Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1890-05-12
Campaign Letters and Comment.

Campaign Letters and Comment.
Col. Woodbury., somewhat anxious
about his candidacy, for governor, re-
Gently condescended to write an
ssopen letter.. All his organs con-
sidered it of great Importance and 1t
was published. The letter, of course,
begged the favor of the republican
voters. 1t disclaimed all connection
with rings, the custom house, etc.
The closing paragraph is as follows:
In December or january last. six weeks or
two months before L received any intimation that
could expect any support in that direction, a we'll
known attorney of the east side came here ana went
to St. lbans in the interest, he said, oil certain
aspirant for the governorship. Not finding the per-
son or persons whom he wanted to see the attorney
subsequently went to Boston and found them, and
told them that he came to get the Central Vermont
railroad interest support Mr.. - for the govern
orship He exhibited a list of newspapers that 'oere
to support his client, and said that he had sure
thing, and suggested that they fall into line They
did not fall Now 1 do not write this to censure
in the least the attorney "a man for whom have
the utmost respect) his principal, Etegin view OF
these facts, I may be permitted to ask this ques-
ton: Ifit be dsreputable to accept the voluntary
support of party person. is it not equally so to
attempt to obtain such support and fall"
The above ought to be read care
fully, for it contains very much that
has to do with this canvass. Within
it is a charge against G. S. Page, who
is called in the above, "a certain as
pirant for the governorship." 1t
means that Page sent an attorney to
St.Albans and Boston to get the Cen
tral Vermont railroad interest to sup
port Mr.. -. Viz: 1t meant that
Charles Marsh of Woodstock went to
the above places and made an effort
to get the corporation to give its in
fuence for Mr.. Page. Col. Wood
bury, like the Free Press and Messen-
qer, was not brave enough to call
names, but limited at the parties which
were to suffer for the crime of seek
ing the aid of powerful railroad cor
poration. 1t will be noticed that the
lieutenant governor uses the sentence
ssNow 1 do not recite this to censure
in the least the attorney or his prin-
cipal." Well, what did he recite it
| for then?
1t is we'll known in this state that
there is in some quarters an antipa-
thy toward what is supposed to be
Central Vermont railroad influence
on the legislature. That Mr.. Page
should seek to get the favor Of this
road would carry the idea that he
was to be subservient to its wishes,
| in return for assistance in the can
vass. Secondly Mr.. Woodbury. seems
to have meant that it is dishonorable
to seek the favor or the assistance Of
individuals or corporations in politi-
cal campaigns. If Col. Woodbury.
didn't mean as above, his letter meant
nothing. In fact, it looks as though
he intended to seattle Mr.. Page. 1t
will be noticed further that Col. Wood
bury says in this extract from his let
ter that he is to receive support from
the Central Vermont. His sentence
in regard thereto is ''In December or
January, some SIX weeks or two
months before I received any intima-
ton that l could expect any support
in that direction" etc. So Col. Wood
bury has received intimation that he
he is to receive support in that direc-
ton. In other words, he is the can
didate of the Central Vermont r. R.
1t did not need a statement to that
effect from the candidate; other peo-
pie understood that long ago. But
Mr.. Woodbury. is wrong in accusing
Mr.. Page of sending an attorney to
Burlington, ST. Albans and Boston in
his interest. The attorney, Charles
P. Marsh, is one of the best known
| ClGlZ6nS Oh Gue Sldlo, Il udu WHO COulO
adorn the position of governor in this
state. His integrity is unassailed
and his word unimpeached. Editor
Ropes of the Watchnaan learning, from
some source, that Mr.. Marsh was the
attorney alluded to by Col. Wood
bury, wrote to him as follows, re-
ceiving a reply:
MONTPELIER, VT. APRIL &c, 1890.
) Hon. Charles p. Marsh, Woodstock, ~:
DEAR SIR,-You have probably noticed the para
graph in Mr.. Woodbury's letter, in the Free Pres
of April o. in which it is stated that Mr. Page sen
an attorney to ST. Albans to the assistance
the Central Vermont railroad in behalf of his candi
dacy for the office of governor understand from
some of Mr.. Woodbury's friends that you are th
attorney to whom the lieutenant governor refers
III am correctly informed, will you kindly sa.
what there is to the charge. 1 desire your answe
= for publication.
Very Respectfully,
ARTHUR ROPES, Editor OF Watchman