The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-07-02
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The canvass for candidate for the
republican nomination for the Second Dis
trict's representative in the next congress
has been set actively in motion by Judge
Poland's recent announcement. 1t will
necessarily be short; it promises to be
sharp, and we trust it will be decisive-so
decisive that, in the ordinary course of
events, it will not again be the object of
strife, at least for years to come. To
make it thus decisive it should end in a
nomination which cannot be Justly criti-
cised on the score of its present or its
prospective strength. So long as any con-
siderable number of voters believe that
they are not competently represented there
will be disquiet and demands for a
change. So long as men having the ca
pacity for useful and distinguished SER
vice, whose demeanor and character dis
arm objection, are chosen, there will be
no longing fo- change. If the conven-
ton aims to give its work the decisiveness
and permanence which it is plain the peo-
pie really approve, it wifi select one whose
record shows the largest measure of prom
Use that his services will be of real value,
that he will rise above the dead level of
the average congressman, that he will
make his presence known and felt at
Washington it will get the best availa-
BILE man, the man whose age, abilities,
character, experience, give the strongest
assurance of useful and influential ca
reer in congress, career which it will be
the pride and desire, as it has been the
policy, of the district and the whole state
to prolong into the period of gray-haired
seniority and ripened experience. If the
convention honestly represents the senti-
ment which prevailed in the recent state
canvass-a sentiment that rebelled against
machine or self.seeking methods, senti-
ment that demanded the right of free
choice, and smashed pre-arranged States
it will consider the question of a candi.
date from an Independent point of view,
and test his candidacy by business princi-
pies. Expediency, temporizing, sympa-
thy or any personal feeling will have, and
should have, no place in deciding who
shall be the candidate. The question will
be, who gives the brightest promise of a
useful and successful career in congress /;
who will best sustain the reputation of
the state in the national council, and
not only legislate most wisely on all
matters of national Importance, but also
attend with skill and fidelity to those
matters of minor consequence which d.
rectly affect the welfare of individual citi-
zens A man of present promise, man
of significant achievements, man whose
history shows that training will tell, that
he will rise to the occasion, whatever the
emergency may be-who has character,
who has virtue and integrity, as we'll as
talents, to recommend him-is evidently a
good man to present to this convention.
We believe there is still plenty of excel
lent timber in Vermont for statesmen.
There is a good growth in Washington
county. The old growth is by no means
exhausted, but the second growth rivals
the original in vigor and strength. The
county will bring into the convention a
scion from sturdy stock, tall and straight
and comedy, tough of fiber and sound to
the heart. We believe, if it will accept
the contribution, the district will find in
William P. Dillingham; timber for a rep
resentative of whom they will be proud
and who will enlist the ardent enthusiasm
of the people. Mr.. Dillingham; began
public life young. He was secretary Of
civil and military affairs to his father
when the latter was governor, and after
wards held the same position during Gov
ernor Peck's administration. In this DO
sition and in the office of Hon. Matt. III
Carpenter he had rare opportunity fol
professional culture and for advantageous
acquaintanceship. 1t is entirely to his
credit that he was quick to discern favor
able circumstances and to profit by them
His mettle was first tried during hi
tenure of the Office of states attorney fol
Washington county. Young and mex