The Lamoille news. (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1877-1881, 1878-04-10
DISTRICT POLITICS.


Governor question, are now settling
down to county and district politics,
and already we hear a rattling along
the skirnish lines which indicates that
the battle in the Third Congressional
District is approaching. The field Is
uuite full of Candidates; among the
most prominent of whom are Bradley
Barlow and Hon. T.. 4. SOules of st.
Adams. Hon. Jed Ladd of Alburgh,
Rev. O. G.. Wheeler of Grand Isle,
Gov. Dale of Essex county, Gen.
W. W. Grout of Barton, and the pres
ent incumbent, Hon. Geo. W. llendee.
We do not wish to say much, for the
question mt present is 50 mixed as to
be entirely enigmatical to one Of so
little political experience as ourselves.
However we have our own impressions
of the various aspirants. Geo. W.
Hendee, who could doubtless to-day
poll the heaviest popular vote of them
all, very wisely refuses to engage in
any fight. The voters of the district
have used him well and in return for
their confidence they have the pleasure
of boasting of a member, who though
Young in years, has made Il good
record, with constantly increasing
influence in the house, and the district
can do far worse than to continue
a man in the office, who has in him
such possibilities as Gov. Hendee'
He, however, shows his genu-
inc worth in not attempting to force
himself upon the district, which he
might do, owing to his general popu-
larity.
That Bradley Barlow would be q can
didate for Congress from this District
has been a looked for event for several
wears. lie has great strength as a can
didate owing to his wealth and the free
and easy way he has of using his mon
cy. lie has large following among
u class, who will do an immense
amount of work when their services
arc demanded. lie also has acknOwl-
edged ability, especially in the line of
running political campaign. His
opponents do not deny but he has
qualities which would enable him to
fill the Office creditably, and his inhu-
ence at Washington might be of SER
vice to the district, should there arise
a need for its exercise. On the other
hand, if the objections urged against
his private and official character are
founded in fact, the best citizens of
honest and virtuous Vermont cannot
favor his candidacy We cannot vOuch
for the truth Of any charges and it is
not difficult to conceive that they orig
mate in personal malice or jealousy
The canvass, however, will doubtless
reveal what facts there are, togeth-
er also with much that is utterly
false.
T.. A. Sowles is the candidate, whom
We consider likely to give Mr..
Barlow the sharpest fight. He is lib
orally educated, has many influential
friends and associations, is of middle
age and was Senator from Franklin
county in rs, and like Barlow, is well
supplied with the "sinews of war"
We think that his strength is underesti-
mated by his opponents. He will
doubtless carry Grand Isle county il
Mr.. Wheeler does not run and Mr..
Ladd should give him his support as
it is said he will do. We think also
that it is a matter of some doubt which
Of the two, Barlow or Sowlcs, would
carry Franklin county, were the can.
vass confined to them. Mr.. Sowles is q
member of the Episcopal church and
has fair private record. lie is, how.
ever, what the boys call a cold bloodct
man and has not that enthusiastic fol
lowing which Mr.. Barlow has secured
Doubtless many have an impression
that he represents the Shylock interest
However that may be, he will not al
low Mr.. Barlow to carry off the palm
if the campaign should be conducted
Il Ia Tilden.
Gen. Grout does not press the con
test, but is evidently awaiting to SEE
the result of the canvass between Bar
low and Soule, believing doubtlessl,
that if Franklin county is divided he
may have strength in their weakness
We cannot ourselves see that tn,
prospects Of Mr.. Grout are very fiat
tering, though doubtless he can rely
on his own county.
Gov. Dale is perhaps the mos
capable man of the list and one who's,
qualifications and natural genius fl
him for the office. We wish no singl,
objection could be raised against him
Should there be none Essex count,