Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-04-06
THE GUBERNAToRIAL CANVASS.
Mr.. Harris withdraws his Name From the
List of Candidates.


BuRL1NGToN, March II, 1883.
HJh. 70. d. HAIRS, BrdtucbrO:
Dear Slr:-lu common with nOta few Yer
mont republicans, / have hoped th,t you
might be the neat republican candidate for
gOVernor-the preference, rs far as ! am con-
cerned, being due, certainly not 81 much TO
nv plrs MAJ friendship, u, 10 the convection
That you would make an honest, abe and ac-
ceptable governor. But have also as you
know, regretted. that there hould be any
competition Tor the nomnd ion between two
| gentleu en- who represent such similar d incl
| pies and methods, and who have so many
! friends in common, as yourself and Mr.. Dill
iDgham,
| As the time is approaching when the matter
should take definite shape, venture to inquire
what your present attitude is m rttere to
! the presentation OF your name, and ! would
| be plad to share with the pub lc any informa-
| ton you see tt to convey on the subject.
with sincere respect. yours truly,
q. G.. BENEDICT.
MIR. HARRISs REPLY.
BRATTLEBoRo, March 10Th, 1888.
Hon. O. g. Bensdict:
My Dear Sir u beg to acknow edge the re
ceipt of your kind letter of the Eth inst.
While have been aware, of course. that
have been mention. d informally in cunnec-
ton with the governorshil, ! have had no
| purpose or wish To be a cand date for that Of
flee unless it should become apparent during
he progress of The usual preliminary canvass
that | could, il that way be useful in pro-
/
and administration which deem essential to
the public welfare, and which | believe a
large majority OF the people earnestly desire
TO see accomplished. Among these are ::
l A more comprehensive ana effective sys-
tenn of railroad supervision, through statuto-
ny requirements and larger discretionary
powers lodged with the lalr ad commits
siontrs; not to abrldge nor in any way inter
! icre with the just rights, privl, ges and func-
fifAf,e ~ If
should be iostered As the most potent factor
in our material prosperty,-hu to insure
sIfety and equal and exact just cc and pro-
tection to al citizens without discrimination
or favortism.
?. The entire abolition OF Tree passes, and
the cHactiOn, from al persons for whom
tram pOrtatiOn Of any KIND is reformed. of a
reasonable and uniform compensation for The
same or similar service. The tree pass
always Objectionable bcctu.e fa-
voritism to the receiver ana an Injustice
TO those Wdo pay, IS especially obnoxious
when used by legislators and STATE officers
who's official acts may haze to do with rail.
road rights and interests.
3. y thorough revision and uuihcaton Of
the laws relating to common schools. 1t is
apparent that something ouYht -peedily to
be done to arrest the downward tendency of
our schools, esp, ciaIiy in the spdrsey popu-
lated districts. This subject should press
heavily on the thong hts and consc.ences of all
good citizens.
4. The changed conditions wrought main
~ by what nevertheless has proved 20 he our
greatest material blessing the raliroad) by
which population has been rapidly ncen-
trated into the large towns and cities, with
the consequent tendency to depOpulation and
lmpoVershment of farming districts, present
grave problem tor governmental as well as
individual solution. Farming is. and, If the
State is still to thrive, must continue to be,
our leading industry and the foundation of
our prosperity. "W hat can re State proper
ly do to encourage and sJs . | TINS vital in
dnstry ~ is a question thai may well engage
tho earnes attic tiol not only of lawmakers
bu, "I utI Il men nd women.
.... 81 those VINO loudly in
Ills; ,:.,. .VcrtCd slae issues must
THIS ear Dt ,ept IA lne background lest, per
chance, our usual mnjlrit tor presidential
electors should be dImi ished. on the con-
trary, am quite sure tn 1t the true wayto keep
and increase our old inc republican majori-
IL Tor national as wed rs State candidates
is squarcly ard honestly t. meet and settle, at
c,cn successive State election, all current,
local and State issues in which the peo-
pie manifest a living interest; and
hat at this time, especially, it
would be The worst possible policy tor the
ma nagcis OF the republican party 10 attempt
to blink out Of sight questions 50 Lear to the
hearts and so 'ital to he welfare Of the peo-
pie OF this state as those involved in the right
solution of the prob ems OF railroad trans
no pOrtati and supervision The only sure
way to secure and retain the appreciation of
an intelligent people Is to deserve II. So be-
leving, my one earnt ST de,ie has been, and
is, that men should be selected for executive
and legislative positions at the coming State
elC elton who Will deal honestly, intelligently
and tearessly with these and kindred prob
lens, and that the friends of re Urm should
be thoroughly and cordially united, both as
regards the issues and candidates to be sup
ported, and not invite defeat through need
less divisions. One cand dare for each posi-
ton TO be filled is cnou ia tor those who seek
the same ENDS.
And now word in rec. response to your
inquiry. Having good reasons tor believing
with you, that one gentleman prominently
and favoGably ment uued as Il suitable can
dIdate for governor Mr.. Dillingham; is IN
substantial accord with me regarding these
reforms, promptly avail myself o the OPP
purtunlty your letter gives me to Withdraw
my name from the list of suggested cAndi-
dates. While not ungraletul for the many
k nd expressions OF coudd nee and personal
good will that have come to me from ali parts
OF the State, am yet quit content, believe
me, leaving 10 others the excitement, con-
tentions, All Xieties and honors of Office getting
to remain an indie endent, though not an
uninte ested, private citizen.
Very sincerely, your ooedient servant.
II. D. HARRIS.