Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-04-06
The Governor Question

seems to be in Il way to settle itself by
such harmonious agreement on single
candidate as must prevent any serious con
test over the nomination. As our readers
know the names most prominently men.
| toned have been those of Hon. b. d.
Harris of Brtttleboro, and Hon. ". p.
Dillingham; of Waterbury. OF the two
Mr. Harris's name was, we think, the first
to be suggested, and the suggestion found
a cordial welcome from many of the
strongest and best republicans of Wind
ham county, and from gentlemen in other
counties, who have known Mr.. Harris for
many years as a prominent NermOnter, a
steadfast republican and clean, honor
able and able man. Several months ago
the name of Mr.. Dillingham; was proposed,
and was at once received with wide and
cordial favor. 1t would probably have
been earlier suggested, if repeated public
mention of him in connection with an
other important place hau not to some
extent withdrawn him, in the minds OF
many, from the canvass of names for the
govarnorshlp, and made 1t doubtful
whether he would permit the use of his
name IN connection with that Office. But
the excellence of the suggestion could be
denied by no one; and it found favor TO
an extent which would perhaps have COM
PEELED Mr.. Dillingham; to permit the use
OF his name even against his own prefer
ence, if he had preferred not to be pre-
sented for any office at this time. Mr..
Harris and Mr.. Dillingham; are personal
as we'll as political friends, and they have
many friends in common who would
rather noI have to choose between them
Neither of them had crowded himself into
the canvass, and neither wanted any
rivalry with the other. Mr.. Harris,
rs we understand, early init mated
his disinclination to be pressed for
the nomination against gentleman who
represented, as he believed, the same prin-
ciples aud desired the same reforms, as
those which he had at heart; and
he has now, In letter printed in another
column, definitely withdrawn his name
from the canvass.
Mr.. Harris's course in the matter seems
to us mauly, public spirited, and magnani-
nous, and his letter. we think, will raise
him in the estimation of the people of
Vermont.
He cannot be mistaken in his belief that
the intelligent masses of our people agree
in reference to the Importance of the prin
ciples and desirability of the measures he
sets forth; nor is there any room for doubt
that Mr.. Dillingham; is in accord with the
people and with him, in regard to them.
Mr.. Dillingham's record can fairly be al
lowed 10 speak for him. He was, as is
well known, early and pronouncedly in
favor of our State railroad commission
not, as Mr.. Harris well expresses it, to
abridge or interfere with the just rights
and privileges of the roads, but to insure
the public safety and equal justice to all
citizens without Discrimination or favor
itsm and he is of course in favor of
making the commission effective for it,
purpose, if it is not so already.
1t is not possible that he can approve
the use or abuse of the free railroad pass
rs a means of rewarding personal or po-
litical followers, or of influencing legisla-
ton or legal decisions. He has been
known for many years as "A strong friend
and ally of the public schools, prominent
in efforts to increase theirs efficiency, and
to raise the standards of public education :;
and as one who has been ready to give
time and labor as we'll as words to the sub
ject He has not, so far as we know been