing
one, and one which should not be taken
except for reasons more urgent and
Weighty than those of personal ambition
or cupidity. Hence self-imp0sed candi-
dacies should be discouraged so far as
practicable. They too often lead to the
use OF improper influences to secure
election; and certainly, position Oh
tanned by such means ought not to be
reckOned as thing to be proud of. To
return from our DEPRESSION. If the pco-
pie desire Governor Stewards service as
Chief Executive Of the State, another
term, let them call him to it, and we
may rest assured he will not refuse to
obey the voice of the people But if,
on the other hand, they feel that his ser
vices would be more valuable in the Ma
Lional Congress, let them assert their
right to call him to that position, As
for the one term principle, we hold it to
be just as valuable in state as in nation
al affairs, and no more so. 1t is not of
lvershadowing Importance in either.
So throwing this aside, it is, with Us,
merely a question of service. If the
people wish to express their opinions
Upon these subjects, the columns of the
Register are open to them for that pur-
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