St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1886-03-11
EDMUNDS.
Some Sensible Remarks by a Blaine Man.

We do not purpose to discuss this
matter now but simply to throw out a
thought or two for our readers to re
| fleet upon. This contest is to be fought
by the republican voters of the state.
1t is their province in the coming weeks
to consider the question and to deter
mine whether, for the best interests of
the party, the reputation of the state,
| Mr.. Edmunds should or should not be
his own successor. The representa-
tives chosen in all these towns next
September and the county senators
will only reflect the sentiments of their
constituents and vote for or against Mr..
Edmunds. So this is the contest for
the republican voters of the state to
determine.
One or two things at the outset
should be considered and kept con
stantly in mind. The ability of the
man, the influence he has always had
in the senate, the honor he has brought
to the state and the natiOn-these are
all well known and acknowledged. 1t
is specially worthy of note that he is
not to be opposed and retired because
of any one or all the admitted facts.
1t is not because of old age, of waning
powers either of body or mind; not be-
cause of any business or social irregu
larities, any corruption in office, or any
betrayal of trust, private or public
for none of these things is he to be
punished.
The people have right to know and
will very naturally inquire for what
reason, such Il man in the zenith of his
power and influence, strong for efficient,
honorable service for his party, his
state and nation, for years to come,
should be set aside. The answer is
brief and as foolish as it is brief. Sen
atOr Edmunds is to be punished and
disgraced because he did not more
heartily endorse and work for Blaine's
election. Blaine was defeated, hence
Edmunds must be destroyed. Had
Blaine been elected president we pre-
sumo nothing of opposition to Ed
munds' reelection would have been
developed, unless perchance indirectly
by Blaine himself, by way of revenge.
Perchance the dim outline of his hand
may be seen directing some of these
movements.
Mr.. Blaine must be proud to know
that he has such devoted followers in
Vermont, who so nobly rally to avenge
his defeat by destroying one of the
ablest, most influential of their fellow
citizens. Surely he has in the person
of the writer of the article we refer to
one of these devoted followers. He
indicts Senator Edmunds on this
charge: ale has forfeited the conf
dence of his party by his conspicuous
dislOyalty to the party during the last
presidential campaign. This disloyal-
ty was his failure or neglect to enter
the canvass and make speeches for Mr..
Blaine. This writer farther says. "One
blast upon Mr.. Edmunds' bugle-hOrn
would have been worth at least five
thousand votes to Blaine in New York
state, where he was beaten by plural
ity of less than twelve hundred one
blast upon Edmunds' bugle- horn would
have given us republican admins
tratiOn instead of the present conglom-
crate of southern brigadiers and politi-
cal tramps that lead the northern dem
Ocracy."
Now is this fact capable of present
demonstration Does anybody know
that the failure of Mr.. Edmunds to
make one or more speeches in favor of
Mr.. Blaine gave us democratic presi
dent? To sustain the charge it would
SCCHl W oc very 1cCSSSdIJ w pIONO Vic
fact. 1t has been generally admitted
that several things contributed to the
result, but it seems hardly wise for any
man to attempt to put his finger upon
the identical factor which wrought de-
feat. Yet some of these wise Blaine
republicans have found it and it's name
is Edmunds. This is flimsy subter-
fuge. No one believes the honesty of
this charge; it is too foolish, too weak
for men-cllildren might be deceived
by it. Somebody wants Edmunds'
place, somebody will try and get it if
the signs prove propitieus if not we
question whether an opposing candi-
date will enter the race. Some fault
must be found with Edmunds as a basis
of operation. Nothing else is ut hand,
so "treasOn to the party" is made the
watchwOrd.
We have thus thrown out few
thoughts on this subject that our read
ers may be considering the matter,
picking up and weighing all the facts
and preparing, each for himself, to vote
right when his vote shall count. New
port Express.