The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-06-18
In Vermont.

Inc extracts from tne StaJe press pup
lished in another column show, so far as
the papers are an index, the temper of
Vermont toward the republican nomina-
tions. Disappointment mildly and
inadequately expresses the general feeling
in this state. Here and there journal
like the Landmark, North Star or Brad
ford Opinion gives the ticket an unequiv-
ocal approval. Others yield up their al
legiance under protests and remonstrances,
which tell how severe strain on party
fealty the Chicago convention has made,
and others still express their deep abhor-
renee of the first nominee in particular or
announce their determination not to sup.
port him. Not gun has been fired, not
a cheer has gone up so far as we have OBJ.
served. Four years ago Garfield and
Arthur's names received an instant and
unhalting support, generous and enthusi-
astic in its spirit and unanimous in its
extent. Eight years ago Vermont was
Blaine state. Her delegation to Cincin-
natl though uninstructed was, when
chosen-with perhaps one or two excep-
tions-for Mr.. Blaine. The develop.
ments in Washington, which preceded the
meeting of the national republican con-
vention, effected revolution in the dele
cation and it gave its preference to Mr..
Bristow. The popularity of Mr.. Blaine
in the state receded and the Majority of
republicans approved the course of their
representatives at Cincinnati. The hold
of Mr.. Blaine upon the republicans of the
state has grown weaker from year to year
till at the present time it can hardly be
said that he has a spontaneous following
in Vermont There are indeed men scat
tered through the state who have retained
their admiration for his dashing qualities
and brilliant characteristics and whose
confidence in his integrity is mistaken,
but the knowledge of partiality for him
would have been fatal to any mans candi-
dacy as state delegate to the late NOM
mating convention. Now that he has been
nominated in spite of protests and warn
ings of disaster, motives of expediency
induce the majority to give the candidate
formal public support while at heart
there is disposition to repud late the
action of the convention. Private re-
pugnance yields the more easily to con-
siderations of party fealty by reason of the
record aud the constituency of the party
which republican apathy or revolt may
hoist into power again. Vermont republi-
cans do not forget that the last democratic
administration brought rebellion and civil
war upon the country. They remember
that as party the democracy has never
invited popular confidence at the North.
Recalling these things aud the methods
by which it has maintained the solidity of
its power in the southern states, the
majority of republicans seem inclined to
choke down their indignation and choose
what they consider the lesser of two evils,
the support of an Objectionable candidate
of their own party. This situation does
not admit of an encouraging or an en-
thusiastic opening of the canvass in the
Green Mountain state where the action of
national republican conventions has in
variably been ratified with an exu berant
loyalty, and given an unhesitating support
that has piloted the party to certain
victory in six successive elections. The
national party has demanded great
sacrifice at the hands of Vermont republi-
cans. 1t will doubtless be formally made
to-day at Burlington. A canvass that
opens with perfunctory support may warm
up as it progresses and develop something
of the old-time enthusiasm. Time and
circumstances may entirely change the
political temperature.