Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-07-31

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chosen who would be under obligations TO
him and whom be could use. Woodbridge
Is one Of that class OF Ex-ConErossmen
who have no visible means ofsupp0rt, and
who seeming TO toll not, yet thrive and
blossom ln.the lobhles OF the Capitol. His
friends claim that he received fee Of $780,
900 from the Northern Pacific Railroad as
attorney, and he doubtless got some mon
ey for acting as attorney for Sanborn, last
winter land avery pretty piece Of acting
II was.
The appearance OF Woodbridge In the
contest has stimulated the friends OF MIR.
Willard, and has probably done mole good
than harm. Mr.. Willard has done none Of
that kind OF work usually called canvass
ing. He made short visit to tho southern
part OF his district this wook TO talk over
the situation with some OF bis political aud
personal friends, at their request but lie
has entered into no combination, made no
promises, asked no favcrs TO secure his
election which will place him under per-
sonal obligations OF any kind:to 10 terfere
with the freedom and independence of
his action as a legislator. Opposition to
him has shown little strength thus far, but
delegates TO the convention are not yet
chosen 10 many towns outside Of Wash
ington county, which is solldly for Will
lard. The convention Is called for the 9Th
Of August.
] have been in but two Of the counties OF
Judge Poland's district In them there
were few indications OF a wish for change.
81
years ago, is dead. Steele was young, bril-
liant, and magnetic. and from the very be-
ginning OF Judge Polands tenn, was
marked for the next vacancy. His mantle
fell upon no one, and while there is good
deal Of hostility to Poland, 1t lacks concen-
tration, and has no leader. The objections
made to his return are that he wears blue
coatwlth brass buttons, that he Is not as
wise as he looks, that he makes money by
praeticing his profession before the SUI
preme Court, and that he secured Ihe pas
sage Of the "press gag law" as that act is
called under which the Courts OF Washing
ton are expected to try and punish papers
all over the country for slandering politi-
clans. The last charge is now, the othe s
are old. The Hat denial OF Judge Poland
of any thought or Intention to reach the
newspapers with that bill, or any knowl-
edge OF such purpose on the part OF 9TH
ers, and the opinion entertained by law
yers with whom have eonversed, that no
new power whatever is given to the courts
by the act, seems TO have weakene the
force OF the argument against him.
II Is claimed in his favor thai he has
more ability than any man proposed
against him, and that his experience and
lengthEof service have secured him posi-
ton and influence which the State cannot
afford at this time to lose. This Is the ar
gument which will carry both Judge Po-
land and Mr.. Willard back to tho House.
II is an argument that addresses itself both
TO the good sense and pride OF this people
and they accept It.
All political discussion Is very quiet and
unobtrusive, strongly in contrast TO the
Presidential canvass two years ago. The
merits and claims Of Grant and Greeley
were at that time loudly proclaimed at al
times and seasons; political meetings wer,
everywhere organizing, and politics wa,
the all-absorbing theme. Now nationa
and party Issues are not mentioned. Tn,
currency question Is not discus sed, excep
every body complains that business is dull
and money: scarce, and hopes for easier
times in The Autumn. District OF Colum
bia affairs have made no imprr s. lon IL
politics here; but the action Of Congress.
is now and then alluded 10 rs another in
stance Of the disposition and power Of th,
Republican party 10 correct and discipline
Its own 'ervants. The issues are who'll,
personal and local. In several OF the coun
ties the temperance question is brought VI
quite prominently, and will result In Sc
curing a full vote on the general Stat,
ticket. There are a good many granger
in tho State, and Col. Meade, who desire
to succeed Judge Poland, has attempted h
unite them in his interest but, for tn,
most part, they decline to be brought int,
politics, having Joined the grangers In th
hope OF saving something In The prices o
groceries and farming implements.
The candidate of the Republicans fo
Governor, Judge Peck, is spoken OF as Al
excellent and able man, OF such strict no
, tons about political ethics that he though
1t improper to do anything whaieve
toward securing a nomination. He wa
doubtless we'll pleased to receive 1t as
spontaneous offering. Tho vote Is likel,
to be light, and the majority, in conse
quence, greatly reduced from two year
ago but 1t will hardly be less than Is, 900
and it may reach q, 900 TO "a, 900.
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