The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-06-23
The County Canvass.

The Washington county republican
convention will assemble in Capital
Hall at ten A. NJ. tomorrow. The
WATCHMAN would have given more
timely consideration to the matter but
for the fact that it is only within few
days that any suggestions have been
made of candidates for all the offices TO
be filled.
In reference to the senatorships, we
suppose that there will be general
disposition to adhere to the rule which
was restored in 1884 of renominating
one of the old senators, unless reasons
can be given to the contrary, and in
accordance with this practice we un-
derstand that the friends of Hon. Will
lam Chaplin of Middlesex will present
his name to the convention. In the
senate of two years ago Mr.. Chaplin
showed himself useful and practical
legislator. DIR. w. A. Jones of Waits
field has been urged for the place by
many republicans. He is man of
ability and has served with credit in
the house; but the objection is raised
to his nomination at this time that his
town has been honored with more than
full share of the county offices for
some years past. G. w. Randall of
Waterbury is also mentioned as a senate
rial candidate. He has been member
of the house.
For the other senatorship the re-
publcans of Montpelier have chosen a
delegation which will unanimously IA
vor the nomination of Colonel Fred E.
Smith. We learn that the claim of
Montpelier to one of the senatorial po-
sitions this year is generally admitted
by republicans in other towns, and
we trust that there will be universal
acquiescence in the nomination of
Colonel Smith.
States Attorney Kemp having an
nounced that he would not accept re-
nomination, a new man will be wanted
for this office. ]. P. Lamson, Esq, of
Cabot is mentioned by many repub-
licans, and also o. L. Hoyt, Esq, of
Plainfeld. Mr.. Lamson has seen
service in this office. We learn that
the delegates elected in Barre are
favorable to the nomination of E. w.
Bisbee, Esq. =, and that he will have con-
siderable support in other towns. o. B.
Boyce, Esq, of Barre has also been
mentioned for the position. There is
rather an unsettled feeling in regard to
the prospective candidates, but we
trust that the convention will seek to
nominate competent and worthy man
for this important office.
OF the present judges of the county
court Judge Fisher retires this year, in
pursuance of the rule of rotation, and
Judge Stanton will be renominated for
another term. Among the possible
candidates to succeed Judge Fisher we
hear named Levi W. Pitkin of Marsh
field, who has long been prominent in
the affairs of his town and whose
qualifications for the office are highly
commended. Mark Mears of Marsh
field is also suggested as worthy can
didate. The name of Hon. Albert
Dwinell of Calais has been mentioned
in connection with the position, but we
do not learn that this has been done
with his approval. 1t is reported that
the republicans of East Montpelier will
have competent and worthy man to
present for the place. In any case, the
convention can hardly fail to make a
good selection.
For the Office of sheriff there is no
disposition in any quarter to displace
the present efficient incumbent, Mr..
Anterior; and there is the same unani-
nous feeling for the retention of Judge
Carlton in the probate Office. And
this is precisely as it should be.
So far as we know, there are no local
issues to create discussions in the re-
publican ranks. 1t is assumed that a
majority of the convention will be ia.
vorable to the reelection of Senator
Edmunds, but we are not advised as tC
what action will be taken in regard to
that question. The propriety of in
structing the senatorial candidates to
vote for Senator Edmunds may be
questioned on many grounds. The re-
quirement of pledges from such candi
dates more than three months before
the meeting of the legislature may
seem of doubtful wisdom, inasmuch as
the present aspects of the situation
may be materially changed within tha
time; and it may also be urged that il
such candidates cannot be trusted tC
represent the sentiments and Interests
of the majority of their republican con
stituents at any time without being
bound by specific instructions, ther
they cannot be accounted as altogether
worthy of the honors it is proposed t.
confer upon them. AT all events, W.
think it much better that the regular
apd tina- honorad marty mathOds shOul(