The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-01-29

hIt buiuluOhSu w Idli1s LILO
dacy comes direct from the people. 1t
is free, spontaneous, unclouded by
combination, unlainted by bargain. In
a peculiar way it appeals to the conf
dence aad enthusiasm Of the men of
Vermont, and must command their
support
Many and important considerations
point to William Wallace Stickney as
the fittest man to be chosen governor
of Vermont in this year of 1896. AS
the recording officer of the house of
representatives for many years he was
not merely clerk. He was a close
student of the forms and the substance
of legislation, and clear-eyed observer
of those things that make for the high
est welfare of the state. Wben, in
1892, Ludlow sent him to the house of
representatives, there was no canvass
for the Office of speaker. AS clerk he
had been the mentor of many speakers.
So conspicuous were his qualifications,
80 great was the confidence reposed in
him, with one voice, press, people and
representatives sent him to the speak
er's chair. Again in 1894, so we'll had
he sustained the popular estimate of
his ability as parliamentarian, and,
more than this, his wisdom and faith
fulness as public servant administer
ing the duties of an Office that, in its
practical bearing upon the affairs of the
state, is first in real Importance, he was
by general acclaim made speaker, and
again distinguished himself by the wis
dom and efficiency of his administration
of the duties of the office. He con-
structed the committees, general and
special, with just regard to the best
interests of the state. A just and pa
triotic regard for and recognition of all
interests, without favor or prejudice,
was apparent in all his appointments.
Committees having to deal with rival
or conflicting interests, or to determine
questions in which violent antagonisms
were aroused, were constructed with
judicial impartiality. Tested by the
plummet of the strictest scrutiny of
warning interests, no slant to either
side was discernible in his selection of
arbiters. The public business was
ALWAYS promptly, accurately, intelli
gently dispatched. There was never
blockade at the speakers desk. Even
in the pressure of the closing days of
the session, the mas. of business was
handled with dextrous skill, without
delay or confusion or mistake. Men
have been advanced to the governor
ship, or to seats in congress, who have
occupied the speakers chair, but none
have performed its duties with greater
efficiency and honor than the quiet, I'M
assuming man who at the sessions of
1892 and 1894 pres ded over the DELHI
erations of the popular branch of the
legislature. This is high praise, but it
has been earned, and it is, moreover,
prophecy of what shall be in the in
stance of the present holder of the
speakership.
Does some one suggest that Mr..
Stickney is young and can wait? 1t
seems proper to answer that one great
reason for making Mr.. Stickney gov
ernor will be defeated by waiting.
The reasons for his candidacy do not
relate to Mr.. Stickney's individual in
terests or to doing him honor. The
best good of the state should be the
first reason for any candidacy. Will
Mr.. Stickney be better qualified to
serve the state at some future time?
Will he be as we'll qualified? BY direct
contact for half generation with all
the important affairs of the state, at the
point most intimately affecting the in
terests of the people, the legislative de-
partment, he has now familiarity
with its laws and its needs possessed
by no other citizen. He has knowledge
of past legislation, of legislation that is
needed, OF legislation that should be
stunned. He will be better able now,
while this knowledge and experience are
like the harvest that is ripe, and while
they are directly applicable to the inter.
ests of the state, than ever again to act in
concert with the Legislature in reforming
law and in the enactment of laws that
will be of lasting benefit. Shall the
state be asked to defer till 1900 or 1904,
or some still later period, the harvest
that is now in the prime of its m aturity?
That is very insdious and unthrifty
suggestion, and will hardly find acqui-
escence in people jealous of their inter-
ests and solicitous for the fruits of good
government. There is no adequate
reason why the state should not have
no,o the service that Mr.. Slickney is