Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-04-28
The Democratic Convention.


For the fair fame of vermonters, of what
ever political faith, it is pleasure to speak
highly of the personnel of the Democratic
state convention. A notable feature Of
the assembly was the presence in it Of an
exceptionally large proportion of young
men, who seemed TO be animated by an
enthusiasm and determination that will call
for the vigorous exercise of similar ag-
gressive qualities by their opponents, If the
polar star of the Republican party would
still shine with undiminished uster in the
political skies. The delegates chosen, es.
pecially the delegates at large, are well
and favorably known throughout the state.
There was no serious outward breach Of
harmony, though more or less of friction
was apparent in the deliberations of the
body. The result was somewhat contrary 10
the general expectation. After the council
at Waterbury on the 1st instant IL was gen
orally inferred that this convention would
have little TO do beyond the ratification Of
the programme there arranged. There were
early symptoms, however, that the Water
bury assemblage had not correctly repre-
sented the feeling in the state, either in the
proposition to pace General w. F. Smith at
the head of the delegation to Cincinnati, or
in reference to the strength of the Tilden
sentiment. As the day for holding the state
convention drew nigh, the real feeling vigor-
ously asserted its existence, and received a
very decided bracing up by the opportune
developments at the Syracuse convention.
The result was practically victory of the
Tilden men, who, by their aggressive atti-
tude and numerical strength, prevented the
convention from expressing its preference
for General Hancock, and thus giving to his
candidacy whatever prestige it may have
obtained by the emphatic endorsement of
the Vermont Democracy. The Tilden men
were also able to defeat the unit rule here,
apparently for the same purpose that the
rule was adopted in New York. In one
convention the rule was made to work for
Mr.. Tilden by its adoption; in the other, by
its rejection. The individual preference of
majority of the delegates, as indicated by
the applause that greeted the mention of
General Hancock's name, was undoubtedly
in his favor; but the unanmity that was
claimed for him after the Waterbury couu-
Gil was far from realized and General
Smiths name as delegate was not even
mentioned in the convention. The Hancock
movement can gather little aid and comfort
from the action of the Vermont Democracy,
but the Tilden delegates returned to their
homes with all the prestige of a victory.
The delegation selected will find no diff
Guilty in throwing its vote for the sage of
Gramercy park, should his fortunes be in
the ascendant at Cincinnati. But whoever
the candidate may be, he will receive all the
consolation he can gather from the harmoni-
GUS and enthusiastic support of the Demo-
Gratis of Vermont We are sorry that Gov
ernor Bingham, at the close of the conven.
ton, in obedience to his anti-third term
convictions, declined to serve again as the
candidate for governor. Having no severe
scruples on that score, we see no reason why
merit should not be still further recognized
by placing him again at the head of the for
lorn hope in Vermont. The governor is I'M
just to himself when he says that some other
candidate will poll more votes than he can.