The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
THE GOVERNOR QUESTION.
Hon. II. ID, Harris withdraws, in favor
of DiIIin CHAM, In u public spirited
and magnanimous letter.
BRATTIEBoRo, March 10Th 1883.

of Dillin CHAM, In u public spfr'e"
and magnanimous letter.
BRATTIEBoRo, March 10Th 1883.
Hon. G.. G. Benedict
NV Dear 81 beg to acknowledge
the receipt of your kind letter OF the l'th
inst While | have been aware, OF course,
that | have been mentioned informally in
connection with the goyernorship, | have
had no purpose or wish to be candidate
for that Office unless it should become
apparent during the progress of the usual
preliminary canvass that ] could, in that
way, be useful in promoting certain re-
forms in State legislation and admins
tration which deem essential to the pub
lie welfare, and which l believe large
majority of the people earnestly desire to
see accomplished. Among these are
/. A more comprehensive and effective
system of railroad supervision, through
statutory requirements and larger discre-
tionary powers lodged with the railroad
commissioners not to abridge nor in any
way interfere with the just rights, privl-
leges and functions of the railroads them
selves,-for they should be fostered as
the most potent factor in our material
prosperity but to insure safety and equal
and exact justice and protection to all
citizens without discrimination or favor
itism.
Q The entire abolition of free passes,
and the exaction, from all persons Tor
whom transportation is performed, OF
reasonable and uniform compensation for
the same or similar services. The free
pass, always Objectionable because ia
voritism to the receiver an an injustice
to those who pay, is especially obnoxious
when used by legislators and State Off
GERS whose official acts may have to dc
with railroad rights and interests.
8. A thorough revision and unificatiol
of the laws relating to common schools
It's apparent that some thing ought speed
: ily to be done to arrest the downwar'
II tendency of our schools, especially in tn
= sparsely populated districts. This sub
o iect shonld press heavily on the thought
-, and consciences af all good citizens.
4. The changed conditions (wrougi
; mainly by what nevertheless has prove
l. to be our greatest material blessing, til
to railroad)by which population has bee
rs rapidly concentrated into the large tow
40 and cities, with the consequent tenden(
!, to depopulation and impoverishment
farming districts, present a grave pro
VI lem for governmental as well as individ
+, al solution. Farming is, and, if the Sta
er is still to thrive, must continue to be, o.
V. leading industry and the foundation
"a our prosperity. what can the Sta
properly do to encourage and sustain I'll
- vital Industry" is a question that m
well engage the earnest attention not or
of lawmakers but of all thoughtful m
lo' and women.
ed. wholly disagree with those who lot
of ly insist that all eontroverted State issr
I'VE must this year be kept in the backgrou
~, lest. perchance, our usual majority
presidential electors should be dimini:
IL ed. On the contrary, l am quite 81
"A that the true way to keep and increase {
ust old-time republican majorities forn
or. al as well as State candidates is squar
SIC and honestly to meet and settle, at ea
successive State election, all current,
cal and State issues in which the peo
manifest living interest; and that
TO- this time, especially, it would be
nod worst possible policy for the manag
no of the republican party to attempt
.iot blink out of sight questions so near
ro the hearts and so vital to the welfare
and the people of this State as those invoF
.,,o in the right solution of the problems
hot railroad transportation and supervise
the lit oiiiy 'uie wa! W ,' "i'.
bo+ the appreciation of an intelligent PEG
;,o is to deserve 1t. So believing, my
earnest desire has been, and is, that n
should be selected for executive and
.led islative positions at the coming State
49,, lection who will deal honestly, int
gently and fearlessly with these and !
he- bred problems, and that the friends
Id reform should be thoroughly and cord
be ly united, both as regards the issues
,ple candidates to be supported, and not
vite defeat through needless divisi
One candidate for each position to be
ed is enough for those who seek the 81
ow- ends.
And now a word in direct respons,
a. your inquiry Having good reasons
\''' believing, with you, that one gentler
the prominently and favorably mentioned
all suitable candidate for governor {
and Dillingham; is in substantial accord "
ow- me regarding these reforms, 1 prom
"a avail myself of the opportunity your
ter gives me to withdraw my name f
the list of suggested candidates. W
as not ungrateful for the many kind exp
the sions of confidence and personal 9
axes will that have come to me from all P
Cir VI Vic S'a'o' am se' q"''o
an lieve me,-leaving to others the ex
lnent, contentious, anxieties and no
anu of -getting-to remain an indie
OF dent, though not an uninterested, pri
book citizen.
,own Very sincerely, your obedient servant
B. ID. HARR