Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-04-26
State Politics.

That General Barstow, if he lives, will be
the republican nominee for governor, was
many weeks ago foregone conclusion. So
long ago as the closing days OF the last ses-
sion of the legislature his candidacy was
discussed in quiet way among the MEM
bers, and such was the favorable impression
he had made as president of the senate by
virtue Of his office of Acknowledgements
that the mention of his name for promotion
to the governorship was received with un-
qualified favor. In accordance with the
unwritten law " of the state the candidate
must come from the west side, and as the
tide of political ambition there was setting
towards the capitol at Washington rather
than towards the " executive chamber at
Montpelier, no candidate with pretensions
of formidable character appeared in the
lists against the present Acknowledgements.
So that thus far amid the "mentioned
names General Barstow has had a walk
over and it is not probable that the state
convention will have any more arduous task
DtlOIt bO lhi DO bhc hcho VI thc obobo
ticket is concerned, than to give its formal
sanction to the popular choice. AT the pres
cut writing the candidacy for the lieutenant
governorship is the subject of mild phase
of speculation and there is yet room for the
honoring of any local magnate by the " men,
ton" of his name in connection with the
second place on the ticket. State Senator
Fuller of Brattleboro and the soldierly Pin
gree of Hartford are either of them extremely
liable to a sort of brevet governorship at the
hands of the state convention, and if zone
be taken and the other left" either will have
honors already in store on which he can re-
pose and which could hardly receive fresh
gliding in the chair of the senatorial presi-
dent. State Treasurer Page having indi-
Gated his intention of retiring at the close
of his present term and Hon. w. III. Dubois
name having been accepted without muir
muir of opposition as his successor, the third
and last position on the state ticket is virtu-
ally filed.
While gubernatorial politics is in an ex-
ceedingly quiescent mood, congressional pol
itics does not wear the same placid aspect.
The warning elements in the first, the west
side district, must be relied upon to relieve
the biennial campaign of absolute insipid-
ity, and if the indications are not deceptive,
the reliance will not be in vain. A letter
in another column explains the situation
fully, and leaves little room for additional
comment. Washington county does not
feel at home in the position she is placed
with reference to this contest by the redis-
tricting of the state, and it will be difficult
for her citizens to refrain from such partici-
patton in the struggle as old associations
and citizenship of the commonwealth have
left its people the right to take. Their pref
erence for Governor Stewart antedates this
struggle by many years. This preference is
founded on eminent ability, high qualities
of character, gentlemanly traits and I'M
swerving rectitude. Its basis is real, and
has stood the test of time and trial. In the
expression of its preference there is no i'm
parchment of the name which is universally
mentioned next on the list, that Of Hon. IL.
II. Powers. His sturdy spirit, trained pow
ers, ready and effective speech would place
himself and his state in the forefront of the
battle in the house. He would inevitably
enforce attention and win his way in the
rough and tumble conflicts of that stormy
arena.
1t is matter of regret that the first dis
trict cannot divide its wealth OF able candi-
dates with the second. The welfare Of each
district might be advanced by more equa-
BILE distribution. Beyond the announced
candidacy of General Grout, the situation is
undeveloped. Mr. Tyler has expressed his
determination not to be candidate Aside
from Judge Poland's, no name has been
suggested which on the score of ascertained
and pre-eminent fitness could successfully
meet the reasons which will be urged for re-
turning General Grout or which would sue
cessfully dispose OF the circumstances which
seem to render the latter's candidacy possible
and measurably acceptable. Many men who
have bitterly opposed Judge Poland hitherto
have seen their mistake and in common with
many others deplore his exclusion from
scenes where his talents and ripe experience
would have given Vermont the leadership in
the national house of representatives, as she
has long held supremacy in the senate
Judge Poland's name has been favorably
mentioned in connection with the second
district candidacy. Incidentally it is known
that he has no desire to return to public life
Should he become candidate, however, the
feeling which is intense throughout the state
that Vermont must make up for her loss Of
numbers and prestige in the house by send
ing henceforth her strongest men to repre-
sent her there will give his temperance il
the political arena an enthusiastic reception