News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1886-06-03
The Coming State Convention.

OnUeTllll ...s-s....s Troy
Hardwlck .....--.. 3INeStnefd -...s------.
The Coming State Convention.
Indications point to a more than
usually lively Republican State Con-
yention at Montpelier the 10th inst,
there being Ses quite prominent can
didates for gu6ernatorial honors, with
several dark horses more than likely
to be entered before convention day.
Lieutenant Governor Ormsbee and
Speaker Batchelder have both ex-
pressed a willingness to serve the
State, and for each of these gentle
men a somewhat active canvass is be-
ing made by their respective friends.
The fact that for several years past
the State has adopted the policy of
promoting the Lieut.-Governor to be
Governor would seem to place Lieut.
Gov. Ormsbee in direct line of pro-
motion, and his candidacy is therefore
regarded as very natural and proper
one. His fitness for the position
ieems to be quite generally recog-
lized. He is a gentleman of unques-
toned integrity, dignifed in mis- de-
prtment, and although perhaps slow
inarriving at conclusions, is man of
exceedingly well-balanced mind
Hon. James K. Batchelder of Ar
EnSton is well known as the efficient
and popular Speaker of the last
House of Representatives. Those ex-
perienced in Legislative affairs know
that the position is very difficult and
trying one to fill satisfactorily, and
the man WHO can perform the duties
of that Office in a manner so accepta-
bic as to close a session with good
feeling on the part of all its members
is certainly possessed of excellent
tact, and no mean abilities. This we
understand Mr.. Batchelder did. In
fact, to the popularity developed dur
ing the session may be largely attrib-
uted his present strength as a guber-
material candidate. But this is not
all. He is the recognized leader of
the Bennington County bar; was
prominently named, in fact almost
proved the successful candidate two
years ago for the nomination at the
State Convention to the Office of
Lieutenant-Governor. He received
very fattering vote for Congress at
the convention which nominated Gen.
Stewart. He has represented his
town for several sessions at the Gen
eral Assembly, and has been Presi-
Dental .Elector. He has been a popu-
lar and strong man in public affairs
during the past decade, especially
with the younger element, and bids
fair to be a strong opponent to lieut.
Gov. Ormsbee in the race for the
Governorship.
Ex-Judge Barrett of Rutland; Ex-
Collector Wells of Burlington; Judge
Poland and Judge Royce have all
been mentioned of late as possible
candidates in case the convention
should see fit to step outside of the
two names most prominently men
toned.
For Lieutenant-Governor, Col. Levi
K. Fuller, of Brattleboro Hon. Frank
lin Fairbanks, of st. Johnsbury {;
Hon. Hugh Henry, of Chester; Hon.
Chas. B. Eddy, of Bellows Falls
Hon. Justus Dart, State Supt. Of
Education Col. A. B. Franklin, Of
Newfane; W. P. Fairbanks and State
Senator H. K. Ide of st. Johnsbury
are mentioned.
If the practice of promoting the
Lieutenant-Governor to be Governor
be continued, it certainly behoove:
US to select no man for this Office
who is not in all respects qualifie
to be our Chief Executive. There
seems to be, however, a grow
ing feeling that this custom had bette
be abandoned, and it seems to u:
that perhaps it would be wise tina
there be an understanding expressed
or implied that the Lieutenant-Gov
ernor shall not be a candidate TO
promotion to the Governorship at tn,
first election succeeding his election a
Lieutenant-Governor. However care
full we may be, it is true that tn
qualifications of the candidates 70
Lieutenant-Governor are seldom thor
oughly canyassed. They will not b.
this year. The absorbing and i'm
portant question is, who shall b.
Governor and without knowing it
we virtually tie our hands and fore
stall the action of subsequent conven
tions with reference to the Governor
ship, if we continue the custom o
promotion until it becomes a part o
the unwritten law by which we are tt
be governed.
For Treasurer, Auditor of Accounts
and Secretary of State, no other names
have been mentioned than those Of
the present incumbents-Wm. III.
Dubois of Randolph E. II. Powell
of Richford and G. w. Porter of Mont
pelier.