Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1876-04-28

represented county, TO show the politi-
clans inherent respect for geography. A
very safe letter from Senator Morrill, was
read. He condemned the democrats most
vigorously, joked pleasantly about Belknap
and did scarce anything else. Likewise
Judge Poland in his speech. Campaign
stock is rather low when prominent partizans
can present no other reasons for party sue.
cess than what are merely negative. One
party's fitness for popular supports not proved
by the opposite partys unworthiness. But SO
the managers seemed to think on convention
day. After his speech Judge Poland was
unanimously elected state delegate to Gin.
cinnati. Col. Veasey of Rutland was like
wise unanimously elected. Likewise George
Howe Of Brattleboro. Likewise, finally
George Bigolow of Burlington. The NOM
inatious of the several district conventions
were also unanimously adopted. The con.
vcntion was very unanimous, to use homely
comparison, unanimous as a hen with one
chicken. Except the little ripple Of excite.
ment produced by Capt. Harrington on the
presentation of WoOdbridgo's name, the
unanimity was undsturbed.
Both conventions, district and state, have
been severely criticised, the one for accept
ing, the other for adopting, the nomination
Of Woodbridge. But members felt there
was little more objection to him than to some
who had already been elected. lie is able,
wellknown and, though of an unsavory rep.
utation, can, if he will, be an excellent dele.
gate. Of other delegates that day elected it
cannot be said that they are wekknown,
even in their own state. Much less can
they have any influence in national conven-
tions.
Here is the real fault of the delegation as
whole. 1t has no national reputation.
Judge Poland is the only state delegate fit
for the place. Except as be is made the
chief and spokesman of our delegation, Yer.
mont can have no influence at Cincinnati
Not but that the rest are excellent men.
Indeed, from personal acquaintance we know
som of them to he men of rare business and
professional ability and, admirable in social
relations. But responsibility and esteem in his
own neighborhood entities no man to claim high
state position against the manifest. wish of
the people. Offices are places Of honor and
responsibility due only to those whom the
people know aud from what they know are will
ing to trust. There is too much office-seeking
nowadays. Some worthy gentleman takes
a notion he would like to be governor or 60
to congress. Straightway he suggests it to a
small circle of neutrality-suspicious. call
them-whO thereupon begin vigorous cam.
paigu, writing letters, "seeing" people and
in divers ways manufacturing what they
delight to call a public sentiment in his
favor. Possibly these artificial friends"
control a convention, secure the nomination
and carry the election. Then their self
suggested candidate takes his seat and ped
dies out the patronage of his office among
those whom he thus hired to elect him. BY
this system of politician Friendship" many del
egates chosen at Burlington were thrust upon
the convention. Then everything was cut and
dried so that nothing could be done amiss
The machine tenders were out in force
They prevailed both inside and outside the
assembly, not in number, perhaps but in
acquaintance with convention routine work
and in that quality most valuable in practi.
cal politics audacty.
The result was deplorabe and seems more
plainly so since the smoke and din of battle
has cleared away. The standing Of Yer.
mont iu national convention depends wholly
on the character ability and reputation of
her delegates. The number is quite insg-
nifeaut Hence the present dissatisfaction.
Nor is it much relief to think that the dele
gates chosen may prefer the best presiden.
tial candidate thus far named. Judging
from preccdents there is little likelihood that
the successful candidate has yet been men.
toned. Hence the greater need Of a strong
delegation. But regrets are useless. The result
is accomplished and cannot be undone. Yet
it may be well to remember how delegates
were chosen, lest that ruthless horde Of Office
seekers, hungry for patronage and spoils,
again pack the caucuses and capture con.
vention. OBSERVER.