Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-09-18
From the 81. Johnsbury CALIFORNIAN.
The Congressional Contest

uiuatcs ItIeOnalllt duu WIN lTlcnusnlp lot
both, and fully approaching their qualifca-
tons and personal fitness, weighing them as
accurately in comparison as any unprejudiced
individual can we desire TO say word on
this subject 1t is feared that the people are
liable to be deceived, by not giving sufficient
consideration to the reasons which should
govern them in the selection Of man who
should represent them with due influence
and weight in the Congress Of the United
States.
1t would seem that the people ought not to
allow themselves to be carried away by any
mere personal friendship or excitement at this
particular period, but weigh carefully, con.
slider prudently, and decide this question in
the light Of the true interests of the district,
the state, and the nation. While giving full
weight to the arguments used 10 the adyo.
cacy Of Judge Steele's candidacy--knowing
full well his meriis--it appears to the writer
that the sound logic of the canvass and the
interests Of the district arc prominently
and decidedly in favor Of the reelection Of
Hon Luke y. Poland. Let us examine the
matter candidly and without prejudice.
First Is not Judge Poland man Of &c.
knowledged natural and acquired ability
Is he not the peer, if not the superior, of
any member Of the Vermont delegation 10
Congress2 Has not his public life as law
yer, legislator, and Judge, given ample evid-
ence Of his peculiar adaptedness as a repre-
sentative mani Have not his services in the
councils Of the nation given the very highest
evidence Of his qualifications Has any other
member from our state accomplished more for
Che good of his constituents, the honor Of the
state, or the stability Of the nation, than
Judge Poland Examine the record that is
the test We affirm without fear Of contra.
dction, that none have done more, either by
their industry, voice, or influence, than your
representative We believe from somewhat
careful survey Of the public record, that
none have done quite as much, and we say
this without disparagement to any other mem
Der Of the delegation.
Now, is it not fair before you decide
against Judge Poland in favor of new man.
that each elector should ask himself the
queries suggested, and consider them, and 60
10 the record. If these things are true, is
not your present member the best man for
your interests aud Of the nations for remem-
Der that he does not stand merely as your
representative, but his field is the nation
and the whole people Of the country have an
equal interest with you in this question In
view Of these considerations after thought
ful review Of the situation. we cannot see
how any candid man can view it in any other
light, than that it is the duty of the people Of
the second Congressional district to re-elect
Luke z. Poland to Congress.
Second, 1t is more importan, than at any
other period Of our history, that the national
Congress should be composed Of experienced
men, who have had full and explicit knowl.
edge Of the issues growing out Of the war,
aud appreciate fully their bearing upon the
future Of the country, and their right settle
ment. Vermont has been stable heretofore
in her representation, which has given her in
huence ADD commanded respect at home and
abroad. Suppose the people Of this state had
thought proper, at the suggestion Of some as
pirant, to have filled the places Of Jacob Col
lamer, Solomon Foote William Sade, and
many Others Would it have been for their
interests to have put new men 10 their places
Would she have had any influence in Con-
gress or the nation You have fair exam
pie in Senator Morrill,, whom you sustained
manfaly until he attained the widest field Of
influence Is not Judge Poland the peer of
any OF these meu, and does he not occupy a
far higher position and wider sphere Of in
Auence, aud is he not known far better ln the
country at large, than either Of these gentle
men at the end of six years of service ?
Now these facts are the truths Of history
not mere electioneering statements. Then
why in the name Of honor, justice, or good
government, should a change be made for d
new man, even admitting that he is the peer
of Judge Poland in attachments and natural
ability? Judge Poland is just at the point
of his greatest usefulness, and can in the fu.
ture WELD tenlold the power and influence
that he has in the past. Why then attempt
even to displace him Is not the honorable
record Of your representative your honor
Let every voter consider this point well be-
fore he decides to 60 for new man.
Third, Judge Poland, we have reason &c
know, weds wide influence 10 Congress
His position on several Of the most important
committees gives him influence, and shows bis
appreciation by Congress as a legislator. We
happen to know that few men who rise upor
the floor of the House, attract more attention
or are listened to with more readiness. Ii
all circles he is recognized as the leading
man in influence from Vermont. VIII tn,
people of this district disregard the claims oil
such man upon their consideration vii
they so far disregard their own interests
their own high position, and the interests o
the nation at large, as to supplant Judge
Poland with neio, inexperienced, unknoi0,
man Every consideration Of public ant
private interest iorbids it.
1t is not the people Of this district only
but the whole commonwealth that are inter
ested in this subject. The people of Yer
mont, although the choice Of course is you
own, are looking with anxious interest to tn
result of this contest--fully believing tina
you will honor yourselves and the State b
the denomination of Luke p. Poland.
In the discussion of this question we hav
avoided allusion to merely personal consider
ations. We have looked at this subject fror
that higher standpoint Of the public welfare
from which every citizen should look at thi
important question. All personal rivalriC
and ambitions should sink into insignifcanc
before the weightier considerations of tn
duty of the people to select the on
best fitted by experience and influence I
serve inc Interests VI tnt htato anu ulsuiV
While admitting all that is urged in fave
Of Judge Steele, and that he is fitted for Il
position, he is yet inexperienced, never ha'
ing had an hours experience in legislation
and at least three terms, even four, would u
make him the peer of Judge Poland as
member of Congress. In consideration of a
the facts in this case, there can be but oil
conclusion reached by candid, unprejudce
impartial men, that Hon. Luke p. Polar
should be renominated and reelected to Co
gress from this district. Let the people loo
at this matter in the light Of public polio
taking no narrow, personal yisw Of the ma
ter. Every intelligent voter should revie
the whole question for himself, and he W
calmly and candidly decide in favor of Lul
p. Poland.
OBSERVER.
A. n