The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1882-09-01
WHAT Is TIE STEVENS HOUSE
CLIQUE.

House Clique.
The reputation of the Stevens House
is wide. 1t was kept by the Stevens
Bros. more than thirty years, during
which they made a good reputation for
themselves aud the house, which still
cerned, but locally there is a great
change as to the house, although not
less popular with the travelling public.
The reputation of the house was gained
by strict attention to business, and not
by mixing in political strife and local
quarrels. The present proprietor and
landlord seems best satisfied when he
can engage in warfare with his towns
people, and that first developed as
against the Stcvcnscs who had lived
here more than 40 yours without FUR
MOL. They were not the men TO con-
tinuc in a fight, and a settlement as to
the matters was had.
But on the landlords part there was
no end. When he could not oppose
them he attacked their friends, and all
the friends he made were enlisted to
make opposition to all things that
seemed likely TO be of benefit or salts
faction to the better part Of the commu-
nifty. About this time there was a Tong
accession from Pennsylvania TO the
young aspiring element, which, after
playing "My Lord" n few years and
leadership of the Stevens House Ring.
Then the active work commenced. In
his presence or absence the work goes
on. Political caucuscs were held at the
Stevens House, composed of all per-
sons who had soured on political, social
-. n....tlI cnnhC md n HiuIcinn Of sh,
people of Vergenncs was soon accom-
plished. Tic town meetings became
boisterous; the worst element was
controlled by the clique; by fair or
foul means the taxpayers were over
rode, and irresponsible and unre liable
men put in the highest places in pay
ment for their zeal. I.oungers and
persons of disrcpute in this and adioin-
ing towns fill the chairs of the Stevens
House verandas. The change is not
rclished by the patrons, who are often
disgustedIwith the vile political gable
of the occupants. Without regard 10
the best interests of the town, unreli-
able and inexperienced men disburse
the money, in which they have but lit
tic if any interest except that they be-
long to a clique the most Objectionable
Oh. "fI;c worst eiicmeSf Il" tho adjoiR:
ing towns takes as much interest in orr
affairs as the residents here; and in
those towns the same issues are inyol-
we'd and the same elements prominent.
But matters of a local nature became
too tame to satisfy the ambition of the
Stevens House Clique, so they made a
dash in State politics. Their leader
had become famous in State legislation.
The Prohibitory law was to be repeal
ed through him. Petitions to that end
were circulated at the Stevens House.
Some of the people in Addison who as
pire to high places signed It, and the
expectations of the ring grew large,
but they were doomed TO disappoint-
ment. The Legislature put its foot on
the gentleman from Vergennes, and the
people of the county still have Il in
mind.
The next dodge attempted is in Nat.
ional politics. The CLIQUE have a dead
duck, ii. j. Talbot by name, OH their
hands, which the town or State could
not provide for, and they propose to
unload him. To that end they make
arrangements to elect a Congressman,
which they did by defeating an Addi-
ooii w. mail inc tOnSTcb5tnfH Wnen
elected could not deliver the goods even
with the assistance of the eX-member of
the Legislature and landlord oft he Stew
N house. Their whole clique and
friends, in and out of the state, in fact,
were completely routed, so at this time
their only hope is through that great
literally of their financial institution
which pays more for an opportunity to
jingle their ncighbors' money than any
other financial concern eau do, includ-
ing the National Government. To con.
Time the fight they have canvassed the
Southern District and have secured the
nomination of n of their directors, and
hope to engage the people of Addison
Co. TO help them ONTO their feet again,
and thus they hope TO engage the whole
county In their ~disgraceful local row.
II is for the people of Addison Go. 10
say whether this clique is to run Addi-
son Co. There is 10Y in every town
IN organization to that end. Let the
people rise and show by their votes
that Addison County will not be dis
graced. Cor.
Vereennes, Aug. %, 1882. -