Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1884-01-23
Mr.. Billings Letter.

oPohou VI ioi tho SoFoinoisnip. III io'
he was defeated in tho republican con-
vention, from dislike OF the management
Of some of the men who conducted the
canvass for him. His speech. after the
nomination of an opposing candidate, was
one that had he afterwards wished il
would have been the beginning of bril-
liant political career. But he kept ou
of politics and devoted himself to the re
suscitation of the Northern Pacific road
in which be was eminently successful
Perhaps he took to himself the defeat
that was really the defeat of men who
''barnaced" to his cause-perhaps not.
Of late years his only appearance in
politics has been as delegate to the Chicago
convention of 1880. But he has used por
tons of his large fortune in advancing
religious and educational interests in his
native state.
Among those who know him there was
general wish that he should be the next
republican candidate for governor. The
fact that he did not return an inventory
under the tax law of 1880 has beer
urged against him, or rather against the
consistency of some of his earnest advo-
Gates. Perhaps this objection, which is
that of wicked democrats, so far as we
have seen. is not intended solely to hit
Mr.. Billings, but other good and large re-
pubicans, like Senators Morrill, and Ed
munds. Judge Royce, Ex-Governor Smith
ind others who were backward in coming
forward with their returns.
After the tax law of 1880 went into force
here was much said in criticism of those
who made no returns that was just and
much that did injustice, Whoever refused
TO make n return, because he wanted tc
lodge taxes, deserved pretty much every
hing that was said. Whoever refused
or other reasons, was justified or not ac-
cordng as those reasons were good and
efficient, or bad.
The letter below is Il manly one and
suggestions in it deserve the serious
bought of the people of the state. The
writer frankly confesses his former error
IS 10 tie constitutional change to biennial
sessions; bad one, and made moro So
ny the unfortunate republican canvass oil
1872, which defeated John w. Stewards
recollection as governor, and established
he precedent for the pernIcious one term
system.
Mr.. Billings writes Judge Barrett as
follows:
2G7 MADISON AVENUE,
New York, January, Is. 1884 {
Hon. James Barrett, RatLand, W:
My DEAR SIR In reply to your very
Kind letter, beg TO say, have noticed
hat several papers of the state, with al
uslons to myself altogether too fattering,
cave prominently connected my name
with the next gubernatorial election. Ii
is hardly modest for n man 10 decline an
flee before it is rendered, yet | trust
may be pardoned in saying thus early, |
I'M not u candidate and have not the
whatever and cannot under any crcum-
stances allow my name to he used in CON
nectioh with the gubernatorial nomination
Aside from my own feelings in the mat
Ter, there would be. if not an mpropriety
ertainly great Inconvenience, in put
ing man in that Office who for bust
,ess purposes and education of children,
has his winter residence here in New
York. The time of the governor belongs
o the state. and though the work of his
flee is very moderate, he can find many
ways outside OF his strictly technical dI-
les to promote the interests and good
name OF the commonwealth. In this re-
pect, and in all respects, governor
would be much more useful and the Office
m CHI more honorable. if we could get rid
Of the onC-term rule. If that rule is to
be insisted on so long rs the governor is
elected for two years, why not change the
constitution and get back to annual cleo
ions9 Then the governor holding office
jor two years would have the opportunity
If two legislatures for carrying out any
policy he might deem for the public good.
Now the governor meets II legislature
whose members, like himself, are gene
rally elected for one term, and when the
next legislature meets he goes out OF o.
hco This cheapens the executive place
md exposes The state to crude legislation
When the constitutional change was
made, thought it a wise one; but, under
yue working of the biennial system, the
old way was better, and | shall be glad
when the people of Vermont, divided by
he Green Mountain range, and not COM
ing together often enough, again send up
heir representatives to the Capitol every
year. And then shall be still more glad
f, in filling high offices, they will alto
5elher forget the mountain range, think
never of locality but only of worth and ti-
ness, and never be in haste TO make
changes when worth and fitness are found.
Thanking you and all other friends most
heartily Tor Kind expressions,
| am, sincerely yours.
frederick BILLINGS.