Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1888-04-06
BRAruEnoRo, March 10, ISIS


Hon. q. q. Bcnedict.
Ny Dear Sir:-I beg TO acknowledge the receipt
ui your kind letter Of the 18th inst
While have been aware Of course, that have
been mentioned informally In connection with the
governorship. have had no purpose or wish to be-
candidate for that ONCE unless it should become
apparent during the progress " the usual prelim-
mary canvass that could, in that way. b. useful
in promoting certain reforms in state legislation
and administration which deem essential to the
public welfare and which believe a large major
ity of the people earnestly desire 10 see accom-
plIshrd. Among these are
g. A more comprehensive and effective system
of railroad supervision, through statutory require
mauts and larger discretionary powers lodged
with the railroad commissioners; not to ahridgg
nor m any way interfere with the just rights
privileges and functions Of the railroads themselves
for they should De f1stered as the most potent
factor i'm our material prosperity ,-but TO insure
safety and equal and exact Justice and protection
toall citizens without discrimination or favortism.
The entire abolition Of free passes aud the
eNactiou from all persons for whom Transports
ton of any kiud is performed, OF reasonable
and uniform compensation for the same ur simi.
lar services The free pass always objectionable
because a flvoritism To the receiver and an inius
tire 10 those who pay, is especially obnoxious
when used by legislators aud state officers Whose
official acts may have to do with railroad rights
and interests
3 A thorough revision and unhcation VI the
/ laws relating 10 common schools II is apparent
| that something ought speedily to h. done to ar
rest the downward tendency Of our schools. es
| pacially in the spursely populated districts Thi
subject should press heavily ON the thoughts an,
| conscirncrs Of all good citizens
! & The changed conditions wrought mainly 10y
.tIt 1ti d Al
ing. the railroad by which population has b,-i
rapidly concentrated into the large towns an'
/ cities, with the consequent tendency 10 depupua
! tilu and impoverishmeut Of farming districts
presents a grave problem for governmental as wei
| as individual solution Farming is, and, II tn
state is still 10 thrive, must continue 10 be-, on
leading industry and the foundation Of our pro,
! p.rity what can the state properly do To en-
courage and sustain this vital Industry is
question that may well engage the earnest atter
tiuu mo-, only oi lawmakers, but of all thoughttu
! men aud women
Ivhony disagree with thoss who loudly insi.
that all controvertrd state issues must this yea
b. kept iu the background lest, perchance on
usual iuu iority for presidential electors should
| diminished ON the contrary, am quite sure tina
tn. true way to keep and increase our old tim
Republican majoritirs for national well as stat
candidates is sluarcy and honestly to meet an
settle at each successive state election, all curreu
local and state issues in which the people manifes
living interest; and that at this time, especially
20 would u- the worst possible policy for the maj
ayers OF the Republican party Ia attempt to bin
out of i..t questions near to the hearts and S
vital To- the welfare of the people uf this state a
thu,,. involved in the right solution Of the prot
irl~ ui railroad transportation and supervisor
The only sure way to secure and retain the Apr.
hatiou or am Intelligent people is 10 deserve it. >
believing. my ONE earnest desire has been and d
that men should boz selected for executive and le-
i~ati,, positions at tire coming state election VIII
Nu je.I honestly. ntelhEently and fraressly wit
these anna kindred problems, and that the friend
If reform should b. thoroughly and cordial
uuitei. both as regards the ISSUES and candidate
o. be- supported. and not invite defeat throug
needless div visions. uue candidate for each pos
tion tu l-. filled is enough for those who seek tn
same ends
And now a word in direct Response to your 10
qui~l Having good reasons for believing, Wit
you. that one gentleman prominently and fayorl
| bly ment.on as a suitable candidate for govrrnu
Mr. Dillingham; is in substantial accord with III
regarding these REFORMS promptly avail myse
IT the opportunity your letter gives me 10 viii
draw iry uane from the list of suggested caud
dates. While not ungrateful for the many kin
expressions OF confidence and personal good wi
that have come to me from all parts Of the stat,
/ am Yet quit, content believe me.-leaying /
others the excitement, contentious, anXeti-s an
nouors Of otfic-settng to remain an indepeuc
rut though not an uninterested, private citizen
Very sincerely. your ub-dient servant,
b. i. HARRIS.