The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-03-26

of any of these bitter factions, but en-
bodies that which silences their preju-
dices, commands their respect and wins
their confidence. He is not only strong
in New York, but he is strong every
where, even in those states which, with
an infatuation that is one of the marvels of
the times, seem to be still pursuing that po-
ltical ignis fdtuus which quadrennially
arises from Maine and leads his followers
an empty chase over the presidential
campanias. In Wisconsin the New York
Tines political correspondent finds that
Edmuuds is the popular choice. The re-
publicans of that state think the day
for hip.hip.hurrah campaign is gone by.
The man who will poll the most votes to-
day is the man whom the people trust and
respect because of his integrity and abil-
ity as q statesman. There are now hun
dreds of thousands of men who care less
for party ties than they do for the char
acter Of candidate, his associations aud
his record. These men vote fearlessly
and Independently. You have great
many of them in New York. We must
nominate a man who will be satisfac-
tory to them. Edmunds is such a
man. Show us that New York wants
him and we will vote for him." Wis
consin further believes that " Edmunds
and Lincoln would be an excellent ticket.
The independents would all vote for Ed
munds, aud Lincoln is more of man
than some people think. Postmaster
general Howe, who sat in the cabinet
with him, said that he had more execu-
tive ability than his father. Now, we
shall not insist upon the nomination of a
western man. We know very we'll that
Edmunds has the confidence of the people,
because of his integrity and great ability.
We have noticed the growth of political
sentiment in his favor in the East, and
he would be very satisfactory to the repub-
licans of Wisconsin," A similar strain
comes from Michigan, through the press,
aud through the people speaking in their
own behalf. To test the sentiment of
Massachusetts,, the Advertiser recently
sent circular to leading republicans of
the state, asking them for an expression of
their first choice for president and vice
president, and also to indicate the prevail.
ing sentiment of republicans in their re.
spective communities regarding presiden-
tial candidates. Replies to these inquir-
les show that, out of total of two hun
bred and eighty, the first choice of one
hundred and ninetyeight is Edmunds,
fifty-three Arthur, nineteen Blaine. Ed.
munds has majority in every congress
sional district, and in all but two the ma
jority is absolute or approximate unanim-
ity. Mr.. Arthur leads in the expressions
of second choice, but the small number
of answers to this inquiry indicates that
the matter of second choice has little in.
terest at this stage in the canvass. Out
of total of two hundred and twenty
eight, Lincoln is the first choice of two
hundred and three for vice-president
These inquiries were distributed impair
TALLY in every part of the state. among
representative republicans. The Adver
tiser says: sour object was solely to as
certain the real sentiment of Massachu.
sets republicans, and it has been accom-
plished. The significance of the returns
cannot be denied. Seldom does popular
inclination speak more clearly or more
emphatically." Geography, which has had
controlling influence in the politics Of
the past in deciding presidential candi
dacies, it is generally agreed will have
little to do in the present constitution Of
politics in determining the republican
nomination. Ability, integrity, charac
ter, recognized capacity, record fol
craftsmanship that is broad and compre
hensive and an official career that is I'M
sullied, will decisively count when the
business of selecting the candidates is
actively undertaken. Edmunds has al
the qualities that could grace the idea
president. The name of Lincoln appeals
irresistibly to the hearts of Americans
The son is no graceless heir to the legacy
of glory and reverence bequeathed by the
father. In Robert T. Lincoln sentiment
is backed by very substantial qualities
Campaign thunder would have no Office
in the candidacy of Edmunds and Lin
coin. This combination would furnish its
own thunder.