The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1892-04-13
TO-day's Convention.

To-day the vanguard of the national
republican hosts has its first muster for
the campaign of 1892. At no similar
meeting since 1876 have the republi-
cans of Vermont met under circum-
stances so suspicious. In that year,
memorable in the political history of
the United States, the sharp rivalry of
republican leaders ambitious TO be pres
ident bred discord in the party ranks.
In 1880 personal rivalries that four
years before had measured strength at
Cincinnati reappeared at Chicago, their
alignment somewhat changed but inten-
sified ten-fold, with the old leaders in
the zenith of their imperial powers, i'm
PEELED by imperial resolution and lead
ing ardent contingents of nearly equal
strength. 1t was the eliminating strug-
gle of the most imposing array of polit-
ical forces the party has ever mar
shalled, and it was the most dramatic.
The scenes of that assemblage stir the
blood to-day, and the words that were
spoken ring like the clang of steel.
Less heroic, but not less embittered,
was the ante-convention canvass of
1884. Four years ago, the spirit of per-
sonal rivalry, chastened by the defeat
of 1884, approached the task of choos-
ing candidate for the presidency with
a high and patriotic purpose. Personal
ambition yielded to the exigencies of the
times, but anxiety brooded over the re-
publican camp. Wisdom ruled the
hour, reason resumed her sway, and the
party, again united and enthusiastic, its
colors "full high advanced" marched
to one of the most brilliant of its
achievements.
The republicans of Vermont met in
convention at each of these quadren-
NAL periods burdened with deep sense
of responsibility in the action they
might take in reference to convention
out of which would come the issues of
defeat or victory for the national cause
Vermont performed the function of an
equipoise between contending factions.
Indiscreet declarations of preference,
unwise exhibitions of partisanship,
might imperil party success. To-day
the delegates will assemble, feeling
lighter sense of responsibility than at
any time for nearly generation. There
will be at Minneapolis no clash of i'm
perious ambitions. The work of the
convention in respect of the choice of
candidate will be but formal task.
President Harrison has no rival for first
honors. He has been true to his
pledges, administered the government
with dignity and wisdom, with ability
and efficiency, with virtue and patriot
ism, and the country has been blessed
with prosperity unparalleled. More
over, Vermont has its own individual
reasons for satisfaction with President
Harrison.
So in the work of naming the next
president of the United States, the del
egates chosen to-day will have light
and grateful task. Hardly less formal
will be the duty in respect of the car
dinal principles upon which the canvass
shall be conducted. The events of the
past four years-the events of the past
few days-have highly justified the re-
publican platform of 1883 and outlined
the party course in 1892. So the dele
gates Of the party in the "pole star of
republicanism may meet to-day and
be happy, exchange fluctuations with
their brethren of Rhode Island, and
prepare to lead the way in September,
along no obscure or uncertain trail, to
grand national victory for honest
money, protection with reciprocity, and
for Benjsmin Harrison, in November.