Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-15
Letter from Dakota.
BRANDON, Sphinx Co., Dakota, Feb. Il

BRANDON, sphinx Co., Dakota, Feb. 10, 1857.
Mr.. Editor 1T is generally supposed by our
eastern friends and was said to me many times
before came from Vermont, that people in the
territories take no interest in politics, as they
have no voice whatever in the general elections,
and find this IL true only of certain class Of
men who never did care which party was in
power. Although the people of Dakota have
not the privilege OF casting their ballots for presi
dent and vice-president, nor even the right to
elect their. own governor, yet all Of the eastern
people, and especially the Vermonters who, by
the way, are numerous in this county, still retain
the same political fire burning within them as
when living in their native state and take as
much interest in the proceedings OF congress and
the Washington gossip this winter as ever; and
more, for we have personal interest at stake and
are hoping that before another presidential cleo
ton takes place this will be counted as one oil
the states OF the union, and our voice be heard
proclaiming republican majority AS great ~
Vermonts, and can as surely be depended upon
10 be found In the republican column as Vermont
or Iowa. Our Delegate Pettigrew has presented
two bills In congress-one for the division of the
territory the fortysxth parallel, and the other
for the admission Of the southern half as a state
Dakota is at this time largely represented al
Washington by their special delegates 10 do what
they can by their voice and presence, more com.
monty termed lobbying to secure the passage OF
the bills. Our county sends five Of our best men
as delegates headed by Colonel Il. W. Foster
The colonel was from Belchertown, Massachu
sets, is a live man and boomer for Dakota
and especially Sphinx county. lie won his pres
ent title in the war OF the rebellion from the ranks
for his ability and bravery.
| read the editorial In the WAToHMAN in tn,
issue of the Sth inst, with much interest, ant
regretted much that my favorte political states
man should at last find himself in such an unen
yiable position as he was represented to be in
and the blows which he received from the edito
rial pen seemed almost convincing. But II my re
publican friends OF Washington county will rea,
true copy OF Mr.. Blaine's instructions to Mr.
Prescott, which has been the occasion Of sucl
comment, and also his open letter 10 the presi
dent, bearing date February ID, | am very sur
they will find no position he has taken which /
not Justifiable, honorable, and In keeping witt
the true interests OF peace, and for the futur
good OF all the independent governments o
America, both north and south, and that he a
all times acted in full accord with, and by the nd
vice Of the president, and that they acted "a
gether in harmony. There Is q look about tn
whole matter Of combination and concertel
action ON the part OF Mr. Blaine's enemies b
break his political prestige and tarnish his lon
aud brilliant career. Hoping that some OF tn
county papers will publish the papers referred /
In this letter for the benefit Of those that take
paper outside the county, and never saw cop
OF the originals, that they may Judge for them
selves whether there IL sufficient error In either
them 10 send him 10 be- with Conkling." Nor
anon, am very truly yours, q. d. TowE.