Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-05-14
State Politics Of the Coming Campaign
T.Dcmlns'' in the Boston Journal.I


T'.Dcmng" in the Boston Journal.I
The claims and merits of various candi-
dates for the high Office of Chief Executive
of the State were set forth with some partiC-
ularity in this correspondence some months
ago, and little can be said now except to
state that Frederick Billings. Esq, the ia
voritc of many, is not candidate, and will
not probably be named in the State Conven
ton TO be holden at Burlington in June. The
demands upon his time by other duties are
said to he such that he would find no space
for official duties if elected Governor, much
less has he space or disposition for the labors
of campaign in his own interest.
Dr. George Nichols, the honored Secret
ary of State, was named, and is still held TO
be a candidate by certain enthusiastic friends
with whom he is a growing favoritc. The
office which he now holds is an honorable
one, and he is in no haste to leave it be-
sides some people think that by the demands
which new prospective duties are likely to
impose upon the one holding it, he, of all
men, is the best qualified to fill it and dis
charge the new duties Still he is in the
hands of his friends, and there he proposes
to remain. He will use no means to insure
OF avoid nomination nor will Ec become
party to any bargain by which the chances
young man, and also The ideal candidate of
large number of the Republican leaders of
the State, he is perfectly willing TO wait two
or four years, or even longer. He has no
Unsuitable hankering for the office, much less
will he consent to go about begging to be re-
mcmbered when the nominating convention
makes up its jewels.
Hon. John b. Mead of Randolph is anoth-
er candidate for the nomination, and with n
good many men he probably is still the ia
vorite hut am not aware that at present
any active efforts are being made to promote
his interests He is one of the rising young
men of the State. and whether he shall be
made standard bearer now, or later is quite
sure TO prove strong candidate when his
time comes.
In the letter above referred 10. Hon. Ros-
well Farnham of Bradford was spoken of as
one of the possible candidates. Just now it
seems more than likely that he will be placed
in domination by tine June convention. He
is every way uneXceptionable as a man, and
would prove u strong candidate; one upon
whom all parties could and would rally with
enthusiasm. His successful war record
would give him favor with the soldier ele-
ment. As man and citizen his life is
without blemish.
There is one other candidate whose name
finds much favor throughout the State. |
refer to the present Governor, Redfeld Proc
tor. His official life has proved pre-emin-
emily successful and popular. But since the
adoption of the biennial system of elections
in Vermont it has not been customary TO
give the Governor more than single term
The nominating convention of 1876 came
more nearly 10 ignoring the rule than any
other, by giving governor Peck consider
able support as nominee to succeed him.
self But the sturdy and noble old Govern
or recognized the appropriateness of the rule
by saying when informed that a goodly
number of delegates had voted for him:
"Ah, that was not right: there is no reason
why they should break over the customary
rule and treat me any different from what
they have all others"
THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.
hear but one name mentioned in street
gossip in connection with the second place
on the State ticket that is Hon. Albert
Clarke of St. Albans. The nomination would
be an excellent one. The principal duties
of Lieutenant -Goveonor, in the ordinary
course of events, are to preside over the de
liberations of the Senate, and these Colonel
Clarke would discharge in an able manner.
BY profession lawyer and an editor, it may
be Judged he has had good mental training.
Of gentlemanly manners and pleasing ad-
dress, of quick thought and commanding a
ready use of language, he possesses in an un-
common measure the qualifications which fl t
him for dignificd and graceful presiding
officer. One of the rcadiest ofT-hand speak
ers in the State, he could be used in the cam
paisn to good advantage ifit bccam" ncccs-
sary.
FOE STATE TEEAsrIEE.
Hon John A. Page, the present incum-
bent. has held the Office since 1866 and is
still popular officer. His fidelity and in
tegrity are unqucstionrd. He is familiar
with the finances of the State. its present and
prospective needs. to Il degree which fits
him TO hold his present position for many
wears to come. For the first tfty-tivc years
the State had but three different Treasurers.
The last of these, Hon. Benjamin Swan,
held Office 333 years. Since 1880 the official
terms have generally been of short duration
Mr. Page already holding the office longer
than any other man since Mr.. Swan. 1t
must be- said that by reason of his pre-emi-
nent fitness he might fifty hold on years
longer.