Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1896-07-17
THE CAMPAIGN IN VERMONT.
An Informal Meeting to Discuss Its
ManRgement---Rema by senator
Proctor.

An Informal Meeting TO Discuss its
Management---Remar by senator
Proctor.
Col DIN Merrill of Enosburg, chairman
of the Republican state committee, was in
town yesterday and met in the afternoon,
at Festival hall, members of the Republican
town committees from several of the Wind
ham county towns to discuss a plan of
campaign in the present political canvass.
1t was hoped that all the towns would be
represented, but committeeman from Ath-
ems, Dover, Dummerston, Grafton, ia
maica, Marlboro, Somerset, Stratton,
Townshend, Vernon, Wardsboro, Whiting
ham, Wilmington and Windham did not
appear. The meeting was nevertheless a
good one and full OF interest. Geo. H.
Babbitt. jr., of Bellows Falls, the Wind
ham county member of the state commit
tee, presided.
Col Merrill made a clear and direct
statement of the situation as it is presented
to Vermont Republicans, of the work
which the state committee purpose TO do,
and of the work which it is hoped the town
committees will do. Figures were given
showing that a majority of $4,000 is within
reach of theVermont Republicans this year.
anu bhdb ~ 10 even lOsolDlC " carry lulS
to 3d. 600 One fact was strongly empha-
sized-that nearly every county in the
state can increase its representation in the
state convention if it will poll its full Re-
publican vote. Windham county Republi-
cans cast in 1894 only II per cent of their
full vote, and in the state convention this
year had only IS delegates. This repre-
sentation it is possible for them to increase
to 20. They ought to poll over a thousand
more votes in September than they did two
years ago. The talk in the meeting was
largely as to the means Of bringing out this
vote. Mr.. Merrill outlined a carefully ma
tured plan, applicable to the whole state,
and asked for suggestions from those pres
ent.
Aside from careful organization the
purpose will be to make the campaign one
of education. All present were agreed
that literature treating Of the issues in
volved, and especially the silver question,
IN the plainest and simplest way possible,
should be carefully circulated. The best
speakers obtanable will be brought TO the
state during the month of August. A sug-
gestion that this is a time for candid argu-
ment and instruction, and not for an exhi-
bition of partisan feeling. was cordially
endorsed.
Senator Proctor, who had arrived in
Brattleboro by the afternoon train, came
in while the meeting was in progress and
was welcomed with hearty applause. When
the conference was over the senator spoke
briefly in answer to Chairman Rabbits
call. He said he considered this campaign
the most important since 1860. He was
glad the issue was so clearly drawn be-
tween common honesty and good govern
ment on the one hand and all sorts of polit-
cal vagares on the other. 1t is good thing
TO have this settled once for all. The sem
ator emphasized especially the Importance
of the vote of Vermont leading as she
does in the fall elections. Mckinley would
have been nominated without the action
of Vermont in her convention to elect dele
gates to st. Louis, but that action gave the
movement tremendous impetus and was
decisive of what the action of Illinois
should be in her state convention then in
session. He hoped we should speak in
September in a way to give the whole
North courage. The only suggestion he
had to make was that, in addition to the
Republican majority of 81, 900 which had
been mentioned, we convert 2000 Demo-
Gratis and make it 35 900.
Col. Hooker, j. l.. Martin and DR.. Ho-
ton each spoke briefly on the conduct of
the canvass. All urged that il be made
educational, and that each individual in
form himself so that he may know whereof
he affirms.