Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1890-01-24
The Rrn,,Ieboro Po.,.Omee.

Col Kittredge Haskins and Col. J. J.
Estey, no went to Washington to repre-
sent the petitioners who have asked for
Capt. Chidss disappointment as postmaster
at Bratteboro, sent word by telegraph on
Wednesday evening that the Vermont dele
cation had decided to refer the matter back
for decision in caucus of Republican pa
irons to be held under instructions to be
forwarded. While this action of the dele
cation seems to be a needless one, in view
of the strength of the petition for Capt
Chids, it puts the matter to a final and de
cisive test in way which every one of his
supporters will be glad to accept care
full inspection of Capt. Childs's petition
shows that it contains the names of about
1892 patrons. of whom $40 are Republicans,
and 3S2 are Democrats 50 business firms
are in the list and % old soldiers. large
majority of all in town On such show
ing the need of caucus is not apparent,
and without further explanation it is not
easy to see why the delegation has taken
this course, or has deemed it necessary to
ask for a further expression of public senti-
ment If they think this large majority Of
Rrattleboro Republicans don't know their
own minds. or have asked for something
with their eyes shut, they are mistaken.
1t is undeniable that the original move
ment for Capt. Childs's reappointment was
a spontaneous one. started by Republicans
because they appreciated the fact that a
rarely efficient postal service had been en-
loved under him, and because they wished
it continued, feeling, at the same time, that
his disappointment would be only just re-
cognition Of faithful and meritorious SER
vice. Beyond all this it was also believed
by these Republicans that his reappoint-
ment would be wise act from political
point of view, because it would be exactly
in the line of the real spirit of civil service
reform. and it would show that, whatever
might be the course of the party at large,
local Republicans were prepared to act as
they had talked.
There has been no diminution of this
sentiment in the year that this movement
has been in progress but ON the contrary
it has grown steadily stronger, and it is
significant that since the caucus movement
was made the friends of Mr.. Childs appear
TO be united in their determination to stand
firmly by their principles TO the end. II
they do his-and they owe it to themselves
and to their own reputation for consistency
and good faith to do it-their overwhelm-
ing triumph is assured.
The caucus should be held in such way
that every voter may have a chance to cast
his vote at his own convenience, and with
out being under the espionage of any per
son, and without having his political fealty
impeached, whichever way he votes. Ii
should he an afternoon caucus, extending
well into the evening, that the farmers
from outside and the village working men
may be alike convenienced
Numerous compromise candidates will be
suggested, and the cry will be raised that
this is Republican administration and a
Republican is entitled to the office. The
fact remains, however that the supporters
of Capt. Chldss reappointment have I'M
dertaken to act from principle, and from a
sincere conviction of what they believe
will be good politics in the end They are
not the kind of men to he easily frightened
or stampeded, and if they stand firm and
stand together they will demonstrate in a
very conclusive way the right of the ma
iority TO rule in local affairs,