Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-10-16

The Senatorial question, which has agi-
tated the state for the last few weeks, was
virtually settled by Judge Polands letter of
Tuesday morning. in which he withdrew
his name from the canvass. Upon careful
consideration of the sentiment of the mem
bers Of the legislature 1t became apparent
that Mr.. Morrill, would receive a majority OF
the votes for the position. Recognizing this
fact, and not willing to throw a fire-brand
into the ranks of his political friends, Judge
Poland wrote the following letter, which ap-
peared in the MONTPELIER DAILY JOURNAL
of Tuesday morning;
ITO The Members Of The General Assembly;
Considering the changed political com
plexion of the United States Senate after
next March that Mr.. Morrill, had been hon
ored with seat in Congress much longer
than any other man from Vermont; that he
had arrived at an age when men usually re-
tire from active business, whether public or
private, l supposed that he would feel that
he had received his full share of public hon
ors and would choose to retire. In such case
my friends thought it not unreasonable that |
should take his place. learned, however, that
such was not the purpose of Mr. Morrill,, but
that ne desired to be elected for another term.
| made no effort to influence in the slightest
degree the nomination or election OF any
man to the legislature, desiring that that
body should be wholly free and unbiased
upon that question. After the election l
made some efforts to ascertain the views OF
the members elect, and was satisfied that a
very considerable proportion, If not major
ity, of the Republican members would prefer
me for the place. In that belief consented
to the use of my name as a candidate for the
position. | am now satisfied that amajority
of the Republican members will vote for Mr.
Morrill,. The mere fact that am not likely to
receive majority of votes does not particu-
larly discompose me. But l do not like to
stand in opposition to what appears to be
the sentiment of my political associates, But
more than this, / am informed there are
many gentlemen who are greatly embarrassed
by my remaining in the field as a candidate.
They believe that the interests of the peo-
pie OF the state and of the Republican party
will be best promoted by my election. Their
own personal wishes and judgment call
upon them to vote for me- 1t is forcibly
claimed and asserted to them that maiority
of their constituents desire them to vote
for Mr.. Morrill,. / do not desire to place
my friends or keep them in such dilemma
The above reasons, in my judgment, are
sufficient why should decline to have my
name presented as a candidate tomorrow.
"LUKE P. POLAND.
MONTPELIER, October 18th, 1873"
The conclusion thus arrived at was emf
nently sensible and considerable. Whatever
means or measures may have been resorted
to by Mr.. Morrill, or his friends touching
this question, we do not propose now to
discuss. That an unprecedented lobby has
been upon the ground since the assembling
of the legislature, in his interest, can hardly
be denied by Mr.. Morrill's most ardent ad-
vocates. Upon the other hand, as Judge
Poland says in his letter, his entire endeavor
consisted I" in some efforts to ascertain the
views of the members elect upon the sub
ject" And these efforts did not extend to
any scheme for bringing influence to bear
upon the legislature.
The result of the election will be disap-
pointment to many of the best men in the
state. But the gallant acceptance of the
situation by Judge Poland and his most in
innate friends cannot fail to excite feel
ing in his favor which an excited and bitter
contest to the end could not have evoked.