The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-06-02
The GOvernOrship.

Though the republican state conven-
ton is but two weeks away, the canvass
in this section of the state is remark
ably quiet one. The feeling with the
majority of republicans seems to be one
of Indifference. Of course there is
more or less discussion of the governor
ship question among those who usually
take an active interest in political mat
tiers, but it may be said that the gen.
eral sentiment of the party is not pro-
nounced for any candidate. Many re-
publicans say they have little choice
between the two candidates now prom
inently in the field; while there is
considerable number who are not salts
fed with either candidate, but would
prefer another of more conspicuous
abilities. There is very much of this
feeling in Washington, Orange, La
noble and Orleans counties. However,
it is fact that Mr.. Ormsbee has con-
siderable support through all this Sec
ton, and especially among the soldier
element; but we have much reason for
our belief that Mr. Batchelder has a
much larger following and fair pros
pect of securing the delegations from
several towns. Yet from the greater
number of towns it is reported that if
the caucuses were to be held to-day
neither candidate would be likely to re-
ceive majority of republican votes,
provided full vote could be obtained.
Unless this situation is materially
changed within the next ten days, it
may be expected that many towns will
send unpledged delegations to the con-
vention. If the majority of republi-
cans continue to feel as little interest
in the matter as they apparently do at
this time, then the prospect is that
many of the caucuses will be SHINY at
tended, in which case not a few will
surely be captured by the active parti-
sans of either Mr.. Ormsbee or Mr..
Batchelder. In some instances the re-
suits thus obtained might fairly aver
age the prevailing republican senti-
ment, but in more instances it might
prove far otherwise. The caucuses
should be attended by the great body
of republican voters, for there is no
other way of securing a deliberate and
representative expression of opinion on
any proposed nomination.
In regard to the merits of the pres
ent candidates, the WATCHNIAN has
nothing to say in depreciation, and
little in criticism, of either, personally
or politically. 1t has not been able to
approve of the course which these gen.
tlemen have seen fit to pursue in refer
ence to the senatorial question. They
have their personal preferences in the
matter of senatorial candidates, but
other republicans have their prefer
ences as well; and the question has no
proper connection with the canvass for
state officers any more than the mat
ter of selecting candidates for men,
bers of congress. If either candidate
desires to be considered the representa-
tive of the whole party rather than of a
faction, then his action was clearly
ill-advised Their absurd and wholly
gratuitous submission to the dictation
of few zealots has greatly weakened
them in the estimation of large ele
ment of the party. The anti-Edmund'
republicans have not sought to make
the senatorial question an issue in the
state campaign; and we know tina
many supporters of Mr.. Edmunds hav,
not approved of this being done by thu
few newspapers and politicians whose
zeal has far outrun their discretion.
But, setting this question aside, i
will probably be conceded that eithe
one of the candidates named will ranl
very we'll with the average of those wh'
have filled the Office of governor TO