The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-06-25
The Republican DisaffectiOn.

The Washington correspondent OF the Boston
Advertiser gives the inside history OF the Po-
land letter, read at the state republican conven-
ton: The discomfort in Vermont over the
nomination Of Blaine is not understood outside
The following facts, showing something Of the
feeling in that state, have been gathered by
the advertisers correspondent. Vermont was
solid for Edmunds, but bitter against Blaine
The latters nomination has not served 10 les
sen that feeling, and threats Of a bolt have been
made. Some days ago Colonel A. F. Walker
OF Rutland, a state senator, and a leading re-
publican Of the state, wrote to Senator Ed
munds, telling him Of the disaffection, and
asking him what the state convention ought
to do--formally to bolt Blaine, utter an en-
pbatic protest, or submit in silence. This let
ter has been the subject Of the greatest anxiety
among tho state delegation. All Of them con-
slider Blaine's nomination unwise; but they are
all stalwart republicans and more fearful Of
democratic success than OF Blaine's victory
So they determined to write q letter to be read
at the convention, counseling moderation and
advising that Blaine, as the party nominee be
formally indorsed Judge Poland prepared a
draft Of such letter, and took it up to Mr.. Ed
munds' house to read 1t to the others there
They listened to 1t in silence. It was strong
appeal to the Vermonters to stand firm by their
party and elect Blaine. The tariff and South
ern questions we're dwelt upon. But when the
letter had been read no one manifested de-
The two senators thought that 1t was too
strong. They we're willing to take firm stand
for the republican cause, but had no desire to
appear as endorsers or sponsors OF Mr.. Blaine
before their constituents. Mr.. Edmunds wrote
a draft containing his ideas. They were differ
ent from Judge Polands In that they were far
mider. The delegation talked the matter over
and could arrive at no form of words which
satisfied them all. Judge Poland was the only
one who cared to 60 out Of his way to say any
thing for Blaine. Finally very simple sou-
ton of the problem presented itself to them
What need was there of writing letter at all
They said to themselves that 1t would be al
most presumptuous to try to guide the action
OF Vermont, where the people are intelligent
enough not to need outside direction in their
convention. This idea found favor. The idea
of delegative letter was given up; members
of the delegation were only too glad to be rid
OF 1t. So no letter was sent. Judge Poland
says that he sent his own letter. not as an
answer to Colonel Walker, but to be read di-
a short private note to Colonel Walker, the con-
tents of which are not made public, but it ia
safe to say that it counseled moderation, with
out saying very much In behalf OF the candi-
date The early tariff, not Blaine, u to be
the war cry in Vermont. Your correspondent
called on Senator Edmunds to ascertain any
further facts in connection with this incident
which he might be inclined to give. In answer
to an enquiry he replied that on the whole sub.
ject his mouth was sealed; he had absolutely
nothing to say. These facts, however, are OBJ
tanned from the best authority, and show how
animated the Vermont delegation may be ex.
pected to be in trying to roll up big Blaine
and Logan majority in that state this fall"