Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-06-12
One or Two Terms.

1t has been the nvarable custom in Yer.
mont to give the State officers two terms. If
they were faithful and efficient in the first
term the people expressed their confidence
and satisfaction in them by q reelection. a
reelection has been regarded the natural and
proper tribute to those who have done we'll
Vermont has not said to those who have
served her accoptably and honored her in Of.
fetal stations in their first term, " Well
done, good aud faithful servant, now 20
home" She has not treated those who have
deserved well as if they had deserved ill.,,
and were worthy only Of dsmission from their
trusts. She has given them reelection as
the true aud only way oftestifyingher appreci-
alton Of their service aud her own respect
aud honor for them.
We think the custom has been good one.
1t has trained and educated good aud in.
telligent and honorable class Of public men.
It has been consistent with the welfare and
honor Of the State. Some are now proposing
to do away with this custom. Because the
election occurs but once in two years, aud
there is but one session Of the Legislature in
two years il is therefore said 1--WE will sur.
render the old custom of two terms of office
and have but one term. The faithful servant
shall have no reward. The State shall have
no advantage of the experience of tried men
Two terms will consume four years and that
is too long for those who want Office to wait
So let us give up the two term principle aut
adopt the one term rule"
The candidate and his friends who are ask
ing Vermont to change its time.honored usage
which has been so conducive to the adyantog
Of the State, and to the self-respect and in
tegrity and development of our public men
arc, We think, making a grave mistake. W
see no reason why the uniform and healthfu
system which has been conducive to the 20
liticoi prosperity and prestige Of the State
which has been so acceptable to our people -
which has been so stimulating and useful t.
our public men by furnishing them a natura
reward for faithful service, should be change,
in the interest Of those who find it difficult t
wait little longer for preferment. 1t woul,
be unwise, it seems to us, to change so bene
6cial custom, in the interest Of an impa
tent craving for Office. Vermont has Away
been slow to change where change was no
manifesty necessary and desirable. Tie
principle has been, two terms, and not tw
years; n recollection Of true men as a test
mony Of appreciation, and not casting q
: them aside after one term as if they were nc
worthy of a second trial of Office. We tru.
she will not change her political habit wher
change will be so obviously injurious. w
should be glad to see the Republican part
in the State unit on this question. w
have always reelected our Governors whe
they have proved worthy of reelection. VIII,
should we 60 back on usage so bonorabl
to all concerned
We have heen sorry to see in some quar-
tiers disposition to question Gov. Stewart OIL
account Of his natural desire to have a re
newal Of that honor extended to him whcl
has never been refused to his predecessors
Did any ever think of retiring either Gov
Washburn or Smith or Dillingham; or Royce
or Page, after the first term, in order to take
the place they occupied with credit to them
selves and honor to the state2 In what it
Gov. Stewart their inferior? What goot
reason exists for refusing him a recollection
which existed not in other cases2 We d,
not believe that so eminent and excellent
man as our present governor is, will be de
MED the tribute he merits, at the call of pc
litical impotence and greed.