Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-08-29
What Sound Money Democrats Should

Aiou' lie - hS'P"s wv "''N''
guished Democratic statesman OF
Vermont, has written a strong and
PATRIOTS letter to Mr.. Benedict, edi-
tor of the Burlington Free Press,
which cannot fail to have great in
tluence in the coming state and ma
tional elections. He announces his
intention to vote for Mckinley, to
give his vote and his voice ''as ell
fectualy as | can in opposition to
the Chicago nomination and plat
form" Further. he says. he intends
to vote for the republican nominee
for governor.
The state election next Tuesday
will be regarded in some degree as
an object lesson for the voters OF
other commonwealth, Vermont
leading off in the fall elections, but
whatever might be the effect of
heavy republican vote for the cause
of sound money. though heartily
concurring in Mr.. Phelps vigorous
expressions of his detestation of the
candidates named at Chicago and
the despicable measures advocated
by them, The Age cannot consis-
tsntly call upon Democrats of this
state to cast Il ballot for Josiah
Grout. A governor is to be elected
next Tuesday, not Il president, and
The Age opposes to the last the can
ditlate who represents the notorious
element which has controlled the
wasteful, extravaganza and corrupt
administrations of former years.
This fact-the condition of affairs in
this state-m,lst be considered by
those who are waiting to hear the
first note of the campaign. "A vote
for Grout is Il vote for Grout, vote
to still further entrench in power the
machine which is abhorrent to thou-
sands of voters of the state, regard
less of party lines, and it is demand
ing too much of the men who, think
ing only of Vermont's best interests,
have fought 1t persistently for years,
to turn their backs upon their record
now. 1t is an inconsistency which
cannot be expected of them.
The Age therefore again nrges
the Democrats to stand by their own
state candidate and the platform
which embodies their principles. In
November sound money democrats
will have an opportunity to express
their disapproval of the Chicago
platform either by vote for cam
didate of their own choice, by voting
directly for Mckinley, or, what will
be quite as consistent and effect,al,
by staying at home election day.
The Boston Tra>e has doubts
of President Clcveland's soundness
on the currency question. 1t says:
cat all events, it is certainly his
duty to the people who have twice
honored him with the highest dignity
in their gift to speak out and make
his position plain"
Most of the Travellers readers
know that the president has spoken
out more than once for the gold
standard. The Traveller is borrow
ing trouble.
The basis OF opposition to Mr..
Grout is that he is identified with,
and was nominated by, political
ring, which ought to be broken up.
- Standard.
A pretty solid and satisfactory
basis for opposition it is, too. Aside
from this minor consideration, as
the Standard looks at it, there is
nothing Objectionable in CIRCUITS
candidacy, but isn't that ii sufficient
reason for opposing him? Some Of
= our Republican friends claim to be
trying to rid the State of the machine
which now makes it politically noto-
rious. One way to destroy it is to
vote against it next Tuesday.
Republican politicians in posi-
ton to overlook the whole field say
that the agitation for free silver has
reached its highest point and COM
menced to ebb. Save in spasmodlc
efforts here and there to kindle fresh
zeal, or to start new crusade, the
cause is on the wane. The people
have heard enough of the matter,
and are now looking ut other issues
of the campaign.
AT this juncture of affairs gen
eral movement ought to be made
along the republican line in favor OF
protection to American industries
Landmark.
Our friend the Landmark had bet
ter keep hammering AWAY on the
currency question until election day
If it wishes to do little something