Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1885-06-22
THE SEAT OF EDMUNDS.

The letter from Middlebury, which
is printed on another page, Sits the
talk about opposition among Vermont
republicans to the reelection of SEN
ator George F. Edmunds down to the
conclusion that no serious Roadway
can be made along that line. This,
we believe, accurately represents the
situation. At the same time the wise
student of politics will not underes-
innate the desire of Gov. Smith to
retire the Burlington statesman, for
his ambition TO sit in the United
States senate is ardent. 1t is also
quick to seize upon any occasion for
making an advance toward the covet-
ed prize, and to call the Smith move
ment ssomnolent" is not the word to
describe it's attitude it is alert enough
but not very hopeful, just now, be-
cause the republicans of Vermont
have just pride in their big senator,
whose ability and great services re-
fleet honor upon his state and give
it prominence that other common
wealths may well envy. 1t ought to
be impossible for a man like John
Gregory Smith TO aspire for the seat
which George F. Edmunds fills, but,
not only does the St. Adams mag
nate do this, but his pretensions are
supported by men who ought to be
out of the range of his influence.
What his grip has been on the poll
tics of Vermont is an old story; that
his power 10 day is far less than for
merly is apparent what it will
amount to in the future is disputed
question. 1t is pretty we'll under
stood, however, that his domination
is not limited by party lines. 1t is
within the possibilities that democrats
have threatened, in case Mr.. Ed
munds leads the republican opposi-
ton TO some contemplated changes
in the federal offices of this state,
that the party of the opposition will
be found uniting with republicans
who may call for the retirement of
Vermont's great senator. But though
ex-Gov. Smith may plant and Col.
Smalley and Editor Atkins may wa
ter, it is the people who will elect a
United States senator,-and the in
habitants of Vermont are proverbial-
ly credited with the possession of an
| upright and downright kind of sense.
With the plain voters Mr.. Edmunds
is deservedly strong, and the public
does not look for his retirement by
their act.-Sprinatield Republican.
Those outside the state are at lib
erty, of course, to discuss Vernon
politics, and to accept or reject any
candidates which are mentioned o.
really are in the political field. In re
gard to the above matter we are O
the opinion that when the time come:
round to elect another senator Their,
will be only one candidate and tina
Senator Edmunds. Vermonters wer
doubly disappointed in the fact tina
Mr.. Edmunds did not get the nomn
/, alton for the presidency, and ais
) that he refused TO give the nominee
t generous support. But this Nigh
! have been q matter of conscienc
with him, and the average Vermontel
l who never chews up anything yer
: nasty to spit in other peoples faces
: will not refuse to keep Mr.. Edmund
integrity and ability in the senate
and take the risk of lowering tn
prestige of a state, which, thong
: very small in area, has been able b
!. keeping her best men to the front, t
e keep her reputation up alongside tn;
n of Massachusetts, New York, OH
# and other of the great and importal
;. states.