Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-03-22
The Governor Question.


are busying themselves presenting names
and considerations with reference to the ap |
preaching gubematorial election. lnasmuch |
rs there is abundant time, it has seemed to |
us better to fairly dispose of our Presidential
delegate matters before entering definitely |
upon the home canvass. However, as we are |
learning the sad lesson that "delays are
dangerous" in regard to our Centennial af-
fairs at Philadelphia, it may not be amiss to
make such amends as we can 10y commenc-
ing in season the search for a Centennial
Governor.
The names most prominently brought for
Estey of Brattleboro; Frederick Billings, of
Woodstock; Horace Fairbanks, of st. Johns
bury and +. 7. Walton, of Montpelier. In
regard to Mr. Estey, citizen of his county
takes the responsibility of saying through
Rutland paper, that Windham county pre-
seuts no candidate for Goyernor-and then
goes on to promise their support to Frederick
Billings. And then the st. Adams Messen-
ger hints that Mr.. Estey is lacking in educa-
ton and culture for that high position
But we imagine that uugenerous taunts Of
this sort win weigh little against gentle
man who, by his indomitable will, high
toned character and rare business capacity,
has raised himself from the lowest depths Of
poverty to the head Of one of the princeliest
industries of New England, and who, with
the generous fruits of his toll, has erected,
all over and even beyond the state, the most
substantial testimonials of his high appre-
citation of mental and Christian culture.
We have no knowledge that Mr.. Estey de-
sires, or wonld accept, this position; but
were he seriously presented to the people of
Vermont, we think the suggestion would be
met witt far different spirit from that
above indicated
Respecting Mr. Billings, the Burlington
hardly be selected from the town of Wood
stock within so brief time; but even this
suggestion is rendered by Mr.. Bill
lings himself, who says, in a published letter,
that he is not candidate for the position.
And yet, we can hardly help adding that, in
our judgment, every active and generous
souled Republican who attended the State
Convention four years ago, left it with a
fixed determination to vote for Fred Billings
for Governor, If he lived to participate in
the state election Of 1876.
The Rutland Globe suggests that Mr.. Fair
banks will hardly be called to the executive
chair after the spectacle Of his taking an
election to the state Senate a few years since,
and then never putting in an appearance to
enter upon his official duties while the st.
Adams Messenger gives out that Mr. Fair
banks stands on his good behavior in re-
gard to certain railroad pledges, which are
yet unfulflled. While Mr.. Fairbanks is toe
widely and favorably known to require any
defence at our hands, still it is a matter Of
public notoriety that he neither sought MOI
desired the senatorial election alluded to, anC
that his health became so precarious he wa,
entirely incapacitated for the duties of tn,
position. Under these circumstances, which
was the more commendable course-to re
main away entirely and give the state treas
ury the benefit of his absence, or to take hi
seat, swear to discharge the duties he wei
knew he could not and pocket the per diem
which he was unable TO earn As to rail
road obligations yet unfulflled, we do no
precisely understand what is meant-nor i
it strange, for the Messenger man scent
railroad delinquencies great way of
We only know, or think we know, in respec
to Mr. Fairbanks, that the Republicans o
Vermont have for years had it in their heart
tomake him Governor at a time mutually con
yenient and agreeable to all parties. Whethe
that time has come, is hardly for us to say
Last, but not least, We are happy in bein
able to agree most unqualifedly with som
things which the Messenger says of the r,
naming candidate
We have quite as often heard the name
Hon. +. p. Walton, of Montpelier, mentioned II
is qualified by location, learning, experience
public life and devotion to the service, the polio
and the history Of Vermont, to III the exeeuty
chair creditably, to say the least, as any Of III
Others named"
Certainly, 10 man in Vermont Is more +,
miliar with her history; more arden0y a
tached to her interests more able To defen
her honor, or more largely possessed of tn
confidence OF her people What more ittin
year than this for such Governor