Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1874-02-13

New Hampshire Is q proyerbially close
State. So nearly balanced. indeed, are the
two great political parties that of late years
the insignificant vote cast by the Labor Re
formers and the Prohibit ionists has be-
come an important element in the canvass,
in determining the choice by the people.
Thus in Isl. Gov Weston, while having
majority Of SOS over james Pike, the Re
publican nominee, was in a minority of 33l
On the total vote Of Is ,592, and was subse-
quently chosen by the Legislature The
following year Gov. Straw received ma
jority Of > ,l67 over Weston, while his total
majority was l lis. out Of vote of 75,335.
In ls73. Straw's majority over Weston was
, OO7, which the scattering votes reduced
to only Dps, ont Of total vote Of 5000
This year the Republicans commence the
canvass under more favorable auspices than
for some time past. Tie prohibition move
ment has become 50 in ignifcant that it i
not deemed worthy the sop thrown to II
in 1871, when the republicans nominated
for Governor Rev and ex-Congressman
Pike on account o.. his prohibition prinei-
pels. The Labor Reformers have suffered a
collapse, and no onger present a separate
State ticket, viii .e a number Of their camp
followers have lossomed out as enterprising
tillers Of the 50 1. The Republican candi-
date for Gov arnor, General Luther Ne
Cutchins, is nd always has been pTacti-
cal farmer Ct is warlikc title having been
gained by Iloodless achievements on the
militia paH .de-groundJ, and viii have the
benefit Of W hatever strength there may be
IN the grar gemovement. Besides this Gen.
McCutchir : has been a useful member Of
the Legisl allure, and an active supporter Of
all good schemes for the benefit of the State.
Ills oppc nent, Gov. Weston. having been
twice de .eated, does not possess the prestige
Of yictC ry, and, in addition. Is charged
with ! .ow much justice We cannot say)
with be ing involved in the New Hamp shire
railros ] ring Besides the Governor, a i all
road Commissioner and Legislature are to
be che sen in March.
Thu far the canvass Is, on the surfa &c,
yer : tame one, and in striking contr ast
with the stirring campaign Of lo72 ; but
we a e informed that much earnest work j.
heinl; done by both political parties, and
that the struggle J. bitter one The
run question" i an important ele-
ment, and has caused the bolt in
the Democratic party. Led by the Dover
Democrat, e'lited by }. L. Foster, for years
a promine' I party leader The Dcm0crG.
utterly r. fuses to support Gov. Weston :
nominal On. and declares that it i ''oppo--
ed to consolidated monopolies, and i
oppose i to rum. We are also opposed to all
candi iates who do not stand infexibly OPP
pose to both. There are thousands Of good
and true Democrats who think with Us and
W Il act accordingly"
After all, there being no national issue
involved in the campaign. its chief interest
to those outside the State i the test it will
furnish Of the strength Of the grange move
ment II Gen. McCutchins. being 50 dis
tInctlyely and pre-eu inently the farmers
candidate. j. defeated or elected by bare
majority, the influence Of the oranges in
New England as oiitical power will be
seriously impaired; if, on the other hand.
the Republican nor linee is elected by an
overwhelming majority, we shall expect to
see a great Ilegira of politicians to the new
organization, which can lead them to the
promised land of poll teal preferment.