Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-06-20
The Result of the Convention


The result of the State convention is not
in all respects what we had hoped and for a
time expected; but it is such that we can
accept it with equanimity. AS regards the
head of the ticket, it is to be said that Mr..
Page has a standing as a republican and
citizen, which fully justified him in becom
ing candidate for governor if he desired to
he; and that he possesses qualifications and
characteristics which afford ground for the
belief, which the FREE PRESS has repeated
ly expressed during the campaign that the
interests of the party and of the people will
be safe in his hands. His extensive prelm-
inary work in advance of the public can
vass; his control OF the party machinery,
through his connection with the State com
mittee. his control of a large majority of
the State papers, of both parties, his wide
acquaintanceship and his active untring
efforts in his own behalf made him from
the start very formidable candidates; and
to these elements was added a situation of
affairs with reference to the other State
offices, which made possible the arrange
ments and combinations in the convention,
which brought about his nomination
The FUEE PRESS sees no reason to regret
its course in the campaign. 1t has had no
occasion to be ashamed of its candidate for
governor. Col. Woodbury. has made
clean. dignified and crcdtable canvass. He
had the almost unanimous support of his
party where he is best known: and
we believe that if the republicans
of Vermont could he polol to-day,
majority Of them would prefer him
for governor For our own part. we do not
hesitate to say that would rather fail
with candidate who conducts such can
vass than to succeed by the use of different
means.
Having been fairly nominated, by an am
| pie majority, Mr.. Page is now the standard
bearer of the republicans of Vermont and
as such is entitled to their support We
believe that he win endeavor to merit the
confidence reposel in him, and that he will
| give the state conservative and capable
| administration. Letting bygones be bygones,
| we shall enieavor to give him candid and
| effective support andit will not be our fault,
| if he does not have due credit for what
ever he shall accomplish for the good of his
! State and for his own reputation as public
| servant during his term as governor of our
commonwealth.
The choice for the second place on the
ticket was made by a narrow margin and
was determined in large measure by an APP
peal to the farmers to support one of their
own number. Mr. Fletcher is man OF
high personal character and standing and
he viii preside in the Senate with dignity
and intelligence.
The selection for State treasurer is the
best that could have been made, if any
change was to take place. Mr.. Field ha.
every qualification for this responsible office
and it is saying all that need be said or car
be desired, for the choice of the convention
that he will make as truly capable ant
judcious a treasurer, as Mr.. Dubois ha!
been.
The choice for secretary of State is also
good one. Mr.. Brownell's experience a
Montpelier as secretary of the State Senate
for many years, has already made him ia
miliar with the duties of the secretaryshiI
of State. He will make competent, accu
rate and satisfactory officer in his new pc
sition.
Auditor Powell, alone of the old Stat
officers elected by the people, holds over,
monument of the sparing mercy of the con
vention. His denomination was, of course
mainly due to the general conviction tina
he has been one Of the most faithful guard
ians of the public treasury that the Stat
has ever had, and that it was not clear hov
anything was to be gained by putting
new and inexperienced man into so respon
sible an Office. His retention leaves sin
gle veteran on the ticket and perhaps ma,
restrain in some slight degree the chucklin
of those who are laying to their souls tn
flattering JUNCTION that "the soldier bust
ness'' is at last ''played out in Vermont
, The ticket as a whole will command tn
usual vote Of the party in our 'of years,
and will be elected by a majority whicl
will afford small comfort to the democrac,
anywhere,