Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-04-05


Tie papers Of the State sre beginning 90 dis
Gus. the question OF cSui iutes for Governor. 10
is rather earlier thsn ususl, but perhaps not too
soon to give the people ample time 20 think ths
matter over, preparatory 90 IN teliEent scti0u iu
the convention to be held in early summer.
/ Thus far in the discussions it Is conceded thst
[ our present incumbent msy be reelected Il be
wishes il, hut some Of them infer that be dos
/ not wish IT, and they are therefore casting about
/ for candidates. Among the names mentioned
are these Of julius Converse aud Frederick Bill
/ ines, Of Woodstock, and Horace Fairbanks, Of
St. Johnsbury, either Of whom would perform
the duties of the office Of chief executive in msu-
ner creiitable to themselves sut satisfactory TO
the people, We have 10 doubt.
But there is preliminary contingency which
must be settled before discussing the merits Of
these candidates, according to ST 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 Asa loyal Yermonter, we appre-
bend that he will be ready to obey the summons
Of the people to any service which he can reason
ably be called upon TO render. The proper CUES /
ton is, DO the people wish him to Eerve in that
capacity By adaptation, qualification, and ex-
perience, be has come 10 sustain the relation of .
a servant Of the people, who may be called upon .
for any service not incompatible with the high /
order Of his abilities. Not tina; be could not re
fuse if there we're any reasons why be should DO .
so, bnt it cannot be expected that he will hes-
tate to render any reasonable service.
Taking for granted. then, that he is to serve
us in rome capacity, the first question is, Whist
places are there which We can properly ask one
Of his ability to fir We have this summer to
select our representatives 10 Congress, and We
need our best men here. as well ss for the office
of chief executive OF the State. Wecsn properly
ask Mr.. Stewart TO serve us in either Of these
capac tiles, and the question now is. DO the peo-
pie prefer his services in the Gubern&,orisl
chair at home, or in the National Congress.
There IL too much Of his self-seekin- in poll
tics Ii i, to be hoped we may come time re-
turn to that good old custom Of asking whom
do we want for our public eeryants, Not
who wish to serve u.s. We cannot expect the
glorious millennisl day in politics to come very
soon, when there shsll be no csndidscies II
is certainly impossible until We are
better educated in our duties and privi-
eges as citizens But all must ad-
init that the position Of a candidate, espe-
sally if self-sought, is demoralizng one, and
one which should not be taken except for rea-
sons more urgent and weighty than those Of per-
,onal ambition or cupiiity. Hence seif-impose1
candidates. should be discouraged so far as
practicable. They too often , LEAD 70 the use Of
improper influences to secure elections; and GER
sinly, positions obtained By such means ought
lot to be reckoned ss thing to be proud Of .
10 return from our depression. Ii the people Z,
Iesire Governor Stewsrt's services as Chief Exc
,utive of the State another term, let them call {
lin to it, aud we msy rest asiuredIhe will not re-
nse to obey the voice Of the people. But if, on
he other hand, they feel thst his services would
,e more valuable in the National Congress, let
hem assert their right to cali him to that pos- q
ion. As for the one term principle, We hold it
o be just as valuable in state in nstioual sf-
airs, and no more so. 1t ia not Of overshaloE- !
ng importance in either. So throwing this r
side, it lie, with us, merely q question Of ser
ice If the people wish to express their
pinions upon these subjects, the columns Of the
fegistsr are open to them for that purpose. 8