The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-10-15
The GOyern0rship.

Senator Gibbs bill providing for
an increase of the governors salary de-
serves serious consideration. In his
letter last winter declining to be cam
didate for the governorship Frederick
Billings said: "The time of the gov
ernor belongs to the state, and, though
the work of his Office is very moderate,
he can find many ways outside of his
strictly technical duties to promote the
interests and good name of the common
wealth." AS Mr.. Billings says, the
work of the office, its formal or strictly
technical duties, is very moderate,
and if a governor limits his labors to
the performance of specific tasks his
time and energies will not be greatly
taxed But a governor such as the
state ought to have, in the performance
of the unwritten duties which are
plainly attached to the office, will find
his time and energies quite fully occu-
pied and an ample field for earning the
salary Senator Gibbs proposes to pay.
In THE VERMONT WATCHMAN we
have frequently and earnestly advo-
Gated the selecting for the governorship
of men distinguished for practical states
manship, men widely familiar with af-
fairs and having a demonstrated ca
pacity for progressive and successful
management, and paying fair salary
for their services. We reprint por-
ton of an article on this subject pub
lished at the opening of the recent state
canvass: Vermont presents q fine
field for an executive with genius for
reconstruction. The state stands in
need of material resuscitation. Some
future census should show that she has
made substantial gain in population
and resources and is permanently in
line among the progressive states. BY
neglecting to supply counter induce
ments to her people to stay at home,
the state has indirectly contributed to
the powerful stimulus the West has
given to emigration. In business mat
tiers enterprising men meet encroach-
ing competition with counter expedi-
ents. The United States found itself
unable to compete with Europe in indus
trial pursuits. Craftsmanship bridged
with the tariff the chasm between do
nestle and foreign industry. New York
built the Erie canal to bring to her
chief city the commerce of the great
lakes and rivers which might otherwise
have been diverted down the Missis-
sippi. Massachusetts tunneled the
Hoosic mountains to save her commerce
from destruction by rivals more favor
ably situated. Other states have under
taken great enterprises to develop theil
resources, or to protect themselves from
the encroachment of rivals. Vermont
has supinely submitted to spoliation OF
herpopulation to build up other commu-
mites which have turned and taunted
her with her lack of enterprise. The pas
twenty years in particular have beer
marked with wonderful efforts on thu
part of the nation, the states and NUM-
cipalities to develop their resources ant
increase their prosperity. Men of prac
teal and comprehensive craftsmanship
have been placed at the head of affairs
They have been men with capacity
for constructive craftsmanship rathel
than for that negative kind of state
craft which spends its energies in pc
litical chicanery or which, in cabinets
and executive chambers, disports itsel
in regulation frock coat and frillet
shirt front. The state is not unlike
great corporation. The governor shoul'
be the head of its business manage
ment. He should have knowledge, ex
perience and capacity that should in
spire confidence and should enable hin
to shape the policy of the state 30 tina
every industry, 80 that education ant