Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1874-07-23
MIR. Binglam's Letter Of
AcCeDtance.

Geo. L. Waterman, Esq, President
of the Democratic State Convention,
Just held, sent the Hon. VIM. III. II.
Bingham a letter informing him of
his election by the said Convention as
the Democratic candidate for Govern
or, and also enclosed therein the reso-
lutions adopted by that assembly
To the letter Of Mr.. Waterman, and
the platform adopted by the Conven-
ton, Mr.. Bingham wrote the follow
ing mequivocal response
Stowe, July 7, 1874.
GEORGE l.. WATERMAN, ESQ.
Dear Sir Yours of the 4th, giving me
official notice of the proceedings of the late
Democratic Convention, is before me, and
hasten to say that, through you, thank the
Convention for the complimentary manner in
which the nomination was made.
The resolutions meet my approval The
first merely asserts what might be expected
of every Democrat in the State, and extends
an invitation which, if accepted, would great
" benefit the country. The tendency of the
times indicate that integrity and faithfulness
are at a discount and that there mas been q
departure from the old landmarks that guild
cd the nation to prosperity. The people are
now demanding \ return, and whatever tends
to encourage this result should receive the
hearty support Of every freeman, regardless
of former political utilization.
The second resolution is of great import
ance, and deserves the careful consideration
of every candid mind This question should
he decided without political part achments,
or personal anmosity. All should have the
same laudablc end in vicw-the suppression
of the evil Of intemperance, an the protec-
ton Of the liberty OF the citizen.
While the general government encourages
the manufacture and importation oil intoNi-
eating liquors. and receives license for its
use, it becomes Il serious question what state
laws will best regulate its sale, for only II
small portion of the people desire entire pro-
hibiton. Legislation alone never wrought
out great moral reform, but can assist by
cnncti:-g laws that are consistent. reasonable,
and which the good citizen will not on con
slider it duty but pleasure to sec enforced
"Thc pain Of duty by legislation shonld not
be so narrow that human feet cannot walk
therein" A law, in order tc be efficient,
should be honest in its purpose sure and
certain in its execution ; impartially admins
istered merit the moral support Of the peo-
pie and have only one end in vicw-the
suppression of the evil it is intended to
reach. The present prohibitory liquor law IN
substance has been on the statute book FOR
about twenty years. The efforts to educate
public sentiment up to its enforcement nave
failed. Fitful attempts have been made to
put it in execution, but its efficiency has not
been general, nor the manner of its enforce
ment and its results in harmony with public
sentiment The present law has not the
features required by a liberal public sentl-
ment and an enlarged view of thu rights and
duties of the citizen; has not been generally
and impartialy enforced has not been
effective; and does not command the respect
Of a majority of the people. Voluntary as
socations and kind personal effort, have
done more good than the occasional enforce
ment OF this law. Therefore, in my opinion,
the enactment of stringent license law is
desirable, and practicable, and would prove
effcctive-a law with such provisions as Will
protect the rights of the innocent, and surely
punish the guilty.
The third resolution is full in its express
sion, and should receive the hearty approval
of every Vermonter. | am glad the Conven'
ton took the initiative i'll proclaiming to the
world the sentiment of this resolution. 1t
will be proud day for Vermont when that
> and social interests are promoted by easy i'll,
accommodation and cheap transportation
and the same are alike demanded by the
producer and consumer. All our railroad
ntcrcsts-the pride Of Vcrmont-will be
benefited by the construction Ct this canal
Our State has scenery unequaed and re.
sources undeveloped, aud the blessings OF
this enjoyment will not come to our doors
without mcterial effort. The benefits to the
pay for the eSlvYe, Operations will amply re,
, pletion ofthis great enterprise. Those who aid
in this matter, aud thus be the means Of IN
: crcasing Vcrmonts material interests, in
creasing her commerce, and rendering hci
beauties attractive, will be classed amongthe
, beneiactors Of the age.
| accept the position assigned me, and
J whatever may be the result of the election
we shall have the satisfaction of believing we
have done our duty in attempting to place
Vci mont on that high standard she is des.in
ed to occupy as a POLITICAL moral and com,
mercial State.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
W Ii. II. BINGHAM.