Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-03-26

In respect for the high character Of Sena-
tor Edmunds and admiration for his great
ability, the Tribune is not behind any of the
journals which are just now giving them
selves little prominence by bringing him
forward as a Presidential candidate. No
candidate has been named whom it would
support with more heartiness or greater con-
fidence in his ability and disposition TO give
the country a wise and honest administra-
ton. But -. N. Y. Tribune.
The Tr5une's butts fill the best part of
column. What the particular relations be-
tween Mr. Blaine and Mr.. Jay Gould are we
do not know, further than that they are OBJ
viously extremely friendly. Mr.. Blaine is
Mr. Gould's candidate for the Presidency,
doubtless for good and sufficient reasons;
and the Tribune gives to the Maine candi-
date steady and powerful support. of
course the Tribune docs not like the talk
about New England candidate other than
Mr.. Blaine, and it tries to discourage
his supporters among Its Massachusetts
and Connecticut readers, by setting forth
reasons why Mr.. Edmunds is not likely
to receive the Chicago nomination. 1t de-
carcs that he is 'too late in the field" and
that the Vermonters themselves have no
reasonable expectation of his nomination.
But the Eermonters are quite ready to take
their chances about that. They have not
expected that their candidate would
be among the. leading names when
the ballo,ing begins at Chicago; but II
there should he no nomination on the hrst
ballot, they believe it to be quite possible
that their candidate should come rapidly and
strongly to the front. And in the event OF
Il three-cornered deadlock, and resulting
agreement to drop the leading names, they
would urge name on which all could unite
with cordial enthusiasm q name which
could inaugurate no defensive canvass;
name which every Republican journal in tho
land could put at the head of Its columns
with pride and satisfaction name which
is a synonym for earnest Republicanism,
sterling integrity, high ability and genuine
craftsmanship, and which would be sure
guaranty for firm, honest and economical
administration. The Tribune affects to think
that Mr.. Edmunds has hitherto escaped cal
umny and SANDER because he has not been
prominent as candidate, and that no one
knows what batteries would be opened on
him if he should be in position TO provoke
attack. On that, too, the Vermonters are
willing to take their chances. They will pre-
sent their man US one who has been long be-
fore the public, in the centre of slanderous
gossip, who has won the cordial hatred OF
corruptionists and traitors, because he has
been the relentless opponent OF all schemes
of plumber and treason but who has al
ways stood without stain or personal re-
proach, and in whose behalf they cheerfuly
challenge the slanderers to do their worst.
OF course the Tribune brings up the char
acter of some of the support which MIR. Ed
munds is receiving. But, as we have here
tofore said, as long as he is in no way re-
sponsible for the independent" backing
which is crowded upon him, there is no rea-
son in allowing it to prejudice his case. He
will have plenty Of positive friends al Chi-
cago, men whose devotion TO the Republican
party and principles cannot be questioned
lie is their candidate not because of, but in
spite of, the ''effusive advocacy" of papers
whose support has commonly been fatal to
every candidate and measure they favor
These papers did not invent Mr.. Edmunds,
though they claim to have done so; they do
not own him, nor can they ever.
The high and commanding qualifications
of Mr.. Edmunds, the Tribune, like every
journal that had mentioned his name, is
compelled to recognize; and if it shall be-
come plain, as it may before the convention
meets, that Mr. Blaine is not to be the NOM
inee, We shall not be surprised to see it add
ing its powerful influence TO the Edmunds
boom. For Mr. Edmunds can carry New
York, and the Tribune knows it.